Several Gulf states have recently joined a growing list of countries banning the online gaming platform Roblox, citing claims that it does not provide a safe environment for young users. Even in nations where the game remains accessible, officials appear to be moving toward restrictions.
Last week, Kuwaiti media reported that the government had blocked Roblox after receiving complaints from parents and advocacy groups about risks to children, including exposure to online exploitation, harmful behavior, inappropriate content and unsafe in-game purchases.
The Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) in Kuwait said the ban was temporary, pending negotiations with the company. Officials said the platform would only be reinstated if offensive content was removed and stronger child-safety standards were put in place. The authority emphasized its legal duty to protect users, particularly children.
The decision followed an online campaign led by Kuwait’s Electronic Media Association, which published anti-Roblox videos urging parents to submit official requests for the platform to be blocked. “Spread this video so as many requests as possible will be filed, and the game will be banned,” one campaigner urged.
In Bahrain, lawmaker Hamad Al-Dweihi announced he would submit a proposal to ban Roblox, citing daily reports of safety risks linked to the game. He said he was working with authorities to block the platform to protect children and reduce cyberthreats.
Addiction and unsafe purchases
Saudi outlet Al-Arabiya published a feature last week highlighting the dangers of Roblox, which has hundreds of millions of monthly users worldwide — more than 80% of them under age 16. Saudi tech expert Turki Al-Mahmoud warned parents to closely monitor their children’s gaming habits.
According to Al-Mahmoud, the most pressing danger comes from communication with strangers through in-game chat, a common starting point for online child abuse. Another risk, he said, is user-generated virtual worlds, some of which contain violent, frightening, or sexually suggestive content.
He also pointed to the game’s dependence on its digital currency, Robux, which encourages children to make frequent purchases they may not understand, sometimes reaching large sums. The addictive nature of the game, he added, also raises concerns about sleep disruption and reduced focus.
While Al-Mahmoud said an outright ban may not always be feasible, he urged families to mitigate risks by locking or limiting chat functions, blocking access to inappropriate virtual worlds, and restricting playtime to one hour a day. “Roblox, like any digital platform, offers opportunities for learning and entertainment, but it requires awareness and parental supervision,” he said.
Oman, Qatar and beyond
The Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat also reported on the mounting backlash against Roblox, noting that Oman and Qatar have already blocked access, joining other countries such as Jordan, Turkey and China. According to Saudi telecom regulators, Roblox was the second-most downloaded game in the kingdom in 2024–25, after topping the list in 2024 alone.
The uproar extends beyond the Middle East. Saudi expert Mohammed Al-Rashidi told Asharq Al-Awsat that an estimated 85 million children under 16 worldwide play Roblox daily. The report also noted that Louisiana recently filed a lawsuit against the company behind Roblox, accusing it of exposing children to harm and exploitation.
The platform has also become a stage for political activism. Since the Gaza war began, Roblox has hosted virtual demonstrations against Israel, with avatars waving Palestinian flags at simulated protests. Israeli users have reported being “attacked” by other players in these virtual events.
Company promises stricter oversight
Amid growing criticism and lawsuits, Roblox Corp. announced plans to tighten its content moderation policies in the coming months. At the same time, Arab media outlets have also highlighted more positive uses of the platform, including concerts by Gulf artists and its role in shaping what Al-Arabiya described as “a new era of digital entertainment.”
Still, Gulf debates in recent days have questioned whether banning a single platform can truly solve the problem, given that tech-savvy youth often bypass restrictions. Some experts argue that emphasis should instead be placed on education, awareness and parental oversight of children’s digital habits.