Human Times

Middle East Edition

24th July 2026

THE HOT STORY

Trump imposes fresh tariffs on more than 80 countries

The White House has imposed a fresh round of sweeping tariffs on more than 80 countries to replace a 10% global duty that was due to expire. The duties, ranging from 10% to 12.5% and accounting for the vast majority of American imports, target economic partners including Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates over claims they have failed to properly tackle forced labour. “The United States has had a forced labour import ban for nearly a century, and rigorously enforces it; it’s well past time for our trading partners to do the same,” US trade representative, Jamieson Greer, said.

STRATEGY

Amazon cuts some jobs in its artificial general intelligence unit

Amazon is laying off employees in its artificial general intelligence (AGI) unit, which focuses on developing AI models and includes teams working on silicon and quantum computing. The company has not disclosed the number of affected staff or specific areas impacted. An Amazon spokesperson said: “This is a fast-moving space, and we're sharpening our focus on the initiatives that matter most for customers.” The move follows a series of layoffs at the company, totaling over 30,000 since last October, as Amazon shifts its strategy to invest heavily in AI infrastructure. The AGI unit is crucial for Amazon to compete with the likes of OpenAI and Anthropic.

CNBC

ECONOMY

Global household wealth surged in 2025 as AI boom fueled equity gains

Global household wealth rose 7.3% to $570tn in 2025, according to the McKinsey Global Institute, with rising equity markets accounting for 57% of the increase as investor optimism over artificial intelligence (AI) drove stock prices higher. The report found that only 20% of the growth came from new investment in real assets, while 60% reflected gains in asset prices, raising concerns that wealth creation is becoming increasingly dependent on market expectations rather than underlying economic activity. McKinsey warned that if AI fails to deliver the productivity gains investors anticipate, elevated asset valuations could face a significant correction, with potential consequences for global economic growth given the heavy exposure of international investors to US equities.

Wall Street Journal

WORKFORCE

Streamlined work permits for UAE employers

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has released a guide to streamline work permit procedures by linking them to health insurance verification. This guide does not impose new obligations on employers but clarifies existing processes. It aims to enhance compliance and efficiency in the issuance and renewal of work permits. MoHRE emphasised that permits cannot be issued without valid health insurance for workers. The guide also outlines conditions for health insurance policies, ensuring workers are not burdened with costs or left uninsured during their permit period.

Emirates24

TECHNOLOGY

Future of urban development lies in building 'sentient cities'

The World Governments Summit Organisation's report, "Urban Science: Unlocking Sentient Cities," highlights the shift towards human-centred urban planning. The report emphasises the importance of understanding residents' needs and behaviours to enhance quality of life, inclusivity, and sustainability. Mohammad Yousef Al Sharhan, managing director of the summit, said that sentient cities will use technology to better respond to community needs. The report outlines five strategic pillars for integrating urban data and community engagement, aiming to create more resilient and responsive urban environments. Cities like London and Singapore are already leading this transformation, the report said.

Gdn Online

Trade Arabia

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

UAE launches 11-month national readiness programme

The UAE has introduced the National Readiness Programme – Ghatareef, which seeks to bridge the gap between secondary education and adulthood for Emirati graduates. Launching in September 2026, the 11-month initiative focuses on critical sectors including defence, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. Participants will receive a monthly allowance and gain practical experience through training. Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said: "The programme will empower them to make a meaningful impact on their families, community and the nation." Registration opens on 23rd July 2026.

Gulfnews.com

RISK

Ebola death toll in DR Congo is now above 1,000

Jean Kaseya, the director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, has said that 1,031 deaths have been confirmed since the emergence of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in May. “The Ebola outbreak is escalating at an alarming pace. We must act now,” Kaseya wrote in a post on X on Tuesday. “If we do not stop it today, this will become the worst outbreak the world has ever documented.”

AP News

AlJazeera

INTERNATIONAL

One in four Americans stay in unwanted jobs to keep health insurance, survey finds

Nearly one in four Americans who receive health insurance through their employer remain in jobs they want to leave to avoid losing coverage, according to a new West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America survey. The report estimates that around 23m workers are experiencing "job lock," up from 16% in 2021, with the problem particularly acute among people with three or more chronic health conditions, 41% of whom say they stay in their jobs for health insurance. Researchers say rising healthcare costs, worsening perceptions of the job market, and the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies have all contributed to the increase. Experts from West Health, KFF, and the Cato Institute, despite differing views on healthcare policy, agree that reforms are needed to reduce workers' dependence on employer-sponsored insurance and improve job mobility, entrepreneurship, and economic productivity.

NPR

US News and World Report

UK civil servants face sanctions for misgendering

Civil servants in the UK may face disciplinary action for not using the preferred names and pronouns of transgender colleagues, according to leaked guidance from the Cabinet Office which says that misgendering could lead to formal sanctions. The guidance details how transgender civil servants should be treated at work and includes telling employees they "may not use facilities of your affirmed gender which are designated as single-sex." The Times reports that ministers had so far refused to publish the guidance, which has been updated since the Supreme Court ruling last year which clarified that sex in the Equality Act referred to biological sex.

The Times

KPMG Australia fines staff following audit leak investigation

KPMG Australia has imposed sanctions on seven employees, including financial penalties of up to A$180,000 ($126,000), after an internal investigation confirmed the improper sharing of confidential client information in an audit leak scandal. The penalties also include formal warnings, reduced performance ratings, and restricted career progression. The firm has faced intense scrutiny since whistleblower allegations emerged in March that staff used confidential information to help secure audit work. The scandal has already prompted the resignations of KPMG Australia's chief executive, audit head, and chairman. KPMG said the investigation found internal documents containing client information had been inappropriately shared between employees, describing the conduct as unacceptable and inconsistent with the firm's obligations. Two partners retired before the sanctions were imposed. Additionally, KPMG Australia has named John Sams as its new CEO, with the appointment effective immediately.

Bloomberg

International Accounting Bulletin

Reuters

Thailand puts human capital at the centre of strategy

Thailand has introduced the "THAILAND²" initiative, a collaboration among five ministries aimed at enhancing human capital across all life stages. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasised the need for upskilling and reskilling to address challenges such as an ageing population, technological disruption, geopolitical volatility, and environmental pressures. The initiative seeks to transform education and training systems, promoting lifelong learning and adaptability. Anutin observed: "If Thailand continues to invest too little in R&D, it will be unable to create its own technology."

The Nation

OTHER

Japan’s cup noodle pioneer gives cold shoulder to boiling water

Cup Noodle pioneer Nissin Foods has launched a variant that does not need boiling water in a bid to help people cope with rising temperatures on kokushobi - “cruelly hot days”.

Financial Times

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