Unwanted marketing messages are not merely annoying when they continue after an unsubscribe request or arrive without consent. UAE mobile users have a national short-code method for blocking promotional senders, plus a complaint route through their licensed telecommunications provider.
The official TDRA SMS Spam guide says users can block a specific sender by sending the letter B followed by the sender’s number or name to 7726. It also says users can send Ball to 7726 to block all marketing messages that begin with AD-.
Choose the right action
| Situation | Action | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| One marketing sender | Send B followed by sender name or number to 7726 | Copy the sender identity accurately |
| All AD- marketing messages | Send Ball to 7726 | This is broader than one sender |
| A message has an unsubscribe option | Use the free mechanism if safe and legitimate | Keep confirmation evidence |
| Messages continue | Complain to the licensed provider | Request a reference number |
| Message appears fraudulent | Do not click or reply with personal data | Use the appropriate fraud-reporting channel |
Blocking marketing SMS is different from disputing an unknown charge. The UAE receipt and card-charge guide covers transaction evidence. For suspicious document claims, use the UAE Verify guide before entering any information.
Understand consent and legitimate marketing
TDRA’s published FAQs say marketing messages require prior explicit consent, should be sent only from 7am to 9pm UAE time and must include a free, effective unsubscribe mechanism. Transaction alerts and service confirmations are not automatically marketing spam simply because they arrive by SMS.
- Do not click unknown links or call numbers copied from suspicious messages
- Keep a screenshot showing sender, date and time
- Use the 7726 blocking format carefully
- Use a legitimate free unsubscribe option where appropriate
- Record any response or block confirmation
- Complain to the licensed provider if messages continue
- Escalate suspected fraud through the correct official channel
The UAE responsible-sharing guide explains why suspicious messages should not be forwarded widely. Remember that an urgent police or medical situation requires the appropriate emergency channel, not a telecom complaint.
Preserve evidence before deleting
Take screenshots that show the complete sender name or number, message, date and time. Record when consent was withdrawn and whether messages continued. Do not crop away details needed by the provider. If the message impersonates a bank or government entity, contact that organisation through its official website or app, not through the message.
If money, card information or login credentials were already shared, act quickly. The payment fraud guide includes evidence-preservation principles, and the cyber-incident guide gives a first-response structure that individuals can adapt.
Complain through the service provider
TDRA says complaints about unsolicited SMS can be filed with the licensed telecommunications provider. The provider should document the complaint, issue a reference number, investigate and communicate the outcome within a reasonable period. Keep the reference and follow up through official customer-care channels.
Explain whether the issue is one sender, a marketing sector, continued messages after unsubscribe or suspected fraud. Avoid publishing the sender’s personal data online. A provider complaint is a regulatory service step; a fraud report may require a separate police or cybercrime channel.
Protect your number and accounts
Review which websites, competitions, forms and loyalty programmes have your number and marketing consent. Remove permissions you no longer want, and use unique passwords for important accounts. Never share an OTP because a message claims your SIM, Emirates ID, parcel or bank account needs immediate verification.
The UAE electronic-signatures guide explains how to validate digital approvals. For lost identification mentioned in a suspicious message, use the official process in the Emirates ID replacement guide rather than following a link.
A block reduces future marketing from the selected sender, but it does not prove that the message was genuine. Treat blocking, provider complaints and fraud reporting as different tools for different risks.
Questions people often ask
How do I block one marketing SMS sender in the UAE?
Send B followed by the sender’s name or number to 7726, using the exact sender identity.
How do I block all AD- marketing messages?
TDRA’s SMS Spam guide says to send Ball to 7726.
Can marketing messages be sent without my consent?
TDRA states that legitimate promotional SMS requires prior explicit consent and a free unsubscribe method.
What hours are marketing SMS messages allowed?
TDRA’s FAQs state that promotional messages are permitted between 7am and 9pm UAE time.
Where do I complain if messages continue?
File a complaint with your licensed telecom provider and keep the complaint reference number.
