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Middle East Edition
1st June 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

AI reshapes Israeli tech jobs

Israel’s tech sector is experiencing fresh layoffs, with Amdocs planning to cut 10% of its global workforce and SentinelOne expected to shed about 250 jobs. Unlike earlier downturns linked to interest rates and funding pressure, the current cuts involve stable, profitable and growing companies reshaping themselves for the AI era. Investors are pressing for leaner structures, fewer management layers and greater automation across development, support, quality control, data analysis and customer service. A stronger shekel is also raising Israeli employment costs for dollar-earning companies. Shiri Vax, chief executive of Gotfriends, said the latest wave is “appreciably different” because it is tied to changing job demands and corporate structures. Adv. Limor Argov-Shenhav warned companies must still hold hearings, examine alternatives and avoid automatic or discriminatory decisions.
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REMUNERATION

UAE salary rules shake-up starts

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has implemented a new Wage Protection System (WPS) effective from 1 June 2026. This mandates private sector establishments to pay employee wages by the first day of each month. Payments made after this date will be considered delayed. Employers must comply with strict monitoring and enforcement measures, including potential penalties for non-compliance. Abdulla Rasheed, the editor, noted that the system aims to protect workers' rights and ensure timely salary payments through electronic transfers.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING

New resources boost MS awareness

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has launched new resources to support individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UAE. These include a patient guide for discussing diagnoses, a caregiver resource, and an HR guide for employers to foster inclusive workplaces. Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of NMSS, emphasised the importance of community support for those with MS. The initiative is part of the fourth annual World MS Day campaign, which aims to enhance awareness and understanding of MS through various activities, including a public webinar and community events.

Kuwait curbs delivery riding

Kuwait has banned delivery motorcycles from operating nationwide between 11am and 4pm from June 1 to August 31, aiming to protect riders during extreme summer heat. The Interior Ministry’s General Traffic Department said companies and riders must comply, with violations risking traffic citations and penalties for breaching permit conditions. The measure aligns with Kuwait’s annual midday outdoor work ban, introduced to reduce heat-related illnesses and workplace injuries. Kuwait has also cut summer working hours across government entities to six hours a day to reduce electricity use and support power grid stability.

Oman enforces midday work ban

The Ministry of Labour in Oman has implemented a ban on midday work for labourers in construction and outdoor areas due to extreme heat, effective from June 1. The ban, lasting from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm during June, July, and August, aims to protect workers from high temperatures exceeding 50°C. Companies must provide shaded rest areas and cooling measures. Violations can result in fines between RO 500 and RO 1,000, and project licences may be revoked for repeated offences. Essential services may apply for exemptions with strict safety protocols, according to a Ministry representative.

Hajj 2026: A health triumph

The Saudi Ministry of Health announced that the 2026 Hajj season was free from any epidemic outbreaks, earning praise from the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Saudi Arabia for its effective management of the event, highlighting the dedication of healthcare workers. The WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhy, noted the Kingdom's advanced health preparedness and use of technology. Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel stated that health security during Hajj is crucial for global health security, emphasising the comprehensive health system in place.
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TECHNOLOGY

Amazon scraps AI leaderboard to stop workers chasing usage scores

Amazon has shut down an internal leaderboard that tracked employees’ use of AI tools after workers tried to boost their scores with unnecessary activity that increased the company’s computing costs.
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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Egypt aims to be education hub

Egypt is striving to become a regional and international hub for higher education and scientific research, as stated by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. During a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Higher Education Minister Abdel Aziz Konsowa, the president highlighted the need for a knowledge-based economy. Egypt currently has 129 universities and is focusing on enhancing the quality of education and research. Minister Konsowa noted efforts to link academic research with industry, aiming to transform it into marketable products and services, while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Unlocking careers: Duqm internship programme

The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) will launch a two-week summer internship programme on June 7, aimed at 18 undergraduate students. The initiative provides hands-on experience with companies in Duqm, allowing students to engage in real operational tasks. Qais al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones & Free Zones (OPAZ), emphasised the importance of connecting young Omanis with industry opportunities. Professor Salim al Harthy from SQU noted that this experience enhances academic learning and prepares students for their future careers.
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CORPORATE

Saudia expands fleet for future growth

Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, is expanding its fleet with 12 new aircraft deliveries planned through 2026. The initiative aims to enhance operational capacity and global connectivity while improving guest experiences. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “Saudia's fleet expansion strategy reflects a disciplined approach to building the capacity, efficiency, and readiness needed for the airline's next phase of growth.” The airline is also focused on training new pilots and crew to support this growth, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's aviation and tourism ambitions.
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LEADERSHIP

Dubai Police celebrates 70 years of excellence

Dubai Police has commemorated its 70th anniversary, with Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri highlighting its evolution into a global model of modern policing. He stated: "Today, we celebrate the seventieth anniversary... making security and stability a fundamental pillar of development." Al Marri outlined seven pivotal stages in the force's development, culminating in a focus on smart transformation and sustainability. He emphasised the importance of adaptability and institutional flexibility in maintaining service quality. Al Marri credited the achievements to the support of UAE leadership and reaffirmed the commitment to future development and national talent investment.
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INTERNATIONAL

Google employee charged with insider trading on Polymarket

Federal prosecutors have charged a Google employee with fraud, alleging that he made $1.2m from bets on Polymarket that used insider information. Michele Spagnuolo, an Italian citizen, has been charged with money laundering, commodities fraud and wire fraud, according to the complaint filed in the Southern District of New York. “Spagnuolo had access to Google’s internal data systems, including a particular Google internal software tool that provided him access to confidential, nonpublic Year in Search data,” the prosecutors said in their complaint. “Google officially and publicly announced its Year in Search 2025 results on or about December 4, 2025. Soon after it did so, Spagnuolo’s AlphaRaccoon account profited approximately $1.2m on his Google Year in Search 2025-related bets,” the complaint said. A Google spokesperson, responding to the charges against Spagnuolo, said: "Using such confidential information to place bets is a serious breach of our policies. We've placed the employee on leave and will take the appropriate action."

Global firms use AI in India to bring more creative work in-house

Kimberly-Clark, J.C. Penney-parent Catalyst Brands, and Target India are among the global firms that are using AI at their Indian hubs to bring more creative work in-house as the technology's ability to expedite and scale campaign creation enables them to rein in marketing costs. Two years ago, content creation took 24 days but now it "only takes two hours" due to AI, Kimberly-Clark ​India head Deena Dayalan told a Reuters summit in Bengaluru. Some analysts nevertheless have faith in the existing marketing model. "If mediocre is all you need, ​then absolutely you can do it yourself," observed Brian Wieser, CEO of advisory firm Madison and Wall.

Spain to introduce job-matching plan for migrants

Spain plans to regularise around 500,000 undocumented migrants to boost its economy, according to Secretary of State for Migration Pilar Cancela. The initiative, which has received over 200,000 applications in its first month, aims to match migrants with jobs in key sectors. Cancela said: "It's a huge opportunity to harness the potential of all these people who are already helping to build the country." The government anticipates up to one million applications and will conduct a survey to assess skills and job preferences. Increased labour inspections will accompany the programme to ensure a smooth transition to formal employment.

JD.com founder pledges to protect workers from AI-driven job losses

JD.com founder Liu Qiangdong has pledged that the Chinese e-commerce group will protect jobs as it expands the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation across its operations, saying the company will not dismiss frontline workers replaced by machines. Speaking internally, Mr Liu said JD.com would do “everything possible” to safeguard employment for its workforce of around 900,000 people, including blue-collar staff, amid growing concerns in China over the impact of AI and robotics on employment. The company is already deploying technologies including unmanned warehouses, drone delivery, self-driving vehicles and automated retail stores. It is also investing in worker retraining, having established more than 80 training centres focused on skills such as automated system maintenance and servicing.
 
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