For many UAE residents, unwanted sales calls are a constant source of frustration. But relief is on the horizon, as the government has approved a decision to regulate cold calling, with penalties for violators.
While most residents only experience occasional calls from marketers, some, like Dubai resident Sarah, have faced a relentless barrage. Sarah describes a “forex trading guy” who pestered her for months, even after she explained she wasn’t interested.
The UAE Cabinet has taken a decisive step to curb this practice. New guidelines will be established for telemarketing practices, along with clear obligations for companies engaged in such activities. The Dubai Media Office confirmed that fines will be implemented for non-compliance. Federal and local authorities will collaborate to enforce these regulations.
Whereas most residents view these calls as a nuisance, the fact cannot be denied that telemarketing is a source of employment for many. Simon, a Dubai expat, shared his experience as a cold caller. He described the pressure to convince potential customers and the difficulty of securing sign-ups. He ultimately left the job after two weeks.
For UAE residents like Maryam, who works in design, missing calls can be a concern. However, the constant barrage of unwanted marketing calls, especially during busy work hours, is a major source of frustration. It estimates that nine out of ten calls from unknown numbers are from salespeople or forex traders.
Although new cold-calling regulations haven’t been rolled out yet, there are existing tools to help residents avoid these calls. The 2022 initiative automatically registers companies with caller ID services. This allows residents to see the company name associated with an unknown number, helping them decide whether to answer.
Additionally, the UAE’s Do Not Call Registry (DNCR) allows residents to opt out of receiving telemarketing and promotional calls.
The upcoming regulations and existing tools offer hope for a future with fewer unwanted calls, allowing UAE residents to enjoy greater peace of mind.
