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Middle East Edition
16th July 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

Hiring slump hits Gulf region

Recruitment in the Gulf region fell by 3% in the second quarter, reversing earlier growth, according to Cooper Fitch. The decline was most notable in software, sales, marketing, public sector, and human resources. Dr Trefor Murphy of Cooper Fitch noted that uncertainty has hindered broader hiring, stating: "Nothing kills growth like uncertainty." The World Bank has also reduced its GCC growth forecast to 1.3% due to regional conflicts. Despite the downturn, some sectors, like investment finance, saw hiring increases, with Murphy suggesting that the overall drop was not as severe as anticipated.
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REGULATION

Economists urge action on AI risks

In an open letter, over 200 economists and AI experts, including Nobel laureates, have urged immediate action to address the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the economy. Organised by Stanford University's digital economy lab, the letter warns that AI could transform the economy more rapidly than the Industrial Revolution, leading to significant job displacement. Yoshua Bengio, a computer scientist and signatory, emphasised the need for intentional choices to ensure AI benefits society, stating: "We must be intentional and make collective, democratic choices." The letter calls for the establishment of necessary incentives and institutions to guide AI development.
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HIRING

AI disrupts traditional hiring methods

AI is transforming the hiring landscape, complicating the recruitment process for employers. Candidates increasingly use AI tools to craft résumés and perform during interviews, making it difficult for companies to assess genuine talent. Research from Harvard Business Review indicates that nearly 50% of job seekers utilise AI in their applications. This trend raises concerns about the reliability of traditional hiring methods. Some companies, like Google and L'Oréal, are adapting by implementing in-person interviews and live assessments to ensure candidates possess the necessary skills. As AI becomes commonplace, the focus may shift to evaluating candidates' judgment and independent thinking.
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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Career support for Emiratis unveiled

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has launched a career counselling programme that has benefited over 60,000 UAE citizens and 3,000 private-sector companies. This initiative aims to enhance the career prospects of Emirati job seekers by providing skills development, job search support, and interview preparation. Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary of National Talents at MoHRE, stated that the programme aligns with the UAE's goals for sustainable economic development and improving retention rates among Emirati employees. The programme will continue to evolve to meet labour market needs.

Empowering employees through continuous learning

Madayn celebrated World Youth Skills Day by promoting continuous learning and future skills for employees. The event featured the launch of the upgraded “Durbah” e-learning platform, developed in partnership with Udemy, offering nearly 30,000 global training programmes. Hajer Al Balushi, Training Specialist at Madayn, highlighted the platform's user-friendly interface and comprehensive content. Workshops included “Skills for a Better Career Future” by Dr. Said Al Abri, focusing on essential skills for the evolving labour market. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, aiming to enhance employee capabilities and foster lifelong learning.

Hyatt boosts Saudi hospitality talent

Hyatt has joined the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s Hospitality Ambassadors programme to enhance local hospitality talent through international training. In 2026, 20 Saudi employees from Hyatt properties will undertake one-month assignments in various Asian countries, gaining essential skills and global best practices. The programme, which supports Saudi Vision 2030, features two development pathways and has a 60% female participation rate. Nizar Weshah, Area Vice President, Saudi Arabia, Hyatt, said: "We are thrilled to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism... to help shape the future of hospitality across the Kingdom." Hyatt aims to triple its portfolio in Saudi Arabia over the next five years.
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WORKFORCE

Dubai's golden visa boom continues

In the first half of the year, Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) issued 66,000 Golden Visas and over 1.052m new residency permits. The authority processed more than 5m entry permits, showcasing Dubai's appeal for living and investment. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, stated: "These achievements reflect the dedication of the GDRFA Dubai team in delivering proactive, customer-centric and flexible government services." The authority aims to reduce bureaucracy and enhance service efficiency as part of its strategic priorities.

UAE expats urge India to rethink fees

The UAE-based community group has appealed to India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to reconsider the recent increase in passport fees. Dr S V Reddy, president of Telugu Rasamayi UAE, highlighted concerns from Indian expatriates about the financial burden this hike imposes on families and lower-income workers. Reddy urged the MEA to consult with the diaspora before implementing such changes and to consider phased implementation for vulnerable groups. He emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue to protect the interests of all stakeholders, noting that many residents find current service charges excessive.
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WORKPLACE

Qatar shines in global startup rankings

Qatar has achieved a notable position in the StartupBlink Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI) 2026, ranking fourth among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and 59th globally with a score of 52.287 points. The index evaluates over 30 parameters, highlighting Qatar's strengths in Market Perception and Ease of Operating a Business. The report noted: "The Access to Capital & Financial Infrastructure Functional Category... represents an area where Qatar has scope to further improve." Qatar's long-term planning and the Qatar National Vision 2030 are pivotal in enhancing its business environment, according to the report.
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TECHNOLOGY

Rural tech centres to boost development

Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology, Hossein Simaei-Sarraf, announced plans to inaugurate seven technology transfer centres aimed at enhancing rural development. The initiative, supported by a memorandum of understanding with the vice-presidency's office, seeks to empower the workforce and promote sustainable employment. Simaei-Sarraf highlighted the significant infrastructure improvements since 1979, noting that 99% of villages now have essential services. Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, Zahra Behrouz-Azar, emphasised the importance of empowering rural communities for cultural and economic growth, urging educational institutions to leverage modern technologies for local challenges.

Revolutionising construction with AI tools

Nemetschek Arabia has launched its AI-powered Bluebeam Max software in the Middle East, addressing the rising demand for digital tools in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AEC/O) sector. The premium subscription offers AI-driven document reviews, workflow automation, and intelligent markup features to enhance collaboration and efficiency. Eng. Muayad Simbawa, Managing Director of Nemetschek Arabia, stated: "The construction sector is increasingly looking to AI-powered technologies that can improve efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making." The software is available for existing Bluebeam subscribers and can be purchased online.

Think secures $8m for AI revolution

Think, a Saudi-based AI infrastructure company, has raised over $8m in pre-seed funding, the largest of its kind in MENA. Co-led by RAED Ventures and Wa'ed Ventures, the funding will enhance team growth, manufacturing, and product development. Chief exeucutive Ahmed AlSharif stated: "AI infrastructure today is expensive, inefficient, and increasingly difficult to scale." Think aims to reduce AI deployment costs and complexity while improving efficiency. The company plans to expand its presence across the GCC and globally, addressing the rising demand for efficient AI solutions.
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INTERNATIONAL

Ebola outbreak sparks health worker strikes

The Ebola outbreak in Congo has escalated, with confirmed cases reaching 2,011 and 754 deaths reported. Health workers at Bunia General Hospital have gone on strike due to unpaid wages, joining others in the region facing similar issues. Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the WHO health emergencies chief, noted that many deaths occur in communities without medical care. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is spreading rapidly, with 80% of new cases linked to unknown transmission chains. Efforts to combat the outbreak are hindered by the absence of approved vaccines or treatments.

U.S. hiring recovery leaves millions behind

Nearly 2m Americans have been unemployed for at least six months despite improving job growth and a 4.2% unemployment rate. Long-term job seekers represented 27.3% of unemployed people in June, close to the highest share since late 2021 and four percentage points above a year earlier. Prime-age and white-collar workers are particularly affected, including those in professional services, government, finance and information technology. Economists attribute the problem to a low-hire, low-fire labour market in which limited recruitment prevents job seekers from returning quickly. Laura Ullrich, director of economic research at Indeed, said: “I don’t anticipate it changing until we see the hires rate pick up.” Extended unemployment can exhaust savings, interrupt retirement contributions, damage career development and force workers into lower-paid roles. Some applicants report increasing employer interest, but the broader hiring rate remains subdued.
 
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