THE HOT STORY

UAE outlines action against employers for late salaries

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has introduced a new approach to address late salary payments. Employers will receive notifications about delayed wages before any administrative actions are taken. The decision aims to protect workers' rights while allowing businesses to rectify issues early. MoHRE clarified that no new obligations are imposed on employers; instead, existing procedures are enhanced for clarity and compliance monitoring. The Wage Protection System processes over Dh37bn in wages monthly, supporting a stable work environment and attracting global talent, said the ministry.

Gulfnews.com

TECHNOLOGY

OpenAI 'ignored employees' warnings on security'

The New York Times has seen emails in which OpenAI staff made known their concerns that the San Francisco company's newest AI models were not being appropriately monitored during testing to gauge the technology's sophistication and to secure them. Executives responded by saying that the tests needed to be expedited to release the AI models on time. The employees said no additional security protocols were put in place. The ChatGPT maker's models later broke out of their testing environments and attacked the AI startup Hugging Face. The previously unreported email exchanges were indicative of the company's approach to security, according to employees and independent security researchers.

New York Times

LEGAL

Sharjah approves AI rules for courts

Sharjah has approved a new framework for AI in its judicial system. The Sharjah Judicial Council, led by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, said it aims to enhance judicial efficiency and quality through the initiative. The framework includes guidelines for AI use, risk management, and data protection. The council also discussed improvements in judicial services and the introduction of an AI-powered virtual assistant for customer transactions. A specialised court for municipal and environmental matters has also been established. Additionally, new judicial attire was approved to unify the appearance of judicial members.

Gulfnews.com

WORKFORCE

Saudi Arabia's jobless rate falls to 6.5% in Q2

The joblessness rate in Saudi Arabia fell to 6.5% during the second quarter of 2026, compared to 6.8% in the same quarter of the previous year. The report released by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) said that economic reforms had contributed to the decline in the unemployment rate among Saudis.

Saudi Gazette

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

UAE companies win award for gender balance

Four UAE companies were honoured at the 2026 SDG5 Pledge Awards for their commitment to gender balance and women's leadership. Standard Chartered Bank UAE received the Champions of Gender Balance and Policies Award. ADNOC was recognised for women's leadership representation. Schneider Electric's initiative for female students earned it the Exemplary Initiative Award, while Deloitte Middle East was named Family-Focused Employer of the Year.

Khaleej Times Online

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Sharjah Ruler grants government employees up to eight says of mourning leave

Sharjah government employees can now take up to eight days of mourning leave, following a directive from Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, chair of Sharjah's Department of Human Resources, said that employees will receive five days of leave for deaths within the UAE and eight days for deaths abroad. This policy covers a range of close relatives, including parents, siblings, and children.

Gulfnews.com

INTERNATIONAL

Barclays softens return-to-office rules

Barclays has revised its return-to-office policy in the UK following employee backlash. The bank will now allow staff to delay compliance with the new requirement until 2027, provided they obtain permission from their line manager. Initially, Barclays mandated that its 45,000 UK employees return to the office for at least three days a week as of October 5. In a staff memo, the bank's executive committee said it was extending the implementation period "to ensure colleagues have the right support as we move through the transition . . . We are also reviewing our flexible working policy." A Barclays spokesperson said the company had listened to feedback "to ensure colleagues have the right support while enabling us to deliver the benefits of working together in person."

Financial Times

The Guardian

The Times

Japan tightens permanent residency rules for foreigners

Japan has introduced stricter requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residency, as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's immigration control measures. Starting soon, applicants must demonstrate above-average annual income and conversational Japanese skills. Application fees will increase significantly, from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000 ($1,267). Takaichi noted that rising foreign resident numbers have caused public anxiety, prompting the need for "orderly coexistence." Critics argue that Japan must welcome more foreign workers to address labour shortages, while anti-immigration sentiments grow amid false claims about foreigners. “I understand that over-accepting foreigners . . . might dilute Japan's unique culture. But at the same time, given its low birth rate and ageing population, Japan has to accept foreigners,” said American-born university student Yujie Chono, who was among those waiting for residency.

Bangkok Post

Straits Times

Disney is laying off around 300 employees

Disney is laying off approximately 300 employees, primarily in human resources and technology roles, as part of ongoing job cuts since chief excecutive Josh D'Amaro took over earlier this year. The layoffs follow previous reductions, including plans to eliminate up to 1,000 roles in April and further cuts in July affecting various corporate functions, particularly at Pixar and National Geographic. In its August earnings report, Disney indicated it was "evaluating ways to reduce costs" and had begun offering early-retirement buyout packages to long-serving executives. "We remain highly focused on reducing costs across the enterprise to create incremental capacity to invest for growth," Disney said.

CNBC

China expands overseas travel restrictions for top AI professionals

China has expanded travel restrictions for top artificial intelligence professionals to include their families. Key personnel, including startup founders and executives in AI, must now obtain approval from Beijing for family members to travel abroad. The move broadens existing curbs on the movement of the country's influential tech talent, which has faced increasing restrictions since early 2026. The government aims to prevent the outflow of critical technology and expertise, particularly in light of recent foreign acquisitions. Affected individuals have been notified of the new requirements.

Business Times SG

OTHER

Walking to school cuts anxiety symptoms

Research indicates that walking to school can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and low mood in young adolescents. A study by King's College London (KCL) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst involving US adolescents who wore fitness trackers for three weeks measured their daily step counts. Findings suggest that increased physical activity correlates with improved mental health outcomes. An extra 1,000 to 2,000 steps a day, from any starting point, was associated with better mental health outcomes and differences in brain structure, said Amanda Paluch of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. "The goal is finding realistic, sustainable ways to move more," she added.

The Daily Telegraph

The Times

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