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Middle East Edition
17th September 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

Egypt and Intel partner to train citizens in AI

Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has signed a memorandum of understanding with Intel to enhance AI capabilities among citizens. The partnership aims to train 1m individuals annually over three years, promoting responsible technology use. Raafat Hindi, Minister of Communications, emphasised AI's role in economic competitiveness and service quality. The initiative includes public awareness programmes, a certified trainer programme, and skills development for various groups. “The cooperation between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Intel embodies a shared ambition to make AI accessible, practical and useful to everyone through the launch of the ‘AI for Citizens' initiative, one of Intel's digital programmes,” observed Giselle Roizlensa, General Manager of Intel Europe, Middle East and Africa.
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LEGAL

Bahrain's rights watchdog documents more than 300 complaints

Bahrain's National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) received 312 complaints in 2025. The NIHR conducted 20 field visits and attended six court hearings, focusing on issues including discrimination and health iniquities. NIHR chairperson Ali Alderazi said: "We see a growing public confidence in the NIHR due to our efforts." The report included over 60 recommendations for improving protections in healthcare, education, and workers' rights.

UAE shuts social media accounts for illegal domestic worker services

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) closed around 200 social media accounts promoting unlicensed domestic worker recruitment in the UAE during the first half of 2026. The actions were taken in collaboration with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). MoHRE emphasised the importance of using licensed recruitment offices, which provide regulated contracts and a channel for complaints. The ministry said it continues to enhance its digital monitoring tools to detect unlicensed activities and protect consumers, and encourages the public to report misleading advertisements.
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HIRING

Emiratis join real estate jobs in Dubai Land Department programme

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has significantly increased Emirati employment in the real estate sector in recent years, creating over 2,100 jobs through its ‘Real Estate Empowerment Programme’. Launched in 2023, the programme aims to support Emiratisation and enhance career pathways for UAE nationals. DLD noted in a statement: "The achievements of the past three and a half years represent a strategic milestone in a long-term journey to strengthen the presence of Emirati talent." The initiative aligns with broader Emiratisation efforts to foster a supportive environment for Emiratis in private-sector roles.

Oman to recruit 10,000 workers from Bangladesh

Oman plans to recruit 10,000 workers from Bangladesh. Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, confirmed that Oman has expressed interest in hiring 5,000 farmers and 5,000 fishermen. An agreement has been signed, and Omani representatives will visit Bangladesh next month to discuss implementation. Islam noted that the recruitment aims to restore broader access for Bangladeshi workers to Oman, where some visa categories remain restricted.

Etihad Airways to hire 7,000 workers by 2035

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Nadia Bastaki, chief people, government and corporate affairs officer at Etihad Airways, said the Abu Dhabi-based airline plans to expand its workforce to 22,000 employees by 2035, up from around 15,000 this year.
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INTERNATIONAL

Companies return production to China as tariff advantages narrow

Some companies that shifted manufacturing and sourcing out of China to avoid higher US tariffs are moving orders back after encountering production constraints, supply-chain disruptions, higher costs, and infrastructure challenges elsewhere. Target has reportedly restored some orders to Chinese suppliers, Shein is scaling back some operations in Vietnam, and several manufacturers have abandoned overseas production after struggling to replicate China’s skilled labour, extensive supplier networks, equipment availability, and reliable power supply. The financial incentive to relocate has also weakened as the US has expanded tariffs to more countries, narrowing the gap between China and alternative manufacturing hubs such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. Companies also point to China’s greater resilience during periods of energy and commodity disruption, although production elsewhere can still provide a hedge against future tariff increases.

Europe needs its own AI models, ECB's Lagarde says

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has said Europe needs to become a producer of AI technology to preserve its autonomy and achieve the efficiency gains that are necessary to maintain its way of ​living. "Within a few years (AI) will be screening goods at ​the border, deciding which tax returns are audited, dispatching trains, watching patients on ​wards and clearing payments at banks," Lagarde said. "A withdrawal of access, or a change in its terms, would then reach every ​sector at once . . . That is leverage of a kind no trade partner has ever ​held over Europe, and it could be used in any negotiation, on tariffs or on digital taxes, for example." Lagarde said Europe faced “an awkward choice . . . Either it holds back on adopting, because it cannot protect its data, and forgoes the growth. Or it adopts AI quickly, becomes highly dependent, and risks losing the freedom to organise its economy according to its own values.”

Hong Kong watchdog tells firms how to cooperate in raids

Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has provided guidance to investment banks on cooperating during regulatory raids amid increased scrutiny of share sales. At a meeting on August 17, SFC officials instructed banks to train staff on handling search warrants and to ensure immediate access to employee emails. The SFC's focus has shifted towards preventing complex listing abuses and the misuse of IPO funds. Julia Leung, SFC chief executive, noted that the regulator aims to uphold market integrity amid a surge in IPO activity. Over 500 companies plan launches in Hong Kong.

PwC shakes up Indian operations

PwC US and PwC India plan to form a joint venture that will merge PwC US's India-based offshoring “acceleration centres” with PwC India's consulting arm, according to an internal memo sent to employees by US chief executive, Paul Griggs. Those hubs provide - and as the FT notes, sometimes compete to provide - specialist talent and overnight support to US teams and operate independently of PwC India's operations.
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OTHER

French court strikes down burkini ban

A court in Nice has overturned a ban on burkinis at beaches in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, saying the prohibition violated fundamental freedoms. The court found that the municipality's justification - claiming burkinis threaten public order - lacked evidence. The judges noted that only two incidents from over a decade ago had been cited, and concluded there was no proof that burkinis posed any risk to beach-goers. The town's conservative mayor has repeatedly renewed the ban since its imposition in 2012.
 
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