UAE residents face fines up to Dh100,000 for illegal World Cup streams
Using such devices to access encrypted TV channels could lead to fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh100,000 and potential imprisonment.
The analysis — automated & source-checked
- Applies to
- Digital & tech · UAE
- What to do
- UAE residents must not use unauthorised receivers, satellite decoders, or illegal streaming services to access encrypted TV channels. Using, manufacturing, importing, selling, renting or distributing such devices is illegal and subject to significant fines and imprisonment.
Emirati lawyer Abdullah Al Nasser warned that football fans using unauthorised receivers and satellite decoders to watch World Cup matches risk falling foul of the law. Using such devices to access encrypted TV channels could lead to fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh100,000 and potential imprisonment. The penalties become significantly more severe for the manufacture, import, sale, rental or distribution of such devices, with a prison sentence of at least six months or fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh700,000. Dubai Police arrested a crime gang for hacking encrypted TV channels and rebroadcasting them through unauthorised receivers, websites and online streaming links before selling annual subscriptions to the public. Authorities in the UAE are seeking to close the net on piracy rings and unauthorised online broadcasts, explicitly warning residents against using illegal streaming services and unlicensed websites.
Source
Reported by: The National 11 Jul 2026 Read the original ↗ More from The National →
Quick answers
What do I need to do?
UAE residents must not use unauthorised receivers, satellite decoders, or illegal streaming services to access encrypted TV channels. Using, manufacturing, importing, selling, renting or distributing such devices is illegal and subject to significant fines and imprisonment.
Who reported this?
The National (UAE).
When was it announced?
11 Jul 2026.
Where can I read the original?
Read the original at The National: https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/07/11/uae-fans-get-world-cup-warning-over-illegal-streams-costing-industry-billions/
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