Who we are: The Help (“we”, “us”, “our”) is an online directory that helps families find independenthome-service providers in the UAE. We do not employ, sponsor or place workers, and we do notprocess payments between families and service providers.
Contact (data controller): Email: support@thehelpuae.com | Company legal name & registeredaddress: [Add once licence is issued]. If we appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or privacy contact,we will update this page.
1) What this policy covers
This policy explains how we collect, use, share and protect your personal data when you use ourwebsite and related services. It is designed to comply with the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (PDPL) and related executive regulations.
2) The data we collect
a) Families (subscribers)
• Account details (name, email, password/OTP, country/city).
• Activity & usage (profiles viewed/saved, contact reveals, support messages).
• Purchase data (passes/add-ons purchased, expiry, reveals used). Payments are processed byStripe; we do not see or store full card numbers.
• Device & technical data (IP address, device/browser, cookies).
b) Service providers (helpers)
• Profile data (name, photo, city/area, nationality, languages, years of experience).
• Role-specific information (e.g., childcare ages, live-in/out, first aid, police/CRB check status, tutoringsubjects/curricula, driving licence, pet care preferences).
• Short bio (up to ~180 words) and any documents you upload (e.g., certificates).
• AI language assessment (optional): short audio clips and a written response. We store the audiofile, transcript, and a simple score (Basic / Conversational / Fluent).
c) Cookies & similar tech
We use cookies and similar tools for site operations, analytics, remembering preferences, andpreventing abuse. See Section 10 (Cookies) for choices.
We do not knowingly collect the data of children. Freelancer listings require that providers are 21+.Families must be 18+ to create an account.
3) Why we process your data (legal bases under UAE PDPL)
• Consent (e.g., marketing emails, AI language assessment recordings).
• Contractual necessity (e.g., creating your account, delivering your purchased pass, revealingcontact details).
• Legal obligations (e.g., responding to lawful requests, compliance with UAE regulations).
• Legitimate interests (e.g., preventing fraud/abuse, securing our services, service analytics),provided these do not override your rights.
You may withdraw consent at any time (this does not affect prior lawful processing).
4) How we use your data
• Provide and operate the directory, including profile creation, approvals and search.
• Manage passes/credits and contact-reveal functionality.
• Show profiles based on your filters and keywords.
• Communicate service updates (e.g., pass activated/expiring, account notices).
• Provide customer support.
• Improve safety, security and performance (e.g., audit logs, abuse prevention).
• Send marketing emails only if you opt in (you can unsubscribe anytime).
We do not make hiring decisions, provide employment services, or intermediate payments between families and service providers.
5) Sharing your data (processors & recipients)
We use reputable service providers (data processors) to help deliver our services. Typical categories include:
• Hosting/CMS & site tools: Webflow, Finsweet/Jetboost (filters)
• Authentication & memberships: Memberstack
• Payments: Stripe (we never store full card data)• Automation & logs: Make (formerly Integromat), Airtable (profile/reveal event logs)
• Email/CRM: [Brevo/MailerLite/Postmark/HubSpot—confirm which you use]
• AI speech-to-text (for language assessment): e.g., Whisper/AssemblyAI or equivalent
We require these vendors to protect your data and process it only on our instructions. We may alsoshare data where required by law or to protect our rights, users or the public. We do not sell personaldata.
6) International transfers
Some processors may store data outside the UAE (e.g., EU/US). Where we transfer data internationally, we implement safeguards required by the PDPL (for example, transfers to jurisdictions with adequate protection or using contractual protections). Details are available on request.
7) Data retention
• Family accounts & purchase records: kept while your account is active and for up to 6 years there after for compliance and auditing.
• Service provider profiles: kept while listed and for up to 24 months after de-listing, unless you ask us to delete sooner (subject to legal limits).
• AI audio & transcripts: kept for up to 12 months unless you request deletion earlier or we must retain for legal reasons.
• Cookies/analytics: per cookie lifetime (see Section 10).
We keep data only as long as necessary for the purposes described or as required by law.
8) Your rights (under UAE PDPL)
• Access your personal data and get a copy.
• Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Erase your data (“right to erasure”), where applicable.
• Restrict or stop processing in certain cases.
• Portability (receive your data in a commonly used format, where applicable).
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests and to direct marketing.
• Withdraw consent at any time (e.g., marketing, AI recordings).
• Complain to the UAE Data Office if you believe your rights were infringed.
We aim to respond to requests within 30 days. To exercise rights, email support@thehelpuae.comfrom your registered address and describe your request.
9) Security
We use administrative, technical and physical safeguards appropriate to the risk, including encryption in transit, access controls, audit logs, and least-privilege access for staff and processors. No system is100% secure; please keep your credentials safe and tell us immediately if you suspect unauthorised access.
10) Cookies & preferences
• Essential cookies: required for the site to function (cannot be switched off).
• Analytics/performance cookies: help us improve the site.
• Marketing: only if you consent.
You can manage preferences via our cookie banner and your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may affect site functionality.
11) Third-party links
Our site may link to third-party sites. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies.
12) Domestic worker compliance (important)
Some roles (e.g., nannies, live-in housekeepers, drivers, elderly carers) may be regulated under UAE Domestic Worker rules. We are a directory only. Families are responsible for ensuring any engagement is made via licensed agencies/Tadbeer or with a valid work permit/visa, as required. Service providers confirm they are legally permitted to offer the services they list.
13) Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the new version with an updated effective date. Significant changes will be notified via email or on-site notice.
14) Contact us
Questions or requests about this policy or your data? Email support@thehelpuae.com.Important: This policy reflects our understanding of UAE PDPL requirements for a directory service and is notlegal advice. Please obtain legal review tailored to your entity (free-zone vs mainland), final processor list, and any changes to your services.