UAE residents are urged to promptly report lost or stolen mobile phones to telecom service providers such as Etisalat and du. This reporting enables the providers to block the device, preventing its connection to any wireless network within the UAE.
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) stated that residents can submit reports for lost or stolen mobile devices through various channels, including customer service call centers, live chat services on websites, and other affiliated channels with the operators. Eng. Saif Bin Ghelaita, Director of Technology Development Affairs at TDRA, emphasized that this initiative aims to enhance the security and well-being of the Emirati community.
Bin Ghelaita highlighted the increasing reliance on mobile phones for a variety of transactions in both government and the private sector, including governmental processes, financial payments, and service applications. Given this trend, additional services and measures have been introduced to ensure the security and privacy of customers.
With one of the world’s highest mobile phone penetrations, exceeding 19 million, the UAE emphasizes the importance of swift reporting to prevent unauthorized use of lost or stolen devices.
Accurate Time and Location Details Required
Residents are urged to furnish precise information regarding personal identity, the time and location of the loss or theft incident, and the specifications of the device when reporting such incidents to the authority. Additionally, customers are advised to coordinate with the relevant security authorities.
The authority recommends residents implement protective measures on their devices, such as setting a password, activating two-step verification, enabling fingerprint or facial recognition features, and activating the device-tracking feature.
Upon receiving a report, the identity of the reporting individual is verified, and details and specifications of the lost or stolen device are confirmed. The service provider then communicates all terms and conditions related to the blocking process to the customer.
Once the customer approves, the service provider adds the device's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) to the database of blacklisted devices. Within a 24-hour timeframe from receiving the report, the service provider initiates the block on the device, preventing its connection to any wireless network in the UAE. This timeframe aligns with the period required for the service provider to unblock the missing device if it is found and recovered.