Dubai authorities have intensified efforts to regulate telemarketing practices, issuing warnings to 174 companies for violating the UAE’s telemarketing regulations since August 2024. Of these, 159 companies were fined AED 50,000 each for failing to comply with the rules, according to the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT).
The penalties were enforced under Cabinet Resolutions No. 56 and 57 of 2024, which aim to curb unwanted telemarketing calls, safeguard consumer privacy, and foster fair business practices. The regulations apply to all licensed companies operating in the UAE, including those within free zones, that promote products and services via telephone.
Key provisions of the regulations include:
- Prohibiting calls to consumers whose numbers are listed in the ‘Do Not Call Registry’ (DNCR), managed by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
- Restricting telemarketing calls to between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. only.
- Requiring companies to notify consumers at the start of the call if it is being recorded.
The DCCPFT emphasized that these measures aim to reduce intrusive marketing calls, ensuring consumer comfort while boosting confidence in businesses that follow proper marketing protocols. By cracking down on disruptive practices, the corporation seeks to create a competitive, transparent business environment that promotes both economic growth and consumer rights.
Consumers who continue to receive unwanted telemarketing calls despite the regulations can report violations to help enforce compliance. More information and reporting options are available through the TDRA’s official website.
The recent enforcement actions demonstrate Dubai’s commitment to upholding high consumer protection standards, ensuring that businesses respect privacy and engage with customers through ethical and lawful means.
