TDRA strengthens telemarketing oversight and encourages residents to register on the Do Not Call Registry.
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has announced new figures from its ongoing campaign against telemarketers using personal phone numbers for unauthorised calls. As of June 2026, the authority has recorded 3,301 violations against individuals, resulting in total fines of Dh19.19 million.
TDRA added that 92,748 phone numbers have been reported by members of the public, leading to the disconnection of 9,433 numbers linked to telemarketing violations.
“TDRA continues its efforts to address unwanted marketing calls, encourage compliance with regulations and safeguard individuals’ privacy,” the authority said.
“Personal phone numbers must remain for individual use”
In a recent reminder, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) reiterated that personal mobile numbers are strictly intended for individual use and must not be used for telemarketing or business promotional activities.
“Using a personal number for such purposes may lead to regulatory action and applicable penalties in accordance with the relevant regulations,” the authority warned.
Under regulations introduced through Cabinet Resolutions in 2024, individuals found making marketing calls from personal numbers face an initial fine of Dh5,000, along with the suspension of all phone numbers registered under their name until the penalty is settled. Repeat offenders may face fines of up to Dh50,000 and a 12-month restriction on receiving services from UAE telecommunications providers.
How to block unwanted calls
To help residents manage unwanted calls and improve their communication experience, TDRA is encouraging the public to register with the Do Not Call Registry (DNCR).
Residents who wish to opt out of authorised telemarketing campaigns can register by sending an SMS containing the letters “DNCR” to 2211.
Residents who receive unwanted telemarketing calls are also encouraged to report violations by sending the caller’s number via SMS to 2211.
A history of strict enforcement
The latest figures reflect the UAE’s continued efforts to enforce telemarketing regulations. The rules, which came into full effect in August 2024, were introduced to protect consumers from unwanted marketing calls and aggressive sales practices.
The regulations set clear requirements for licensed telemarketing companies, including limiting calling hours to between 9am and 6pm, prohibiting follow-up calls after a consumer rejects an offer, and banning pressure-based sales tactics.
Companies that breach these requirements face significant administrative penalties, including fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh150,000. Violating businesses may also face partial or complete suspension of operations, licence cancellation and restrictions on telecommunications services for up to one year.
In late 2024, TDRA announced Dh3.8 million in fines and more than 2,000 detected violations shortly after the regulations came into force. The increase in penalties to more than Dh19 million by mid-2026 highlights the authority’s continued efforts to strengthen consumer protection and create a more secure telecommunications environment across the UAE.
