THE HOT STORY

Abu Dhabi's new HR rules shake up government hiring

Abu Dhabi's Department of Government Enablement has introduced new HR regulations under Law No. (8) of 2025. These regulations establish strict criteria for government appointments and promotions, prioritising UAE nationals. Key requirements include good conduct, medical fitness, and relevant qualifications. Non-nationals may be hired only if no qualified UAE candidates are available. The regulations also set promotion priorities based on performance, tenure, and qualifications.

Gulfnews.com

EBOOK

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CYBERSECURITY

Anthropic's Mythos model is being accessed by unauthorised users

A small group of unauthorised users has gained access to Anthropic's new Mythos AI ‌model, according to a Bloomberg report which cites documentation and a person familiar with the matter. Users in a private online forum gained access to Mythos on the same ⁠day that Anthropic first announced a plan to release the model to a limited number of companies for testing purposes, Bloomberg has reported. Anthropic has said it is investigating the report of unauthorised access, and currently has no evidence that the access is affecting any of its systems.

Bloomberg

HIRING

UAE employers plan to expand their workforce

The Gulf region is poised to create over 5m private sector jobs by 2030, driven by advancements in technology, AI, healthcare, and energy. The UAE leads globally in hiring intent for 2026, with 56% of employers planning workforce expansion, according to Taaeen Group. However, a significant skills gap exists, as only 19% of organisations implement skills-based hiring despite 73% recognising its importance. The Deloitte 2026 Global Human Capital Trends report highlights that 70% of job types will change by 2030, necessitating reskilling for 1.4m workers. Taaeen advises organisations to focus on skills development and retention strategies.

Khaleej Times Online

ECONOMY

Hormuz disruption fuels growing risk of global food crisis

Disruption to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz is raising the risk of a global food shock, as higher gas prices are forcing fertiliser producers to cut output, threatening crop yields and pushing up future food prices. Traders warn that reduced LNG supply, rising shipping costs and competition for key inputs are straining agricultural supply chains, while markets have yet to price in prolonged disruption, increasing the risk of tighter global food availability and higher prices, particularly if governments begin stockpiling. The World Food Programme says that nearly 45m more people could face acute food shortages if the conflict stretches into the middle of the year, with the Food and Agriculture Organization warning that India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, and Egypt are among the countries most at risk.

Al Jazeera

Financial Times

POLITICAL

Over 3,300 people have died in Iran during war

Iran's forensic chief, Abbas Masjedi, has announced a new death toll of at least 3,375 in the ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States. The figure, reported by the judiciary's Mizan news agency, includes 2,875 males, 496 females, and 383 children aged 18 and under. Masjedi noted that four of the deceased remain unidentified. He did not specify how many casualties were security forces.

U.S. News

LEGAL

Saudi Arabia amends anti-money laundering law

Saudi Arabia's Cabinet has approved amendments to its anti-money laundering law. The updated Article 28 imposes travel bans on Saudi nationals convicted of money laundering, while non-Saudi offenders will be deported post-sentence. Article 33 mandates confiscation of laundered funds and related assets. Courts can seize assets linked to criminal activity, even if held by third parties, unless proven acquired in good faith. A new Article 49 assigns the Permanent Committee for Combating Money Laundering to develop national policies and assess risks.

Saudi Gazette

INTERNATIONAL

Meta tracks employee mouse movements for AI training

Meta is implementing new tracking software on US employees' computers to monitor mouse movements, clicks, and keystrokes. The initiative, known as the Model Capability Initiative (MCI), aims to enhance the company's AI models by mimicking human interactions with technology. The tool will operate on work-related applications and websites, capturing occasional screenshots of employees' screens. According to an internal memo, the goal is to improve AI performance in tasks including selecting from dropdown menus and using keyboard shortcuts. "This is where all Meta employees can help our models get better simply by doing their daily work," the memo said.

The Tech Portal

The Japan Times Online

Khaleej Times Online

Novo Nordisk hires 2,000 to reshape workforce

Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has hired about 2,000 people this year, as the company reshapes its workforce after laying off about 10% of employees in 2025. Chief executive Mike Doustdar pushed through broad layoffs last year in a bid to make Novo faster and more aggressive, Bloomberg reports. About 1,400 of the hires have already started, a company spokeswoman said. Of the new hires, Novo said 398 have been in Denmark.

Bloomberg

Lenskart apologises and updates policy to allow religious expression

Indian eyewear company Lenskart has issued an apology following online backlash over an alleged employee grooming policy and introduced a new style guide explicitly allowing staff to wear religious and cultural symbols such as bindis, hijabs and turbans. The company clarified that the controversial document was outdated and reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity, pledging that future policies and communications will reflect respect for employees’ beliefs and traditions.

Economic Times

South Africa's Eskom announces three-year wage deal

South African state-owned power utility Eskom has announced a three-year wage deal effective from July. Salaries will increase by 7% in each year of the ‌agreement. Solidarity and the National Union of Mineworkers will sign the deal to 2029, according to Solidarity General Secretary Gideon du Plessis. Together, the groups represent more than 75% of the utility’s workforce. Eskom has said the agreement will apply to all employees in its wage-bargaining unit, even though the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa has so far refused to sign after declaring a deadlock, because its members want an 8% increase in the first year.

Bloomberg

OTHER

Swiss watch exports slip in March as Middle East weakness and costs bite

Swiss watch exports fell 1% year-on-year in March due to declining demand in the Middle East and elevated precious metal costs, with sharp drops in Saudi Arabia (-16.8%) and Qatar (almost -25%). Despite the monthly decline, first-quarter exports rose 1.4% to SFr6.2bn ($7.9bn), although weakness in key segments such as precious metal (-4%) and steel watches (-9%), alongside a 1.6% fall in US exports, points to uneven demand and ongoing pressure on the luxury sector.

Bloomberg

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