Roblox Suspends In-Game Chats in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Roblox has taken a decisive step to safeguard underage users by temporarily disabling both voice and text chat features in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

This move stems from growing concerns over child safety and follows regulatory talks in both countries.

As one of the Middle East's most popular gaming platforms, Roblox serves millions of young players across the region. The shutdown affects a significant portion of its user base and reflects mounting scrutiny from regional authorities and international observers.

Responding to heightened public attention—sparked in part by an investigative report from The Guardian outlining serious safety lapses on the platform—Roblox has committed to bolstering its moderation capabilities in Arabic with more rigorous content controls.

In the UAE, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) announced the changes, stating that the move is aimed at enhancing protection for younger users and ensuring they enjoy a safe, trusted digital environment. 

Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) confirmed the suspension of chat features and emphasized that Roblox would implement advanced Arabic moderation tools and Arabic-speaking moderators to oversee content effectively.

These actions are part of a broader pattern of content regulation across the region. Several other countries—including Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and Turkey—recently imposed bans or restrictions on Roblox due to similar child safety concerns.

Roblox reassured users that these measures are temporary and integral to its long-term strategy of creating a safer and more positive gaming environment, especially for young players. The company affirmed its intention to restore communication features once more effective moderation systems are fully in place.

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