Privacy Policy

Introduction

Majlis By The Sea ("we," "us," or "our") operates a curated community and event platform designed to help expats and residents in Dubai build meaningful social connections through intimate, high-quality group experiences.

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our mobile application, website, and services (collectively, the "Services"). By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, gender, and profile photo
• Profile Data: Profession, industry, interests, hobbies, preferences, and biographical information you choose to share
• Matching Preferences: Age group preferences, event type interests, dietary requirements, and social preferences
• Payment Information: Billing address and payment method details (processed securely by our payment providers)
• Communications: Messages, feedback, and correspondence with our team
• Event Participation: Application responses, attendance records, and post-event feedback

Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information
• Usage Data: App interactions, features used, pages viewed, and session duration
• Location Data: General location (city/region) to provide relevant local events (precise location only with your explicit consent)
• Log Data: IP address, access times, app crashes, and system activity

Information from Third Parties

• Social Login: If you sign up using social media accounts, we may receive basic profile information as permitted by your privacy settings
• Payment Processors: Transaction confirmations and payment status from our payment partners

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To create and manage your account, process subscriptions, and facilitate event participation
• Intelligent Matching: To match you with compatible individuals for events using our AI-driven matching engine, considering factors like age, interests, profession diversity, and social preferences
• Personalization: To curate event recommendations and tailor your experience based on your preferences and feedback
• Communication: To send event confirmations, logistics, reminders, and important service updates
• Payment Processing: To process membership fees, event credits, and refunds
• Safety & Security: To verify accounts, prevent fraud, and maintain platform integrity
• Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, gather feedback, and enhance our Services
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes

AI-Driven Matching

A core feature of our Service is our intelligent matching system. We use a combination of data analysis and AI algorithms to create balanced, compatible groups for each event. This process considers:

• Your stated preferences and interests
• Professional background (to ensure diversity)
• Age group compatibility
• Social energy and personality indicators
• Past event feedback and interactions

Our matching is designed to create meaningful connections, not to discriminate. You may request information about the matching criteria applied to your profile by contacting us.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Other Event Participants: Limited profile information (first name, profession, brief bio) may be shared with other confirmed attendees of the same event to facilitate introductions
• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist with payment processing, email delivery, analytics, and hosting (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• Event Venues & Partners: Necessary details for event logistics (e.g., dietary requirements, headcount)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with continued protection of your data)
• With Your Consent: When you have explicitly agreed to the sharing

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our Services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. Specifically:

• Active Accounts: Data is retained while your account remains active
• Account Deletion: Upon account deletion request, we will remove your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., fraud prevention, legal disputes)
• Anonymized Data: We may retain anonymized, aggregated data for analytics and service improvement
• Transaction Records: Payment records are retained for 7 years as required by financial regulations

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest
• Secure authentication protocols
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls limiting employee access to personal data
• Secure cloud infrastructure with reputable providers

While we strive to protect your information, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Portability: Request your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities, including profiling for matching
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
• Marketing Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from promotional communications at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We will respond within 30 days.

Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly. If you believe we may have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence (including the United Arab Emirates and other countries where our service providers operate). These countries may have different data protection laws. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your personal information remains protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Third-Party Links and Services

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites, services, or applications. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

Push Notifications

With your consent, we may send push notifications to your device about event updates, confirmations, reminders, and community announcements. You can manage notification preferences in your device settings or within the app at any time.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy in the app, on our website, and/or by email. Your continued use of our Services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.