Dubai turns up the heat on cold sales phone calls

Regulator wants the public to report offenders

Dubai is encouraging people to report companies that plague people with nuisance calls. Getty Images

Dubai residents who are plagued by nuisance telephone calls may have an answer to their problem.

The emirate's business regulator is taking action against companies that call people up out of the blue in an effort to sell products.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) is asking the public to report offenders by visiting dnd.ded.ae.

The form on the website needs a complainer's name, their phone number, the name of the offending company - if you know it - its phone number and details of the complaint. You can also attach screenshots or files that you've been sent.

The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection department of Dubai Economy said it fined 95 shops and kiosks and closed 10 for “for interrupting consumers and forcing them to buy products” as part of their promotional campaigns.

In total, 91 fines and 96 warnings were issued to traders in shopping malls, while another four fines and nine warnings were issued in the open markets.

People are encouraged to file a complaint against traders for “disturbing promotions” by using the Consumer Rights website or by calling 600 54 5555.