UAE: How to Block SMS Ads, Promotional Calls from Etisalat, Du

Last Updated on: 2nd December 2023, 07:16 am

Block AD Messages UAE for Etisalat, Du Users

If you’re a user of Etisalat or Du in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and find yourself bothered by incessant SMS ads and promotional calls, you now have the option to block these interruptions through a simple SMS to designated numbers.

In this age where SMS has largely become a relic of the past, exceptions are made for messages from essential services such as bill reminders, doctor appointments, and notifications about fines and bank transactions.

However, these vital texts are overshadowed by an overwhelming influx of unopened messages, many of which are from stores promoting discounts and services.

The constant task of deleting these SMS ads can be tiresome, and the intrusion of promotional calls can be particularly disruptive. Imagine racing against the clock to finish work, only to be interrupted by an unwanted sales call.

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Recognizing the widespread issue faced by the community, UAE authorities have implemented anti-spam regulations. Additionally, residents are empowered to take control and block unwanted promotional messages and calls with just a few simple steps. Here’s how you can regain control:

How to Block SMS Ads in UAE:

According to guidelines set by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Etisalat and Du users seeking to block all SMS advertisements can follow these steps:

1. Type “Ball” and send it to 7726.
2. Your telecom operator will then block all texts from senders that start with “AD-“.
3. If you find other ads useful and want to block only some of them, you can specify by typing “B [Sender Name / Number]” (Example: B AD-SHOP) and sending it to 7726.

How to Block Promotional Calls in UAE:

The UAE has established a ‘Do Not Call Registry (DNCR)’, allowing residents to sign up with their phone numbers to indicate that they do not wish to receive telemarketing and promotional calls.

Subscribing is straightforward and free:

1. Type DNCR and send it to 1012.
2. Your number will be automatically added to the registry.
3. To unblock calls, SMS ‘UDNCR’ to 1012.
4. To check your number’s status, send ‘Check IDNCR’ to 1012.

For those in Dubai, the process of blocking and reporting spam callers can be conveniently done by visiting dnd.ded.ae. After filling out and submitting the form, the Dubai Economy team ensures the consumer’s contact number is promptly removed from the reported company’s database.

You can also read our article, How to Check Jazz Number Code Free – 3 Methods.