Industry

More in Industry

• Procter & Gamble to slash 7,000 jobs over the next two years

  Procter & Gamble will cut 7,000 jobs, about 15% of its non-manufacturing workforce, over two years as part of a global restructuring plan aimed at countering weak consumer demand and rising costs from tariff-related uncertainty. The move will streamline operations by reducing team sizes, broadening roles, and possibly exiting select markets and product categories. Executives cited growing geopolitical and economic unpredictability, noting that the changes are an acceleration of ongoing efforts to stay competitive in a challenging business environment.

  

• UAE workforce leads the Arab region in AI skills, report find

  UAE employees are leading the Arab world in AI and digital skills, with a 344% surge in Gen AI course enrolments and 13% of the workforce actively upskilling on Coursera, the highest in the region. With 87% of employers prioritising tech skills and 72% reporting skill gaps, the focus is now on developing future-ready talent across AI, cybersecurity, and leadership.

  

• UAE rolls out upgraded work permit system to streamline overseas hiring

  The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has launched an upgraded digital platform to streamline work permit applications for hiring foreign workers. Available via the ministry’s website and mobile app, the AI-supported system simplifies the process through integrated services, faster document verification, and reduced manual steps, especially for mobile users. The move aims to enhance recruitment efficiency and workforce compliance.

  

• Amazon adds over 90,000 jobs in high-unemployment areas across Europe: Report

  Amazon contributed over €41 billion to Europe’s GDP in 2024 and directly employed 150,000 people across the EU, with over 90,000 roles based in high-unemployment regions. Its investments, over €55 billion in European infrastructure and workforce last year, are creating jobs where they’re needed most. In France’s Hauts-de-France region alone, Amazon has added 6,000 jobs, with 94% of locals citing job creation as a key benefit. Looking ahead, major investments in cloud infrastructure across Germany, the UK, and France are set to support thousands more jobs and drive long-term workforce development.

  

• Alight appoints Donna Dorsey as Chief Human Resources Officer

  Donna Dorsey joins Alight as CHRO from International Motors, where she was leading HR initiatives as Executive Vice President and Chief People and Culture Officer. In her new role, she will lead Alight’s global people strategy, focusing on talent development, organisational effectiveness, company culture, and employee experiences and looks forward to creating a workplace where all employees can successfully drive business results.

  

• Oman needs to create 220,000 new jobs by 2032

  Oman needs to create over 220,000 jobs by 2032 to meet workforce demands, says the IMF. With many nationals entering working age, reliance on public sector jobs is no longer sustainable. Private sector roles are mostly filled by expatriates due to wage gaps and skill mismatches. Low female participation and education misalignment add to challenges. The IMF urges stronger vocational training, gender inclusion, and wage reforms to boost national employment in the private sector.

  

• Mohammed Al Ahmari joins Tawazun Planning for Management Consulting as CEO

  Mohammed Al Ahmari’s role as CEO at Tawazun Planning for Management Consulting has been effective since February 2025. In this role, he is committed to reinforcing the company’s focus on talent management, organisational excellence, and workforce readiness, as businesses navigate an evolving economic and operational landscape. Throughout his career, he has led significant HR and organisational change projects that prepare employees for future operational demands.

  

• Nearly 70% of UAE Gen-Z struggle to communicate with older colleagues: Survey

  A recent Korn Ferry study reveals that nearly 70% of Gen-Z employees in the UAE struggle to communicate with older colleagues, highlighting a generational gap driven by Gen-Z’s digital communication style and the lasting mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. While older generations may not see this as an issue, the disconnect creates challenges in workplaces reliant on traditional interaction methods. Gen-Z’s growing workforce presence and openness about mental health are pushing organisations to adapt communication and support strategies to better address these needs.

  

• Sharjah approves 400 new government jobs for Emirati citizens

  Sharjah has approved 400 new government jobs for Emirati citizens, with hiring to begin after Eid al-Adha. Priority will be given to graduates trained under government HR programmes. Additionally, AED 55.8 million has been allocated to Sharjah’s job seeker training initiative, which currently supports 1,520 participants and runs through the end of 2025. The move reflects Sharjah’s continued focus on national workforce development and strategic Emiratisation.

  

• HSBC appoints Helen Freemantle as Head of People Solutions & Advice for the Americas, Europe, and UK

  Helen Freemantle, with over eight years of experience in the company, now steps into the role of Head of People Solutions & Advice for the Americas, Europe, and UK at HSBC. Her extensive background in employment law and employee relations positions her to influence the company’s evolving workforce strategies as the bank navigates complex organisational changes.

  

• LinkedIn cuts 281 jobs in California

  LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, has laid off 281 employees in California, aligning with a broader wave of tech sector downsising tied to restructuring. The job cuts at LinkedIn, alongside recent reductions at Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Apple, highlight the continued workforce challenges tech giants face as they adjust to shifting market demands.