Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

• Name, email address, contact number, nationality, and emirate during registration.
• Location data (only if the user allows access) to display nearby shops and services.

Why We Collect Nationality and Emirate Information

Local Souq operates exclusively within the United Arab Emirates. Certain personal details, such as nationality and emirate, are required for legitimate business and regulatory purposes and are integral to the core functionality of our platform.

• Regional Compliance: To verify that users are residents of the UAE and to comply with applicable UAE e-commerce, consumer protection, and marketplace regulations.
• Location-Based Services: Emirate information allows us to:
  • Show users shops, services, and offers available in their specific emirate
  • Connect users with nearby local businesses
  • Calculate accurate delivery zones and shipping costs (where applicable)
• Personalized Experience: Nationality information helps us:
  • Provide culturally relevant offers and promotions
  • Meet UAE consumer protection requirements that require demographic data for marketplace transactions

These fields are mandatory as making them optional would significantly impact our ability to deliver localized services and comply with UAE regulations.

How We Use Information

• To improve overall user experience.
• To recommend nearby shops, products, and services.
• To provide personalized and localized content.
• To communicate offers, promotions, and important updates.
• To comply with applicable laws and regulations within the UAE.

Data Protection

• We do not sell, rent, or trade user personal data.
• User data is stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel.
• Information is shared with trusted third-party partners only when necessary to operate the platform or comply with legal obligations.

Cookies

Local Souq uses cookies and similar technologies to track browsing activity, enhance platform performance, and provide personalized recommendations.

User Rights

• Users may request access to or deletion of their personal data, subject to legal requirements.
• Users can opt out of promotional communications at any time.

Future Updates

As Local Souq evolves into a direct online marketplace, this Privacy Policy will be updated to include information related to order processing, payments, logistics, and customer communications.