What you need to know about reporting unwanted sales calls in the UAE

Residents can report illegal telemarketing calls and register to block future sales calls

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How to block telemarketing calls in the UAE
Under the telemarketing regulations, telemarketers are prohibited from making marketing calls using their personal mobile numbers.
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Dubai: Whether it is a persistent property agent or a cold call from an unregistered number, telemarketing in the UAE is governed by strict rules and you have the right to take action. Under Cabinet Resolution No. (56) of 2024, companies must follow clear guidelines when contacting consumers, and if they don't, you can report them to the relevant authorities.

How to report telemarketing violations

In the UAE, telemarketing and promotional calls are allowed, but only under strict rules. These calls are regulated by Cabinet Resolution No. (56) of 2024, which outlines when and how businesses can contact consumers. If a company fails to follow these rules, you have the right to report them.

Companies are only allowed to make marketing calls between 9am and 6pm. If you decline the call or hang up, the telemarketer is not permitted to call you again. Additionally, individuals cannot use landline or mobile numbers registered in their own names to make telemarketing calls. This rule helps prevent unauthorised or personal use of mobile numbers for commercial purposes.

When reporting a cold call, it’s important to contact the correct authority based on the type of violation. Here’s a breakdown of how to report different types of telemarketing breaches:Dubai: Whether it is a persistent property agent or a cold call from an unregistered number, telemarketing in the UAE is governed by strict rules and you have the right to take action. Under Cabinet Resolution No. (56) of 2024, companies must follow clear guidelines when contacting consumers, and if they don't, you can report them to the relevant authorities.

Received a marketing call from a personal mobile number?

As of August 2024, these types of calls are considered illegal under the telemarketing regulations enforced by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). If you receive such a call, simply send an SMS with the message ‘Report 05XXXXXXXX’ to 1012.

The consequences for breaking these rules are serious. Making telemarketing calls from unregistered numbers can result in a fine of Dh75,000. Using a personal number for such calls can lead to a Dh5,000 fine and disconnection of service for the first offence. Repeated violations may bring penalties of up to Dh50,000 and even a ban on using services from licensed telecom providers.

Reporting cold or disturbing calls from Dubai businesses

If you have received unsolicited calls from a business registered with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai, you can lodge a complaint with the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT). Go to the Consumer Rights website at consumerrights.ae and submit the required information — your full name, contact number, the company’s details, and a description of the complaint. Once submitted, a DET representative will contact you to confirm the information and begin investigating the issue.

Real estate agents calling without your consent?

If property brokers or real estate agents are calling you despite not sharing your number with them, you can take action by filing a complaint through the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Visit dubailand.gov.ae and access the ‘Report Malicious Calls’ service. After entering your full name, email address and phone number, you will receive a one-time password (OTP) to verify your mobile number. You’ll then need to provide a description of the issue and attach any relevant evidence in jpg, jpeg, png, or pdf format. Enter the details of the company making the calls, including the phone number, and if possible, their name and email address. Once you submit the form, you will receive confirmation by email, and DLD will follow up within a week.

Reporting trading-related marketing calls

The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) is urging consumers to report marketing calls promoting services related to securities or commodities trading if the company has not obtained prior approval to engage in telemarketing. Such calls are a violation of the law.

You can check whether the company is licensed by visiting the SCA’s official website at sca.gov.ae. If you suspect the company is not authorised, use the ‘Reporting Capital Market Violations’ service on the website.

The SCA has clarified that any marketing activity that puts undue pressure on consumers, misleads them, or takes place outside permitted hours is considered a breach of regulations.

How to block all promotional calls in the UAE

If you're looking to stop all unwanted promotional or sales calls, you can register your number with the UAE’s Do Not Call Registry (DNCR) - a nationwide service introduced in September 2022 to protect consumers from unsolicited marketing calls.

Telecom providers e&, du, and Virgin Mobile allow users to sign up easily:

  • e& (Etisalat): Send an SMS with the message ‘DNCR’ to 1012

  • du: Send an SMS with the message ‘Block’ to 1012

  • Virgin Mobile: Register directly through the Virgin Mobile app, available on both Apple and Android devices

Once registered, your number will be added to a database shared with telemarketers, instructing them not to contact you. This service significantly reduces unwanted sales calls.

If you are still receiving promotional calls after registering, you can file a complaint directly with your telecom provider to report non-compliant businesses.

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