Good morning from The National on January 23, 2026.
Here is your digest of what is making the headlines in the Emirates.
A multibillion-dirham expansion plan for one of Dubai's leading economic districts is set to create 70,000 new jobs, support more than 6,000 businesses and boost the emirate's gross domestic product by Dh103 billion over the next decade.
The ambitious vision for the future of Dubai Silicon Oasis is at the heart of a major drive to spur economic growth and cement the city's status as a global centre for future technologies and innovation.
The action plan was unveiled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at a launch event on Thursday.
Sheikh Mohammed said the large-scale scheme would provide a “business ecosystem for 6,500 new companies and 75,000 specialised talents”, in a message shared on social media platform X.
Read more here
For your calendar: Join our UAE salary guide live Q&A and put your questions to a panel of experts. January 28, 2026, 1pm UAE - register now
UAE's FNC proposes remote work and 98-day maternity leave for Emirati mothers
The UAE's parliamentary body has called on the government to extend maternity leave for Emirati mothers under a drive to boost work-life balance and promote family stability.
The Federal National Council proposal – set out during its latest meeting this week – calls for up to 98 days of fully paid maternity leave and expanded remote working options.
It is understood the proposed remote-working changes for Emirati mothers with children under the age of 10 would apply to both the public and private sectors, while the maternity changes would only apply to Emirati women in the public sector.
The recommendations were made during discussions on the family protection report prepared by the FNC's social affairs, labour, population and human resources committee.
Read Ali Al Shouk's full report here
Your salary guide for UAE jobs in 2026
UAE workers have been warned against expecting a major salary boost this year – but in-demand talents can still reap the rewards of a fast-moving employment landscape.
Companies are striving to balance the books while ensuring they retain their best staff, making wage rises increasingly driven by individual performance and value, experts said.
“2026 won’t be a year of across-the-board salary hikes, but most companies will increase pay selectively,” says Aws Ismail, director of recruitment at outsourcing and training provider Marc Ellis.
“High performers and hard-to-replace roles will see movement, while average performers may see smaller or no increases.”
Read Deepthi Nair's deep dive into the UAE's job market and the salaries you can expect here
Fact of the day
A UAE aid ship carrying 4,000 tonnes of essential supplies for Gaza has set sail from Ras Al Khaimah. Read more here
Today's must-reads
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