Climate change risk
UAE – The E in ESG
选择以下类别阅读相关文章
中东
Regulatory risk
The UAE government has introduced transformative legislation to regulate telemarketing practices through Cabinet Resolutions No. 56 and No. 57 of 2024. Effective from 27 August 2024, these rules aim to protect consumers from unwanted marketing calls while ensuring businesses operate transparently and ethically.
The new regulations seek to balance consumer privacy with business needs by controlling the marketing of products and services via phone calls. Applicable to all licensed companies in the UAE, including those in free zones, the rules prohibit natural persons from making marketing calls using personal phone numbers.
Consumers can register their phone numbers in the DNCR to avoid unsolicited marketing calls. Should they continue to receive unwanted calls, they can file a complaint with the TDRA, which will investigate and take action against the offending company.
Cabinet Resolution No. 57 outlines strict penalties for companies and natural persons that violate the telemarketing regulations. The penalties for businesses that contact consumers on the DNCR include:
Additional sanctions may include warnings, suspension of telemarketing activities, and even the cancellation of business licences, depending on the severity and frequency of the violations. For individuals, penalties include fines and interruptions of phone services, escalating with repeated violations.
Companies and individuals can file grievances against penalties within 15 days, and the relevant authority must decide on the grievance within 30 days, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Impact on Business Practices
These regulations necessitate significant changes in the way businesses operate. Companies must train staff, update systems, and modify practices to comply with the new rules. Government-led awareness campaigns will play a crucial role in ensuring businesses and consumers understand their rights and obligations.
In summary, the UAE’s new telemarketing regulations represent a robust effort to protect consumer privacy and enforce ethical business practices. By implementing these rules, the government aims to create a respectful and transparent telemarketing environment that prioritises consumer interests.
If your company currently uses telemarketing for advertising and marketing, it is crucial to ensure compliance with the new regulations to avoid hefty fines and operational disruptions. Senior lawyer, Damian Wright, from our Regulatory & Investigations team recently discussed these new cold-calling regulations on the Dubai Eye 103.8 Breakfast Show.
Get in touch with Rebecca Kelly, Alexandra Lester or Damian Wright to guide you through these changes and help you adhere to the new rules. Together, we can safeguard your business interests while respecting consumer privacy and upholding ethical standards in telemarketing.
结束