Dubai is tightening its grip on intrusive telemarketing calls, hitting 159 companies with fines after they failed to comply with newly enforced regulations.
The Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, spearheaded the crackdown in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. The move aligns with recent government decisions aimed at curbing disruptive sales calls and ensuring businesses respect consumer privacy.
Since the regulations took effect in August 2024, authorities initially warned 174 companies, demanding compliance. However, 159 businesses failed to adjust their practices and were subsequently fined AED 50,000 each.
These regulations mandate that companies respect the ‘Do Not Call Registry’ (DNCR), restrict telemarketing calls to between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and inform consumers at the start of calls if they are being recorded.
The enforcement push is part of Dubai’s broader economic strategy to foster a fair and competitive business environment. By clamping down on aggressive telemarketing tactics, the emirate aims to enhance consumer trust, protect privacy, and strengthen its reputation as a premier global business hub.
