Privacy Notice
We value your privacy. This Privacy Notice provides essential information on how personal data is collected, used, disclosed, and protected, as well as the rights available to individuals.
Who We Are
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, contributing to economic development and the emirate’s global positioning.
DCT Abu Dhabi is committed to respecting privacy and protecting personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the Federal Laws of the United Arab Emirates.
Definitions
Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, as defined by applicable data protection laws.
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The UAE Data Office, responsible for overseeing the application of the Federal Decree Law No. 45 of 2021 (PDPL).
Personal Data
What Personal Data Do We Collect?
- Name and contact details
- Nationality, country of residence, gender, job position
- Emirates ID or passport (where applicable)
- Phone numbers and email addresses
- Photos
- IP address, device and log information
- Any information you voluntarily provide
How We Use Personal Data
| # | Purpose | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Account management | Creating and maintaining user accounts |
| 2 | Service delivery | Processing service requests and transactions |
| 3 | Identity verification | Responding to inquiries and privacy requests |
| 4 | Communications | Mailing lists, surveys, and updates (with consent) |
| 5 | Personalization | Improving user experience and preferences |
| 6 | Security | Fraud prevention and safeguarding systems |
| 7 | Legal compliance | Meeting regulatory and legal obligations |
Lawful Basis for Processing
- Contractual necessity
- Legal obligation
- Vital interests
- Public interest
- Legitimate interests
- User consent
Sharing Personal Data
Personal data is not sold. Data may be shared only with trusted partners, service providers, or authorities where required by law.
International Data Transfers
Personal data is stored and processed within the UAE and is not transferred internationally unless legally required.
Data Retention
| Type of Data | Purpose | Indicative Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Account information | Account maintenance | Until deletion or deactivation |
| Event registration | Event management | Up to 12 months post-event |
| Contact requests | User support | Up to 6 months after resolution |
Your Data Privacy Rights
- Right to be informed
- Right of access and rectification
- Right to erasure and restriction
- Right to withdraw consent
- Right to data portability
- Right to object
- Right to lodge a complaint with the UAE Data Office
Protection of Personal Data
DCT Abu Dhabi applies appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect personal data, including controlled access and confidentiality obligations.
Children’s Data
Individuals under the age of 18 are considered children. Personal data of children is processed only with verified parental or guardian consent.
Note: While UAE PDPL defines children as under 13, DCT applies the higher threshold of 18.
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Contact Us
If you have questions or requests regarding this Privacy Notice, contact us and please select "Data Privacy" option from "Case type" dropdown list.
Changes to This Notice
This Privacy Notice may be updated to reflect legal or operational changes. Updates will be published on official websites.