Human Times

Middle East Edition

15th July 2026

THE HOT STORY

Hiring intent dips across the region

The Naukrigulf Hiring Index indicates a decline in hiring intent across the UAE, Qatar, and Oman during April and May 2026 compared to the previous year. The UAE experienced the most significant drop, with a 23% decrease. Despite this, technology roles showed resilience, with only a 3% decline. Qatar's hiring intent fell by 10%, while Oman saw a 17% dip, although manufacturing and retail sectors grew. Sharad Sindhwani, EVP & Business Head at Naukrigulf, noted: "Hiring intent is moving at different speeds across markets, sectors and functions." The Index aims to provide insights into evolving hiring trends.

Zawya EN

HIRING

Recruitment market shows signs of life

Toby Fowlston, chief executive of Robert Walters, stated that the global hiring market's three-year slowdown is primarily cyclical, not driven by AI. He reassured shareholders that the market is recovering, despite a 4% drop in net fee income to £69.4m in the second quarter. Fowlston noted that the downturn stems from trade wars, political upheaval, and cost of living crises. However, he highlighted that fees are increasing in half of their markets, including the UK, Japan, and New Zealand, indicating a potential recovery ahead.

The Times

WORKFORCE

Youth unemployment crisis looms large

The global population is projected to exceed 9bn by 2040, with 8.3bn recorded in July 2026. The United Nations Population Fund reports over 1.9bn individuals aged 10 to 24, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Job growth is only 0.5% in upper-middle-income nations, while 27.9% of youth in low-income countries are not in education, employment, or training. UNESCO highlights a skills crisis, with 450m young people lacking necessary skills. Collaboration between education and private sectors is crucial to enhance employability and address the skills gap, especially as technology evolves.

Oman Observer

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Saudi Cabinet approves new training visa

The Saudi Cabinet, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, approved the State Revenues Law and a new training visa for international trainees during a session in Jeddah. This visa will follow specific regulatory arrangements. The Crown Prince also discussed bilateral cooperation with U.S. President Donald Trump and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to regional security. The Cabinet condemned Iran's attacks on commercial vessels and welcomed Iraq's commitment to prevent its territory from being used for attacks against Saudi Arabia. The Cabinet also supported the U.S. decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Saudi Gazette

Zawya EN

Empowering youth for a brighter future

Oman will observe World Youth Skills Day, focusing on empowering young people with essential skills for the evolving labour market. This year's theme, "Skills for a Shared Future," underscores the need for innovative development programmes. Hilal bin Saif Al Siyabi, Director General of Youth, highlighted the success of initiatives like the "Mustaid" programme, which has reached over 2,700 youths, with 90% reporting skill enhancement. The ministry aims to prepare youth for future job demands, fostering critical thinking and entrepreneurship. Al Siyabi noted that Omani youth are increasingly aware of the need for skills to adapt to global changes.

TimesofOman

UAE launches prestigious higher education award

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE has introduced the UAE Award for Higher Education, aimed at recognising excellence and fostering innovation within the sector. Under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the initiative seeks to prepare future generations for the workforce and align educational outcomes with national priorities. The award will feature four categories: Leadership, Readiness, Pioneers, and National Impact, focusing on outstanding contributions to the higher education ecosystem. Sheikh Abdullah stated: "Higher education is a fundamental pillar in preparing national talent."

Emirates24

Gulfnews.com

LEGAL

Meta faces lawsuit over AI layoffs

Dozens of Meta employees have filed a lawsuit claiming the company used AI tools to unfairly target them for layoffs after they took maternity or disability leave. The lawsuit, submitted in California, alleges that Meta's AI systems, which assess employee performance, failed to account for time off due to medical or family reasons. Plaintiffs are seeking a court ruling to halt the layoffs and demand reinstatement and damages. A Meta spokesperson denied the allegations, asserting that decisions were made by people, not AI. The case raises concerns about AI bias in workplace decisions.

U.S. News

The Guardian

MANAGEMENT

UAE firms face HR challenges

UAE mid-market firms are grappling with significant HR challenges, including Wage Protection System (WPS) queries, gratuity discrepancies, and Emiratisation compliance. Many companies lack dedicated HR professionals, relying instead on owners or finance managers to handle HR tasks. This often leads to errors in payroll reporting and gratuity calculations, with an average gap of Dh1.8m per company. Mayank Sharma, Managing Partner at Element MEA, noted that firms must prioritise HR functions to avoid penalties and seize growth opportunities.

Gulfnews.com

LEADERSHIP

Empowering women leaders in the GCC

The EY Academy has partnered with Hult Ashridge Executive Education to launch a tailored leadership programme for women executives in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in November 2026. This initiative aims to enhance leadership skills, confidence, and strategic influence among senior women leaders across various sectors. Fazeela Gopalani, Partner at EY, said: “This program is designed to equip women executives with the mindset, networks and leadership capabilities needed to create long-term organisational impact.” The curriculum is informed by research on the unique challenges faced by women in the region, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

Zawya EN

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Qatar climbs to 12th in Quality of Life

Qatar has risen to 12th place in the Mid-2026 Quality of Life Index, climbing six positions from its previous ranking. Experts attribute this success to strategic planning and effective government policies that enhance public services and promote sustainable development. Dr Muna al-Muslemani, a member of the Shura Council, noted that the healthcare sector significantly contributed to this achievement, highlighting advancements in hospitals and technology. Economist Dr Abdullah al-Khater stated that the ranking reflects a stable environment supported by high-quality services and economic stability. Sustained investment in education and healthcare is essential for maintaining this progress.

Gulf Times

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Robots: The key to inclusion?

Workplace robots could enhance inclusion for autistic adults by redesigning jobs to accommodate their unique needs. Many neurodivergent individuals face barriers due to sensory overload and unpredictable work environments, rather than skill deficits. Physical AI, such as collaborative robots, can streamline tasks, provide immediate feedback, and manage chaotic surroundings. Deloitte's 2026 State of AI in the Enterprise report noted that while 58% of companies use physical AI, 84% have not yet redesigned jobs to leverage this technology. The aim is to adapt work to fit the worker, expanding the talent pool and promoting inclusion.

Forbes

INTERNATIONAL

UK pension age rise could hit millions

The UK government is considering advancing the state pension age to 68 by 2037, affecting approximately 5m people currently aged 49 to 55. This change, which could save the Treasury around £6bn annually, would mean these individuals must work an additional year to qualify for their pensions, costing them an estimated £12,500. Although no final decision has been announced, the Treasury has indicated this policy shift aligns with previous government reviews aiming for a sustainable pension system. As the landscape of retirement continues to shift, professionals should prepare for potential changes impacting their financial planning and retirement timelines.

The Times

Graduation season brings job fears

Graduation season in China is marked by a record 12.7m graduates entering a saturated job market, leading to heightened anxiety about employment prospects. Jasmine, a 22-year-old accounting graduate, has sent out 150 CVs without success, highlighting the intense competition for limited positions. The youth unemployment rate stands at 15.6%, with many graduates lacking the skills demanded by employers. The situation is exacerbated by a slowing economy and the rise of AI, which automates entry-level jobs. Experts warn that the trend of graduate unemployment is worsening, with over 15m jobseekers potentially in the market this year.

The Guardian

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.

Online

Advertise

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe