UAE introduces new regulations and penalties for cold calling; residents share their most frustrating experiences

Unwanted sales calls continue to pester UAE residents, but relief may be on the horizon as the government moves to tighten regulations on cold calling and introduce penalties for violators. For most people, these marketing calls are nothing but annoying distractions, but for some, it’s a job they rely on for income.

Dubai resident Allaine Galvez shared her extreme experience with a persistent “forex trading guy” who kept calling her for four months. Despite informing him that she was unemployed and unable to invest, he continued to call using different numbers, asking if she had found a job and if she was interested in investing.

The UAE government’s decision to regulate cold calling was approved by the Cabinet during a recent meeting. Guidelines will be established for telemarketing practices, and companies will be obligated to adhere to these rules. Penalties will be enforced for violations, with federal and local authorities working together to ensure compliance.

While most residents view these calls as a nuisance, for individuals like Mitchel Cervales, a former cold caller, it was a challenging job. Cervales described the pressure of convincing people to sign up and invest, ultimately deciding that the job was not for him after two weeks.

Eric Saguil, a design firm employee, highlighted the frustration of receiving numerous unwanted calls from forex traders, banks, and salespeople. He emphasized the inconvenience of these calls, especially during busy workdays.

To address the issue, the UAE introduced the Kashif initiative in 2022, which automatically registers companies in a caller ID service. This allows recipients to see the company linked to the number, helping them make informed decisions about answering calls.

As the UAE moves towards stricter regulations on cold calling, residents hope for a reduction in unwanted sales calls and a more peaceful phone experience. The new guidelines aim to protect individuals from persistent marketers while providing a framework for companies to conduct telemarketing ethically.