By Staff Reporter
ABU DHABI, April 28, 2026 — The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has blocked 13,667 violating websites in the first quarter of 2026, marking a sharp increase of nearly 400 percent compared to the same period last year.
The enforcement drive forms part of the InstaBlock initiative, a technology-led campaign launched in February 2025. Since its inception, the programme has led to the shutdown of 47,667 infringing websites. Using artificial intelligence, the InstaBlock Lab enables real-time monitoring and swift action against copyright violations across creative content and digital broadcasting platforms.
According to Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector, the results highlight the UAE’s growing effectiveness in safeguarding intellectual property while strengthening a secure digital ecosystem that encourages innovation and global competitiveness.
The ministry worked closely with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and key industry partners, including Abu Dhabi Media Network, MBC Shahid, OSN, Yango Play, STARZPLAY, the Brand Owner Council, and Nissan Middle East.
Enforcement efforts were significantly ramped up during Ramadan, a period that typically sees a surge in illegal streaming. Immediate website blocks rose dramatically from 62 cases in 2023 to 1,117 in 2024, 2,217 in 2025, and 5,677 in 2026.
Beyond enforcement, the campaign also focuses on raising public awareness about the importance of accessing content through licensed and official platforms. Authorities say the initiative supports the national We the UAE 2031 agenda, which aims to protect the knowledge-based economy and enhance the country’s global leadership in digital content protection.
Source: Emirates News Agency
