As football fans worldwide prepare for the World Cup final and the third-place play-off, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism on Friday urged residents to watch the matches only through licensed websites and platforms.

To help protect intellectual property rights, refrain from sharing or rebroadcasting any content without authorization. Support your team and watch the matches responsibly, the ministry stated. Fans were also cautioned against sharing illegal live-streaming links for the high-stakes matches.

Viewing or sharing sports content from unlicensed sources in the UAE is considered a violation of intellectual property rights under the country's copyright law, specifically Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Related Rights.

The law imposes strict penalties on violators, including fines ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 100,000, depending on the severity of the breach. In cases involving commercial piracy, the fines can be significantly higher.

For more serious offenses, penalties may also include imprisonment, the seizure of equipment used for illegal distribution, and the blocking of unauthorized streaming platforms.

Broadcasting rights for the World Cup in the Middle East and North Africa region are traditionally held by beIN Sports, which provides live coverage via television and digital platforms. The TOD streaming service also offers online access to the matches for subscribers in the region.

Where to watch the matches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Numerous venues across the UAE will be broadcasting the matches on large screens.

In Abu Dhabi, fans can watch the games at fan zones, luxury lounges, and cinemas.

In Dubai, whether you are looking for a high-energy fan zone, a sports bar packed with supporters, or a premium dining experience with big screens, there are diverse options for every type of football enthusiast.