Major sporting events have become some of the most intensively targeted content in the global piracy ecosystem, placing broadcasters and rights holders under growing pressure to protect live coverage across websites, IPTV services, social media and messaging platforms.

For beIN MEDIA GROUP, preparations to safeguard a tournament on the scale of the FIFA World Cup begin months before the first match. The broadcaster combines technology, intelligence gathering, legal enforcement and collaboration with governments, platforms, satellite operators and rights owners to disrupt illegal distribution in real time.

“Major sporting events, particularly the FIFA World Cup, are among the most targeted pieces of content in the world. We always see broadcast piracy spike during World Cups and the events often serve as a good marker of how piracy is developing,” says Cameron Andrews, legal director for Anti-Piracy at beIN MEDIA GROUP.

Andrews has more than 16 years of experience in anti-piracy and intellectual property enforcement across broadcasting, music, film and gaming. At beIN, he leads anti-piracy strategy, enforcement and operations across the group’s live sports and entertainment pay-TV business.

Piracy becomes an organised digital ecosystem

Over the past decade, sports piracy has moved far beyond standalone websites offering unauthorised streams.

“The challenge is no longer limited to illegal streaming websites; it has developed into a sophisticated ecosystem involving illegal IPTV services, social media platforms, messaging applications, unauthorised streaming platforms and organised networks operating across multiple jurisdictions.”

Illegal IPTV remains one of the most significant threats. These services frequently imitate legitimate platforms while offering thousands of pirated television channels and large libraries of entertainment content at little or no cost.

“The piracy landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Illegal IPTV services remain one of the most significant challenges because they often presenting themselves as legitimate services while operating without rights.”

The scale of the problem has also expanded as piracy links, clips and access credentials can be distributed instantly through online communities, social platforms and encrypted messaging applications.

Piracy operators are increasingly relying on offshore hosting infrastructure designed to make enforcement more difficult, Andrews says, with some of those networks also supporting wider cybercrime activity.

AI raises the stakes

Artificial intelligence is expected to accelerate both content protection and illegal redistribution.

For broadcasters, AI can support large-scale monitoring, threat classification and faster enforcement. Piracy operators, however, may use the same technology to automate content duplication, promotion and distribution, or to identify and exploit security weaknesses.

“Artificial intelligence will further transform the landscape. While AI provides important opportunities for rights protection, it can also be misused to automate the duplication, redistribution and promotion of illegal content. We also anticipate that artificial intelligence will be used to try to exploit security vulnerabilities.”

For Andrews, this means anti-piracy operations must continually evolve rather than rely on static enforcement models.

“This means anti-piracy operations must continuously adapt and innovate to stay ahead of emerging threats.”

A 24-hour operation

A tournament-level anti-piracy operation is built around preparation, live monitoring and post-match enforcement.

Ahead of the event, beIN conducts risk assessments, expands monitoring capacity, develops enforcement workflows and coordinates with FIFA, internet service providers, digital platforms, hosting companies, satellite operators and public authorities.

“A successful anti-piracy operation for an event such as the FIFA World Cup begins long before the opening match.”

Before kick-off, the broadcaster identifies known piracy sources and ensures enforcement channels are ready to respond. During matches, teams monitor websites, IPTV networks, social media and other digital environments for unauthorised broadcasts.

“Our approach is based on a 360-degree protection model covering the full lifecycle of piracy.”

The objective is not only to detect an illegal stream but to disrupt it quickly enough to protect the value of live coverage.

“Our work does not stop when the final whistle is blown. We continue to address post-match piracy, including unauthorised recordings, highlights, clips and other forms of illegal distribution,” Andrews reveals.

The operation also covers trademark misuse, fraudulent services, illegal advertising and accounts or online communities that help consumers access pirated content.

Technology has become central to beIN’s content protection strategy.

The broadcaster is developing AI-powered systems, automated monitoring tools and intelligent crawlers that can scan different platforms, categorise suspicious content and prioritise enforcement.

“Technology is a fundamental part of modern content protection. At beIN, we continue to invest in developing advanced tools and platforms that allow us to detect, analyse and respond to piracy more effectively. beIN has been an industry leader and the first broadcaster to widely deploy cutting edge content protection technologies.”

These tools allow teams to process larger volumes of data and identify threats that would be difficult to manage manually. “Our teams are now building AI-powered capabilities, automated monitoring systems and intelligent crawlers that help identify, classify and prioritise illegal content across different platforms.”

beIN also monitors technical activity within its digital distribution environment, including content delivery network activity and access patterns, to identify suspicious behaviour such as unauthorised extraction or exploitation of infrastructure vulnerabilities.

Watermarking, content identification and digital forensic technologies can then help trace the source of illegal distribution.

Andrews says: “Combined with digital forensic technologies, including watermarking and content identification solutions, these capabilities allow us to move beyond reactive takedowns and adopt a more intelligence-led approach focused on preventing, detecting and disrupting piracy.”

Collaboration across borders

Sports piracy frequently involves operators, infrastructure and audiences spread across several jurisdictions, making partnerships a critical part of enforcement.

“Partnerships are essential because piracy does not respect borders. No organisation can address this challenge alone.”

beIN works with governments, regulators, law enforcement authorities, rights owners, internet service providers, technology companies and satellite operators.

For major tournaments, cooperation with rights owners such as FIFA allows organisations to coordinate strategies, share intelligence and pursue collective enforcement.

“Industry initiatives such as Operation Offside demonstrate the importance of collaboration between rights holders, broadcasters and enforcement partners in tackling organised piracy.” Satellite protection is particularly important in the Middle East and North Africa, where signal overspill can undermine territorial broadcasting agreements.

“We work closely with satellite operators to address challenges such as signal overspill and ensure that territorial rights are properly protected.” The financial impact of piracy extends beyond subscription losses for broadcasters.

Sports media rights help fund leagues, clubs, athletes, production teams and the wider infrastructure required to deliver live competitions. A reduction in the commercial value of those rights can affect investment across the ecosystem.

“Piracy impacts the entire sports ecosystem, not only broadcasters. Broadcasting rights support investment in leagues, clubs, athletes, production teams and the many professionals involved in delivering world-class sporting events.”

Andrews argues that protecting intellectual property is therefore closely linked to the long-term sustainability of professional sport.

“When piracy reduces the value of these rights, it affects the ability of stakeholders to continue investing in innovation, production quality and fan experiences.”

Piracy is not victimless

One of the industry’s biggest challenges is changing the perception that viewing an illegal stream causes little or no harm.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that piracy only affects large media companies. In reality, it affects everyone involved in creating and delivering sports content.”

Pirate services may also expose users to poor-quality streams, malware, fraud and the theft of financial or personal data. “Consumers also don’t understand how closely interlinked piracy is with other serious cybercrime threats online.”

Andrews says the offshore hosting providers used by piracy operators can also facilitate phishing, scams, malicious content and other cybercrime activity.

Some set-top boxes distributed for piracy have been found to contain hardware enabling third parties to use them in distributed denial-of-service attacks, while links between piracy applications and residential proxy networks are creating additional concerns.

He adds: “We often say there is no such thing as ‘free’ and this is especially true for piracy.”

As streaming technology and AI continue to develop, Andrews expects piracy to become faster, more scalable and increasingly difficult to trace.

“The next challenge will be the increasing speed, scale and sophistication of piracy. New technologies will continue to create opportunities for both legitimate innovation and illegal distribution.”

For broadcasters and rights owners, the response will require continued investment in AI, automation, digital forensics and coordinated enforcement. “At beIN MEDIA GROUP, we believe successful anti-piracy is built on preparation, collaboration and continuous improvement.”

Protecting the FIFA World Cup 2026 will require cooperation across the international sports, technology and enforcement ecosystem.

“Protecting the FIFA World Cup 2026 requires a global effort, and we remain committed to working with FIFA, our partners and stakeholders to safeguard the integrity and value of one of the world’s greatest sporting events while ensuring fans can enjoy the tournament through the best possible legitimate viewing experience,” Andrews concludes.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days from the date of issuance, allowing pilgrims to make multiple visits to the Kingdom with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days over the visa’s validity, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The initiative forms part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts under Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program to simplify travel procedures, enhance the visitor experience and improve the efficiency of services for pilgrims.

Under the new framework, pilgrims must purchase an approved service package through the Nusuk platform for each visit. The duration of the package cannot exceed the number of days remaining on the visa. Travellers must also obtain an Umrah permit through the Nusuk application before arriving in the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the visa will be automatically deactivated after each departure from Saudi Arabia and reactivated once the traveller meets the regulatory requirements for a subsequent visit.

However, the visa will not be activated during the annual Hajj season, from the first day of Dhu Al-Qi’dah until the 13th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, in line with the Kingdom’s pilgrimage regulations.

According to SPA, the ministry said the new visa is designed to give pilgrims greater flexibility in planning their religious journeys while supporting the integration of digital and operational services across the entire pilgrimage experience.

The move is expected to support Saudi Arabia’s strategy to expand religious tourism and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a year-round destination for Muslim pilgrims through enhanced digital services and streamlined visitor processes.

Saudi Arabia has introduced new flexible residency permit (iqama) renewal options for domestic workers, allowing employers to issue or renew permits for shorter periods through the Absher platform.

The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), announced the new service in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Musaned platform.

Under the updated system, employers can now issue or renew residency permits for domestic workers and similar categories for periods of three, six, nine, 12, 15, 18, 21 or 24 months, a Saudi Gazette report said.

Previously, residency renewals were generally limited to one- or two-year periods.

Read more-Planning a Saudi trip? Citizens of these 6 countries can now get a visa in just 48 hours

The ministry said the new system allows employers to pay residency fees based on the selected renewal period, enabling quarterly payments for permits issued or renewed for three months or multiples of three.

The move is designed to provide greater financial flexibility for employers while addressing the changing needs of domestic workers and beneficiaries.

Officials said the initiative is part of broader efforts to improve residency services, streamline government procedures and expand digital solutions under Saudi Arabia’s ongoing digital transformation programs.

Qiwa clarifies Premium Residency work permit requirements

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Qiwa platform has issued updates regarding employment services, including requirements for Premium Residency holders and other labor-related procedures.

On June 12, Qiwa, the digital labor platform operated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, said Premium Residency holders are required to obtain a dedicated work permit through the platform at a fee of SR100, according to Okaz newspaper.

The platform explained that subscription fees vary depending on the size of each establishment and are calculated according to the total number of employees registered under an entity’s unified number.

Qiwa also confirmed that training contracts for beneficiaries of the Tamheer program can be documented through the platform.

However, it clarified that these training contracts are not included in Saudization calculations or current compliance requirements related to employment contract documentation.

Digital services expand across employment sector

The platform said service payments can be completed through bank cards, SADAD payment numbers or the Qiwa digital wallet, providing users with multiple digital payment options.

Addressing resignation procedures, Qiwa explained that employees can withdraw a resignation request within seven days if the employer has not accepted or deferred a decision on the request during that period.

The platform added that notice periods depend on the terms stated in individual employment contracts and may differ between employees.

Qiwa also clarified that visa details cannot be modified after issuance. If incorrect information is entered, the issued visa must be canceled and a new visa application submitted with the correct details.

The latest announcements highlight Saudi Arabia’s continued push toward expanding digital government services and creating more flexible systems for employers and workers.

AtkinsRéalis and ALEC have been appointed to deliver Sphere Abu Dhabi, the next-generation immersive entertainment venue on Yas Island, with the landmark project scheduled to open in 2029.

Developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the project forms part of the emirate’s strategy to strengthen its position as a global destination for culture, entertainment and innovation.

Sphere Abu Dhabi will feature a fully programmable LED exosphere and a wraparound interior display capable of delivering 16K-resolution visuals, alongside advanced beamforming audio technology designed to direct sound to individual seats, creating an immersive entertainment experience.

The project follows the success of the original Sphere in Las Vegas, which became the world’s highest-grossing arena within its first year of operation.

The development will be delivered under a Design and Build model, with AtkinsRéalis serving as the lead multidisciplinary design and supervision consultant, overseeing architecture, structural engineering and specialist immersive technologies. ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC has been appointed by DCT Abu Dhabi to lead procurement, construction and project delivery.

The two companies said their collaboration builds on experience gained from delivering complex entertainment and cultural projects across the region, including Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia, where AtkinsRéalis is the design consultant and ALEC is responsible for construction across several major venues.

Peter Willmott, chief operating officer, Middle East, AtkinsRéalis, said: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a completely new kind of immersive destination for the Middle East. Together with ALEC, we are integrating cutting-edge design, advanced engineering, and immersive technologies to deliver a venue that will redefine what entertainment means globally.”

Sean McQue, managing director of ALEC Construction, added: “Sphere Abu Dhabi is one of the most technically demanding and culturally significant projects we have undertaken, and it demands exactly the kind of integrated, collaborative delivery model that our partnership with AtkinsRéalis enables. Their design leadership combined with our construction expertise and deep regional presence gives this project the right foundation to deliver to the global benchmark this venue deserves.”

The partners said the project’s complexity requires close integration between design, engineering and construction to deliver one of the world’s most technologically advanced entertainment venues.

Once completed, Sphere Abu Dhabi will introduce a new format of immersive storytelling to the region, combining advanced visual, audio and digital technologies to create large-scale live and interactive entertainment experiences.

Emirati businessman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor says the former DP World chief has the experience and vision to deliver value at Malaysia’s largest port operator.

Emirati businessman and Al Habtoor Group founder Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has publicly congratulated Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem on his appointment to lead Malaysia’s largest port operating group, expressing confidence that the veteran logistics executive will deliver “real value” in his new role.

In a post on X (translated from Arabic), Al Habtoor described the appointment as “well-deserved” and wished Bin Sulayem success in leading MMC Port Holdings, the country’s largest operator of ports and maritime terminals and a major player in Southeast Asia’s maritime transport and logistics sector.

“I am confident that, with the experience, vision, and competence he possesses, he is capable of making a significant impact and adding real value to the company, just as he has done in all the tasks he has undertaken,” Al Habtoor wrote.

The endorsement comes days after it emerged that Bin Sulayem had assumed direct operational leadership of MMC Port Holdings following the immediate departure of group chief executive Azman Shah Mohd Yusof.

An internal company memo, previously reported by Reuters, said matters previously handled by the group CEO would be directed to Bin Sulayem’s office while the company maintains continuity across its operations. The memo stated that strategic projects and day-to-day operations would continue without disruption during the leadership transition.

MMC Ports operates seven ports located along or near the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes and a critical corridor for global container and energy shipments.

Bin Sulayem stepped down as chairman and chief executive of Dubai-based DP World in February, with Essa Kazim appointed chairman and Yuvraj Narayan named group chief executive. His appointment at MMC Ports places one of the UAE’s most prominent logistics executives at the helm of Malaysia’s largest port operator as it navigates its next phase of growth and strategic development.