Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, accusing the popular online gaming platform of ‘flagrantly ignoring’ safety laws and ‘deceiving parents’ about the risks it poses to young users. In a strongly worded social media post, Paxton labeled Roblox a ‘breeding ground for predators,’ alleging that the company prioritizes ‘pixel paedophiles and corporate profit’ over the safety of children. This legal action adds to the mounting scrutiny faced by Roblox, which boasts tens of millions of daily active users, over issues related to online safety and predatory behavior. Roblox responded to the lawsuit, expressing disappointment and calling the claims ‘misrepresentations and sensationalised.’ The company emphasized its commitment to child safety, citing measures to remove malicious users and protect its community. Roblox, a platform particularly popular among children, allows users to play solo or interact with strangers online—a feature criticized for exposing young players to potential dangers. Parents and children have voiced concerns about distressing content and abuse on the platform. Paxton urged Roblox to take stronger action to shield children from ‘sick and twisted freaks hiding behind a screen,’ vowing to hold corporations accountable for enabling child abuse. Texas joins Kentucky and Louisiana in suing Roblox over potential harms to children. Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki previously advised parents uncomfortable with the platform to restrict their children’s access, emphasizing parental discretion. In recent years, Roblox has introduced features to enhance age verification and safety, including technology to estimate players’ ages using video selfies and restrictions on messaging for users under 13 without parental consent. The platform has faced bans in countries like Turkey over child exploitation concerns and came under scrutiny in Singapore in 2023 after a self-radicalized teenager was groomed on its servers.
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Quinton de Kock slams century as South Africa level series
In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock marked his triumphant return to international cricket with a stellar unbeaten century, leading his team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second One Day International (ODI) in Faisalabad. The match, held on Thursday, saw de Kock score 123 runs off 96 balls, ensuring South Africa comfortably chased down Pakistan’s total of 269-9 with nearly 10 overs to spare. This victory leveled the three-match series at 1-1. De Kock, who had reversed his retirement decision after a two-year hiatus, showcased his class with a 153-run partnership with Tony de Zorzi (76 off 63 balls) and an 81-run stand with teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius (46). Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to bat, struggled early at 22-3 but recovered through half-centuries from Saim Ayub (53) and Salman Ali Agha (69), supported by Mohammad Nawaz’s career-best 59. South Africa’s bowlers, Nandre Burger (4-46) and Nqaba Peter (3-55), were instrumental in restricting Pakistan. The series decider will take place on Saturday in Faisalabad.
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UAE footballer Omar Abdulrahman ‘Amoory’ announces retirement at 34
Omar Abdulrahman, affectionately known as ‘Amoory,’ one of the most celebrated footballers in UAE history, has announced his retirement at the age of 34. The Al Ain FC legend, who recently played as a midfielder for Al Wasl F.C., made the announcement on social media on Thursday, marking the end of a remarkable 17-year career. In his heartfelt message, Omar expressed gratitude for the journey, stating, ‘Today, with love and gratitude, I announce my retirement from football, after a beautiful journey that spanned years filled with challenges and achievements.’ He credited his success to hard work and the unwavering support of loyal fans and mentors. Omar made his senior debut with Al Ain Club during the 2008–09 season and went on to play 72 international matches for the UAE, contributing significantly to the team’s third-place finish in the 2015 Asian Cup. He also acknowledged the support of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Al Ain Club, and other key figures who played pivotal roles in his career. Omar’s career included stints with Al Hilal, Al Jazira, Shabab Al Ahli, and Al Wasl, each of which he described as holding a special place in his heart. As he closes this chapter, Omar looks forward to a new journey, thanking his fans for their love and encouragement, which he described as the driving force behind his persistence and performance.
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North Korean and Russian military officials discuss further cooperation in Pyongyang
In a significant development in international relations, senior military officials from North Korea and Russia convened in Pyongyang this week to discuss enhanced cooperation, as reported by North Korean state media on Friday. The talks, led by North Korea’s Pak Yong Il, vice director of the Korean People’s Army’s General Political Bureau, and Russia’s Vice Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin, focused on deepening bilateral ties under the leadership of Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. While no specific agreements were disclosed, the discussions underscored the growing alignment between the two nations, particularly in the context of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting follows recent intelligence from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, which indicated potential recruitment and training activities in North Korea, possibly for additional troop deployments to Russia. South Korean officials, including Unification Ministry spokesperson Chang Yoon-jeong, have refrained from speculating on the exact nature of these discussions but are closely monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent visit to South Korea highlighted the strengthening of U.S.-South Korea security ties, with praise for South Korea’s plans to increase military spending in response to regional threats, including those posed by North Korea. According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has already sent approximately 15,000 troops and significant military equipment to Russia since last fall, with further deployments of military construction workers and deminers expected.
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ADL’s move to establish ‘Mamdani Monitor’ decried as scaremongering and Islamophobia
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a prominent pro-Israel organization, has announced plans to closely monitor the policies and personnel decisions of New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani. In a statement released on Wednesday, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt expressed concerns over Mamdani’s alleged promotion of antisemitic narratives and associations with individuals accused of antisemitism. Greenblatt emphasized that Mamdani’s views on Israel starkly contrast with those of the majority of Jewish New Yorkers, raising fears that his administration could exacerbate the recent surge in antisemitic incidents in the city. The ADL plans to establish a dedicated tipline for reporting antisemitic acts and will create a ‘Mamdani Monitor’ to track his governance. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Muslim civil rights groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which accused the ADL of hypocrisy and anti-Muslim bias. Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of New York City and a self-declared Democratic Socialist, has been vocal in his criticism of Israel’s policies, accusing the country of genocide in Gaza. His campaign faced repeated attacks from pro-Israel groups, and he has been the target of Islamophobic rhetoric on social media. Despite the controversy, Mamdani secured a decisive victory in the mayoral election, winning four out of five boroughs. He is set to take office on January 1, 2026.
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Prince Harry apologises to Canada for wearing LA Dodgers cap during World Series
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, found himself at the center of a cross-border controversy after wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers hat during Game 4 of the 2025 MLB World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The incident, which took place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, drew criticism from Canadians who felt the prince should have shown allegiance to the Toronto Blue Jays, the only Canadian team in Major League Baseball. Harry, whose father King Charles is the head of state of Canada, later apologized during a CTV interview, humorously claiming he was ‘under duress’ when he donned the Dodgers cap. He explained that he felt it was ‘the polite thing to do’ after being invited by the Dodgers’ owner. In a light-hearted tone, Harry quipped about his thinning hair and the need for any available hat under the stadium’s floodlights. To make amends, he pledged to wear a Blue Jays hat moving forward and even rooted for the Toronto team in subsequent games, as seen in a social media clip shared by his wife, Meghan Markle, a Los Angeles native. The couple’s presence at the game also stirred discontent among Dodgers fans in the U.S., who criticized their front-row seats during the marathon 18-inning game, while local legends like Magic Johnson and Sandy Koufax were seated behind them. During his visit to Canada for Remembrance events, Harry received a Blue Jays hat while meeting with some of the country’s oldest veterans at Sunnybrook Hospital’s veterans center in Toronto. He also published an essay reflecting on British culture, emphasizing the importance of ‘banter’ and ‘self-deprecation’ in defining British identity. The couple, who moved to California after stepping back from royal duties in 2020, continue to navigate their unique position as global figures bridging multiple cultures.
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UAE: Emirati National Identity Strategy launched to strengthen sense of belonging, pride
The UAE Government has introduced the ‘Emirati National Identity Strategy,’ a comprehensive initiative aimed at reinforcing national belonging, pride, and social cohesion. Announced during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025 in Abu Dhabi, the strategy was developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Culture and the National Projects Office of the Presidential Court. Minister of Culture Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi outlined its vision and objectives during a keynote session titled ‘Legacy and Responsibility,’ emphasizing its role in unifying government efforts to embed Emirati identity across all sectors. The strategy is built on three pillars: defining the identity’s core values, establishing a national framework, and creating a governance model to ensure sustainability. It also highlights six core elements of Emirati identity, including Islamic values, the Arabic language, heritage, and family, alongside five core values such as respect, ambition, and generosity. Seven dimensions, ranging from education to media, will serve as channels to deliver the strategy’s objectives. Thirteen key initiatives, including integrating national identity into educational curricula and developing a Media Content Policy, will drive implementation. A National Identity Committee will oversee governance, ensuring alignment across entities. H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the strategy’s role in fostering unity and inspiring future generations to embrace their heritage. The initiative reflects the UAE leadership’s vision of nurturing a society rooted in shared values and coexistence.
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The next step in financial inclusion may not be human at all
Across the Middle East, financial inclusion has seen remarkable growth, driven by soaring mobile penetration rates exceeding 95% in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In Egypt, financial inclusion has more than doubled since 2016, with mobile penetration surpassing 100%. Despite these advancements, a significant portion of the underbanked population still struggles with financial literacy, digital navigation, and cultural barriers, limiting their ability to fully engage with formal banking systems. This gap has prompted financial institutions to explore innovative solutions, with Agentic AI emerging as a transformative tool. Unlike traditional AI models, Agentic AI operates independently within defined boundaries, processing diverse inputs, recognizing behavioral patterns, and making context-driven decisions. Early deployments by global institutions like BlackRock, JPMorgan, and BNY Mellon have demonstrated its potential to streamline operations and enhance reliability. In the UAE, Agentic AI is already being used for autonomous decision-making in personal lending and SME financing, addressing long-standing inclusion challenges. By focusing on engagement rather than mere access, Agentic AI can preemptively assist users, guide those with low financial literacy, adapt to irregular income patterns, and communicate in local languages, making financial services more accessible and user-friendly. As financial institutions shift their focus from expanding reach to enhancing service adaptability, Agentic AI is poised to redefine the future of financial inclusion.
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Luxury retail in the UAE embraces omnichannel future amid tourism boom and digital shift
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is solidifying its position as a global luxury hub, with retailers rapidly adopting omnichannel strategies to cater to a tech-savvy, experience-driven consumer base. The luxury goods market in the UAE is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.52%, reaching $7 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by a combination of a tourism boom, a digitally engaged population, and the increasing demand for seamless shopping experiences. Globally, omnichannel retail has become a cornerstone of luxury strategy, with brands investing heavily in digital transformation to unify online and offline experiences. In the UAE, where 90% of luxury purchases still occur offline, the opportunity to bridge digital and physical channels is immense. One brand at the forefront of this transformation is Hugo Boss, which has partnered with Indian retail tech firm Fynd to implement a scalable omnichannel solution across its UAE operations. This partnership enables Hugo Boss to offer a unified shopping experience, allowing customers to access the full product catalog regardless of the channel. For instance, if a customer desires a jacket that is out of stock in-store, the system allows staff to order it from another store and deliver it to their home. If it doesn’t fit, the customer can return it without revisiting the store. This integration not only enhances customer satisfaction but also streamlines operations by reducing the need for separate e-commerce stock, improving stock rotation, and enabling direct fulfillment from any inventory location. Alessandro Bovone, Head of E-commerce GCC at Hugo Boss, emphasized the importance of technology in enhancing service levels and optimizing customer relationships. He noted that while e-commerce boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, brands are now focusing on a horizontal understanding across all channels. The UAE’s luxury market is uniquely positioned to benefit from such innovations. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi attracting millions of tourists annually, luxury shopping remains a key driver of retail growth. High-net-worth residents, expatriates, and visitors contribute to a resilient demand for premium goods, while the country’s young, digitally engaged population accelerates the shift toward experiential and personalized retail. Bovone highlighted that cost efficiency is becoming fundamental in the luxury industry, with logistics and inventory rotation being the next frontier. Ronak Modi, Chief Business Officer Global at Fynd, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the scalability of the solution and the significant opportunity to unify retail and e-commerce into a single channel over the next 12–24 months. As the UAE continues to evolve into a global logistics and luxury retail hub, partnerships like Hugo Boss and Fynd signal a broader industry shift—where technology, efficiency, and customer-centricity converge to redefine the luxury experience.
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Galadari Brothers earns second place in Dubai Sustainability Challenge 2025
Galadari Brothers has proudly secured the second position in the Dubai Sustainability Challenge 2025, a citywide initiative orchestrated by Companies for Good. This event aimed to galvanize corporate teams to take actionable steps towards fostering a greener and more sustainable Dubai. The three-week challenge saw the participation of leading organizations across the UAE, documenting over 500 sustainable actions, including waste reduction, energy conservation, community volunteering, and recycling initiatives. The program concluded with a grand finale desert clean-up, where the top three companies collaborated to collect waste from the desert environment.
Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, ‘This recognition reflects Galadari Brothers’ shared purpose to drive meaningful change. Our teams demonstrated how sustainability can thrive when it becomes a collective habit, woven into the way we work and contribute to the community.’ Employees from various divisions of Galadari Brothers actively participated, contributing ideas and daily actions that aligned with the conglomerate’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
Talat Jahan Sheikh from Group Finance highlighted the personal impact of the challenge, saying, ‘What made the challenge special was how it turned sustainability into something personal. Small habits like switching off unused lights or reusing materials created a real sense of ownership.’ The finale event was marked by a spirited desert cleanup competition, which Muhammad Kamran from Galadari Ventures Division described as ‘an inspiring day,’ adding, ‘Seeing teams from different companies working together in the open desert reminded us how powerful collective action can be.’
This achievement underscores Galadari Brothers’ steadfast commitment to embedding sustainability into its operations and corporate culture, aligning with Dubai’s vision for a green and circular economy and the UAE’s sustainable future.