Page 142 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - AUGUST 2024

Violating cold callers and telemarketing firms will face financial penalties from Dh5,000 to
Dh150,000.

Telemarketing companies in the country are also required to obtain prior approval to practise
activities. Violators will be fined Dh75,000 for the first offence; Dh100,000 for the second; and
Dh150,000 for committing the same violation for the third time.

Entities that fail to provide comprehensive training to marketers on the code of conduct will face a
Dh10,000 to Dh50,000 penalty.

Khalid Al Mahmoud, director of the Licensing Department at the SCA, said the consumers should
file the complaint on its website or send an e-mail for unsolicited calls from the telemarketing
firms.

“By clicking on the link on the SCA website, the consumer can file the complaint by filling in some
information. It will come to SCA, which will investigate the complaint with the company. If there is a
breach of the law, penalties will be applied. If the call is related to SCA activities, such as financial
services, investments and securities, the consumer should file the complaint on the SCA website.
They can send an e-mail to file a complaint,” he said.

In addition, the SCA will monitor the activities of companies that provide marketing services on
behalf of authorised entities, ensuring their compliance with local laws.

Safeya Hashem Al Safi, acting assistant undersecretary for the commercial control and governance
sector at the Ministry of Economy (MoE), said improving the working environment for companies
that market their products and services over the phone is integral to supporting the UAE's
commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and protecting their privacy.

“The Ministry of Economy prioritises this initiative to prevent bothersome marketing calls made to
the public, ensure that companies follow the appropriate guidelines and timings for promoting their
products or services, and minimise the number of unwanted marketing calls,” said Al Safi.
Cabinet resolutions will apply to all licensed companies in the country, including those in free
zones, which market products and services through phone calls. The provisions will also apply to
individuals, who are not allowed to conduct telemarketing activities in their name or on behalf of
their clients.

List your number on 'do-not-call registry'

The UAE’s Ministry of Economy will use the 'do-not-call registry' (DNCR) to ensure that residents
who have signed up for the service don't receive telemarketing calls. The DNCR is a directory of
phone numbers of consumers who do not wish to get telemarketing calls.

During a media briefing on Thursday, the Ministry of Economy said it reviewed the commitments set
out in Resolution No. 56 of 2024 for licensed companies in the country when making marketing
telephone calls. This includes “not contacting consumers whose numbers are registered in DNCR".
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which launched the
DNCR, will work closely with relevant organisations to establish guidelines and mechanisms, share
data, and enhance public awareness, as well as to supervise and regulate individuals.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-to-set-up-platform-for-residents-complaints-against-
unwanted-sales-calls