Latest news with #PrivateSector
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Hijri New Year: UAE announces paid holiday for private sector employees
Private sector employees in the UAE will get Friday, June 27, as a paid holiday for Islamic New Year, marking the beginning of the Hijri year 1447 AH. Some employees who get Saturday as a weekend along with Sunday will enjoy a long weekend from June 27 to June 29, making it a 3-day weekend for them. Regular working hours are expected to resume on Monday, June 30. Public sector employees will also get similar days of holidays. A unified holiday policy implemented in the UAE for public and private sector workers ensures all employees get equal breaks throughout the year. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) announcement applies to all private sector employees in the country. The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar is based on lunar months, and the New Year begins on the first day of Muharram, the calendar's first month. The date was confirmed in line with the approved list of official holidays for 2025, issued by the UAE Cabinet.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE asks private sector firms to meet semi-annual Emiratisation targets by end of june
DUBAI: The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE) has renewed its call to private sector companies employing 50 or more workers to expedite meeting their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2025 before the end of June. This is to avoid financial contributions that will be imposed in July on companies that fail to meet the required targets. The targets include achieving a 1% growth in the number of Emiratis employed in skilled positions relative to the total skilled workforce at the company, while maintaining previous Emiratisation rates. MoHRE has urged Emirati citizens to report any violations and negative practices that contradict the country's Emiratisation policies by contacting the call centre on 600590000 or through the Ministry's smart app and official website. It reaffirmed its confidence in both private sector companies and job-seeking nationals' awareness of the strategic and national benefits, as well as the positive impact of Emiratisation on enhancing the competitiveness of the country's work environment and supporting its economic growth. The Ministry also underlined its ongoing support for compliant companies through the benefits provided by the Nafis programme, and the additional advantages it offers to companies achieving exceptional Emiratisation by granting them membership in the Tawteen Partners Club, which entitles them to financial discounts of up to 80% on the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation's service fees, and prioritising them in the government procurement system, thereby boosting their business growth opportunities. MoHRE highlighted the significant support provided by the Nafis platform in facilitating companies to fulfil their obligations, adding that the platform has a rich pool of qualified Emirati talents. It praised the private sector's engagement with Emiratisation policies and the companies' commitment to meeting the required targets, which has positively reflected on the national mandate, achieving unprecedented results. By the end of May, over 141,000 Emiratis were employed across 28,000 private sector companies.
Hospitality Net
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Kenya's Travel & Tourism Sector Set to Inject a Record KSh1.2TN in 2025
London, UK - Research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector is set to contribute a record KSh1.2TN to the economy this year, a record 24% above 2019 levels and equivalent to more than 7% of national GDP. Employment and domestic spending is also expected to reach new heights. The sector is also expected to support 1.7MN jobs in 2025 – maintaining over 8% of total national employment, playing a key role in the country's future, representing nearly one in every 12 jobs in the country. Visitor spending projections show a healthy rise across the board with domestic visitor spending set to reach a new record at just under KSh560BN. International visitor spending is forecast to hit over KSh300BN, up 31% from 2019, and edging closer to surpassing its previous peak of 2011. These record-breaking forecasts reflect a strong rebound for Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector and a growing appetite among travellers to experience the country's coastlines, safari parks, mountains, and vibrant urban centres. The growth reflects Kenya's expanding appeal on the global travel map, underpinned by its natural beauty, cultural heritage, wildlife experiences, and improving infrastructure. Kenya is on track for an exceptional year in Travel & Tourism. This projected growth in GDP, jobs, and visitor spending is a testament to the country's enduring appeal and to the work done by both government and private sector partners. Kenya has everything today's traveller is looking for. Nature, culture, authenticity, and hospitality, and WTTC sees it playing a key leadership role in Africa's tourism future. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO Looking Ahead to 2035 WTTC projects that by 2035, Travel & Tourism will contribute KSh1.8TN to Kenya's economy, supporting over 2.2MN jobs. That's 500,000 new jobs expected over the next decade – reinforcing the sector's role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth. International visitor spending is forecast to reach KSh409BN, with domestic visitor spending expected to reach KSh821BN. Reflecting on 2024 In 2024, Kenya's Travel & Tourism sector contributed KSh1.2TN to the national economy, a 10% year-on-year increase, and supported 1.7MN jobs across the country. International visitor spending reached KSh288BN, while domestic visitor spending totalled KSh528BN, reflecting a strong rebound in both international arrivals and local travel demand. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. WTTC Press Office WTTC View source
Gizmodo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
With Jared Isaacman Out, Is NASA in Deeper Trouble?
In a surprise move, President Donald Trump withdrew his nomination of Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. The private astronaut's prospective role as NASA administrator was seen by the space community as a welcomed change to the agency during a critical time, with looming budget cuts and several of its missions on the chopping block. With Isaacman out, it could signal dark times for NASA. The White House announced the decision on Saturday, stating that 'it's essential that the next leader of NASA is in complete alignment with President Trump's America First agenda,' spokesperson Liz Huston is quoted in Space Insider as saying. Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator was approved by a Senate committee in late April and was headed to a confirmation vote this week. Trump's withdrawal of Isaacman's nomination comes at a time of uncertainty regarding the administration's stance on NASA's ongoing programs, including its long-anticipated return to the Moon. It also squashes hope of Isaacman leading NASA toward a brighter future, one that better aligns the agency with the private sector and adds a fresh perspective to its outdated methods. Trump's change of heart is reportedly attributed to donations Isaacman had made to Democrats in the past, with the president citing 'a thorough review of prior associations,' on Truth Social as the reason behind him withdrawing the nomination, according to The New York Times. Although he wasn't a frequent political donor, Isaacman did donate to former Senator Bob Casey and to the California Democratic Party, as well as Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former astronaut. Trump's decision was also reportedly influenced by SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk's supposed departure from the government. Musk had lobbied for Isaacman's nomination, with the tech entrepreneur and pilot having flown to space twice on private missions operated by SpaceX. Isaacman was clearly a fan of the private space sector and a close ally of Musk. With Isaacman out, the person next in line for the position will likely be more aligned with the current administration. 'I will soon announce a new Nominee who will be Mission aligned, and put America First in Space,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. Although there hasn't been an official announcement yet, two sources told Ars Technica that the new nominee will likely be former U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Steven Kwast. The retired commander is more geared toward using space for military operations and less likely to favor NASA's science missions, according to Ars Technica. Trump wants to build a $175 billion Golden Dome defense system, a space-based weapon system designed to be a layered shield of defense over the U.S. As NASA awaits a new nominee, the agency is also facing monstrous budget cuts that threaten some of its major missions like Mars Sample Return. Earlier in May, the U.S. administration released a so-called skinny budget, which included the funding for NASA in the year 2026. The budget proposes a $6 billion cut to the agency, 24% less than NASA's current $24.8 billion budget for 2025. The proposed budget highlights the 'objectives of returning to the Moon before China and putting a man on Mars.' It would, however, phase out NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and its Orion capsule, replacing them with commercial substitutes for the agency's upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon. The proposed budget would also terminate the agency's Lunar Gateway, an in-the-works space station that would be the first to orbit the Moon, and axe NASA's Mars Sample Return in an effort to 'terminate unaffordable missions.' In response to reports of budget cuts at NASA prior to the release of the skinny budget, Isaacman wrote on X, 'I'm a humble nominee on the outside, hoping for a chance to contribute. I don't know anything about those supposed cuts, but the President said he's targeting fraud, waste & abuse w/ a scalpel—not a hatchet.' It's not clear what his stance was after the proposed budget was released, but Isaacman is well-liked in the space community and is generally seen as a proponent of space exploration. At the time of his nomination, several experts told Gizmodo that Isaacman may just be what the agency needs to reinvent itself during this transitional time. Without Isaacman, things are looking bleak for NASA. 'NASA is fucked,' a leading official told Ars Technica on condition of anonymity.
Arab News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia launches advanced manufacturing center to boost industrial innovation
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has launched the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center, a key initiative aimed at accelerating the Kingdom's industrial transformation through the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Unveiled on May 28, the center is set to play a central role in promoting efficiency, flexibility, and growth within the manufacturing sector. It will utilize technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution to localize production and enhance Saudi Arabia's competitiveness on the global stage. The initiative also supports strategic industries while aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the country's long-term plan to diversify its economy. A major focus is encouraging private sector collaboration to speed up the integration of emerging technologies into industrial operations. The launch supports the National Industrial Strategy, introduced in October 2022, which aims to increase the number of factories in the Kingdom to approximately 36,000 by 2035. The strategy is designed to attract investment, scale up local production, and strengthen non-oil exports. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources is overseeing several projects to advance the Kingdom's industrial and logistical infrastructure, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in global manufacturing and trade. 'Adopting the latest industrial technologies raises the efficiency of our industrial sector and enhances its competitiveness regionally and globally,' said Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, deputy minister of industry and mineral resources for industrial affairs, in a post shared by the ministry on X. In an accompanying video, the ministry reiterated the center's significance in meeting national goals: 'The Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center opens doors to industrial investment opportunities and stimulates the sector to adopt new manufacturing technologies within industrial facilities.' The center is supported by several initiatives and programs, including the Future Factories Program, which aims to modernize 4,000 factories across the Kingdom. The FFP focuses on integrating advanced manufacturing systems to boost efficiency and build more resilient supply chains—particularly in critical sectors such as food and petrochemicals. According to its official website, the center serves as a hub for industrial innovation, providing consultancy services, training, and technological solutions. It is dedicated to fostering sustainability and competitiveness across the manufacturing sector. Through these efforts, the center is expected to significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals by localizing high-tech capabilities, attracting investment, and advancing the industrial sector's role in the nation's economic diversification.
