During the 2026 Football World Cup, the UAE’s specialized “InstaBlock” center successfully blocked 14,122 websites and applications that were illegally broadcasting sports content. This enforcement action, aimed at protecting broadcasting rights and curbing digital piracy, involved the removal of 9,595 domains and 4,527 IP addresses. The initiative was executed through a coordinated monitoring and rapid-response system involving the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET), local economic departments, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
Dr. Abdurrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector at the MOET, stated that the center utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and modern technology to identify and neutralize digital violations. Once a report of infringement is received from rights holders, the system triggers a verification and blocking process that typically concludes within 10 to 15 minutes. This rapid intervention is designed to limit the reach of unlicensed content and safeguard the interests of intellectual property owners in the media and sports sectors.
Beyond digital enforcement, the MOET conducted extensive field inspections across the country during the tournament. Officials visited more than 370 commercial establishments, including restaurants and cafes, to ensure compliance with broadcasting regulations. These inspections identified 287 establishments that were operating without the necessary licenses. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to bolster the UAE’s creative and sports economy while reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a leader in combating digital piracy.
The InstaBlock center has seen a significant increase in its operational activity since its inception in February 2025. To date, the center has blocked a total of 68,401 infringing platforms. Historical data provided by the center shows a sharp rise in enforcement: 1,132 sites were blocked in 2023, 4,557 in 2024, and 21,000 in 2025. These figures underscore the growing scale of the UAE’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights in the digital age.
The center operates through a strategic framework that relies on partnerships with key entities such as the Spanish League (LaLiga) and Eurostar Multimedia. By integrating these collaborative efforts with the regulatory authority of the TDRA, the UAE aims to enhance the confidence of international broadcasters and rights holders. According to Al Muaini, these comprehensive measures are essential for maintaining a secure and professional digital environment for sports media consumption across the country.
This included 9,595 Domains and 4,527 IP Address, as part of the monitoring and immediate response system adopted by the centre to handle reports of broadcasting rights infringement, in cooperation with relevant authorit
The MOET, in cooperation with local economic departments, carried out a series of field inspection visits covering more than 370 commercial establishments during the 2026 World Cup, particularly cafes and restaurants, wh