There is growing evidence that smart devices are being used to harrass and monitor individuals. Does that put you off using your Alexa?

There is growing evidence that smart devices are being used to harrass and monitor individuals. Does that put you off using your Alexa?

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

Is your Alexa out to get you? Yes

After 7 weeks of disruption and four weeks of distanced learning, nurseries in Dubai and Sharjah are preparing for a phased return to in-person learning from this week, subject to approval from the Dubai's KHDA and Spear, the bodies that regulate private childcare and schools in the emirates. So what does that mean in practice? We speak to one Dubai-based nursery.

We also talk to education leaders about how schools are preparing, from safety measures to supporting students as they readjust.

With paid parking fees in Discovery Gardens getting a revision from today, we ask: what's driving the expansion of paid parking in residential areas?

If you’ve been on the roads in Dubai recently, you may have noticed a slightly different tone when it comes to road safety. The RTA, working with Dubai Police, has launched a new campaign encouraging drivers to behave as if their mum is in the car.

And after recent heavy rain, Dubai Municipality is stepping up mosquito control efforts.

 

 

 

After 7 weeks of disruption and four weeks of distanced learning, nurseries in Dubai and Sharjah are preparing for a phased return to in-person learning from this week, subject to approval from the Dubai's KHDA and Spear, the bodies that regulate private childcare and schools in the emirates. So what does that mean in practice? We speak to one Dubai-based nursery.
We also talk to education leaders about how schools are preparing, from safety measures to supporting students as they readjust.
With paid parking fees in Discovery Gardens getting a revision from today, we ask: what's driving the expansion of paid parking in residential areas?
If you&rsquo;ve been on the roads in Dubai recently, you may have noticed a slightly different tone when it comes to road safety. The RTA, working with Dubai Police, has launched a new campaign encouraging drivers to behave as if their mum is in the car.
And after recent heavy rain, Dubai Municipality is stepping up mosquito control efforts.
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Nurseries reopening

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.

Is your Alexa out to get you? Yes

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