Last updated: 2 August 2026
This policy explains what personal data GulfOnline.ae collects, why we collect it, and what rights you have over it. It applies to gulfonline.ae and every service on it. We process personal data in line with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data.
Who we are
GulfOnline.ae operates a free business directory for the United Arab Emirates. For any question about this policy or about your personal data, contact us at [email protected].
What we collect
Information you give us
When you create an account we collect your name, email address and password. Passwords are stored in hashed form and are never visible to us.
When you submit a business listing we collect the business name, category, address, phone number, WhatsApp number, email address, website, trade licence number, opening hours, year established, and any images or descriptions you upload.
When you write a review we collect your rating, your review text and the account it was posted from. When you send a message to a business through the site, we store the message so both parties can read it. When you claim an existing listing we collect the evidence you provide to support that claim.
Information we collect automatically
Like most websites we record your IP address, browser type, device type, referring page, the pages you visit and the time of your visit. This is used for security, for fixing faults and for understanding which parts of the site are useful.
Listing data is public
This is the most important thing to understand about a directory. Anything you submit as part of a business listing is published on the open internet. It can be seen by anyone, indexed by search engines, and included in structured data that search engines and AI assistants read. This includes the business name, address, phone number, WhatsApp number, email address, website, opening hours and images.
Do not put personal information in a listing that you are not willing to publish. If you use a personal mobile number as your business number, that number becomes public.
Reviews you write are also published publicly alongside the display name on your account.
Why we use your data
We use it to create and maintain your account, to publish and display your listing, to let customers contact you, to verify listing claims and trade licence details, to prevent fraud, spam and abuse, to respond when you contact us, and to improve the site.
We rely on your consent where you have submitted information voluntarily, on the performance of our agreement with you where you hold an account, and on our legitimate interest in running a safe and functioning directory.
Who we share it with
We do not sell your personal data.
We share it only with service providers who help us run the site, and only to the extent they need it. These currently include our web hosting provider, our map and geocoding provider, our email delivery provider, and analytics services. We may also disclose data where we are required to by UAE law, by a court, or by a competent authority.
Cookies
We use cookies that are necessary for the site to function, including keeping you logged in and remembering your preferences. We also use analytics cookies to understand how the site is used. You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings, but the site may not work correctly without the necessary ones.
How long we keep it
Account and listing data is kept for as long as your account or listing is active, and for a reasonable period afterwards so that we can meet legal, accounting and dispute obligations. Server logs are kept for a short period for security purposes. You can ask us to delete your data at any time.
Your rights
Under UAE data protection law you have the right to be informed about how your data is processed, to request a copy of it, to have inaccurate data corrected, to request deletion, to object to or restrict certain processing, to receive your data in a portable format, and to withdraw consent at any time.
To exercise any of these, email [email protected]. We will respond within a reasonable period. If you are not satisfied with our response you may complain to the UAE Data Office.
Security
We use encrypted connections, hashed passwords and access controls to protect your data. No website can promise perfect security, and we cannot guarantee that a determined attack will never succeed. If a breach occurs that affects your rights, we will notify you and the relevant authority as required by law.
International transfers
Some of our service providers operate outside the UAE. Where your data is transferred abroad, we take steps to ensure it receives an adequate level of protection.
Children
This site is not intended for anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has given us personal data, contact us and we will delete it.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy. The date at the top shows when it was last changed. Significant changes will be flagged on the site.