UAE Government Expedites New Telemarketing Laws

The UAE government has issued a new set of telemarketing regulations, effective August 27, 2024. These laws put a stringent system in place for telemarketers in the UAE. Authorities have announced hefty fines for telemarketers in the UAE that exploit the flexible cold calls. The UAE government has instructed telemarketers to call customers only between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. GST. Additionally, agents have been advised to not call customers that reject their products in the first call.

All administrative penalties have been listed in three categories—first, second, and third time. Penalties will increase substantially for repeating the violation each time, under Cabinet Resolution No. (57) of 2024. Most notably, companies that lack the necessary license to practice telemarketing will be fined AED 75,000 for the first violation, AED 100,000 for the second, and AED 150,000 for the third. Companies that fail to provide adequate training to their telemarketers will also face a AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 penalty.

Aside from these primary fines and penalties, here’s a complete list of the regulations by the UAE government to prevent residents from being bombarded by cold calls regularly:

1. 1. Telemarketers that fail to use a registered company phone number will be fined AED 25,000 to AED 75,000.
   2. If agents call residents on a DNCR (Do not call registry) for marketing purposes, a fine of AED 150,000 must be paid.
   3. All telemarketers must inform potential clients that every commercial call is recorded. Failure to adhere to this law will result in a penalty between AED 10,000 and AED 30,000.
   4. Every telemarketing company is required to submit thorough periodical reports to competent authorities explaining the purpose and results obtained from cold calls made to UAE residents. Failure to do so will result in a Dh30,000 fine.
   5. Failure to state the company name and purpose of the call at the beginning of every cold call will lead to an administrative penalty of up to Dh30,000 for repeat violations.
   6. The UAE government reiterates the importance of maintaining a professional code of conduct when engaging in telemarketing calls. Persistent calls to the same customers will result in fines up to AED 50,000 on the accounts of pressurizing callers.
   7. Penalties between AED 25,000 and AED 75,000 will be imposed for fraud and cheating while phone marketing the product or service to the consumer.
   8. Telemarketers who fail to ask customers if they would like to continue the call and better understand the product being sold to them will be levied with fines between AED 10,000 and AED 50,000.