Red Sea Shipping Shock: Houthis tightened control around Bab el-Mandeb, seizing Perim and expanding toward Mocha, while claiming dozens of strikes on Saudi Arabia—raising fresh risks for shipping, jobs in logistics, and energy-linked hiring across the region. Saudi-Iraq Energy Fallout: Drone attacks from Iraq’s territory forced Saudi Arabia to shut its east-west pipeline, pushing oil higher and spotlighting employment pressure in energy supply chains. Basra Protest Wave: In Iraq’s Basra, education-sector workers and engineering/petroleum/science graduates protested unpaid salaries and disputed hiring lists, with graduates staging sit-ins at major oil firms. Saudi Legal Tech Hiring Signal: TransPerfect Legal expanded in-country eDiscovery and investigations capabilities in Riyadh, pointing to growing demand for compliance and legal-tech roles. HR Leadership Spotlight: HiBob’s CPO named 2026 HR Leader of Distinction, a reminder that people-ops and AI-ready HR skills remain in demand. Arab Labour Conference Focus: Kuwait Chamber and Qatar Chamber pushed for clearer economic visions, startup-led job creation, and labour-market stability as the region tackles tech-driven job shifts. Saudi Fintech Growth: Tabby raised $233m at a $6.5b valuation, signaling continued hiring appetite in fintech and payments. Education Policy Watch: Algeria is expanding English in primary and secondary schooling, a long-term talent pipeline story for future regional hiring.