Key Takeaways
According to a report, the SMS market in UAE is expected to reach $1.36M by 2029. SMS regulations in the UAE are designed to ensure ethical communication and protect consumer rights. Businesses must adhere to strict guidelines, including sender ID registration, timing restrictions and consent requirements.
Explained here are all the rules for sending SMS in UAE.
UAE SMS Guidelines and Restrictions
- Time Restrictions
In the UAE, SMS messages are restricted to be sent between 7 AM and 9 PM. Sending messages outside this time-frame is prohibited.
- Message Length Limit
The maximum message length is 160 characters before it splits into concatenated segments, depending on the message encoding.
- SMS Routing
A split exists between international and local SMS routing that differentiates message handling and delivery.
- Local Traffic
All local SMS traffic must have a registered sender ID and is routed through local UAE channels. SMS sent via unregistered Sender IDs will be blocked.
- International Traffic
All international sender IDs must be registered and will be routed through international UAE routes at higher international rates.
- Promotional SMS Restrictions
All alphanumeric Sender IDs for promotional SMS must include an AD- prefix, counting towards the 11-character limit. Businesses take consent for sending promotional SMS to customers and are not allowed to send SMS promoting illegal activities.
- Violation Consequences
Companies violating the rules and regulations of TRA may result in huge fines and legal actions against them.
- Mandatory Content Registration
Message content that includes a URL link must undergo registration to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and prevent misuse.
- Opt-Out Instructions Policy
- SMS messages must include an opt-out instruction in the message body, such as "To opt out SMS N to XXXX" (English) or "XXXX NO?XXXX" (Arabic), as required by the Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) regulations.
- Including opt-out instructions will utilize 24 characters in English and 17 characters in Arabic, reducing the total message length to 136 characters for English and 53 characters for Arabic.
Authoritative Regulatory Bodies for SMS in UAE
Here are three regulatory bodies governing SMS in UAE :-
- National Media Council (NMC)
The NMC oversees media and advertising in the UAE, including SMS marketing. Their regulations ensure proper use of language, appropriate imagery and truthful marketing claims. Adhering to their guidelines is mandatory, as non-compliance can lead to penalties.
- Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)
The TRA is responsible for managing telecommunications services in the UAE, including SMS marketing. They enforce compliance with SMS regulations, ensuring campaigns remain respectful and free from spamming. The TRA also oversees adherence to advertising and content standards for SMS communications.
- Ministry of Interior (MoI)
The MoI is responsible for enforcing laws related to public safety and security in the UAE. They regulate SMS messaging to prevent the dissemination of false information that could compromise public safety. Additionally, the MoI ensures compliance with national security regulations and oversees anti-terrorism measures in SMS communications.
SMS Regulations in UAE Best Practices
- Safeguarding Customer Data
SMS regulations in the UAE are designed to protect customer privacy. Non-compliance can result in hefty penalties.
- Spam
Adhering to these laws helps prevent unsolicited messages, ensuring that only customers who have opted in receive your communication.
- Promoting Fair Competition
These regulations create a balanced environment where all businesses can compete on equal footing.
- Establishing Trust
Following SMS guidelines demonstrates your respect for customer privacy, fostering stronger relationships and credibility.
Send SMS in UAE with Message Central
To send SMS in UAE, you’d need an SMS API provider like Message Central. Message Central is an SMS API provider with global connectivity. The provider also has the best SMS routes and competitive SMS rates. You can check SMS pricing for country wise list of SMS rates.
To get started, you can simply get in touch with the team.
FAQs
- Are there any guidelines and regulations for SMS in UAE?
Yes, there are guidelines and regulations for SMS in UAE governed by bodies like- National Media Council (NMC), Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and Ministry of Interior (MoI).
- What are the consequences for a business breaching SMS regulations in the UAE?
Violating SMS regulations in the UAE can lead to legal repercussions, including fines or, in some cases, criminal charges.
- What are the consequences of violating SMS regulations in the UAE?
Businesses that fail to comply with SMS rules in the UAE face legal penalties, which may include fines or, in severe cases, criminal charges.
- Is secure storage of customer data mandatory?
Yes, SMS regulations in the UAE prioritize customer privacy and failing to store customer data securely can lead to significant penalties. Hence, businesses also cannot send SMS to a third-party list.
- Are businesses allowed to send promotional messages during unsociable hours?
In the UAE, promotional SMS messages can only be sent between 7 AM and 9 PM. Sending messages outside this permitted timeframe is strictly prohibited.
- Are there limitations on how often SMS messages can be sent to customers?
Yes, there are restrictions on the frequency of SMS messages. Businesses must avoid overwhelming customers with excessive messages.
- Is it mandatory to include an opt-out option in SMS messages in UAE?
Yes, providing an opt-out option in SMS messages is mandatory. This allows customers to easily stop receiving further messages if they wish.
- Are SMS messages promoting illegal activities permitted?
No, sending SMS messages that promote illegal activities is strictly prohibited.
Conclusion
Complying with SMS regulations in the UAE ensures seamless communication while safeguarding consumer rights and privacy. Following these guidelines helps businesses maintain credibility, avoid disruptions and foster stronger customer relationships. By adhering to these rules, companies can focus on delivering value through secure messaging.
