DUBAI: If you’re tired of unwanted sales calls, Dubai is taking action. The Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT) has fined 159 companies AED50,000 each for violating telemarketing rules, reinforcing its commitment to consumer rights and ethical business practices.
Since new regulations came into effect in August 2024, authorities have been cracking down on intrusive calls. Initially, 174 firms were warned to clean up their act. When 159 failed to comply, hefty fines followed. The rules, introduced under Cabinet Decisions No. 56 and 57 of 2024, ensure companies follow clear guidelines on when and how they can contact consumers.
The message is clear: businesses must respect people’s time and privacy. Key regulations include avoiding calls to numbers registered in the ‘Do Not Call Registry’ (DNCR), only making calls between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and informing consumers if calls are being recorded.
Dubai’s crackdown is about more than just stopping annoying phone calls. It’s part of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the city’s economy by 2033. The goal is to create a fair, competitive market where businesses thrive without resorting to disruptive marketing tactics.
The regulations apply to all licensed businesses in the UAE, including free zone companies that use telemarketing. By enforcing these rules, Dubai is making it clear that consumer rights come first.
For businesses, the warning is loud and clear—follow the rules or pay the price. As Dubai tightens controls on aggressive sales tactics, consumers can look forward to fewer interruptions and a more respectful marketplace.
