UAE suspends telemarketers' mobile numbers, imposes fines for regulatory violations

The UAE authorities have intensified efforts to curb unwanted and deceptive telemarketing calls, enforcing stringent new regulations. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has taken action against numerous individuals for violating these rules, detecting over 2,000 violations since the regulations were implemented.

In accordance with Cabinet Resolutions Nos. 56 and 57 of 2024, individuals using their personal numbers for marketing purposes now face serious penalties. The violations resulted in financial fines and the suspension of personal phone numbers.

Under the law, the penalties for a first offense include a Dh5,000 fine and the suspension of all fixed or mobile phone numbers registered under the offender’s name until payment is made. A second violation will result in a higher fine of Dh20,000 and a three-month suspension of all numbers associated with the offender. For a third offense within 30 days, the penalty rises to Dh50,000 and the individual will be prohibited from obtaining any telecommunications services in the UAE for 12 months.

The new telemarketing regulations, effective since August 2024, aim to restrict cold calling and telemarketing practices. These rules limit telemarketers to contacting customers only between 9 am and 6 pm, prohibit calling the same customer again on the same day if they reject the service, and ban the use of aggressive tactics to persuade customers into buying products or services.

Telemarketing firms and cold callers found violating these regulations face fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh150,000, with increasing penalties for repeat offenses. Administrative penalties are classified into three categories: first, second and third offenses, with harsher penalties for subsequent violations as outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2024.