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Middle East Edition
28th August 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

Tech giants urge global response to AI cybersecurity threats

More than 100 companies, including tech giants Google, Microsoft, Anthropic and OpenAI, have signed an open letter urging a global effort to strengthen AI-powered cybersecurity threats. "We have a limited window to strengthen cyber defences," the letter reads. "In the coming months, AI-enabled cyber attacks will become far more widespread and sophisticated as models around the world become increasingly capable." The companies call on national governments to provide "capable, defensive AI" and testing to hospitals and water utilities, and on technology companies to aid such efforts. Collectively, tech firms and government "should bring the full weight of their technology, resources, and expertise to this effort," the letter says.
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WORKPLACE

Junior staff ‘lose interpersonal skills’ by working from home

Consulting executives want junior staff in the office more frequently to develop key interpersonal skills, arguing human competencies are increasingly valuable as AI takes over their technical work. EY is encouraging junior employees to return to the office but has made no formal changes to remote work policies. Sayeh Ghanbari, EY's UK head of consulting, told the FT: "This change we've seen in the last few years where people have set up their lives to be at home a lot is just not the route to success in the world of AI." KPMG UK's head of advisory Callum Licence agreed, saying learning softer skills directly from others is now "more important than ever." Licence added: "While the benefits of AI will enable more efficient working and a different kind of role over the long term, the human benefits of connectivity and interaction will always remain."
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Emirati Women's Forum 2026 opens in Dubai

The Emirati Women's Forum 2026 has opened in Dubai, led by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as the UAE celebrated Emirati Women's Day. The event, organised by the Dubai Women Establishment, gathered officials, experts, and business leaders to discuss the role of Emirati women in national development. This year's theme, "We Emerge Stronger and Better," reflects the evolving ambitions of Emirati women. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed praised the leadership's support for women, emphasising the need for continued investment in women leaders to foster future growth. Approximately 2,000 attendees participated in discussions and workshops.
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STRATEGY

Riyadh launches Digital District to become a top 10 global tech hub

Riyadh has launched the Riyadh Digital District with the aim of establishing the capital as a global technology hub. The initiative seeks to attract international tech talent and companies, focusing on six key areas: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and robotics. The district will provide incentives for digital companies and startups, fostering a robust digital economy. Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, chief executive of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said the initiative is indicative of the leadership's commitment to advancing Riyadh's global position in technology and innovation.
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FLEXIBLE WORKING

Ajman announces flexible work timings for government staff

Government employees in Ajman who are parents have been given permission to arrive late or leave early on the first day of, or throughout the first week, of the academic year 2026/27. Ajman's government human resources department said that these workers will be given leeway of up to three hours per day to enable them to drop off or pick up their children.
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INTERNATIONAL

French flight attendant in landmark breast cancer ruling

Sophie Lainault, a former flight attendant for Air France, has successfully had her breast cancer recognised as an occupational disease, marking a first for France's aviation sector. The ruling, made by a court in Bayonne, acknowledged her exposure to night work and passive smoking during her 30-year career. Some studies have suggested that women who regularly work night shifts may face a higher risk of developing cancer; smoking was permitted on Air France flights until 2000. Lainault, who is now in remission, expressed hope that her victory would inspire other women facing similar challenges. Breast cancer is not officially listed as an occupational disease in France.

Deloitte to pay $21.5m to settle US government probe over DEI

Deloitte is to pay $21.5m ‌to settle US Department of Justice claims that it discriminated against employees and job applicants on the basis of race or sex. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said the settlement was another example of how the DOJ was “eliminating woke, unconstitutional practices from American workplaces,” adding: “Merit drives opportunity and promotion. Not someone’s sex or race.” The department said that business units within the audit giant received monthly summaries tracking "demographic goals" and alleged ‌that ⁠Deloitte's Partners, Principals and Managing Directors were evaluated, in part, based on their contributions to helping the firm achieve its workforce composition goals. In a statement, Deloitte said it was pleased to have resolved the matter “to avoid the cost and distraction of protracted litigation.”

Professor's gig work comment sparks anger in China

The term "flexible employment" has gone viral in China after Zhang Dandan, a prominent economics professor and deputy dean at Peking University's National School of Development, described gig work as a form of "welfare." Zhang argued that while regular employees trade schedule flexibility for pensions and other benefits, flexible workers enjoy greater control over their time at the cost of weaker social protections. Her comments have sparked widespread anger, although some on social media observed that Zhang's academic career has included advocacy for gig workers' rights.

HRtech company Phenom to expand India operations

Phenom, a global Applied AI company for human resources, plans to expand its operations in India, creating over 2,000 jobs. Chief executive Mahe Bayireddi said that India's technology talent is vital for the future of work. The company aims to shift from AI experiments to measurable transformations, focusing on automation and intelligence in workflows. The expansion will be detailed at the IAMPHENOM India 2026 event on December 17, where industry leaders will discuss AI's role in hiring and employee development.
 
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