UAE disconnects 10,000 numbers over cold calling
Fines

UAE disconnects 10,000 numbers over cold calling

6 August 2026·Source: Arabian Business

UAE regulators fined telemarketers AED 19 million and disconnected nearly 10,000 numbers in a major crackdown. This strict enforcement impacts local businesses' marketing strategies and significantly reduces spam for residents.

Our retelling · details in the original publication

UAE authorities are taking serious action against illegal telemarketing across the country. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority has reported that almost 10,000 phone numbers used for unsolicited calls have been disconnected. Fines totaling AED 19 million have been issued to violators as part of this major crackdown. These figures highlight the government's commitment to cleaning up the telecom sector.

Businesses need to adjust their sales tactics immediately to avoid heavy penalties. Relying on cold calling without proper compliance is now a high-risk activity that can destroy communication channels. The financial penalties and the loss of active phone lines make it clear that traditional aggressive marketing methods are no longer viable in the current regulatory environment. Companies must focus on inbound marketing or verified leads.

Residents will see a direct benefit with fewer interruptions during their day. The disconnection of these thousands of numbers aims to stop the daily influx of spam calls offering real estate, loans, or random services. The regulator is actively monitoring networks and blocking operations that do not adhere to the national guidelines on consumer protection and privacy.

The shift in policy is evident, as previous violations often went unpunished. Now, the risks are substantial for any company ignoring the rules. If you run a business, check your marketing channels to ensure full compliance. The cost of ignoring these regulations is higher than ever. Read the full report for more details on the specific rules and the scope of the crackdown.

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