Cookie Policy
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how DentistNearMeDubai ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our dental clinic directory and booking platform (the "Platform").
By continuing to use our Platform, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through our cookie settings or your browser settings.
This policy complies with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45/2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL), the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the ePrivacy Directive where applicable.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners information about how their site is being used.
Types of cookies by duration:
- Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them
Types of cookies by origin:
- First-Party Cookies: Set by DentistNearMeDubai directly
- Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use (analytics, advertising, etc.)
3. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
3.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are necessary for the Platform to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, account access, and booking management. You cannot opt out of these cookies.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| session_id | Maintains your login session | Session |
| csrf_token | Security protection against cross-site attacks | Session |
| cookie_consent | Stores your cookie preferences | 1 year |
| sb-access-token | Authentication token for secure access | 1 hour |
| sb-refresh-token | Token refresh for continued authentication | 7 days |
3.2 Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences, language settings, and location.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| user_preferences | Stores your display and search preferences | 1 year |
| recent_searches | Remembers your recent clinic searches | 30 days |
| location_preference | Stores your preferred search location | 30 days |
3.3 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Platform by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve our services.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics 4 | Maintains session state | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Throttles request rate | 1 minute |
3.4 Marketing Cookies
These cookies are used to track visitors across websites to display relevant advertisements. They may be set by us or by third-party advertising partners.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _fbp | Tracks visits across websites for ad targeting | 3 months | |
| _gcl_au | Google Ads | Conversion tracking | 3 months |
| IDE | Google DoubleClick | Ad targeting and measurement | 1 year |
4. Similar Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use other similar technologies:
- Local Storage: Stores data in your browser with no expiration date. Used to save preferences and improve performance.
- Session Storage: Similar to local storage but cleared when you close your browser tab.
- Pixel Tags (Web Beacons): Tiny invisible images that help us track email opens and website visits for analytics and marketing purposes.
- Device Fingerprinting: We may collect information about your device configuration for security and fraud prevention purposes.
5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
5.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our Platform, you will see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Customize your cookie preferences by category
You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer.
5.2 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:
- View what cookies are stored on your device
- Delete individual cookies or all cookies
- Block all cookies or only third-party cookies
- Configure exceptions for specific websites
Instructions for common browsers:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and Website Data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and Site Permissions → Cookies
5.3 Opt-Out Tools
You can opt out of certain third-party cookies using these tools:
- Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Digital Advertising Alliance: Visit optout.aboutads.info
- Network Advertising Initiative: Visit optout.networkadvertising.org
- Your Online Choices (EU): Visit youronlinechoices.eu
Note: Blocking or deleting cookies may affect your experience on our Platform. Some features may not work properly without essential cookies. If you disable functional cookies, you may need to re-enter your preferences each time you visit.
6. Third-Party Cookies
We use services from third parties that may set their own cookies on your device. These third parties have their own privacy policies governing the use of cookies:
- Google Analytics: For website analytics and performance monitoring.
Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy - Google Maps: For displaying clinic locations and maps.
Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy - Supabase: For authentication and database services.
Privacy Policy: supabase.com/privacy - Facebook/Meta: For social features and advertising.
Privacy Policy: facebook.com/privacy
We do not control these third-party cookies and recommend reviewing their privacy policies for more information.
7. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that sends a signal to websites requesting that your browsing activity not be tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals.
We respect your privacy choices. If your browser sends a DNT signal, we will treat it as an opt-out of non-essential cookies, similar to clicking "Reject" on our cookie consent banner.
8. Cookies and Children
Our Platform is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly use cookies to collect information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe cookies have been used to collect information from your child, please contact us.
9. International Data Transfers
Some of our third-party service providers are located outside the UAE. When cookies transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place as described in our Privacy Policy.
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Effective Date" at the top of this page and, where appropriate, through a notice on our Platform.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Address: Ajman Free Zone, C1 Building, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
For general privacy inquiries, please refer to our Privacy Policy or contact our Data Protection team.