Ruwi’s satellite dish TV sellers score on World Cup buzz

MUSCAT, JUNE 27
Satellite TV vendors are seeing their fortunes turn as the Fifa World Cup 2026 is progressing into knock-out rounds. The sales of new connections and recharges, which were dim in normal days as mobile phones hog the screen time, are on the uptick, according to shop owners in Ruwi, which is home to over 100 such establishments.
“Yes, we were almost redundant over the past few years as traditional dish antennae became obsolete and the number of satellite connections turned out to be near to zilch. Events like world cup football matches give us a new lease of life,” Ahmed al Wuhaibi, a set-top boxe (STBs) shop owner in Ruwi said.
The phones of technicians are ringing non-stop for new installations and streaming boxes, according to Prem, another shop owner, said.
He receives calls like, “Uncle, my beIN signal is pixelating during penalties!”, “My son’s school friends are coming today to watch the match, can you install a new STP by 7pm?”, or “Can I get every stadium camera angle?”
These shops have technicians who swung to duty immediately and rush to the home or coffee shops for fixing or installing connections.
“I manage to sell at least 5 to 10 connections every day besides servicing the existing ones or helping them add new channels because viewers actively seek 4K HDR channel feeds, relying on international coverage from providers broadcasting on networks like Fox, BBC, and BeIN,” Mohammed Ziyad, an IPTV seller, said.
Mohammad al Subaie, CEO of beIN MENA, which offers exclusive access to the FIFA WC 2026, said, “The evolution to TOD by beIN marks an important milestone in our digital growth at a defining moment for sport and entertainment in our region. “This unifies beIN’s digital streaming proposition under the globally recognised and trusted beIN brand during the FIFA World Cup 2026, while reinforcing our commitment to innovation and a world-class viewing experience for our audiences.”
“TOD has rapidly established itself as one of MENA’s leading streaming platforms – following its launch at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,' said Peter Mrkic, Managing Director of TOD MENA.