Businesses across the UAE are swiftly adapting to the new telemarketing regulations, which place a strong emphasis on customer consent and privacy. These changes are driving companies to reevaluate their outreach strategies, leading to the adoption of more customer-centric approaches. The UAE Government announced new laws for telemarketers in early June 2024, with the regulations set to come into effect on August 27. Among the restrictions imposed on telemarketers are limitations on calling hours, restrictions on repeated calls to customers who have already rejected a service or product, and a ban on using persuasive tactics to push customers into making a purchase.
Telemarketing services are widely used in various sectors in the UAE, including real estate, banking and financial services, telecommunications, insurance, education and training, retail, and e-commerce. In the real estate sector, the new regulations are expected to have a positive impact on aligning the industry with Dubai’s goal of becoming the number one real estate market in the world. Companies will need to obtain prior approval to conduct telemarketing activities and provide comprehensive training to marketers. This will discourage reliance on cold calling and help rid the market of unregistered agents and freelancers associated with professional brokerage companies.
In the insurance sector, businesses are shifting towards personalized and consent-driven communication methods, moving away from cold calls towards building relationships through channels like emails, SMS, and instant messaging platforms. Companies are investing in technology for more precise targeting, ensuring that messages are relevant and welcomed by recipients, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and compliance with regulations. The outbound telemarketing market in the Middle East and Africa region is projected to grow steadily, reaching $1.7 billion by 2026, with the BFSI sector experiencing the fastest growth due to increased focus on customer acquisition and retention.
Effectively adapting to the new regulations presents an opportunity for businesses to refine their customer engagement strategies. By focusing on generating inbound leads through timely responses, competitive pricing, and exceptional service, businesses can secure loyal clients and encourage them to refer others. The evolving expectations of consumers in the digital age require businesses to respect customer preferences and privacy, leading to more efficient and effective marketing strategies. With the right approach, businesses can navigate the changing landscape of telemarketing in the UAE while maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.
