Human Times
The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
Human Times Logo
Middle East Edition
3rd September 2026
 
Industry Slice Icon Logo

THE HOT STORY

Uber to axe 10% of its workforce

Uber plans to lay off about 10% of its global workforce - around 3,400 employees - as part of a major organisational overhaul. Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of the taxi and delivery firm, told staff that the changes would create a “simpler and faster” business, including by reducing the number of small teams where one or two employees report to a single manager by nearly 50%, and cutting by 20% the number of employees who sit more than seven layers from the chief executive. The move will also reinforce a hybrid work policy which requires three days a week in the office. Analysts said the layoffs could generate up to $2bn in annual savings.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Most Emirati women in Sharjah favour hybrid work

The NAMA Women Advancement Establishment and PwC Middle East have released a report titled Understanding the Perspectives of Emirati Women of Sharjah on the Emirate's Private Sector. The study surveyed 691 Emirati women to identify factors influencing their career decisions. Key findings are that 62% prefer hybrid work, while 76% prioritise working hours and 73% focus on compensation. Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA, emphasised the need for employers to create clearer pathways for career development. The report outlines seven priority areas for employers to enhance retention and progression for Emirati women in the workforce.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

CYBERSECURITY

AI is forcing companies to modernise aging cybersecurity infrastructure

Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora has highlighted the urgent need for companies to modernise their cybersecurity infrastructure to combat AI-driven threats. "Nothing that was deployed seven or 10 years ago is prepared or ready to handle AI at machine speed," Arora said during an interview with CNBC. He said that there is approximately $1 trillion of global cybersecurity debt that needs addressing to defend against automated attacks. Arora identified the emergence of Anthropic's Mythos model earlier this year as a turning point, because it could be easily used to exploit software vulnerabilities. “I've been trying for eight years to tell customers they're not ready, and [Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei] did it in one event, just by launching Mythos,” Arora said.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

TECHNOLOGY

More than nine out of 10 GCC employees use AI, report says

A report from the Boston Consulting Group reveals that 93% of frontline workers in the GCC use AI regularly, surpassing the global average of 74%. Many employees report significant time savings, with 58% claiming AI saves them at least eight hours weekly. The report indicates that 60% of frontline workers believe AI could handle half their job tasks within three years. Despite these advancements, only 28% express concern about job loss to AI. Robert Xu, Managing Director at BCG, emphasises the importance of integrating AI into daily work and investing in employee training to maximise benefits.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

HIRING

UAE launches digital work permit service for overseas recruitment

The UAE has introduced a fully digital work permit service for employers wishing to recruit overseas workers. The initiative from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) aims to streamline hiring processes and enhance efficiency in employment procedures. Employers can now complete applications electronically, submitting necessary documents through digital channels. The service aligns with UAE labour regulations and supports the government's broader goal of digitising services. Employers are responsible for recruitment costs and other fees as per MoHRE guidelines. "This service simplifies employment procedures," the ministry said.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Ericsson, Mobily launch skills programme for Saudi youth

Ericsson is partnering with Saudi telecom group Mobily to launch a skills development programme for Saudi youth. The initiative aims to enhance digital, professional, and leadership skills while providing insights into career opportunities in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. The programme includes interactive learning sessions, mentoring, and career guidance. Mohammed Al Shammari, Chief Human Resource Officer at Mobily, said: "Building a sustainable digital future starts with investing in promising national talent." Håkan Cervell, President of Ericsson Saudi Arabia, noted the importance of practical learning and digital inclusion for youth development.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

INTERNATIONAL

Trump backs federal tax incentive to boost US film and television production

President Donald Trump has called on Congress to move quickly to establish a federal production incentive for film and television, backing a bipartisan effort intended to counter the movement of entertainment work to countries including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. A bipartisan group of House members could introduce legislation as soon as September, with Mr. Trump endorsing the initiative being developed by actor Jon Voight and entertainment industry leaders. The proposal has also received support from the Motion Picture Association, entertainment unions, and lawmakers including Rep. Laura Friedman (D-CA) and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who argue that a national incentive could make the US more competitive for productions and support domestic jobs. Many states already provide their own incentives, including California, which increased its program to $750m annually last year, but industry advocates are seeking a federal measure to address competition from overseas.

Japan eases overtime rules

Japan has relaxed its overtime regulations in an effort to address labour shortages and enhance business flexibility. Around 40% of employers in Japan are operating under specific labour-management agreements that legally allow monthly overtime of up to 100 hours. Those businesses were however advised by authorities to cap overtime at 45 hours each month; now, labour standards inspection offices will no longer pressure companies that are over the 45-hour limit. The labour ministry said it would "continue to provide the necessary guidance if there is a high risk that health problems caused by excessive work may arise."

Swiss Life to cut up to 600 jobs

Insurer Swiss Life plans to cut ‌up to 600 roles by the end of 2028 to improve efficiency, even as it reported a 3% rise in half-year premiums to 12.3 billion Swiss francs and announced a 250 million Swiss franc share buyback. Around ​half of the job cuts will happen at the ⁠Swiss insurance business; the other half will come from the ​asset management unit mainly overseas. "We want to sustainably expand our business beyond 2027. This entails strengthening our position and our efficiency – also by ​leveraging the advancing digitalisation – to enable us to quickly capture ​further market opportunities in a focused manner," CEO Matthias Aellig said.

Nearly 10,000 New Zealand public servants to strike

Nearly 10,000 public servants in New Zealand plan to take strike action for several hours on Wednesday next week ​after negotiations over pay and working conditions failed ‌to produce an agreement. The proposed strike will involve workers at the Department of Internal Affairs, ​National Emergency Management Agency, Ministry for Ethnic ​Communities, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and ⁠Ministry of Social Development, the Public Service Association (PSA) ​said. “These public servants are facing pay offers well below inflation while working amid the devastating consequences of the government’s public service cuts,” said PSA national secretary Duane Leo. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said instead of striking, public servants should “get around the negotiating table and negotiate.”
 
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