UAE telecommunication providers stopped offering the Qatari-owned sports network beIn on Tuesday. However, it is unclear how long the beIn channels will remain off the air.
An automated message from Etisalat customer care centre on Tuesday morning, said that beIn sports channels and the Al Jazeera news channel is no longer available on eLife television.
“This is a generic issue and not related to your eLife TV. We regret the inconvenience,” said the message.
Many UAE residents have taken to Twitter to express their frustration over the disruption in services, and have started searching for alternative sources to watch sports.
At present, the beIn Sports channels show a blue screen with the message “This channel is currently unavailable”, written across the screen.
The beIn Sports website has also been blocked by UAE network providers.
Authorities and telecommunications companies did not provide further details. The channels of Doha-based satellite network Al Jazeera have also been blocked. The network acquired Al Jazeera's sports channels in 2013. It broadcasts in North America, Europe and Asia, as well as the Middle East and North Africa.