UAE Workforce Risks in 2025: Cybercrime and Workforce stress and Burnout take center stage
Dubai — International SOS, the global leader in health and security risk management, has released its highly anticipated Risk Outlook 2025 Report on ' Navigating a Fragmenting World'. The report highlights the evolving global risk landscape and thereby the critical need for organisations in the UAE and globally to enhance resilience in the wake of unprecedented cross-border, environmental, and security challenges.
The Risk Outlook 2025 Report1 underscores the volatility witnessed globally that is reshaping business operations and workforce safety across the world. The study, based on expert analysis and insights from over 800 senior risk decision-makers across 96 countries, including the UAE, identifies three key amplifiers of global instability and its potential impact locally:
Geopolitical Conflicts & Internal Fragmentation – Tensions in the Middle East, Russia-Ukraine, and broader economic and political shifts are leading to a more multipolar and unpredictable global environment influencing local business operations.
Climate Change & Health Risks – Extreme weather, resource scarcity, and the resurgence of infectious diseases pose growing risks to businesses and employees in the Middle East region and beyond.
Misinformation & Digital Threats – The rapid spread of misinformation, combined with evolving AI risks, is creating new security vulnerabilities for organisations.
Top Risks Seniority Split
Additionally, 69% of the senior risk professionals who are also primary decision makers surveyed, expect geopolitical events to significantly impact their operations in 2025, while 65% of risk leaders cite political stress and social unrest as major concerns compelling organisations in the UAE to adopt smarter and more unified approaches to protect their operations and ensure business growth.
The global report reveals that 78 per cent of respondents who are on the decision making team with significant influence consider cyber attacks and online crimes, as well as work stress and burnout tops the list of risks perceived within the workforce. 75% reported to be impacted by the growing cost of living followed by mental health concerns noted at 70 per cent - requiring businesses in the UAE to reassess how they safeguard workforce wellbeing.
According to Sebastien Bedu, General Manager Middle East, International SOS, 'As we enter 2025, organisations in the region must prioritise Resilience and Duty of Care by moving from reactive to proactive risk management approach. The ability to anticipate, prepare for, and mitigate risks - whether geopolitical, health-related, or digital-is now a business imperative. Our mission is to provide organisations in the UAE amongst others with real-time intelligence, expert analysis, and on-the-ground support to help them navigate this increasingly complex landscape.'
To address these escalating risks, a data-driven approach by International SOS is paving the way for global and local risk management by understanding and tackling the destabilising effect of external forces on business operations and employees. The Risk Outlook 2025 report introduces an advanced risk intelligence platform that integrates AI-driven analytics with expert-led risk assessments. This new technology aims to enhance situational awareness, improve crisis response times, and streamline business continuity planning specially for multinational organisations based in the UAE.
About the International SOS Group of Companies; 40 years of saving lives
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives and protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, and your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group has been saving lives for 40 years. Headquartered in London & Singapore, it is trusted by over 9,000 organisations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500 as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 12,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days. Between them, International SOS employees speak nearly 100 languages and dialects in our Assistance Centres, clinics, and offices.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
32 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Can employees request to add annual salary increment clause in employment contract?
Question: I am currently employed at a mainland Dubai company that offers bonuses, annual salary increases, and other benefits. I've received a job offer from another company that provides a higher base salary but does not mention any annual salary increases. Can I request that a clause guaranteeing annual salary increases be added to the contract? If so, what is the legal standing of such a clause under UAE labour law? Please clarify. Answer: Article 8 of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships along with it amendments and in conjunction with Article 10 (1) of the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the Implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, outlines the mandatory information that must be included in an employment contract: 'The employment contract should include the name and address of the employer, the name, nationality and date of birth of the employee, proof of his identity, his qualification, the job or occupation, the date of work commencement, the workplace, the working hours, the rest days, the probationary period, if any, the term of the contract, the wage agreed upon including the benefits and allowances, the annual leave entitlements, the notice period, the procedures for terminating the employment contract and any other data determined by the Ministry in order to regulate the relationship between both parties.' Furthermore, an employer and an employee may agree to include additional terms in the standard employment contract, as long as such terms do not conflict with the provisions of the Employment Law, any resolution, or any applicable legal regulations. This is under Article 10 (2) of the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, which states: 'The employee and the employer may agree to introduce new clauses to the approved contract forms, provided that they are in agreement with the provisions of the Decree-Law, this Resolution and the Legal Regulations.' The Employment Law provides the minimum rights to which an employee is entitled. However, if an employee is entitled to better benefits under another law, a company policy, or their employment contract, such rights will still apply. An employer should not reduce or take away more favourable benefits just because they are not stipulated in the Employment Law. This is in accordance with Article 65(1) of the Employment Law, 'The rights stipulated herein shall represent the minimum rights for workers and the provisions hereof shall not prejudice any of the rights granted to the worker under any other legislation, agreement, acknowledgement, regulation or employment contract, which would grant the worker rights that are more useful than the rights established under the provisions hereof.' Generally, in the UAE, an employment contract may not include the annual salary increment of an employee as an employer is not able to determine and evaluate the work performance and other aspects of an employee's work, at the time of making an offer to an employee. However, you may discuss with your prospective employer to add the clause pertaining to annual salary increments. If your prospective employer agrees to include a clause guaranteeing annual salary increments in the employment contract, it will be legally binding and enforceable. While the Employment Law does not require employers to provide annual salary increases, it allows employers and employees to mutually agree on additional benefits.
Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha in UAE: Hundreds of workers celebrate; win car, flight tickets
Hundreds of workers celebrated Eid Al Adha with various activities, competitions, and raffle draws winning valuable prize, including a car and flight tickets. Held under the slogan ' Eid with Our Workers: Joy and Happiness', the activities were organised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) at 10 locations across the UAE. 'Celebrating and honouring workers during holidays and national occasions is an integral part of MoHRE's sustainable strategy", said the ministry, adding: '(Our) objective is to bring joy to workers and enhance their wellbeing, quality of life, and psychological and social stability, while fostering a sense of belonging to the community and motivating them to give their best.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Eid Al Adha events were held at workers' compounds in Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, and Muhaisnah in Dubai; Mussafah and Hameem Worker City in Abu Dhabi; Al Sajaa in Sharjah; the Industrial Areas in Ajman and Umm Al Quwain; RAKEZ in Ras Al Khaimah; and Al Hail Industrial Area in Fujairah. Partners from the government and private sectors took part in the celebrations, including the Ministry of Interior; Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security; the General Commands of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah Police; and municipalities across the country. Partners also include Abu Dhabi Ports Group; the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai; Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority; Dubai Civil Defence; the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs in the Emirate of Dubai; Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai; Sharjah's Labour Standards Development Authority; the National Ambulance; Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services; and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). MoHRE underscored the Eid celebrations 'highlight the significant role that workers in the UAE play in driving the country's development, supporting its ambitious and pioneering economic vision, and cementing its status as a premier global destination for living, investing, and working.'
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Zawya
IntelliDent AI and Woxsen University forge strategic alliance to advance AI research, leadership & innovation in healthcare
IntelliDent AI, a Dubai-based healthtech company at the forefront of artificial intelligence solutions in dentistry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Woxsen University's AI Research Centre, Hyderabad, India. The five-year strategic partnership aims to drive collaborative innovation through joint research, live project exposure, and advanced technical training. This collaboration is designed to fuel co-innovation, AI-driven entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge research in digital healthcare. Under this agreement, IntelliDent AI and Woxsen University will engage in joint academic-industry initiatives focused on AI-driven healthcare solutions, consultancy-based projects, and the commercialization of technology innovations. The MoU outlines cooperation in the following key areas: Real-World AI Projects: IntelliDent will provide students from Woxsen's AI Research Centre hands-on exposure to live, real-time projects from the healthcare domain—preparing them to address real-world challenges with AI-driven solutions. Joint Research & Publications: Both institutions will collaborate on research grants, white papers, product prototypes, and academic publications that shape the future of medical technology. Entrepreneurship & Product Commercialization: Special focus will be placed on developing products from ideation to market readiness, with guidance on building startups and commercializing AI health tech solutions. Cross-Training & Knowledge Exchange: Faculty and industry professionals will exchange expertise in best practices, fostering a culture of mutual growth and continuous innovation. Strategic Awareness Initiatives: Co-hosted awareness programs, leadership bootcamps, and innovation challenges will promote ethical AI, responsible leadership, and entrepreneurship across emerging markets. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Affaan Shaikh, Founder and CEO of IntelliDent AI, stated: 'This MoU with Woxsen isn't just about technology, it's about inspiring a generation of AI leaders who blend deep tech knowledge with entrepreneurial thinking and purpose-driven leadership. By embedding awareness, education, and innovation into every layer of this partnership, we are not only building smarter healthcare systems, but also empowering future changemakers.' The MoU was signed by Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez, Vice President of Woxsen University, and Mr. Affaan Shaikh, with oversight by Dr. Hemachandran K, Director of the AI Research Centre, and Mr. Khalid Shaikh, Advisor to IntelliDent AI. This milestone underscores IntelliDent AI's commitment to shaping global talent in healthcare AI and highlights Woxsen's ongoing mission to blend business, technology, and innovation through meaningful industry collaborations. Together, IntelliDent AI and Woxsen University are setting the foundation for impactful, future-forward education —where research, leadership, and real-world problem-solving converge.
