Human Times
The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
Human Times Logo
Middle East Edition
11th September 2025
 
Industry Slice Icon Logo

THE HOT STORY

UAE government launches AI-powered HR assistant

The UAE's Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has introduced an AI-powered Human Resources Assistant in a bid to enhance HR services for over 50,000 federal employees. The initiative will automate 80% of HR procedures and provide 108 services, significantly improving workplace efficiency. The assistant uses data from FAHR's HR information management system, Bayanati, to deliver personalised responses in Arabic and English. FAHR's leadership said the initiative supports the UAE's vision towards zero bureaucracy and positions the country as a global leader in AI-driven government services.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

TALENT STRATEGY

10 Engagement Lessons From a NYT Bestseller

What if your management playbook is already out of date? The latest guidance comes straight from the New York Times Bestseller Building A Magnetic Culture. Backed by surveys of more than 3 million employees and four decades of leadership insights, it identifies the real drivers of engagement in 2025

A Key Driver Analysis revealed which factors matter most, and in what order. From recognition and communication to trust and accountability, the research highlights ten practical management actions that create stronger cultures and higher-performing teams.

These are not passing trends or leadership clichés. They are evidence-based practices proven to keep employees motivated, loyal, and productive. For HR leaders shaping the future of work, this is essential reading.

Download the bestseller-based blog now

 
Industry Slice Icon Logo

STRATEGY

Rothschild in deal boost its wealth management operations in Dubai

Wealth and asset management company Rothschild is partnering with Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB) to onboard its employees and clients in the UAE through a referral agreement. The agreement with the European financial institution will bring around 20 employees to Rothschild’s Wealth Management business. Alexandre de Rothschild, executive chairman of Rothschild & Co, said: "In recent years, we have experienced continuous strong growth in our global wealth management and Middle East businesses. The onboarding of LLB’s business in the UAE is an excellent fit and further supports our strategy across one of our key global business pillars and fastest growing regions. This represents our high conviction in the UAE’s potential, given the increasing concentration of both regional and global wealth here."

New Kuwait office planned by BlackRock

BlackRock is set to open a new office in Kuwait, appointing Ali AlQadhi to lead operations, as part of its strategy to expand in the Gulf region. The Kuwaiti Capital Markets Authority has granted an investment adviser licence to BlackRock Advisors (UK) Ltd, allowing the firm to establish a presence that will include customer service and financial advisory teams. With $12.5tn in assets under management, BlackRock has been actively increasing its footprint across the Gulf, having already established offices in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

LEGAL

Unlicenced domestic worker recruitment offices in Al Ain are shut down

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has closed 11 unlicenced domestic worker recruitment offices in Al Ain. The offices operated without proper licences or under licences from outside Abu Dhabi, violating the Domestic Workers Law. Legal penalties have been imposed and cases referred to the Public Prosecution. MoHRE received numerous complaints about the offices failing to meet commitments to families and employers. The ministry urges the public to use only licenced offices to avoid risks associated with unlicenced providers.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

WORKFORCE

Nine major companies sponsor UAE labour market initiatives

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in Dubai has secured sponsorship from nine prominent companies to enhance the UAE's labour market. The sponsors include Damac Properties and Aldar Properties as Diamond sponsors, with others including Sobha Realty and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) participating at various levels. These sponsorships will support initiatives such as the Emirates Labour Market Award. Mohammed Saqr Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary at MoHRE, highlighted the importance of these partnerships for improving worker wellbeing and competitiveness. Hussain Sajwani of Damac said: "We support these awards and initiatives in line with our continuous commitment to actively contribute to the national development process."
Industry Slice Icon Logo

HEALTH & WELLBEING

More firms aim to increase EHS budgets

Nearly four out of five companies and government agencies worldwide (78%) plan to step up budgeting for environment, health and safety (EHS) initiatives in the next three years, according to a new EY survey of 526 C-suite leaders and EHS executives. Promoting health and wellbeing is the top reason organisations have increased EHS spending during the past three years, according to EY. “This is almost certainly in response to the high workplace mortality and injury rates in many markets,” EY said in a report. Nearly three out of four (73%) companies that proactively invest in EHS programmes said they have reduced costs during unexpected disruptions, compared with 64% of respondents that take a reactive approach to EHS challenges, EY said. “Investing in EHS not only helps you comply with regulations but also enhances your ability to operate effectively and responsibly,” Jessica Wollmuth, EY global EHS co-leader, said in a statement, adding that companies should prioritise EHS spending despite current market volatility and budget constraints.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

INTERNATIONAL

Massive data breach hits Stockholm employees

A cyberattack on Miljödata, a Swedish HR system provider, has compromised the personal data of over 40,000 City of Stockholm employees. The breach, detected in late August, includes names, identity numbers, phone numbers, email addresses, and employment IDs. Cybersecurity firm Truesec is investigating the incident, but the full extent of the leak remains unclear. Marcus Murray, founder of Truesec, said: "It's still unclear whether sensitive data was accessed." The City of Stockholm said it is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available.

Microsoft employees will have to start coming into the office three days a week

Microsoft is to require its employees to work from the office at least three days a week beginning next year. The company said the new mandate will go into effect in Puget Sound, which includes its headquarters outside of Seattle, starting in February. It will then expand to other US locations before moving to international offices. “As we build the AI products that will define this era, we need the kind of energy and momentum that comes from smart people working side by side, solving challenging problems together,” Amy Coleman, Microsoft’s human resources chief, wrote in a memo. CNBC notes that Microsoft has held several rounds of layoffs this year, but Coleman wrote that “this update is not about reducing headcount,” and instead is “about working together in a way that enables us to meet our customers’ needs.”

Australian lender cuts local jobs to hire in India and Vietnam

National Australia Bank (NAB) is cutting 410 jobs in its technology and enterprise operations in Australia and creating 127 roles in India and Vietnam. "The environment we operate in is constantly changing and we need to have the right structures alongside the right skills and capabilities in the right locations to help us deliver for our customers," NAB said. The bank's announcement came one day after rival ANZ said it would cut 3,500 jobs over the next year. Finance Sector Union president Wendy Streets said it was disappointing that two of Australia's biggest lenders had shed jobs in successive days. "First ANZ, now NAB. One after the other, banks are swinging the axe," Streets said.

Korean companies admit cutting corners on US visas but say they have little choice

South Korean companies routinely use unsuitable visas for workers sent to the US to build multibillion-dollar advanced manufacturing sites, according to Seoul-based executives and industry groups.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

OTHER

UK judge: Online shopping at work is not a sackable offence

An employment tribunal in the UK has ruled that an accountancy administrator, named in the judgement as Ms A. Lanuszka, was unfairly dismissed for using her work computer for online shopping. The judge, Michael Magree, found her personal use was "not excessive" and noted that much of the time cited was spent on work-related tasks. Ms Lanuszka had been fired by her employer, Accountancy MK Services, after being monitored by spy software. The tribunal concluded there were no reasonable grounds for the worker's dismissal, and awarded her over £14,000 in compensation.
 
Industry SLice Logo

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe