BeIN Sports racks up record number of viewers for World Cup broadcasts

The official opening ceremony was watched by 111.7 million viewers across the Middle East and North Africa region. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 December 2022
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BeIN Sports racks up record number of viewers for World Cup broadcasts

  • More than 1bn viewers tuned in for opening ceremony and first round of matches

DUBAI: BeIN Sports has released initial viewing numbers for its World Cup coverage, which reveals a 113 percent increase when compared to the Qatar-based network’s coverage at Russia four years ago.

The official opening ceremony was watched by 111.7 million viewers across the Middle East and North Africa region, according to data from research company Ipsos.

More than 900 million fans then tuned in to see the first 16 group stage matches, with 99.2 million viewers watching the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador, an increase of 86 percent compared to the opener at Russia 2018.

Mohammad Al-Subaie, CEO of beIN MENA, said: “We are not surprised that the first World Cup in the Middle East is shattering regional viewership records, with more than 1 billion cumulative views of the opening ceremony and first 16 matches.”

Saudi Arabia drew a total of 99.3 million viewers for their unforgettable victory against Argentina.

In addition to live TV, sports fans in the region also turned to social media channels to catch up on the action.

BeIN Sports’ social media content published between Nov. 20 and 27 generated 1.7 billion impressions; some 235 million were generated throughout the previous World Cup.

Video was the most popular content format with such posts being viewed more than 330 million times.

Al-Subaie added: “Football fans across the Arab world are some of the most passionate, and we are delighted to be screening the tournament across the region as we continue to inspire, educate, and entertain as the tournament’s official broadcaster in MENA.”


UAE, Qatar reject Bloomberg reports on defense capabilities

Updated 10 min 26 sec ago
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UAE, Qatar reject Bloomberg reports on defense capabilities

  • The ministry said the UAE operates diverse, integrated and multi-layered air defense systems capable of countering a full range of aerial threats

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have rejected Bloomberg reporting on their defensive capabilities, describing the claims as inaccurate and misleading.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the report did not reflect the country’s level of preparedness, technological sophistication or operational readiness. It said the UAE operates diverse, integrated and multi-layered air defense systems capable of countering a full spectrum of aerial threats, including long, medium and short-range systems that provide comprehensive protection of national airspace.

The ministry also said the country maintains a robust strategic stockpile of munitions to ensure sustained interception and response capacity over extended periods. It reaffirmed that the UAE’s defense capabilities and national security framework remain “steadfast and uncompromised,” stressing that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority.

In a separate statement, Qatar’s International Media Office denied a Bloomberg report claiming the country’s stockpile of Patriot interceptor missiles had been depleted.

It said the inventory held by the Qatar Armed Forces “has not been depleted and remains well-stocked,” adding that the military remains at full readiness to defend the nation against external threats.

Qatar also criticized the publication of what it described as unverified information during a fast-moving and sensitive period in the region, calling it irresponsible and warning it is reviewing all appropriate options, including legal measures, to ensure the information is corrected.