How to report and block marketing calls and SMS in Dubai
Tired of random and annoying marketing calls? Is your inbox getting full of unwanted SMS? We’ve got the remedies for you. Here’s our guide on how to rid yourself of irritating SMS and block marketing calls in Dubai.
HOW TO BLOCK MARKETING CALLS IN DUBAI?
THROUGH DED’s WEBSITE
- Go to the Dubai Economy’s Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector official website (consumer rights.ae).
- Look for the ‘Submit Complaint‘ tab at the top of the homepage and click it to open a drop-down list. Then, from the drop-down list, select the ‘Disturbing Calls‘ option.
- Enter your name and phone number in the ‘Consumer Details‘ section.
- Enter the company name, phone number and the nature of your complaint in the ‘Consumer Complaint‘ section.
- Add any supporting documentation you may have by clicking the + in the ‘Attachment‘ section.
- Read the ‘Terms & Conditions and tick the on-screen box to confirm you have done so.
- Click ‘Submit‘.
THROUGH THE CONSUMER COMPLAINT HOTLINE
- Dial 600 545 555.
- Select your preferred language.
- Press 1 to lodge a new complaint.
- Describe your complaint.
THROUGH DUBAI CONSUMER APP
- Download the Dubai Consumer app.
- Go to the ‘File a complaint’ option on the homepage.
- Tap on ‘Consumer complaint’.
- Enter your credentials (name, nationality and mobile number).
- Provide the company’s details.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A COMPLAINT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED?
After a complaint has been submitted, the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector will perform a thorough investigation and potentially have the complainant’s number removed from whichever database the offending company had access to.
HOW TO BLOCK ADVERTISING SMS(es) IN DUBAI?
Etisalat and du users can block advertising SMSes in Dubai. Here are the simple steps to follow:
- Type ‘Ball’ in an SMS.
- Send the SMS to 7726.
- You will receive a reply SMS confirming that you have successfully blocked all promotional sender IDs.
FAQs ABOUT HOW TO STOP ANNOYING CALLS
IS THERE AN APP TO BLOCK UNWANTED CALLS?
Apps such as Spam Phone Call Blocker and RoboKiller might work to block unwanted telemarketing calls; however, we would recommend using the official method stated above. It’s safe, secure and effective.
HOW DO I CHANGE MY MOBILE NETWORK WITHOUT LOSING MY CURRENT NUMBER?
Check our guide on Can I change my Etisalat number to du to get all the information on how to port mobile numbers in the UAE.
HOW TO STOP RECEIVING PROMOTIONAL CALLS FROM TELECOM COMPANIES?
As per the announcement made earlier in the year by the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), subscribers can now opt out from getting promotional calls from telecom companies like Etisalat or Du.
Follow these steps to stop receiving promotional calls from the telecom companies (OPT-OUT)@dutweets @etisalat #du #etisalat#TDRA pic.twitter.com/0YJt1cruJG
— تدرا 🇦🇪 TDRA (@tdrauae) February 13, 2022
ETISALAT USERS
- Etisalat users must type “DNC” and send this SMS to 1451
- After that, you will get a text message from Etisalat stating: “Thank you for registering to Etisalat’s – ‘Do – not – call’ listing service. You will not be receiving any further promotional calls from Etisalat from next month onwards.”
DU USERS
- Du users must send a “blank SMS” to 5293
- You will soon receive a message from them that will confirm your cancellation.
That brings an end to our guide on how to block marketing calls in Dubai. We hope this process helps make your life a little less stressful.
Worried about the legitimacy of a call you’ve received? Our guide on how to report fraudulent calls in the UAE will be of use. Also, don’t forget that Smart Police Stations in Dubai can be utilised for a multitude of useful services including reporting crimes and generating Police Clearance Certificates.
