In 2024, new regulations related to telemarketing practices were introduced to create a sustainable business environment, aligning with the goals of the D33 Agenda. The Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has taken significant steps to enforce these regulations with the aim of safeguarding consumer rights and promoting positive business standards.
Subsequently, 174 companies were issued warnings, with 159 of them being fined AED 50,000 each for breaching telemarketing regulations. The guiding principles established for telemarketing activities include refraining from contacting numbers listed in the 'Do Not Call Registry', making calls only between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and informing consumers upfront about any call recordings.
The initiative, guided by Dubai's leadership and the D33 Agenda, strives to uphold fair competition in the market, thereby bolstering economic stability and consumer protection. The regulations apply to all licensed companies in the UAE, extending to those in free zones that promote their goods and services through telephone marketing. These measures not only enforce regulatory compliance but further solidify Dubai's global reputation as a business hub and a desirable place for living and working.
DCCPFT continues its efforts to raise awareness among businesses in Dubai regarding these regulations, offering guidelines to prevent fines and penalties while educating consumers on their rights and the process for lodging complaints. The regulation serves to reduce unsolicited telemarketing calls, ensuring consumer comfort and safeguarding their privacy. Encouraging consumer trust in businesses, DCCPFT's stringent approach resonates with Dubai's ambitious economic goals outlined in the D33 Agenda.
These regulations have been put in place to establish a framework that fosters best practices, ensuring economic stability and protecting consumer interests. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economy (MoEc) and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the regulations aim to curb undesirable telemarketing activities while promoting a transparent and fair business landscape.
