UAE Ministry of Economy and TDRA Review Regulations to Strengthen Telemarketing Oversight and Consumer Protection

The Ministry of Economy (MoEc) of the UAE, in collaboration with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), held a media briefing to discuss the country's efforts to regulate telephone marketing practices. The briefing provided insights into the recently enacted Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2024, which governs the regulation of telephone marketing, and Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2024, which details the violations and administrative penalties associated with non-compliance.

H.E. Safeya Hashem Al Safi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Commercial Control and Governance Sector at the Ministry of Economy, reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to creating a stable and transparent business environment under the guidance of its leadership. The new regulations aim to protect consumer rights, foster ethical marketing practices, and ensure that telemarketing activities are conducted in line with global best practices.

H.E. Safeya Al Safi emphasized that improving the operational environment for companies engaging in telephone marketing is crucial for safeguarding consumer privacy and reducing the prevalence of unwanted marketing calls. The Ministry's initiative seeks to enforce strict guidelines on when and how companies can contact consumers, thus minimizing disturbances to the public.

The new regulations represent a significant advancement in the Ministry's efforts to monitor and regulate telemarketing activities. They are designed to deter violations and enhance the sharing of information and statistics on unsolicited marketing calls in partnership with relevant government entities and local authorities.

Cabinet Resolution No. 56 of 2024 outlines the roles and responsibilities of various authorities in implementing and monitoring these regulations. The Ministry of Economy will oversee the overall implementation, while the TDRA will manage the 'Do Not Contact Register' (DNCR) and collaborate with organizations to establish guidelines, share data, and increase public awareness.

The Central Bank of the UAE will handle telephone marketing related to financial services, including banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies. The Securities and Commodities Authority will regulate marketing calls related to securities and commodities trading. Licensing authorities in mainland and free zones will be responsible for overseeing telemarketing activities within their respective jurisdictions, except for those under the purview of the Central Bank and the Securities and Commodities Authority.