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Middle East Edition
6th October 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

Transforming worker housing in Saudi

Mnzil, The Development Group and Capital Partners have launched a SAR1bn fund to develop purpose-built workforce compounds accommodating up to 50,000 workers across Saudi Arabia. Mnzil will operate the portfolio, TDG will oversee site selection, design and development, and Capital Partners will manage the fund. Development is expected to begin in Q4 2026 across major employment centres including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar, Makkah and Madinah. Compounds will include furnished rooms, recreational facilities, communal areas and on-site services, with locations chosen to reduce commuting. Mnzil chief executive Majeed Albabtain said, “Improving workers' lives is a collective effort.” The partners see the model as supporting Vision 2030 while establishing workforce housing as a scalable institutional real estate asset class backed by employer demand and long-term leases.
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WORKFORCE

Teachers strike escalates in Libya

Teachers in Libya have initiated an open-ended strike over salary issues, starting on September 13, coinciding with the school year’s beginning. The teachers' union demands higher wages, health insurance, and improved school conditions. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah met with cabinet members to address the ongoing cost of living crisis. Unions from various sectors threaten to join the strike if the government does not engage in talks. The education budget allocates 91% to salaries, yet many teachers face unpaid arrears and deteriorating working conditions. "The unions felt authorities had not taken the teachers' demands seriously," said Ashraf Abu Rawi.
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HIRING

UAE employers prioritise communication skills

Employers in the UAE are focusing on communication, leadership, and customer service skills when hiring, according to an analysis of over 7,000 job postings by SkillDrift. Communication appears in 22.4% of postings, while problem-solving and leadership are mentioned in 9.1% and 8.4%, respectively. Deepanker Mahajan, founder and chief executive of SkillDrift, noted: "UAE employers still hire first for people who can communicate, lead and look after a customer." AI skills are less frequently required, appearing in only 0.4% of postings. Jobseekers are advised to identify and address skill gaps in their CVs.
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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Unlocking graduate success with skills

Experts at Gulf News Edufair have emphasised that graduates must develop skills like adaptability, communication, and AI literacy to stand out in the job market. Prof. Sathish Kannan from Amity University Dubai stated: "Self-reflection should start in middle and senior school, before students enter university." Dr. Riham Ahmed Ibrahim from RAKMHSU highlighted the importance of building an employment mindset from day one. The panel agreed that real-world experience, critical thinking, and a proactive approach to skill development are essential for career readiness. Students should focus on building a unique profile to differentiate themselves from peers.
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LEADERSHIP

Empowering leaders for lasting impact

Leadership extends beyond top-level decisions; it involves fostering growth at all organisational levels. Ali Turki al-Sobai, chief operating officer of Education Above All Foundation, emphasised the importance of creating conditions for others to lead. He stated: "If we want to build institutions that remain strong for years to come, we must build people who are ready to take them forward." As Qatar invests in its human capital, organisations must provide opportunities for professional development and empower local talent to take on greater responsibilities. This mutual relationship between leaders and employees is crucial for institutional resilience.
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AI GOVERNANCE

AI ownership confusion plagues companies

Nada Usina, chief executive of NU Advisory Partners, highlights the confusion surrounding AI ownership in companies. As AI spending rises, many firms struggle to define responsibility across departments like technology, HR, and operations. Usina noted that CEOs must take ownership of AI's impact on their organisations, ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities. Usina emphasises that successful AI integration requires collaboration among executives, as AI affects various aspects of business operations. Companies must focus on defining expected outcomes before assigning roles to navigate this transformation effectively.

Future of auditing: AI takes centre stage

The Financial Audit Authority (FAA) will host the Foreseeing Government Audit Future Conference on October 28-29, 2026, themed “Smart Audit”. This event will gather government officials, audit professionals, and industry experts to discuss the impact of AI and emerging technologies on government auditing. His Excellency Abdulrahman Al Hareb, Director General of the FAA, emphasised the need for auditors to adapt to rapid changes in technology and governance. The conference will feature sessions on AI, cybersecurity, and the evolving role of audits in enhancing institutional performance and governance.
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INVESTMENT

UAE construction market set to soar

The UAE's construction sector is projected to reach AED614.4 bn ($167.2 bn) by 2031, driven by public and private investments, urban development, and rising demand in various sectors. Dubai is expected to contribute 47.2% of the market by 2025. As projects grow in scale and complexity, technology plays a crucial role in the development process. Lifesize Plans Dubai, established in 2023, combines physical projections with VR and AR to enhance project evaluation. Chief executive Georges Calas noted that immersive experiences can provide valuable insights before construction begins, supporting informed decision-making throughout the development lifecycle.

Saudi Arabia's construction boom continues

Saudi Arabia's planned projects reached $2.07tn in H1 2026, according to Knight Frank's Saudi Arabia Construction Landscape Review. This includes $1.23tn for construction and real estate, and $940bn for power, transport, and industrial projects. Faisal Durrani, a partner at Knight Frank, said: "The scale of Saudi Arabia's project pipeline demonstrates the strength of the Kingdom's long-term ambitions under Vision 2030." However, regional conflicts are increasing costs and complicating project timelines. Residential construction costs have also risen, with standard villa costs increasing to SAR4,100–4,800 per sqm in 2026.
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ECONOMY

UAE leaps to 25th in innovation

The UAE has achieved a significant milestone by ranking 25th in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2026, climbing five places from 30th in 2025. This marks the first time the UAE has entered the top 25 innovation economies. The country excelled in four key indicators: entrepreneurship policies, international student attraction, startup funding, and investments in research and technology. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE's Minister of Economy, stated: "The UAE has made significant strides in fostering an environment that stimulates innovation across the economy." The UAE also ranked highly in various sub-categories, showcasing its growing innovation ecosystem.
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INTERNATIONAL

Hospital quarantined after pneumonia case

Russian authorities have quarantined a hospital in Irkutsk after a woman from a plague research institute died from pneumonia of unknown cause. Officials found no pathogens linked to her work, but concerns arose over possible pneumonic plague. Anna Popova, head of Rospotrebnadzor, confirmed extensive testing revealed no microorganisms associated with her profession. Gov. Igor Kobzev stated that all contacts are under medical supervision. Meanwhile, two contacts tested positive for a cold virus and two for COVID-19. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged the public to rely on official statements rather than speculation.

Migration costs British workers £1,060

Migration has cost British workers an average of £1,060 annually, according to a study by Cambridge Circus Research. The research, based on unpublished HMRC data, indicates that an influx of low-paid migrants has deflated salaries outside London. While the average salary drop across England is £390, Londoners have benefited from higher wages due to wealthy foreign professionals. Hubert Kucharski, the study's author, said: "The Government should strictly limit pathways like the temporary shortage list to roles genuinely crucial to national industrial strategy." The report calls for stricter visa regulations for low-wage work.

MPs demand inquiry after Epstein whistleblower's death

MPs are calling for an inquiry into the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) following the death of Simon Andriesz, a whistleblower in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Andriesz reportedly took his own life after raising concerns about Howard Lutnick, the US commerce secretary, and his ties to Epstein. The all-party parliamentary group on investment fraud stated that Andriesz had sought help from the FCA, fearing retaliation. John McDonnell, chair of the group, noted that Andriesz had acted responsibly by speaking out. The FCA has initiated an internal review of its processes in light of this incident.
 
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