The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism blocked 13,667 websites found to be in violation of copyright laws during the first quarter of 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of nearly 400 per cent.
The figure brings the total number of websites blocked since the launch of the InstaBlock Lab in February 2025 to 47,667.
The campaign operates under the ministry’s InstaBlock initiative, which uses artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring and immediate processing of copyright infringement reports relating to creative content and digital broadcasting.
UAE blocks thousands of piracy sites in 2026 to protect digital broadcasting, creative content
Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector, said the initiative demonstrated the strength of the country’s approach to protecting intellectual property and fostering a secure digital environment that supports innovation and global competitiveness.
The ministry coordinated with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and a number of stakeholders including Abu Dhabi Media Network, MBC Shahid, OSN, Yango Play, STARZPLAY, the Brand Owner Council and Nissan Middle East.
Enforcement activity was intensified during Ramadan to address a rise in broadcasting violations during the holy month. Records show that the number of sites blocked immediately during Ramadan has risen from 62 in 2023 to 1,117 in 2024, 2,217 in 2025, and 5,677 in 2026.
Beyond enforcement action, the campaign sought to raise awareness among the public regarding the importance of accessing creative works through official and licensed sources.
The ministry said these efforts align with the “We the UAE 2031” vision to protect the knowledge-based economy and strengthen the country’s standing in digital content protection at an international level.
