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Middle East Edition
16th April 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

Dubai launches major AI training drive for government staff

Dubai has launched the AI Workforce Transformation Programme (AI+) to train 50,000 government employees in artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and modernise public services. Led by Digital Dubai in collaboration with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, the programme focuses on equipping staff with practical AI skills tailored to their roles. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said the initiative reflects a shift in how government employees interact with technology. He said staff are no longer just users of digital systems but are becoming active contributors in designing smarter and more responsive services that meet people's needs.
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TECHNOLOGY

Many employees still choose not to use AI

According to a new Gallup poll, more American workers are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their jobs, yet scepticism about the technology persists. The survey reveals that while 30% of employees frequently use AI, many remain concerned about job displacement due to new technologies. Scott Segal, a social worker, expressed his worries, saying: “I think everyone who works in a replaceable field or trade should be planning ahead.” The poll highlights that 40% of workers report their organisations have adopted AI tools, with two-thirds noting a positive impact on productivity. However, about half of US employees said they use AI infrequently or not at all, citing ethical concerns and a preference for traditional methods. The fear of job loss is growing, with 18% of workers believing their jobs may be eliminated in the next five years due to AI advancements.
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LEGAL

UAE court awards Dh251,000 to ex-employee after dismissal

The Abu Dhabi labour court has ordered a company to pay Dh251,461 to a former employee dismissed after over 13 years of service. The employee, who earned a monthly salary of Dh15,700, claimed unpaid dues including delayed wages and end-of-service benefits. After filing a case following a complaint to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the court ruled in his favour, awarding him less than his initial claim of over Dh309,000. The court's decision mandates the company to settle the employee's outstanding dues after his termination.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Bupa Arabia initiatives reach hundreds of beneficiaries

Bupa Arabia has launched several community initiatives aimed at enhancing social responsibility and volunteerism. The company’s integrated corporate social responsibility programme focuses on delivering health and humanitarian support to vulnerable groups, including orphans and people with disabilities. Notable initiatives include the Orphans Health Lounge, which provided medical services to 500 orphans, and the “Kiswa” clothing donation campaign, which collected over 1,005 items. Bupa Arabia's efforts align with Vision 2030, promoting sustainability and community engagement, the company said.
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ECONOMY

War takes toll on airport shopping

Duty-free retailers are struggling as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupts air travel and sales. Analysts warn that the travel-retail sector, already recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, faces further pressure. LVMH's DFS reported a 1% decline in group sales due to reduced spending in the Gulf region. Avolta's CFO Yves Gerster noted that the company is shifting inventory to busier locations, while Kering's CFO Armelle Poulou said that local customer performance is more resilient than tourism demand. The situation remains uncertain as airports continue to face closures.
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INTERNATIONAL

White House study says DEI hurts productivity

A White House study argues that race-based hiring policies have reduced productivity in industries that adopted them. Using minority representation in management as a proxy for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) adoption, the authors say productivity in those industries was 2.7% lower by 2023 and estimate a 0.34% hit to U.S. output. “There is nothing inherently less productive about minority workers or minority managers,” the study says. “The issue is rapidly promoting unqualified workers in order to meet racial quotas set forth by DEI.” The report observes that the “previously virtually unknown” position of chief diversity officer became the “fastest-growing C-suite executive position.” However, some aspects of the study could raise questions about its conclusions, the Wall Street Journal notes.

Brazilian labour inspector fired for adding China's BYD to 'dirty list'

Reuters reports that Luiz Felipe Brandao de Mello, Brazil's top labour inspector, has been fired for adding Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD to a so-called 'dirty list' ‌of employers accused of subjecting workers to conditions described by the government as similar to slavery. Mello disobeyed an order from Labour Minister Luiz Marinho to leave the automaker off Brazil's ​labour abuse registry, said sources. "The ​dismissal of the secretary signals an escalation of political interference in labour inspections," Brazil's national association of labor inspectors, Anafitra, said in a statement. Brazil's Labour Ministry said the dismissal was "an administrative act."

Remote working tribunal cases in UK plummet

The number of employment tribunals in Great Britain related to remote working fell by 13% in 2025, marking the first decline since the pandemic began. A total of 54 cases were decided, down from 62 in 2024, as rising unemployment and a tightening labour market shifted power towards employers. Jim Moore, an employee relations expert at Hamilton Nash, noted that many workers are opting to "keep their heads down" rather than challenge return-to-office mandates. The introduction of the right to request flexible working may also have encouraged employees to resolve disputes internally.

Uttar Pradesh raises workers' wages

The government of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, has increased minimum wages for all worker categories, effective retrospectively from April 1. The decision follows protests by factory workers in Noida demanding better wages and conditions. Many manufacturing units in Noida remained closed on Tuesday as protests persisted ​in some ⁠places. The wage hike will ​increase the pay of unskilled workers in Noida to roughly $147 per month from the current monthly pay of ‌about $121, ⁠government sources said.
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OTHER

UAE nurseries to reopen

As nurseries in Dubai prepare for a phased return to in-person learning, strict reopening protocols are in place. The UAE's Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council has emphasised the importance of compliance and readiness. Katrina Mankani, Managing Director of Jumeirah International Nurseries and Chairman of the Dubai Nursery Business Group, said: "The teachers have been in touch with the children throughout the closure, through online classes and home visits. When these children walk back into their nursery, they will see familiar faces. That continuity is one of the most important safety measures we can offer.”
 
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