With the introduction of new standards and procedures, the government of the United Arab Emirates has cracked down on telemarketing via phone calls.
UAE Tightens Telemarketing Regulations
The UAE government has introduced stringent regulations on telemarketing via phone calls, implementing new controls and mechanisms aimed at curbing unsolicited calls and protecting consumer privacy. These new regulations include severe administrative penalties for violators, ranging from warnings to hefty fines of up to Dh150,000.
Starting in mid-August 2024, violators will face a graduated scale of penalties. Initially, this might involve warnings, but repeated or serious violations could lead to fines reaching Dh150,000. Additionally, companies found to be in breach of these regulations may face more severe consequences, such as the partial or complete suspension of their activities, cancellation of their business licenses, removal from the commercial registry, disconnection of telecommunications services, and even a ban on accessing telecommunications services in the UAE for up to one year.
The new regulations necessitate that telemarketing companies obtain prior approval from the relevant authorities before they can begin their telemarketing operations. This step is crucial to ensure that companies are compliant with the new rules and to prevent unauthorized marketing activities.
Prohibition on Individual Use
Under the new rules, individuals are expressly forbidden from making marketing calls using phones registered in their own names. Instead, all telemarketing calls must be made from phones that are registered in the name of a licensed telemarketing company. This measure is intended to enhance accountability and traceability, making it easier to identify and penalize violators.
Furthermore, the regulations stipulate strict timeframes for when marketing calls can be made. Telemarketing calls are only permitted between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., thereby reducing the likelihood of consumers being disturbed during early mornings or late evenings. As it is strictly forbidden to call numbers listed on the Do Not Call Registry (DNCR), This registry allows consumers to opt out of receiving telemarketing calls, providing them with greater control over their privacy.
The regulations also impose specific rules regarding follow-up calls. If a consumer declines a service or product during the initial call, the telemarketer is prohibited from making any follow-up calls. Moreover, if the consumer does not answer the call or ends the call, the telemarketing company is allowed to make a maximum of one call per day to that consumer. These rules are designed to prevent harassment and excessive intrusions into consumers' lives.
These new telemarketing regulations reflect the UAE government's commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring a more respectful and controlled marketing environment. By introducing these stringent measures, the government aims to reduce the number of unwanted calls that consumers receive and to ensure that telemarketing practices are conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.
Telemarketing companies operating in the UAE must now navigate these regulations carefully, ensuring that they comply fully to avoid the significant penalties that non-compliance will incur. This will likely lead to a more disciplined and consumer-friendly telemarketing industry in the UAE, aligning with broader efforts to enhance consumer protection and privacy in the digital age.
