The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the implementation of the Midday Break, which prohibits work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12:30pm and 3:00pm, from June 15 to September 15, 2025.

Read-Dubai Introduces new resolution to regulate free zone operations

Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Midday Break reflects the UAE’s sustainability-driven approach and commitment to providing a safe working environment. It aligns with international best practices and occupational health and safety standards, protecting workers from injuries and illnesses caused by high summer temperatures, a WAM report said.

“The Midday Break has achieved a record compliance rate of over 99 per cent for several years in a row, clearly reflecting the deeply rooted social and humanitarian values within the UAE’s business community. It also demonstrates high awareness of the importance of protecting human capital—the most valuable resource in any company—and underscores the people-centred labour practices embraced in the UAE,” Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection & Compliance at MoHRE said.

Al Nassi emphasised the ministry’s commitment to raising awareness among employers and workers through field visits to worksites and labour accommodations. These efforts help promote occupational health and safety and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

“The Midday Break has become a leading example of successful partnerships between MoHRE, the private sector, and the wider community. Many partners have launched their own initiatives to support workers during the Midday Break,” Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at MoHRE, added.

She continued, “This initiative reinforces social responsibility and supports the success of our awareness strategies, further embedding humanitarian values into the UAE’s work culture, which welcomes over 200 nationalities to live, work, and invest in line with the goals of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.”

Rest areas

Alshehhi praised private sector companies that have proactively established fully equipped rest areas to ensure workers’ comfort during the Midday Break. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to workers’ wellbeing and help boost productivity.

She encouraged all private sector entities to implement similar measures, citing their positive impact on both health and efficiency.

Under the Midday Break rules, companies must provide essential supplies and arrangements, including shaded areas, cooling equipment such as fans, sufficient drinking water, hydration supplements approved by local authorities, and necessary first-aid supplies at worksites.

Exemptions

The regulations allow for exemptions where continuous work is required for public interest or technical reasons. These include activities like asphalt laying or concrete pouring that cannot be delayed, as well as urgent repair work affecting public utilities, traffic, or essential services.

Work requiring permits from government authorities, due to its impact on public life and mobility, is also exempt.

MoHRE monitors company compliance with the Midday Break via its inspection systems throughout the summer period.

The ministry also encourages the public to report violations through its call centre (600590000), website, or smart app.

Violating companies will be fined Dhs5,000 per worker per breach, with a cap of Dhs50,000 if multiple violations are recorded.

MoHRE will intensify awareness campaigns and field inspections—coordinating with both public and private sector partners—to ensure compliance with the Midday Break regulations.

Cyber security firm Kaspersky has released its Q1 2025 cybersecurity outlook for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (META), revealing a fast-evolving threat landscape driven by AI innovations, ransomware-as-a-service models and low-cost attacks.

The report shows that Türkiye and Kenya recorded the highest share of users impacted by web-based threats (26.1 per cent and 20.1 per cent respectively), while the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan reported the lowest levels of web-borne attacks in the region.

Key threat: Ransomware

Ransomware remains one of the most dangerous threats facing businesses in 2025, particularly in digitally advanced markets in the Middle East. The region has seen an increase in ransomware victims due to “rapid digital transformation, expanding attack surfaces and varying levels of cybersecurity maturity.”

Kaspersky highlights the rise of FunkSec, a new ransomware group that “quickly gained notoriety by surpassing established groups like Cl0p and RansomHub.” FunkSec operates using a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model and adopts “double extortion tactics combining data encryption with exfiltration,” while relying heavily on “AI-generated code, complete with flawless comments, likely produced by large language models (LLMs) to enhance development and evade detection.”

Unlike most ransomware groups, FunkSec uses a high-volume, low-ransom strategy, making its attacks more accessible and scalable.

Emerging trends

Kaspersky warns that ransomware actors are becoming more creative and stealthy. “Ransomware is expected to evolve by exploiting unconventional vulnerabilities,” the report notes, citing the Akira gang, which used a webcam to bypass endpoint detection systems and infiltrate networks.

Attackers are now targeting “overlooked entry points like IoT devices, smart appliances or misconfigured hardware in the workplace,” taking advantage of the broader attack surface created by increasingly interconnected environments.

The rise of generative AI and development tools such as RPA and LowCode is also enabling less-skilled threat actors. “LLMs marketed on the dark web lower the technical barrier to creating malicious code, phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks,” Kaspersky noted. These tools also allow attackers to “automate ransomware deployment,” making threats both scalable and harder to trace.

Kaspersky is monitoring 25 active advanced persistent threat (APT) groups in the META region, including SideWinder, Origami Elephant, and MuddyWater. These groups are showing “a growing use of creative exploits targeting mobile devices, along with ongoing advancements in techniques designed to evade detection.”

Recommendations for organisations

In a statement, Sergey Lozhkin, head of META and APAC regions in Kaspersky’s global research and analysis team, warned: “Ransomware is one of the most pressing cybersecurity threats facing organizations today, with attackers targeting businesses of all sizes and across every region, including META.”

He added that criminals are “exploiting overlooked entry points — including IoT devices, smart appliances, and misconfigured or outdated workplace hardware,” and that these “often go unmonitored, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.”

To counter these risks, Kaspersky advises companies to:

• Always keep software updated on all the devices you use.
• Focus your defense strategy on detecting lateral movements and data exfiltration.
• Set up offline backups that intruders cannot tamper with.
• Provide your SOC team with access to the latest threat intelligence and regularly upskill them.
• Use Kaspersky Next, a security platform that offers “real-time protection, threat

Read: A practical guide to setting up successful AI project

Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) has announced the completion of a $5bn issuance of bonds across three tranches under its Global Medium Term Note Program.

Read-Saudi Aramco considers asset sales to free up funds, sources say

According to Aramco, the tranches include $1.5bn in senior notes maturing in 2030 with a coupon rate of 4.7 per cent, $1.25bn in senior notes maturing in 2035 with a coupon rate of 5.3 per cent, and $2.25bn in senior notes maturing in 2055 with a coupon rate of 6.3 per cent.

The transaction was priced on May 27, 2025, and the notes were listed on the London Stock Exchange, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

“The strong demand for our new bond offering, as reflected in the diversified orderbook, is a testament to global investors’ confidence in Aramco’s financial resilience and robust balance sheet. Pricing the offering with no new issuance premium across all tranches clearly reflects Aramco’s unique long-term credit proposition. We remain committed to our disciplined approach towards capital management as we continue to execute our growth strategy,” Aramco’s Executive Vice President of Finance and CFO Ziad Al Murshed stated.

Saudi Arabia, often called the Heart of Arabia, is rolling out a summer calendar filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences for travelers and residents alike.

From vibrant coastal festivals and cool mountain escapes to world-class esports and desert stargazing, Saudi’s 2025 summer season is where ancient culture meets modern entertainment. Expect breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and a growing spirit of exploration.

Read-Trump’s Saudi Arabia visit unlocks $600bn in investment deals

Here are five standout events that will help you enjoy Saudi Arabia like no other:

1-Level Up: Esports World Cup 2025, Riyadh

This summer, gaming takes center stage as Riyadh hosts the Esports World Cup 2025 from July 7 to August 24 at Boulevard Riyadh City.

With more than 2,000 elite players, 25+ global titles, and a record-breaking $70 million prize pool, this is set to be the biggest esports event in the world.

Beyond the tournaments, visitors can enjoy interactive gaming zones, meet-and-greets with top players, themed pop-ups, and all-day family activities. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a casual fan, this event offers thrills for everyone.

2-Coastal vibes at Jeddah Season

Jeddah Season is bringing coastal culture to life with events spanning from the chic Jeddah Yacht Club to immersive experiences at City Walk and the historic district of Al Balad.

Don’t miss these highlights:

• Forest Wonder (July 9 – August 22): A nature-inspired experience blending eco-themes with interactive storytelling.
• Circus 1903 (June 7 – 11): A vintage circus spectacular featuring lifelike elephant puppets, acrobats, and nostalgic charm.
• West Coast Festival (July 1 – September 24): Beachside entertainment with local food, music, and laid-back vibes.
• Jeddah Shopping Festival (July 1 – August 31): Exclusive product launches and unbeatable shopping deals across the city.

Jeddah’s summer blends seaside relaxation with a cultural twist.

3-Breathe easy in Aseer season

For those looking to beat the heat, Aseer—perched at 3,000 meters above sea level—offers cool temperatures, misty mountains, and vibrant festivals.

This year’s must-see attractions include:

• Art Street in Abha and Al Muftaha Village: A celebration of local art and design.
• Al Qatt Al Aseeri Workshops: Held at the Fatima Museum in Rijal Alma, these workshops teach a UNESCO-recognized traditional art form.
• Al Habala Park and Sky Village: Enjoy ziplining, hiking trails, and cafes with panoramic views.
• Rijal Alma: A historic village rich in culture and photo opportunities.

Whether you’re a culture buff or nature lover, Aseer offers a refreshing retreat.

4-Luxury meets nature on the Saudi Red Sea

Paradise awaits on the Saudi Red Sea, a destination redefining luxury with untouched islands and high-end eco-resorts.

Top experiences include:

• Shebara Resort: Stay in futuristic, orb-like villas, enjoy moonlit spa treatments, and spot native wildlife.
• Desert Rock: A dramatic resort carved into sandstone cliffs offering adrenaline-filled excursions.
• Water Adventures: Try sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, or diving in pristine coral reefs across 90+ islands.

This is the Red Sea like you’ve never seen it before—equal parts serenity and adventure.

5-Taif: Offering a summer of scents, culture, and natural wonders

Up in the mountains, Taif offers a summer escape infused with floral scents, heritage, and natural beauty.

Key attractions this season:

• Rose Product Factories: See how Taif’s famous roses are transformed into perfumes, oils, and waters.
• Kaaki Palace: A blend of Roman and Hijazi architecture, perfect for history lovers and Instagram moments.
• Arruddaf Park: Enjoy live music, fountain shows, and family-friendly green space under the stars.
• Wahba Crater: A short drive away, this 3,000-meter-wide volcanic crater promises unforgettable views and adventure.

Taif offers a multi-sensory journey where culture, nature, and relaxation meet.

Summer like no other

Whether you’re chasing mountain mist, diving into coral waters, or dancing under desert skies, Saudi Arabia’s summer of 2025 is set to be vibrant, immersive, and unforgettable.

In preparation for the Hajj season of 1446 AH, Saudi authorities have rolled out a series of innovative services and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving safety, comfort, and convenience for millions of pilgrims expected to perform the annual pilgrimage.

Read-Hajj 2025 preparation: The 15 major steps Saudi has taken

From advanced cooling technologies at the Grand Mosque to AI-powered smart tents and streamlined logistics, Saudi is combining tradition with innovation to ensure a spiritually enriching and smooth experience for all.

World’s largest cooling system activated at Grand Mosque

To maintain a comfortable environment amid high summer temperatures, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has activated the world’s largest cooling system, boasting a total capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tons.

The system will serve the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al Haram), ensuring optimal conditions for pilgrims during the physically demanding rituals of Hajj, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

The cooling infrastructure is supported by two main stations: the Shamiya Station with a capacity of 120,000 tons, and the Ajyad Station with 35,000 tons. These stations regulate indoor temperatures to a pleasant range between 22°C and 24°C, aided by air purification systems that eliminate 95 per cent of airborne impurities.

Smart tents and IoT solutions enhance safety and service delivery

In a significant technological leap, stc Group has deployed Internet of Things (IoT) systems and Smart Tents to enhance safety, monitoring, and response times during Hajj. The Smart Tents are fitted with sensors and cameras that track environmental metrics such as temperature, humidity, and smoke, offering real-time insight into internal and external conditions.

These systems can detect emerging issues and automatically relay alerts to relevant authorities. With access to live data, authorities can respond rapidly to medical, security, or logistical needs, ensuring both safety and efficient crowd management.

‘Hajj Without Luggage’ service simplifies pilgrimage travel

To reduce the physical burden on pilgrims, Saudi Post (SPL) has introduced the “Hajj Without Luggage” service. This initiative allows for the seamless transfer of luggage from a pilgrim’s home or local SPL branch directly to their accommodation at the holy sites—or even to destinations outside Saudi Arabia.

The service enhances convenience by removing the need for pilgrims to carry their belongings between sites. After Hajj, luggage can be collected from a pilgrim’s residence and delivered to their registered National Address, with tracking available via the SPL app or website.

Haramain high-speed railway boosts transport efficiency

To meet the high demand for transportation during the pilgrimage season, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is operating hourly trips on the Haramain High Speed Railway between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Makkah. These fast, electric trains reach speeds up to 300 km/h, enabling rapid and efficient transit for arriving pilgrims.

SAR has scheduled more than 4,700 trips for the Hajj period, marking one of the largest operations in the railway’s history and significantly reducing travel time and logistical strain.

Water cooling project in Arafat to serve 140,000 pilgrims per hour

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched a large-scale water supply project at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, aimed at reducing heat stress and ensuring easy access to drinking water. The initiative includes the deployment of 70 cooling units, each capable of producing 1,000 liters of cool water per hour.

These units are integrated with a new water distribution and sewage network, ensuring hygienic and continuous operation. Collectively, they can serve up to 140,000 pilgrims per hour, making it one of the largest hydration efforts undertaken at a single Hajj site.

Interactive map helps pilgrims navigate Grand Mosque services

In another digital upgrade, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has introduced a multi-language interactive map designed to help pilgrims navigate the sprawling Grand Mosque complex.

The map helps locate key services such as Zamzam water stations, lost and found offices, medical facilities, cart distribution points, and centers for assisting lost individuals. It’s part of a wider push to streamline access to resources and simplify rituals for pilgrims of all backgrounds.