UAE: New telemarketing laws take effect on August 27

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The new regulations aim to reduce unwanted calls and protect residents from intrusive marketing tactics.

2024-08-26T15:19:00+05:00

Dubai:  The UAE government has introduced stringent new regulations aimed at curbing unsolicited telemarketing calls. The laws, which come into effect on August 27, impose substantial fines on companies and individuals violating the rules.

Key provisions of the new regulations:

  1. Telemarketers can only call between 9 am and 6 pm.

  2. If a customer declines a product or service in the first call, they cannot be called again on the same day.

  3. Telemarketers are prohibited from using any measures or tactics to persuade customers to buy products or services.

Fines for violations:

  • Failure to obtain prior approval: Companies without prior approval will face fines ranging from Dh75,000 to Dh150,000.

  • Lack of training: Companies that fail to train marketers on the code of conduct will be fined between Dh10,000 and Dh50,000.

  • Calling unregistered numbers: Using numbers not registered under the company's commercial license will result in fines between Dh25,000 and Dh75,000.

  • Failure to maintain records: Companies not maintaining a register of marketing calls will be fined up to Dh50,000.

  • Calling numbers on the Do Not Call Registry (DNCR): Individuals calling numbers on the DNCR will face fines up to Dh150,000.

  • Failure to record calls: Not recording calls or not informing consumers about the recording will lead to fines between Dh10,000 and Dh30,000.

  • Disclosure of personal data: Disclosing consumer data without consent or trading it will result in fines up to Dh150,000.

  • Pressuring consumers: Pressuring consumers will result in fines up to Dh50,000.

  • Fraud and cheating: Engaging in fraudulent practices will lead to fines between Dh25,000 and Dh75,000.

  • Repeated calls: Repeated calls after a customer declines will result in fines between Dh10,000 and Dh50,000.

Additional penalties:

  • Failure to identify the company or purpose of the call: Fines up to Dh30,000.

  • Failure to disclose the source of phone numbers: Fines up to Dh75,000.

  • Calling outside designated hours: Fines up to Dh50,000.

The UAE government hopes that these strict regulations will provide relief to residents who have been inundated with unwanted telemarketing calls.

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