THE HOT STORY

Saudi Arabia plans updated Vision 2030 strategy

Saudi Arabia plans to publish an updated strategy for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic diversification agenda, Bloomberg reports. Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan listed tourism, manufacturing, logistics and technology as focal areas for the overhaul, but did not offer more details or a release date for the strategy.

Bloomberg

HIRING

Emirati Smart Human Resource Platform launches

The Emirati Human Resources Development Council (EHRDC) has launched the ‘Emirati Smart Human Resource Platform.' The platform, piloted in September last year, connects Emirati talents to suitable employment and training opportunities by prioritising transparency and reliability. His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, chairman of the EHRDC, said: “In addition to being a technical recruitment tool, [the platform] serves as an integrated ecosystem for enhancing workforce planning efficiency, strengthening coordination between educational institutions and employers, as well as seamlessly connecting job seekers to relevant opportunities in the private sector. This also ensures the sustainability of Emiratisation efforts by enhancing the readiness of Emiratis to engage in priority strategic sectors.”

Zawya EN

LEGAL

Oman waives labour fines

Oman has waived approximately OMR100m in labour-related fines as part of a 2025 amnesty aimed at regulating the local labour market. Labour Minister Mahad bin Said Baawain said the initiative allows companies and workers to rectify their legal status without facing accumulated penalties. The waiver is part of a broader strategy to enhance compliance with the updated labour law and improve overall labour conditions. Authorities believe this will reduce irregular employment and encourage adherence to official hiring regulations, thus stabilising the labour market across the sultanate.

Gulfnews.com

REMOTE WORKING

JPMorgan employees rebel against office mandate

JPMorgan Chase employees are pushing back against chief executive Jamie Dimon's five-day return-to-office mandate, with around 2,000 of the bank's 300,000-plus global employees signing a petition for its reversal. Many workers fear repercussions for opposing the policy, with one saying that signing the petition could be "career suicide." Employees have expressed confusion over the insistence on in-office work, especially given the bank's global operations. A London banker noted that senior management seems to undervalue remote work despite the bank's record profits during the pandemic.

The Independent UK

INTERNATIONAL

Nike faces federal investigation over diversity policies

The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is investigating Nike for alleged discrimination against white employees through its diversity policies. The inquiry, revealed in a court motion, seeks information on Nike's layoff criteria and race-based mentoring programs. Nike said it has cooperated with the EEOC, calling the subpoena "a surprising and unusual escalation." The investigation follows a complaint filed by EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, and not from any employee grievance. "When there are compelling indications, including corporate admissions in extensive public materials, that an employer's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion-related programs may violate federal prohibitions against race discrimination or other forms of unlawful discrimination, the EEOC will take all necessary steps including subpoena actions - to ensure the opportunity to fully and comprehensively investigate," Lucas said.

AlJazeera

U.S. News

Mass exodus from Cambodian scam compounds

Cambodia has seen a "mass exodus" from the country's online scam operations in recent weeks amid growing international pressure and the recent extradition of Chen Zhi, the chairman of Cambodia's Prince Group, who the US Department of Justice had accused in an indictment of masterminding a multi-billion-dollar "cyber fraud empire." Reports indicate that many workers, some of whom are trafficking victims, have fled scamming compounds, leaving behind their belongings. Amnesty International said many of those who had left the compounds had no passports, money, medical care or any pathway to safety. "This mass exodus from scamming compounds has created a humanitarian crisis on the streets that is being ignored by the Cambodian government," said regional research director Montse Ferrer.

ABC Online

Europe recovery fund struggles to transform economy

Skills shortages, cumbersome bureaucracy and uncertain long-term funding mean the European Union's $955bn "Next Generation" post-pandemic recovery fund, agreed six years ago and billed as a "chance to emerge stronger," has struggled to transform the region's economy. The European Commission says the fund has delivered on both its short- and long-term goals, but officials, businesses and others interviewed by Reuters have said the outcome was more differentiated. There is broad consensus, however, that the fund cushioned the blow from the pandemic.

Reuters

Malaysia plans new insurance scheme for Singapore cross-border workers

The Malaysian government is introducing an insurance scheme for workers commuting to Singapore, as it seeks to address safety concerns for these workers during their cross-border daily journeys. Information technology engineer K. Prabakaran said: “This is very beneficial as most of us travel by bike and the road conditions and surroundings make the journey risky . . . The situation on the road is getting worse nowadays so I strongly agree that this scheme should be implemented.” Prabakaran has been working in Singapore for more than five years and commutes across the border daily.

Straits Times

OTHER

Qatar announces Ramadan discount list

Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has launched a list of over 1,000 discounted consumer goods for Ramadan. The initiative aims to ease financial burdens and ensure price stability during the holy month. The list includes essential food items like flour, sugar, and chicken, as well as non-food products. MoCI emphasised the need for retailers to display new prices clearly and will conduct inspections to ensure compliance. Consumers are encouraged to report any price violations through the ministry's communication channels. MoCI remains committed to protecting consumer rights and maintaining market fairness.

Gulf Times

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