Last updated: 24 October 2026
This Privacy Policy explains what personal data Gulf Simple (gulfsimple.com, “we”, “us”) collects when you use this website, why we collect it, who it is shared with and what choices you have. We aim to handle personal data in line with applicable laws, including the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021).
The short version
- You can read every page on Gulf Simple without giving us your name or email address.
- We collect personal data only when you send us a message through the contact form, plus standard technical data that our hosting and security tools record when you visit.
- We do not use analytics or advertising cookies at the moment.
- We do not sell or rent your personal data.
Who we are
Gulf Simple is an independent information website for expats in the UAE. It is not a government website. For any question about this policy or your personal data, please use our contact form. We do not publish an email address.
Data we collect
When you use the contact form
The contact form asks for your name, your email address and your message. You can also pick a topic. When you press send, your message is stored in the admin area of our website, where only the site owner can read it, so that we can answer you. It is not sent by email or shared with a form provider. To stop spam, the form also keeps a short-lived record linked to your IP address for two minutes. Please do not include passwords, OTPs, bank card numbers, passport or Emirates ID numbers, or copies of documents. We never ask for them.
When you visit the site
Like most websites, our server and security tools record technical data when a page is requested. This can include your IP address, browser and device type, the page you asked for, the page that sent you to us, and the date and time. We use this data to run the site, keep it secure and block attacks.
What we do not collect
- Comments are closed on the whole site, so we do not collect comment data.
- User registration is switched off, so there are no reader accounts.
- We do not run a newsletter or mailing list at present.
How we use your data
- To reply to your message and deal with your request, such as a correction or a privacy request.
- To keep the website working, secure and protected from spam and abuse.
- To understand how the site appears in Google Search, using data that does not identify you (see below).
We do not use your data for automated decisions about you, and we do not build profiles of individual readers.
Cookies
Cookies are small files that a website stores on your device. Gulf Simple currently uses only strictly necessary cookies:
- Cloudflare: the site runs behind Cloudflare, which provides content delivery and security. Cloudflare may set strictly necessary cookies, for example to tell real visitors apart from automated traffic. These cookies are not used for advertising.
- WordPress: WordPress sets login cookies only for site administrators. Readers do not receive them.
Our SEO plugin, Rank Math, does not set tracking cookies. You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings, although some security checks may then ask you to confirm that you are a real visitor.
Analytics and advertising
We do not use any analytics or advertising service on Gulf Simple at the moment. If we add analytics or advertising (for example Google Analytics or Google AdSense) we will update this policy before doing so.
Google advertising cookies (only once ads are enabled)
This section applies only from the date we switch on Google advertising and update this policy to say so. Until then, no advertising cookies are used.
- Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on a user’s previous visits to this website or other websites.
- Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to this site and other sites on the internet.
- You can opt out of personalised advertising in Google Ads Settings. You can also opt out of some third-party vendors’ use of cookies for personalised advertising at www.aboutads.info.
- You can read how Google uses information from sites that use its services.
Where the law requires it, for example for visitors in the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, we will ask for your consent before personalised advertising cookies are used.
Google Search Console
We use Google Search Console to see how Gulf Simple appears in Google Search, for example which search terms lead people to our guides. Search Console reports are based on Google’s own search data. It does not place cookies on your device when you visit our site.
Who we share data with
We share data only with the service providers that help us run the site, and only as much as each one needs:
- Our hosting provider: the site runs on a virtual private server, which stores the website and its server logs.
- Cloudflare: content delivery and security. Every visit passes through Cloudflare’s network.
- Wordfence: our security plugin, which may log IP addresses to detect and block attacks.
- Google: Search Console, as described above.
We may also disclose data if UAE law or a competent authority requires it. Some of these providers process data in other countries. Where that happens, we rely on the providers’ own data protection terms.
How long we keep data
- Contact messages: only as long as we need them to answer you and deal with your request, then deleted.
- Server and security logs: for a limited period, then removed automatically.
Your choices and rights
You can ask us what personal data we hold about you, ask us to correct it, or ask us to delete it. To make a request, use the contact form and choose the “Privacy request” topic. We may need to ask a question to confirm the request is genuine, but we will never ask for passwords, OTPs or document copies.
Security
The site uses HTTPS encryption, a security firewall and restricted administrator access. No website can promise complete security, but we take reasonable steps to protect the data we hold.
Children
Gulf Simple is written for adults and is not aimed at anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has sent us personal data, contact us and we will delete it.
Links to other websites
Our guides link to government portals and other websites. They have their own privacy practices, so please read their policies when you visit them.
Changes to this policy
We will update this page whenever our practices change, for example before adding analytics or advertising, and show the new date at the top. You can also read our Terms and Conditions and Disclaimer.
