Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Dubai authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal telemarketing practices, imposing fines of Dh50,000 on 159 companies that failed to comply with new regulations, officials announced on Tuesday (February 25). The Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), a division of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has been actively enforcing strict telemarketing guidelines introduced last year, which regulates telemarketing practices, and outlines penalties for violations. ALSO READ: 19 new UAE telemarketing rules you must know The crackdown, conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Economy (MoEc) and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), aims to protect consumer privacy, curb unsolicited calls, and foster a transparent and fair business environment. According to officials, a total of 174 companies were issued initial warnings, and 159 of them were subsequently fined for failing to adhere to the new rules. “These measures are designed to ensure consumer protection and maintain high standards in Dubai’s business sector,” a DCCPFT spokesperson said. “We are committed to enforcing the regulations while educating businesses on the proper protocols to avoid penalties.” The telemarketing regulations mandate that companies must not call consumers who have registered their numbers on the ‘Do Not Call Registry’ (DNCR), a system managed by TDRA. Telemarketing calls must only be made between 9am and 6pm and companies must inform consumers at the beginning of the call if the conversation is being recorded. These guidelines apply to all licensed businesses in the UAE, including those operating in free zones. DCCPFT officials emphasized that their enforcement efforts align with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to double the emirate’s economy by 2033 and enhance its global business reputation. By eliminating disruptive telemarketing practices, the initiative aims to boost consumer trust and promote ethical business operations. In addition to penalties, the DCCPFT continues to raise awareness among businesses about compliance measures. “Companies are encouraged to adhere to the rules to avoid fines, and consumers should be aware of their rights under these regulations,” the spokesperson added. Consumers who receive unsolicited calls can file complaints via the consumer protection website consumerrights.ae. ICA/Expat Media  
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