24 October 2023: Experts have warned that almost a third of online product and service reviews are fake. But how can we tell the honest from the better avoided?

24 October 2023: Experts have warned that almost a third of online product and service reviews are fake. But how can we tell the honest from the better avoided?

The Agenda is your go-to programme for news, analysis and comment - a daily digest of local and international stories that matter to you. Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.
From Covid-19, to climate change and community issues, The Agenda covers stories from every walk of life, so get in touch with us and tell us your news.

The Agenda is your go-to programme for news, analysis and comment - a daily digest of local and international stories that matter to you. Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE. From Covid-19, to climate change and community issues, The Agenda covers stories from every walk of life, so get in touch with us and tell us your news.

The Agenda

Can you trust an online review?

Gaming platform Roblox is rolling out major new safety measures, including age-based accounts, stricter parental controls, and mandatory verification for certain features, to better protect children online. But how effective are these safeguards in reality? We hear from Roblox directly, and then speak to a child development expert about what it means for behaviour, wellbeing, and digital literacy.

Claims about extending distance learning until May 1st have been confirmed as FALSE, and authorities are reminding residents that sharing unverified information, particularly during times of crisis, can carry serious legal consequences. So what counts as misinformation, and could simply forwarding a message land you in trouble? We speak to lawyer Dino Wilkinson from Baker McKenzie.

The global impact of the Iran-US conflict is deepening, and with US President Donald Trump ordering a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, oil prices have surged back above $100 a barrel. What impact is that having on Asian countries? We get the latest on the ground in the Philippines.

If you're looking for a new way to stay active in Dubai, Dubai Police is stepping things up with a new initiative that’s making fitness completely free and accessible to everyone.

 


And we tell you about a new in-store dining experience right here in Dubai.

Gaming platform Roblox is rolling out major new safety measures, including age-based accounts, stricter parental controls, and mandatory verification for certain features, to better protect children online. But how effective are these safeguards in reality? We hear from Roblox directly, and then speak to a child development expert about what it means for behaviour, wellbeing, and digital literacy.
Claims about extending distance learning until May 1st have been confirmed as FALSE, and authorities are reminding residents that sharing unverified information, particularly during times of crisis, can carry serious legal consequences. So what counts as misinformation, and could simply forwarding a message land you in trouble? We speak to lawyer Dino Wilkinson from Baker McKenzie.
The global impact of the Iran-US conflict is deepening, and with US President Donald Trump ordering a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, oil prices have surged back above $100 a barrel. What impact is that having on Asian countries? We get the latest on the ground in the Philippines.
If you're looking for a new way to stay active in Dubai, Dubai Police is stepping things up with a new initiative that&rsquo;s making fitness completely free and accessible to everyone.
&nbsp;
 And we tell you about a new in-store dining experience right here in Dubai.

Roblox to introduce new age-based accounts

With the ongoing situation in the region, we look first at the status of the housing market in Dubai with Louis Harding from Betterhomes.

We also discuss what’s happening behind the scenes, with some mortgage applications now on hold, while others move quickly to secure deals. Jo Phillips from Phillips & Walls Mortgage Brokers joins us on that.

A fragile ceasefire may be holding but overnight, tensions have escalated again, with US President Donald Trump announcing a military blockade from 2pm GMT — that’s 6pm here in the UAE. We hear from the International Chamber of Shipping on what that means for global trade and stranded seafarers.

We also ask: what's happening beneath the surface, how is marine life impacted by the situation at the Strait of Hormuz?

And we get more details about the newly-approved oral weight-loss medication in the UAE.

With the ongoing situation in the region, we look first at the status of the housing market in Dubai with Louis Harding from Betterhomes.
We also discuss what&rsquo;s happening behind the scenes, with some mortgage applications now on hold, while others move quickly to secure deals. Jo Phillips from Phillips &amp; Walls Mortgage Brokers joins us on that.
A fragile ceasefire may be holding but overnight, tensions have escalated again, with US President Donald Trump announcing a military blockade from 2pm GMT &mdash; that&rsquo;s 6pm here in the UAE. We hear from the International Chamber of Shipping on what that means for global trade and stranded seafarers.
We also ask: what's happening beneath the surface, how is marine life impacted by the situation at the Strait of Hormuz?
And we get more details about the newly-approved oral weight-loss medication in the UAE.

Are Dubai property prices beginning to soften?

We’ve got the interview a lot of parents will be waiting for - the KHDA, which regulates private schools in Dubai, joins us shortly to talk through their guide to distance learning.

While it still feels too early to announce a return to normality - some sectors of the economy are still bubbling along.

We'll discuss concerts with Dubai Opera, and sports with the team from ISD Dubai Sports City - who despite the conflict are busy with children getting active.

The immediate picture looks more stable, experts are warning the conflict in the Gulf could have longer-term environmental consequences - particularly with both sides targeting oil and gas facilities, as well as desalination plants. We’ll dig into that with a local expert.

We&rsquo;ve got the interview a lot of parents will be waiting for - the KHDA, which regulates private schools in Dubai, joins us shortly to talk through their guide to distance learning.
While it still feels too early to announce a return to normality - some sectors of the economy are still bubbling along.
We'll discuss concerts with Dubai Opera, and sports with the team from ISD Dubai Sports City - who despite the conflict are busy with children getting active.
The immediate picture looks more stable, experts are warning the conflict in the Gulf could have longer-term environmental consequences - particularly with both sides targeting oil and gas facilities, as well as desalination plants. We&rsquo;ll dig into that with a local expert.

Can you trust an online review?

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