THE HOT STORY

Private firms must comply with Emirati wage rule deadline

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has mandated a new minimum wage of Dh6,000 for Emirati employees, effective from January 1, 2026. Private firms must adjust salaries for Emiratis hired before this date by June 30, 2026, to avoid penalties. Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary at MoHRE, said that the increase is part of a gradual Emiratisation strategy aimed at enhancing job stability. From July 1, 2026, non-compliant companies will face penalties, including the suspension of new work permits. MoHRE will provide automated reminders to ensure compliance.

Gulfnews.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Ramadhan working hours announced in Oman

During the Holy Month of Ramadhan 1447 AH, state administrative units in Oman will operate for five continuous hours, from 9 AM to 2 PM. Flexible working hours may be implemented, allowing attendance from 7 AM to 3 PM, based on unit needs. Remote work is permitted for suitable positions, ensuring at least 50% of employees are present at their workplaces. In the private sector, Muslim workers will have their hours reduced to six hours per day, not exceeding 30 hours per week. The announcement aims to accommodate the spiritual needs of employees during this period.

Oman Observer

Khaleej Times Online

HIRING

Sharjah Ruler approves hiring of 200 Emiratis in government

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has approved the hiring of 200 Emiratis in the Sharjah Government. This includes 100 positions in new development projects and 100 across various government entities. Additionally, 238 employees will be promoted within the emirate's Judicial Department, and 56 employees will receive incentive allowances, costing Dh 10,992,228 annually. Sheikh Dr Sultan's initiatives aim to enhance living standards for Emirati families and recognise the efforts of diligent employees in government work.

Gulfnews.com

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

UAE invests in Indonesia's education future

The UAE has committed $12.8m to enhance Indonesia's education sector through the UAE–Indonesia Future Leaders Program at McGill University. The initiative, supported by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, aims to foster sustainable development in various fields, including health and engineering. The program will involve collaboration with Indonesia's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and several universities. The program will span five years, focusing on teacher training and leadership development.

Zawya EN

REGULATION

Israel to fine El Al $39m

Israel’s Competition Authority plans to fine El Al Israel Airlines $39m (121m shekel) for allegedly “excessive and unfair” fare increases during the Israel-Hamas war, when many foreign carriers suspended flights. The regulator said that between October 7, 2023 and May 2024, average airfare rose 16% even on partially empty flights, and El Al held a monopoly on at least 38 of its 53 routes. El Al denied wrongdoing in a filing to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and said it will contest the penalty through legal proceedings.

Bloomberg

RISK

Climate risk threatens small countries' credit ratings

Fitch Ratings has published an analysis which suggests that small countries prone to extreme weather and fossil-fuel exporters may face the highest sovereign risks from climate change in the coming years. Fitch’s new tool for analysis “represents an important advancement in the disclosure of climate risk factors monitored by rating agencies,” said June Choi, a PhD candidate at Stanford University.

Bloomberg

INTERNATIONAL

Italian sports journalists to strike over Olympic opening farce

Journalists from Italy's RaiSport television channel are to stage a three-day strike to protest an error-strewn opening ceremony broadcast by RaiSport director Paolo Petrecca. The journalists said Petrecca’s "disastrous coverage" was "embarrassing." Petrecca welcomed viewers to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico instead of Milan’s San Siro, where Friday’s ceremony was held, before mistaking Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee, for Laura Mattarella, daughter of the Italian president. RaiSport's internal union body representing journalists at the public broadcaster said all journalists would withhold bylines during the Games and then strike for three days once the event is completed. "We have all been embarrassed, no one excluded, and through no fault of our own," it said.

Deutsche Welle (EN)

New York Times

The Guardian

Sun Art says it has lost contact with newly-appointed CEO

Sun Art Retail Group, one of China’s largest hypermarket operators, has said it has been unable to contact its chief executive, Li Weiping, just two months after her appointment, with the company’s chairman stepping in to oversee daily operations. The group told investors that the situation is not related to its business and that operations remain normal, although reports in Chinese media suggested Li may be assisting in a police investigation, which the company denied as false. The incident has revived investor concerns over executive disappearances amid China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.

Bloomberg

Reuters

Rail workers' unions in Spain end strike

A three-day rail union national strike in Spain over safety concerns which was set to last until Wednesday has now been called off after authorities agreed to boost investments and reinforce staffing following a number of high-profile train accidents. The government will invest €1.8bn ($2.15bn) in railroad maintenance until 2030 and will hire 3,650 additional workers for the public-funded rail administrator and operator, Spain's Transport Ministry said.

Euronews

Reuters

Milei clashes with Argentina’s powerful unions over labour reform

President Javier Milei is pushing to overhaul Argentina’s rigid labour market, precipitating a clash with trade unions and wading into the country’s most divisive issue, the Financial Times reports.

Financial Times

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