THE HOT STORY

Men 'more likely than women to use job offers for pay rises'

A study suggests that men are more likely than women to use outside job opportunities as leverage to negotiate higher pay in their existing ‌jobs. The research by the Rockwool Foundation Berlin estimates that renegotiation accounts for around half ⁠of the gender pay gap and suggests that pay transparency alone may not close persistent gender pay gaps. The ‌study seen by Reuters ⁠found that outside job opportunities raise men's wages in their existing jobs, but women in the same situation see no comparable gains, even though they are just ⁠as likely as men to change employer.

Reuters

WORKFORCE

UAE private sector employment of Emiratis surpasses 190,000

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has reported that over 190,000 Emirati citizens are now employed in the private sector, with more than 32,000 companies participating in the Emiratisation programme. The ministry noted that 95% of these establishments met their targets in the first half of 2026. Thr growth stems from partnerships and development programmes aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for citizens.

Emirates24

WORKPLACE

Employees are scheduling fake meetings to make time for real work

Workers admit scheduling fake meetings to make time to complete essential tasks or build their network as they seek to escape the relentless cycle of calls and catch-ups.

Financial Times

REMOTE WORKING

Narcissistic leaders 'more likely to oppose remote work'

Research from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania suggests that leaders with narcissistic traits are more resistant to remote work. The study examined CEO behaviour, public comments, and personality surveys, finding that narcissism correlates with a desire for power and control, which in-person work facilitates. Sylvia Fuller, a sociology professor, noted that leaders may have personal motivations for wanting employees back in the office. While some argue for collaboration, the study suggests that the push for in-office work is often self-centred, rather than productivity-driven.

Yahoo News Australia

ECONOMY

Qatar's startups soar with state support

Qatar's startup ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, driven by state investment and a robust research base, according to the Qatar Startup Ecosystem Study. The report, titled "A Roadmap for Qatar's Ecosystem Acceleration," highlights a strategic plan to enhance the startup landscape in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. The ecosystem's value reached $702m, with early-stage funding at $61m, primarily in fintech and AI. The study noted a shift in local attitudes towards entrepreneurship, with local intentions rising from 47.4% to 60.8%. Regulatory changes and support networks are fostering this growth, despite a small domestic market.

Gulf Times

LEADERSHIP

AICPA and CIMA appoint Nassima Kaddache to lead MESANA region

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, representing AICPA and CIMA, has appointed Nassima Kaddache as director for the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa (MESANA) region. Based in Dubai, she will oversee the association's strategy, growth, and member engagement across the Gulf Cooperation Council, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, while representing the organisation in senior stakeholder forums. Kaddache, who joined the association in 2013, has held a series of leadership roles spanning student recruitment, membership growth, employer engagement, and academic partnerships. Her appointment comes as the Gulf region continues to diversify its economies and demand for internationally qualified accounting and finance professionals increases.

The Accountant Online

CORPORATE

Apple tops global valuation rankings again

Apple has overtaken Nvidia to become the world's most valuable listed company, with a market capitalisation of $4.88tn versus Nvidia's $4.86tn, as investors broaden their AI bets beyond chipmakers. Analysts said confidence has grown in Apple's ability to monetise artificial intelligence through its services and hardware ecosystem. Apple's recent rise gathered pace after March-quarter results showed strong demand for the iPhone 17 range.

Financial Times

Reuters

Wall Street Journal

INTERNATIONAL

Portugal's migrant rules hit construction firms

Curbs on migrants introduced by Portugal's centre-right coalition government have exacerbated an already acute shortage of workers, undermining efforts to meet demand for affordable housing. "The government has restricted immigration too much and too quickly given the country's needs," said Oscar Afonso, an economics professor at the University of Porto. "It was ⁠a political choice, but immigrants are essential to the economy." The government has said it wants to restrict "uncontrolled inflows" of migrants and ensure dignified conditions for those already living in Portugal.

Reuters

JPMorgan sexual harassment lawsuit dismissed, but refiling is expected

A lawsuit by former JPMorgan Chase banker Chirayu Rana, who in graphic terms said his former supervisor Lorna Hajdini coerced him into sex, has been dismissed at Rana's request by a New York state judge, though it is expected to be refiled in federal court. Rana will pay some legal fees of JPMorgan and Hajdini as a condition of the dismissal, Justice Dakota Ramseur wrote. The dismissal does not affect Hajdini's defamation countersuit against Rana, which remains in the state court in Manhattan.

Reuters

Japanese mayor makes history with maternity leave

Shoko Kawata, the mayor of Yawata, Japan, has made history by becoming the country's first sitting mayor to take maternity leave. Kawata, who is six weeks pregnant, announced her decision in a move that has highlighted the lack of established protocols for mayors regarding maternity leave. "I was very surprised myself to learn that I am the first mayor to (take maternity leave)," Kawata said, as she emphasised the need for societal reform to encourage women in leadership roles to have children. "People talk about gender equality and work-style reform, but we ⁠need to build a society in which people, across all professions, including among those in leadership roles, do not hesitate to have children. Otherwise, I believe continual population decline resulting from falling birth rates, and the resulting economic deterioration are inevitable," Kawata said.

U.S. News

OTHER

Saudi homeownership rises to 66%

Saudi Arabia's homeownership rate increased from 47% in 2016 to 66.24% by 2025, nearing the Vision 2030 target of 70%, according to Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail. He noted that over 25% of families benefited from housing support services between 2018 and 2025. Urban development indicators showed progress, with public space per capita rising from 5.2 to 6.9 square metres. Al-Hogail highlighted the importance of partnerships, stating that Saudi Arabia signed over 56 public-private agreements to enhance infrastructure and services, alongside issuing $9.1bn in green bonds in 2024.

Zawya EN

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