Unwanted sales calls are a persistent issue for UAE residents, despite efforts to curb the practice. One Dubai resident, Allaine Galvez, shared her experience of being continuously contacted by a “forex trading guy” for four months. The government is moving to tighten regulations on cold calling, with penalties soon to be introduced for violators. The recent decision by the Cabinet aims to regulate telemarketing practices and impose obligations on companies, with federal and local authorities working together to enforce the rules.
While most people view marketing calls as annoying distractions, for some, it’s a job. Mitchel Cervales, a former cold call agent, described the challenges of the job and how performance was measured based on convincing people to sign up and invest. In a survey conducted, it was found that nine out of ten calls received by residents in the UAE are unwanted marketing calls, causing frustration for individuals like Eric Saguil who eagerly waits for important calls but ends up getting bombarded by sales calls instead.
As the government works on implementing regulations, residents have found temporary solutions to avoid unwanted calls. The Kashif initiative, introduced in 2022, automatically registers companies in caller ID services, helping recipients identify the caller before answering. Additionally, individuals can sign up for the UAE’s ‘Do Not Call Registry’ to opt out of telemarketing and promotional calls. These measures aim to give residents more control over the calls they receive and reduce the nuisance caused by marketing calls.
The introduction of penalties for violating cold calling regulations is a promising step towards curbing the practice in the UAE. Companies will soon be required to adhere to guidelines for telemarketing practices, and authorities will enforce penalties for violations. Residents like Galvez and Saguil hope that these measures will bring relief from the constant barrage of unwanted sales calls. However, for individuals like Cervales, who have experienced the pressures of being on the other side of the phone, the job of a cold call agent remains challenging and unsatisfying.
Despite the challenges faced by both residents and cold call agents, the government’s efforts to regulate cold calling in the UAE signify a commitment to addressing the issue. By implementing stricter rules and penalties, authorities aim to create a more transparent and respectful environment for phone communications. As residents continue to navigate through the influx of unwanted sales calls, initiatives like the Kashif program and the Do Not Call Registry offer temporary relief until the regulations are fully enforced. With a collective effort from both the government and residents, the era of incessant cold calls may soon come to an end in the UAE.
