The UAE stepped up its fight against illegal sports streaming during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, blocking 14,122 websites and applications accused of broadcasting matches without the required rights.
The action was carried out through the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s InstaBlock centre, which uses a monitoring and rapid-response system to identify and restrict digital platforms involved in unauthorised sports broadcasting.
According to the ministry, the crackdown resulted in the blocking of 9,595 domains and 4,527 IP addresses during the tournament, which was held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
UAE intensifies action against illegal sports streaming
Authorities also conducted more than 370 inspection visits to commercial establishments, including cafes and restaurants, during the World Cup. Officials identified 287 establishments that were not using licensed broadcasting channels to screen matches.
The enforcement campaign reflects the UAE’s broader efforts to protect intellectual property and broadcasting rights, particularly during major international sporting events that attract large audiences.
The ministry said the InstaBlock centre has blocked a total of 68,401 websites and applications for sports broadcasting violations since its establishment in February 2025.
Enforcement activity has increased significantly in recent years. The ministry reported that 1,132 websites were blocked in 2023, followed by 4,557 in 2024 and approximately 21,000 in 2025.
How the InstaBlock system works
The UAE’s rapid-response mechanism begins when rights holders report websites or applications suspected of distributing copyrighted sports content without authorisation.
The complaints are reviewed before being referred to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) for blocking action. Authorities said the process of identifying an infringing platform and completing the blocking procedure can take around 10 to 15 minutes.
The system operates through cooperation between government agencies, regulatory authorities, internet service providers and sports broadcasting rights holders.
The initiative also includes partnerships with organisations such as LaLiga and Eurostar Multimedia.
Focus on protecting sports and creative industries
Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, assistant undersecretary for intellectual property at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said rapid enforcement against digital violations is helping limit the circulation of unauthorised content.
He noted that protecting sports broadcasting rights during major events such as the FIFA World Cup is important for strengthening the UAE’s sports and creative content economy.
The ministry also said stronger enforcement is helping improve compliance among commercial venues and providing greater confidence to broadcasters and rights holders operating in the UAE.
With online sports consumption continuing to grow, authorities are increasingly focusing on illegal streaming platforms that distribute premium sporting events without permission.
For viewers in the UAE, officials have repeatedly encouraged the public and commercial establishments to use licensed broadcasters and authorised platforms when watching major sporting events.
The latest figures underline the scale of the UAE’s digital anti-piracy campaign and its growing reliance on technology and rapid enforcement to protect intellectual property rights.
