Dubai is taking significant steps to protect consumers from the nuisance of unwanted sales calls, with new regulations introduced by the Ministry of Economy and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). These changes, effective from today, are designed to foster a more respectful telemarketing environment that prioritizes consumer privacy and minimizes disruptions.

Under the new rules, telemarketing calls will be restricted to specific hours, with companies only permitted to call between 9 am and 6 pm. The regulations also emphasize ethical conduct, prohibiting aggressive or misleading sales tactics. Telemarketers are barred from making repeated calls for the same product or service if a consumer has already declined an offer. Additionally, same-day callbacks are no longer allowed, and companies are limited to making a maximum of two follow-up calls per week if a call goes unanswered.

The regulations extend beyond just phone calls to include marketing text messages and messages sent through social media applications. Companies must now seek prior approval from the relevant authorities before engaging in telemarketing and ensure that their employees are trained in proper conduct and ethics. Importantly, telemarketing calls can only be made from local phone numbers registered under the company’s commercial license, with strict prohibitions against using personal numbers for such purposes.

Consumer data protection is another critical aspect of the new regulations. Companies are forbidden from disclosing or selling consumers' personal data without consent, ensuring greater control over how personal information is used. For those who wish to completely avoid telemarketing calls, the new resolution introduces a "Do Not Call Registry" (DNCR), allowing consumers to opt out entirely.

To enforce these regulations, hefty fines have been established for non-compliance, ranging from Dh25,000 to Dh150,000, depending on the violation. Individuals caught using personal numbers for telemarketing face fines starting at Dh5,000, with repeat offences leading to even more severe penalties. Consumers can also report any violations by sending an SMS to TDRA, ensuring that the new rules are upheld and respected across the board. These measures represent a significant step forward in safeguarding consumer rights and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Dubai.