The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia has proposed major amendments to the country’s Labor Law and its Executive Regulations, adding a series of new violations and penalties aimed at ensuring fair treatment of workers and stronger compliance from employers.

The ministry made the proposed changes public via the Istitlaa platform, inviting feedback from citizens, businesses, and stakeholders before final adoption. The updated Table of Violations and Penalties marks a significant shift in labor regulation, introducing sector-specific enforcement for the first time in the maritime and agricultural industries, a Saudi Gazette report said.

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“These updates are intended to create a clearer, more consistent framework for enforcing labour rights,” the ministry said in a statement.

“They promote transparency, reduce ambiguity, and reflect the evolving dynamics of the Saudi labor market.”

New sectors, new rules: Maritime and agriculture in focus

Among the most notable changes is the introduction of violations specific to maritime work, with fines ranging between SAR300 and SAR1,000. These cover a range of offenses, including:

• Hiring individuals under the age of 18 on Saudi ships or naval units.
• Ignoring contractual obligations in maritime labor agreements.
• Delayed or missed wage payments to seafarers.
• Interfering with a ship captain’s decision-making regarding crew and vessel safety.
• Failing to provide adequate off-board accommodation for seafarers when needed.

In the agricultural sector, penalties are more substantial, ranging from SAR300 to SAR20,000, depending on the violation. Offenses in this category include:

• Employing workers below the legal age of 21.
• Denying required daily or weekly rest periods.
• Failing to provide legally mandated vacation time.
• Neglecting to offer food, housing, or monetary compensation.
• Engaging in or facilitating forced labor.
• Preventing workers from contacting their families, embassies, or recruitment agents.

These additions reflect the kingdom’s commitment to closing loopholes in labor protections across diverse economic sectors, especially where vulnerable or migrant workers may be at risk.

Existing violations face harsher penalties

The proposed amendments don’t stop at new categories, they also tighten enforcement on existing labor regulations. A clear example is the explicit inclusion of maternity leave violations, where failure to grant leave to eligible women now carries a SAR1,000 fine.

Recruitment firms and labor service providers are also under greater scrutiny. Violations such as failing to register worker information in ministry-approved systems, or not informing workers of their contractual rights, will now face a layered system of consequences. These include:

• Monetary fines.
• Official warnings.
• License suspension for up to six months in some cases and up to 12 months in others.
• Permanent license revocation for serious or repeat offenses.

“These updates ensure accountability for recruitment practices and help protect the dignity and rights of workers from the outset,” the ministry stated.

Supporting flexibility, enhancing accountability

The revised law reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernize its labour system in response to emerging work models, including part-time and flexible roles. By clearly outlining violations and setting predefined penalties, the government hopes to create greater predictability and fairness in labor inspections and dispute resolution.

“Clear definitions reduce subjective judgment by inspectors and provide employers with consistent standards to follow,” the ministry explained.

These amendments are currently in the consultation phase, with the government encouraging the public to provide input via the Istitlaa platform. Once finalised, they will be incorporated into the Labor Law and its Executive Regulations.

By taking this step, Saudi Arabia aims to align its labor practices more closely with international standards, support fair employment practices, and reinforce the country’s vision for a more inclusive and equitable labour market.

As it celebrates two decades of redefining retail in the region, Mall of the Emirates is preparing to enter a bold new phase of transformation. Marking its 20th anniversary this September, the iconic destination is unveiling an ambitious Dhs5bn reinvention under the banner of “Mall of New Possibilities”, all while its parent company, Majid Al Futtaim, reports a solid first half of 2025, showcasing resilience, profitability, and strategic evolution.

Since opening its doors in 2005, Mall of the Emirates has become far more than a shopping mall. It’s a landmark that combines culture, commerce, entertainment, and community under one roof. With world-first attractions like Ski Dubai, and the region’s top fashion, lifestyle, and culinary brands, it has long set the gold standard for lifestyle destinations in the Middle East.

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Image credit: Supplied

Now, 20 years later, Majid Al Futtaim is looking ahead.

The newly announced Dhs5bn redevelopment of the Mall of the Emirates will introduce 20,000 sqm of additional retail space, 100 new stores, and a reinvigorated mix of cultural, wellness, and experiential offerings. Among the planned features:

• New Covent Garden-inspired district, anchored by a 600-seat theatre
• A next-generation wellness precinct
• A new indoor-outdoor retail and leisure zone
• Immersive entertainment experiences tailored to evolving consumer demands

“The launch of a landmark Dhs5bn investment in our flagship destination, Mall of the Emirates, demonstrates our dedication to setting new standards in world-class retail and lifestyle experiences,” said Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding.

Month-long 20th anniversary celebration

To commemorate its 20-year legacy, Mall of the Emirates has rolled out an exciting calendar of activations throughout September:

• September 13: Global Runway Under the FASHION DOME – Featuring the debut of the Fall/Winter 2025 collection at THAT Concept Store, with a live DJ, juice bar, and curated fashion experience from 4pm to 6pm.
• September 17 – 29: AllSaints Customisation Lab – A complimentary personalisation experience, where visitors can add custom logos or their own flair to AllSaints apparel.
• September 20:
  • Bandaloop Aerial Performance – The acclaimed vertical dance troupe will perform awe-inspiring aerial shows at 5pm and 6pm.
  • Exclusive SHARE Rewards – Shoppers can earn 20x SHARE points for 24 hours only.

These experiences underscore the mall’s evolving role as a place where community, creativity, and commerce intersect.

Strong financials back bold vision

The anniversary and transformation plans come on the back of a solid financial performance by Majid Al Futtaim for the first half of 2025. According to the Group’s H1 report, the company recorded:

• Consolidated revenue of Dhs3bn, up 3 per cent year-on-year
• EBITDA growth of 9 per cent, reaching Dhs2.3bn
• Net profit of Dhs5bn
• Net profit (excluding valuation and tax) up 23 per cent YoY to Dhs1.3bn from Dhs1.0bn
• Free cash flow of Dhs1bn
• Reduction in net debt to Dhs4bn, with net debt to equity improving to 38 per cent

These results reflect not only robust core business performance but also the company’s commitment to prudent capital allocation and strategic expansion.

Strategic growth across sectors

Chairman Fadel Abdulbaqi Al Ali attributed the success to long-term thinking and focused execution. “Majid Al Futtaim’s first half financial performance highlights both the strength of its strategic direction and the Group’s commitment to delivering long-term value creation for all stakeholders.”

CEO Ahmed Galal Ismail echoed the sentiment, adding: “Our strong half-year results reaffirm the group’s profitable growth trajectory and are a testament to the group’s steady progress on strategic investments and transformation across our core sectors.”

The company’s core verticals, from retail and entertainment to real estate and digital, are seeing significant investment:

• The Carrefour Now platform continues to anchor its omnichannel retail strategy.
• Its AI-driven marketing unit, Precision Media, is gaining traction as a new revenue stream.
• The company is expanding into the Saudi luxury market, part of its plan to bring global lifestyle brands to the region.

Future-proofing through innovation and experience

Majid Al Futtaim’s sustained performance is bolstered by its innovation-driven culture. From introducing digitally native business models to pioneering experiences in cinema and entertainment, the group is positioning itself for long-term scalability.

“Our performance is a testimony to the values-led efforts of our MAFers and the collective drive to create shared value for our stakeholders,” said Ismail. “We are building future-ready capabilities that position us for the next phase of sustainable, scalable growth.”

With the Mall of the Emirates’ transformation on the horizon and continued momentum across sectors, the company is doubling down on its vision of blending lifestyle, community, and innovation, all while remaining firmly anchored in financial discipline.

Dubai’s events scene, known for its high-end celebrations, is seeing new approaches to how gatherings are planned.

The PartyPlatform, founded by Patrick Narracott, has launched a marketplace that aims to streamline how residents organise parties and events, offering a digital alternative to traditional planning services.

With the UAE’s events industry valued in the billions, demand for straightforward planning tools is growing. The PartyPlatform provides two options for users: hiring a full-service planner to manage all arrangements, or selecting individual vendors to build a customised event. The model is designed to give consumers greater transparency and control in a sector often criticised for hidden costs and varying service quality.

Tackling inefficiencies in event planning

Narracott created the platform after identifying challenges with existing solutions, including static listings and layers of middlemen between clients and vendors.
“People shouldn’t have to juggle ten websites just to book a DJ or florist,” he says.

The PartyPlatform brings vetted vendors together on one site, enabling users to compare services and pricing directly. A one-tap quote request feature allows customers to submit event details and receive responses via email or WhatsApp in a centralised way, reducing the back-and-forth usually required when planning.

Leveraging visuals and data for inspiration

Each vendor listing features short video clips showcasing past event setups, allowing users to visualise potential ideas. Behind the scenes, an algorithm analyses criteria such as budget, theme, and guest count to suggest suitable vendors.

Narracott explains: “Ask Sara helps planners visualise possibilities they hadn’t imagined.” This combination of video and data-driven recommendations helps vendors market their services while offering customers a more engaging experience.

Mobile-first approach

The platform’s mobile app is designed to meet the needs of Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle, with functionality for browsing, booking, and messaging vendors. The website complements the app, providing a desktop option for more detailed planning.

Since launching earlier this year, The PartyPlatform has attracted over 10,000 visitors. Planned features include saved vendor collections, instant notifications for quotes, and in-app chat.

Competitive positioning

Dubai has seen the rise of several digital party planning platforms, though many have been criticised for limiting customer flexibility or vendor visibility. Narracott says The PartyPlatform differs by connecting customers directly to vendors while providing tools to manage the process more efficiently.

The company is currently focused on Dubai, with plans to expand to Abu Dhabi. Its strategy is to refine vendor partnerships and user experience before entering new markets.

Business model and growth plans

The PartyPlatform is offering free vendor subscriptions until the end of September, with paid packages launching in October 2025.. This introductory period aims to build a broad network of service providers catering to everything from small gatherings to large corporate events.

Looking ahead, the company sees potential to expand its marketplace model beyond the UAE to other emerging markets seeking accessible, technology-driven event planning solutions.

As Dubai continues to grow as a global events destination, platforms like The PartyPlatform highlight how technology is reshaping the industry, offering consumers and vendors new ways to connect and collaborate.

Orascom Construction, a leading global engineering and construction contractor, commenced trading on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), marking the third company to list on the exchange in 2025.

The trading of Orascom Construction’s shares commenced ADX under the ticker “ORAS” with a market capitalisation of $905m.

Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, group CEO of ADX, highlighted that the listing enhances market depth and opens new investment opportunities, particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors. He emphasized that this addition complements ADX’s diverse sector offerings, including financial services, healthcare, technology, and real estate.

Osama Bishai, CEO of Orascom Construction, expressed enthusiasm about the listing, noting the company’s active role in Abu Dhabi’s construction and infrastructure investments. He stated that the listing is a step in their internal restructuring to expand construction activities and strengthen infrastructure investments.

Orascom executes infrastructure, industrial, and high-end commercial projects in the region

Orascom Construction primarily executes infrastructure, industrial, and high-end commercial projects in the Middle East, Africa, and the US.

The firm also develops and invests in concessions, owns 50 per cent of the BESIX Group, and holds a portfolio comprising building materials, facility management, and equipment services. The group consistently ranks among the top contractors globally and maintains a secondary listing on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX).

In H1 2025, Orascom Construction reported a consolidated backlog of $9.6bn, $2bn in revenue, and a net profit of $82.7m.

Since its IPO in March, the company has rewarded shareholders with over $300m through dividends and share buybacks, with total dividends increasing 20.7 per cent year-on-year to $51.8m.

EFG Hermes concludes advisory for its role as listing and financial advisor

In other news, EFG Hermes said it had successfully concluded advisory for its role as listing and financial advisor to Orascom Construction on its listing on ADX.

Maged El Ayouti, co-head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes, commented: “EFG Hermes is proud to have partnered with Orascom Construction to advise on this transaction, which will expand the company’s investor base and enhance its visibility across the region.

“This transaction adds to EFG Hermes’ strong track record of landmark deals since the beginning of the year, whereby EFG Hermes has advised on six M&A transactions, 8 DCM, and 10 ECM transactions across the region.”

Orascom Construction’s secondary listing on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) remains unchanged.

The first edition of WHX Tech 2025, a major new platform for digital health innovation, concluded this week at the Dubai World Trade Centre after three high-impact days that brought together global leaders, start-ups, investors, and policy makers. With over 200 speakers and 300 exhibitors, the event created a collaborative space to explore how technology is transforming the future of healthcare, from smart hospitals and AI diagnostics to femtech and care for displaced populations.

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The event culminated in the announcement of the Xcelerate start-up competition winner, with one innovative company taking home a $50,000 prize, while conversations around inclusion, equity, and innovation continued across three dynamic stages.

One of the standout features of WHX Tech 2025 was the presence of Dubai Health, a key partner at the event and a leader in regional digital transformation. The organisation used the platform to highlight its most advanced technologies, including AI-enabled pain management, smart hospital rooms, and intelligent electronic medical records.

“Participating in WHX Tech 2025 has been an opportunity to demonstrate how we’re using digital innovation and artificial intelligence to reimagine healthcare,” said Atif Albraiki, Chief Digital & AI Officer at Dubai Health.

“We’re translating technology into smarter, more personalised experiences for patients,” he added. “Just as important has been the opportunity to expand our collaborations with academic, technology, and government partners.”

According to Albraiki, these partnerships are essential to Dubai Health’s mission to become a fully integrated academic health system, driving innovation in care delivery while advancing research and education.

Digital health solutions for displaced populations

On the final day of the event, attention turned to the humanitarian applications of digital health, particularly for displaced and refugee populations. On the Xcelerate Stage, Dr Waheed Arian, a British-Afghan doctor and founder of Arian Wellbeing, gave an emotional presentation rooted in personal experience.

As a child, Arian lived in a refugee camp in Pakistan, where he suffered from tuberculosis, malaria, and malnutrition. He later studied medicine at Cambridge and Harvard before dedicating his career to helping others overcome the same adversities he faced.

“We offer culturally sensitive, language-appropriate mental health services,” Arian said. “For displaced people, trauma doesn’t just happen once, it’s an ongoing experience.”

Arian Wellbeing uses a secure digital platform to connect individuals with clinical support via video, audio, or text. The company’s mission is to deliver trauma-informed care tailored to each individual’s cultural background and lived experience.

“We use agnostic tools and ensure the system is secure, even from surveillance by adverse governments,” he said. “Technology must adapt to meet the realities of the most vulnerable.”

Women lead the charge in health innovation

Another major highlight came from a powerful session on femtech and women-led innovation, where industry leaders discussed how AI and digital solutions are closing the gender gap in healthcare.

Sally Ann Frank, Global Lead in Health and Life Sciences at Microsoft for Startups, spotlighted how AI is helping to improve diagnostic accuracy and access for women worldwide.

“AI is a game-changer for access,” said Frank. “From breast cancer detection tools to biometric screening on smartphones, we’re seeing real transformation.”

Joining her on stage was Dr Professor Selwa A F Al Hazzaa, CEO and founder of SDM, a Saudi-based digital health start-up focused on AI-driven retinal screening. Her work began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she convinced the Saudi Ministry of Health to support the deployment of diabetes detection cameras across rural and underserved communities.

“We told them that diabetes was killing three times as many people as COVID,” said Al Hazzaa. “We started by offering the screening service for free.”

By doing so, SDM was able to collect over 500,000 retinal images and complete 35,000 free exams, achieving nearly 97 per cent sensitivity. The data gathered is now helping to train algorithms to detect not only diabetic retinopathy but also glaucoma, atrial fibrillation, stroke risk, and early signs of Alzheimer’s.

“We’re using international talent as mentors, but our solution is localised,” she said.

“That’s how you make a country grow, you build from within.”

Xcelerate competition crowns groundbreaking AR start-up

A major focal point of WHX Tech 2025 was the Xcelerate Start-Up Competition, the region’s largest pitch contest dedicated to digital health. Throughout the week, 40 high-potential start-ups pitched their solutions in hopes of reaching the final round.

On Day 3, 12 finalists were invited to present to a live audience and an elite judging panel that included UK entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den investor Peter Jones.

The grand prize, a $50,000 Xcelerate Champion of Innovation Award, went to Strolll, an AR-based digital therapeutic solution designed to aid people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

“This win means so much to our team,” said Jorgen Ellis, CEO and co-founder of Strolll. “We just launched in this region a week ago, and the response we’ve had at WHX Tech has been incredible.”

“This is a huge validation of our work in neurorehabilitation,” he added. “It’s also an important step in scaling access to care through technology.”

Two additional companies received recognition:

• Éclateral (UK) won the Xceptional Patient-Centric Innovation Award for o~pal, a portable solution for rapid health testing and disease screening.
• You(th) Healthtech (USA) received the Xtraordinary Early Stage Start-Up Award for its smartphone-based AI tool that extracts health metrics from a simple facial video, measuring vitals like heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and stress.

WHX Tech 2025: A new global platform takes root

As the event wrapped up, organisers and attendees alike praised WHX Tech for creating a new kind of health tech platform, one focused not just on showcasing innovation but on connecting stakeholders, solving real problems, and inspiring action.

“Seeing the winner crowned of the region’s largest digital health start-up competition was the perfect ending to an amazing three days,” said Sally Thompson, Group Event Director at Informa Markets.

“We’ve had deep conversations with innovators, futurists, investors, and care providers,” she added. “It’s clear that WHX Tech offers something the industry really needs: a space to explore what’s next, and how to get there.”

Held in strategic partnership with HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society), WHX Tech reinforced its credibility by aligning with key industry priorities, such as interoperability, patient-centricity, and AI governance.

With successful launches, valuable partnerships, and exciting start-up breakthroughs, WHX Tech 2025 proved it is not just an exhibition—it’s a launchpad for the next era of digital healthcare.

For more information, visit the link here.