The UAE has enacted some of its most sweeping telemarketing regulations to date, with the Ministry of Economy and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) jointly launching new rules that apply to all licensed companies — including those operating in free zones.
Fines and Penalties for Businesses
Companies found in breach of the new UAE telemarketing regulations face escalating financial penalties. Corporate fines start at AED 10,000 and rise to AED 150,000 for repeat offenders, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation. Penalties may also include license suspension or cancellation and removal from the commercial register.
Individuals conducting unauthorised telemarketing calls face separate fines of up to AED 50,000, plus a ban on obtaining any services from licensed telecommunications companies.
Approval and Oversight Requirements
Any business that wishes to engage in telemarketing must obtain prior approval from the relevant competent authority — either a federal or local government entity — before making a single marketing call. The Ministry of Economy will oversee the implementation of the regulations in coordination with the TDRA, the Central Bank of the UAE, the Securities and Commodities Authority, and other licensing bodies.
Operational Restrictions on Calling
The regulations impose clear operational boundaries on when and how often businesses may contact consumers:
- Telemarketing calls are permitted only between 9 AM and 6 PM. - Companies may not make more than one call per day to a consumer who has not responded, or more than two calls per week. - Once a consumer declines an offer, the company is prohibited from calling that person again on the same day. - All marketing calls must originate from local phone numbers registered under the company's commercial licence; individuals may not make marketing calls from personal phones.
Consumer Protection Measures
Professional conduct and record-keeping are central to the new framework. Marketers must undergo ongoing training on professional etiquette. Companies are required to document all marketing calls and submit periodic reports to the relevant regulatory authority.
Do Not Call Registry: Consumers who wish to opt out of marketing calls entirely may register on a national Do Not Call Registry (DNCR). Companies are prohibited from contacting any number listed in the registry, and consumers can file formal complaints against businesses that ignore this restriction.
The new UAE telemarketing regulations aim to strike a fair balance between the legitimate commercial interests of businesses and the privacy rights of consumers — putting an end to unsolicited, intrusive marketing calls.
