Human Times
The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
Human Times Logo
Middle East Edition
6th August 2026
 
Industry Slice Icon Logo

THE HOT STORY

Parents become a bigger presence in young adults' careers

Recruiters and hiring managers say parental involvement in the careers of young adults is becoming increasingly common, with some parents contacting employers, applying for jobs on behalf of their children, attending interviews, or even participating in workplace discussions. Human resources professionals say the trend has become far more widespread in recent years, particularly among Gen Z workers, raising concerns that excessive parental involvement signals a lack of independence and self-reliance. While some parents argue they are simply helping their children navigate a difficult job market or providing networking support, employers say direct intervention rarely improves hiring prospects and can instead create a negative impression. A survey by résumé service Zety found that 20% of Gen Z respondents had a parent attend a job interview with them, while HR professionals reported receiving calls from parents about applications, performance reviews, benefits, and even absences. Many employers said they now encourage parents to step back and instead coach their children to communicate directly with managers and recruiters.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

LEGAL

Almost all UAE labour disputes resolved amicably in first half of 2026

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has reported resolving 185,793 labour disputes in the first half of 2026, achieving a 98.6% resolution rate. Only 2,481 disputes, or 1.4%, were taken to court. Ahmed Al Qara, director of the Labour Relations Department, said the Ministry is committed to enhancing dispute resolution efficiency through proactive solutions. The upgraded Wage Protection System has also contributed to reducing disputes by improving employer compliance monitoring. MoHRE encourages employers and employees to use its advisory services for labour complaints.

New Saudi service for foreign worker transfers

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched an electronic service for transferring foreign workers from private sector establishments to individuals. The initiative aims to regulate employment in domestic professions. Applicants must ensure the worker's permit is valid and that the position is classified as domestic. Required documents include a waiver from the previous employer and proof of financial capability. The service aligns with the Wage Protection Program, which promotes wage transparency. An annual fee of SR9,600 applies for each additional domestic worker beyond the permitted limit, with exceptions for humanitarian cases.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

STRATEGY

Oman unveils labour market roadmap

Oman has developed a roadmap to enhance the local labour market, focusing on governance, legislation, and key economic sectors including arts and entertainment. The initiative emerged from the Labour Forum, led by Dr. Mahad Said Ba'Owain, Minister of Labour. The roadmap aims to improve market efficiency and support economic diversification aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The Minister emphasised the arts sector's potential for job creation and economic growth, and has advocated for a robust regulatory framework.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

TECHNOLOGY

Consultants' clients are wary of AI-generated reports

A survey of nearly 3,900 companies by Source Global Research has found widespread scepticism about AI in consulting, with 70% of clients saying they would not trust a report prepared using AI and 32% saying its use would undermine their confidence in a consultancy. Clients with direct experience of AI tools were even more negative, with 77% viewing AI as a bubble compared with 55% of those without such exposure. More than three-quarters of UK consulting firms are using AI to carry out work, according to a survey by the Management Consultancies Association, while the Big Four of Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC have significantly cut back their graduate recruitment schemes as they invest billions in AI technology.

AI-native HR platforms signal shift beyond traditional HCM systems

As companies transition from traditional HR administration to workforce intelligence, AI is becoming central to human capital management (HCM) platforms. Darwinbox recently launched Cortex, an AI-native HCM platform designed to understand organisational context and automate decision-making. Jayant Paleti, co-founder of Darwinbox, said: “Legacy HCM with AI bolted on is still legacy . . . With Cortex, we reimagined the entire HCM experience from the ground up and pushed the boundaries of what AI can do for HR through a series of innovations, including the first Context Graph in the category.”
Industry Slice Icon Logo

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

AI skills 'more valuable than MBA'

According to a PwC survey of over 1,000 financial service executives, 86% believe that AI skills training is more beneficial than an MBA for new hires. The survey highlights that 91% of executives are increasing compensation for employees with AI skills, and 58% are willing to pay a premium for expertise in this area. The findings raise questions about the return on investment for an MBA, which can exceed $250,000. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) notes that "the demand for AI-related skills grew faster than any other capability surveyed this year." As AI continues to reshape the job market, business schools are adapting by expanding AI course offerings. Despite concerns about job losses, many employers, including 35% in a ZipRecruiter survey, expect AI to increase employment in their companies over the next few years.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

CYBERSECURITY

Apple struggles to keep pace with AI ‘bug’ hunters

Apple has introduced limits on the number of software vulnerability reports researchers can submit after a surge in AI-generated security findings overwhelmed its review system. The company said it introduced submission caps and a 30-day cooling-off period in June to manage a rise in low-quality reports, while continuing to use AI internally to help triage submissions. The move follows claims from Italian cyber security start-up Bynario that it identified more than 50 bugs in the latest Mac operating system using OpenAI's ChatGPT in just three weeks, including a critical privilege escalation vulnerability. Bynario said it was initially unable to report all of its findings because of Apple's new submission limits, although Apple has since confirmed it is reviewing the company's reports.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

INTERNATIONAL

US bans imports over alleged rights abuses of Uyghurs

The Trump administration has banned imports from a further 43 Chinese companies over alleged rights abuses of Uyghur and other minority groups. The firms - operative in supply chains ‌from electronics to food and metals - were added to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List. It is the largest single ​expansion of the list since the act creating it was signed into law in 2021, and brings the number of mentioned entities to 187 from 144. "Today's action by the Trump administration strengthens America's economy against products made with slave labour," said Representative John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China.

Survey supports a better deal for PALM workers

A survey of more than 2,000 people has found that more than two-thirds support giving workers on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme the right to change jobs if they are underpaid. About 33,000 temporary migrant workers from the Pacific Islands and East Timor currently live in Australia to fill the local shortage of unskilled and low-skilled labour.  Morgan Harrington, a research manager at the Australia Institute, which carried out the poll, said that although the PALM scheme ensures a minimum wage, businesses working alongside the programme can make deductions, including flights to Australia, visa costs, accommodation, and transportation of workers from their housed residence to the work site. "Once all of those deductions are made, PALM scheme workers can be left with very little in their pocket," Harrington said.

Paris prosecutor investigates alleged bullying in government departments

The Paris state prosecutor has launched a preliminary inquiry into alleged workplace bullying following the attempted suicide of a staff member in a department connected to the French prime minister’s office. A lawyer for the woman who attempted suicide said staff difficulties had been compounded by the recent instability of governments – there have been four prime ministers in two years. Public radio station France Inter reported on Monday that two government workers in different departments had ended their lives in the past year, and two others had attempted suicide. 

Congo's Ebola response hit by worker protests over late pay

Ebola response workers at treatment centres in eastern Congo are protesting as they call for the government to pay salaries ​and allowances that they say are nearly three months overdue. "We are facing an unjust situation that seriously ​jeopardises the continuation of the response effort," the health workers said in a letter to President Felix Tshisekedi. The outbreak has infected 3,802 people and killed 1,707 since it was declared ⁠on ​May 15.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

OTHER

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs drive shoppers back to physical clothing stores

The growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is encouraging consumers to return to physical clothing stores as they seek help finding new sizes and styles after significant weight loss. A recent survey found that more than two-thirds of GLP-1 users are now more likely to shop in-store, rising to 91% among premium shoppers once their weight has stabilised. Retailers are beginning to adapt by reassessing store layouts, sizing ranges and styling services. David's Bridal said customers have been trying on twice as many dresses on average over the past six months, while analysts expect department stores and other retailers to increase investment in fitting rooms and personalised shopping experiences over the next year. The trend could provide a modest boost to bricks-and-mortar retail by slowing the shift to online shopping, with retailers increasingly using AI-powered fitting tools alongside in-person assistance to help customers navigate changing body shapes and clothing sizes.
 
Industry SLice Logo

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.
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

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

Click here to unsubscribe