PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: February 10, 2026

The Bulgarian Business Council in Dubai (“BGBC”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website [bgbc.ae] or apply for membership.

We operate under the laws of the United Arab Emirates and the European Union (GDPR). As our website is hosted in Bulgaria, we adhere to strict EU data protection standards.

1. WHO WE ARE

Data Controller: Bulgarian Business Council in Dubai Dubai Chambers, P.O. Box: 1457 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Email: [email protected]

2. DATA WE COLLECT

We collect personal data that you voluntarily provide to us when applying for membership or subscribing to our newsletter.

A. Membership Application Data Based on our application forms, we collect the following:

• Personal Identity: Full Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Country of Birth, Nationality, Ethnicity.

• Contact Details: Email Address, Mobile Number, Secondary Mobile Number, City of Residence.

• Professional Details: Corporate Title, Company Name, Sector/Industry, Company Size, VAT Number / TRN, Company Website, Company Address.

• Other: How you heard about us, purpose of joining, and referral source.

Note on Special Category Data: We collect data regarding Ethnicity solely for the purpose of ensuring diversity within our community and statistical reporting. By providing this information, you explicitly consent to its processing.

B. Automatically Collected Data (Cookies) When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information via tracking technologies, including:

• IP Address

• Browser Type and Operating System

• Browsing behavior (pages visited, time spent)

3. HOW WE USE YOUR DATA

We process your data for the following legal bases:

• Contractual Necessity: To process your membership application, verify your identity, and provide member benefits.

• Legitimate Interest: To manage the Council, organize networking events, and improve our website.

• Consent: To send you newsletters (via Mailchimp) and use tracking pixels (Facebook/Google).

Specific uses include:

1. Membership Administration: Processing your application and annual renewals.

2. Member Directory: Sharing your business profile with other members to facilitate networking (only professional data).

3. Communication: Sending invitations to events, General Assembly notices, and official Council updates.

4. Marketing & Analytics: Using Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel to understand our audience and run relevant ad campaigns.

4. SHARING OF YOUR INFORMATION

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who perform services for us, including:

  • Hosting: Servers located in Bulgaria (EU).

  • Email Marketing: Mailchimp (Intuit Inc.), located in the USA. Transfers to Mailchimp are protected by Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).

  • Analytics: Google Analytics and Meta (Facebook) for website traffic analysis.

• Government Authorities: Only if required by UAE or Bulgarian law (e.g., Dubai Chamber of Commerce regulations).

• Other Members: Your professional details (Name, Company, Title, Email) may be visible in the members-only directory to facilitate business connections.

5. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

As we operate in Dubai but host in Bulgaria:

• From UAE to EU: Data collected in the UAE is transferred to our servers in Bulgaria. The EU is recognized as providing an adequate level of data protection.

• From EU to UAE: If you are accessing the site from Europe, your data is accessed by our administration in Dubai. The UAE creates a secure environment for data under its PDPL. By applying for membership, you acknowledge this necessary transfer for the performance of the contract.

6. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

We use cookies to enhance your experience.

• Google Analytics: We use this to understand website traffic. Google may store data on servers in the US. You can opt-out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

• Facebook Pixel: We use this to measure the effectiveness of our social media campaigns. You can adjust your advertising preferences in your Facebook Ad Settings.

7. DATA RETENTION

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary:

• Active Members: For the duration of your membership.

• Expired Members: We retain basic records for 5 years for legal and financial auditing purposes (VAT/Tax laws).

• Marketing: Until you unsubscribe (click the “Unsubscribe” link in any email).

8. YOUR RIGHTS (GDPR & UAE PDPL)

You have the following rights regarding your data:

1. Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

2. Right to Rectification: Correct any inaccurate or incomplete data.

3. Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements).

4. Right to Object: Opt-out of marketing communications at any time.

5. Right to Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, commonly used format.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected].

9. DATA SECURITY

We use administrative, technical, and physical security measures to help protect your personal information. Our website uses SSL encryption (https) to ensure data is transmitted securely to our servers in Bulgaria.

10. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by an updated “Revised” date and the updated version will be effective as soon as it is accessible.

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11. CONTACT US

If you have questions or comments about this policy, you may contact us at:

Bulgarian Business Council in Dubai Email: [email protected] Phone: +971 50 289 5114