News

WhatsApp Hacker Is Selling Over 150 Million MENA Numbers

The database contains nearly 500 million phone numbers from users worldwide, and is being sold on a community hacking forum.

Published

4 years ago

December 1, 2022

Nour Nasir

whatsapp hacker is selling over 150 million mena numbers

According to Cybernews, a research-based online publication, a hacker is selling the phone numbers of nearly 500 million WhatsApp users on the Dark Web — a figure which includes over 150 million from across the MENA region.

The data from the breach was posted by a user on a hacking community forum, and Cybernews has sampled the data and confirmed that it’s legitimate.

The reported database contains recent (2022) WhatsApp user information from 84 countries, with millions of phone numbers listed from the USA, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Egypt, and many more.

Of particular interest to readers of Tech Magazine will be that nearly 7 million of the hacked numbers belong to UAE residents, just under 2 million are from Lebanon, and a massive 28.8 million are owned by users from Saudi Arabia.

We don’t know what the MENA phone numbers are valued at, but it’s reported that USA user information is being sold for $7,000, while UK and German datasets have $2,500 and $2,000 price tags, respectively.

Also Read: Netskope Predicts Future Middle East Cybersecurity Trends

After digging a little further into the details of the hack, Cybernews stated that the numbers harvested belong to active WhatsApp users and the data was obtained by scraping, which is thought to violate the app’s Terms of Service.

“In this age, we all leave a sizable digital footprint, and tech giants like Meta should take all precautions and means to safeguard that data,” says Mantas Sasnauskas, Head of the Cybernews Research Team.

Leaked phone numbers often fetch high prices on the Dark Web, as they can be used for marketing purposes, fraud and impersonation.

Related Topics:Cybersecurity Hacking WhatsApp

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News

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.