DUBAI: Have you ever picked up a call from an unknown number, expecting a colleague or friend, only to hear a telemarketer on the other end? In the UAE, such intrusive marketing tactics are now strictly prohibited, thanks to new regulations enforced by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Here’s what you need to know about the rules—and how to report violators.

As of August 2024, telemarketing calls from personal mobile or fixed numbers are illegal under a Cabinet resolution on telemarketing regulations. Companies are now required to make sales calls only from numbers registered under their commercial license, ensuring transparency and accountability.

To report unsolicited marketing calls from personal numbers, you can send an SMS to 1012 with the format: “Report 05xxxxxxxx.” This simple step helps enforce the new rules and protect others from unwanted interruptions.

Stiff Penalties for Violators
Telemarketers caught using personal numbers face hefty penalties. The fines include:

Dh5,000 and service disconnection for a first offence.

Up to Dh50,000 and a telecom services ban for repeat violations.

Dh75,000 for using unregistered numbers for marketing purposes.

The introduction of the ‘Kashif’ feature in 2022 has further empowered UAE residents. This tool displays the caller’s company name on your screen, allowing you to screen calls and avoid misleading or anonymous attempts.

With these measures, the TDRA is making significant strides in curbing intrusive telemarketing practices, ensuring peace of mind for phone users across the UAE.