UAE Implements Stricter Telemarketing Regulations
New Telemarketing Controls and Penalties
The UAE government has introduced stricter regulations on telemarketing through phone calls, setting up new controls and mechanisms. Companies violating these rules will face administrative penalties, including warnings and fines up to Dh150,000.
Gradual Penalties from Mid-August 2024
Starting mid-August 2024, gradual administrative penalties will be enforced on violators. These penalties range from warnings and fines up to Dh150,000. More severe consequences may include partial or complete suspension of business activities, license cancellation, removal from the commercial registry, disconnection of telecommunications services, and a ban on telecommunications services in the country for up to one year.
Mandatory Approval for Telemarketing Activities
The new regulations require marketing companies to obtain prior approval from the competent authority before engaging in telemarketing activities.
Restrictions on Telemarketing Calls
Individuals are forbidden from making marketing calls using phones registered in their names. All marketing calls must originate from phones registered to licensed telemarketing companies. These calls are only permitted between 9am and 6pm, and calling numbers on the Do Not Call Registry (DNCR) is strictly prohibited.
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Consumer Rights and Follow-Up Call Restrictions
According to the law, if a consumer declines a service or product during the initial call, a follow-up call is not allowed. Furthermore, only one call per day is permitted if the consumer does not answer or ends the call.
Consumer Complaint Rights
The law protects consumer rights by allowing them to file complaints with the competent authority regarding any violations of these telemarketing regulations.
Government Initiatives to Regulate Cold Calling
In May, the Cabinet approved a decision to regulate cold calling. The recent measures by the Ministry of Economy and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) aim to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing practices and improve the overall quality of marketing activities in the UAE.