UAE Shuts Down Over 14,000 Illegal Streaming Sites During World Cup

Aug 6, 2026

66 min

Aug 6, 2026 12:32

UAE blocks over 14,000 illegal sports streaming sites during 2026 FIFA World Cup

## UAE's Anti-Piracy Efforts

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the UAE's Ministry of Economy and Tourism took significant steps to combat digital piracy by blocking over 14,000 websites and applications involved in illegal sports streaming. This initiative was part of a broader effort to protect broadcasting rights and intellectual property.

## InstaBlock's Role

The ministry's InstaBlock center played a crucial role in this operation, utilizing advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to swiftly detect and block infringing platforms. The center managed to shut down 14,122 sites, comprising 9,595 internet domains and 4,527 IP addresses.

## Inspection and Compliance

In addition to online measures, the ministry conducted over 370 inspections of commercial establishments, such as cafés and restaurants, during the tournament. These inspections revealed that 287 businesses were not complying with regulations regarding sports broadcasting rights.

## Ongoing Efforts

Since its inception in February 2025, InstaBlock has blocked a total of 68,401 illegal sports streaming platforms. The number of blocked sites has increased significantly over the years, reflecting the UAE's commitment to strengthening intellectual property protection.

## Strategic Partnerships

The UAE's efforts are supported by partnerships with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, Spain's LaLiga, and Eurostar Multimedia. These collaborations are part of the country's strategy to promote licensed digital content and align with the "We the UAE 2031" vision.

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