From UAE petrol prices and Saudi credit card reforms to real estate trends, remote work policies, and Ramadan 2026 dates — here are the top developments shaping life, business, and investment in the Gulf this week
work-life balance
Latest in work-life balance
Ajman
Ajman reduces work hours and launches remote work Fridays from July1
Ajman Government rolls out summer remote work policy to boost employee well-being and sustainability
financial planning
UAE jobs: Why are Gen Z employees ‘micro-retiring’? The TikTok work trend explained
What is micro-retirement? And why is Gen Z embracing it? UAE career experts weigh in
Career advancement
Role models, mentors and sponsors: May we have them, may we be them
Role models and other senior leaders become mentors when they are prepared to give their time to you
work-life balance
UAE and Saudi workers optimistic despite pressure to maintain work-life balance
UAE workers are optimistic despite professional pressures according to research report
Arab entrepreneurs
Entrepreneur vs employee: As half of workers in the Middle East consider setting up own business, survey reveals challenges for startups
Entrepreneurship in the Middle East a popular option with 46 per cent of employed people eager to own a business
DIFC
Dubai jobs: Remote-working, on-the-job training, flexibility and purpose attract best staff
Dubai International Financial Centre study identifies key trends to attract and retain staff
Balancing Parenthood and Career
Businesses that take parenthood seriously will win the war for talent
Progressive organisations that embrace and support parenthood are not only fostering a more inclusive workplace but also gain a distinct advantage
anxiety
UAE travellers have ‘fear of switching off’ on holiday and check phone every 30minutes
Holidaymakers from the UAE struggle to switch off while travelling
Artificial intelligence
More than 50% of workers ‘more productive’ since Covid-19, report says
The report surveyed over 18,000 desk workers across nine countries, spanning industries and hierarchical levels
happiness
UAE expats among happiest in the world: Report
The UAE’s easy visa policies, career opportunities and high standards of living help maintain its global position as an expat favourite
360 Strategic Communications
Wellbeing at work is a pandemic legacy that’s here to stay
Social purpose and personal wellbeing represent pandemic legacies that are marking a new era of employee engagement and the future of work
Abu Dhabi
UAE jobs: Nearly 70% of workers want more pay, better work-life balance
UAE workers also prioritise retirement, insurance benefits and a relationship with their superior
management consultancy
UAE workers burnt out, emotionally drained and need support
UAE companies that support work-life balance will reap rewards from content staff says Qualtrics research
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
Saudi Arabia considers 3-day weekend: reports
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is considering a three-day weekend
hybrid work model
UAE identifies 6 key work patterns
UAE ministry defines work patterns, including full-time, part-time, flexible and temporary
Dubai Schools
UAE traffic fines; Dubai holidays revealed; Pakistan travel warning; Emirates ID change; Ramadan work hours – 10 things you missed this week
UAE traffic fines, Dubai holidays revealed, Emirates ID changes, a Pakistan travel warning, Ramadan work hours and more of the biggest stories of the week
