Last updated: 28 July 2026

1. About This Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how AlRaff (الرف) collects, uses, and protects personal data belonging to our members, prospective members, and visitors to our website, in line with the UAE's Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (the PDPL).

2. What Personal Data We Collect

When you register interest in, or apply for, AlRaff membership, we may collect: your name, email address, and WhatsApp number; a photo of you and images of your book covers; a short and full biography, and details of your published work; your website, Instagram, and LinkedIn details, where provided; information about the age groups, languages, and genres you write for, and the school visits you offer; declarations relating to the originality of your work and the regulatory approval of your published titles; and your preferred payment method.

We do not collect or store your bank account or card details. Payments are made directly by bank transfer or via Zbooni, outside our website.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your data to: confirm and manage your membership; build and display your profile on The Shelf; connect you with schools, nurseries, and other organisations through the School Visit Service; communicate with you about your membership, renewals, and AlRaff news; and feature you across AlRaff's social media, where you have agreed to this under our Terms and Conditions.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data on the basis of the consent you give when completing our membership form, and because processing is necessary to perform our agreement with you as a member.

5. Who We Share Your Data With

Your Shelf profile (photo, biography, and book details) is made publicly visible on our website. We do not publish your direct contact details (email or WhatsApp number). Where you take part in the School Visit Service, we share relevant details with the school or nursery making the introduction, with your knowledge. We may also share limited data with trusted service providers who help us run AlRaff, such as our website hosting provider, under terms that protect your data.

6. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using our website provider's systems. We take reasonable steps to protect your data from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

We keep your data for as long as you are an active member, and for a reasonable period afterward to meet our administrative and legal obligations. If your membership lapses, your Shelf profile will be removed from public view.

8. Your Rights

Under the PDPL, you have the right to: request access to the personal data we hold about you; request that we correct inaccurate data; request that we delete your data, where we are not required to keep it; request a copy of your data in a portable format; and object to how we use your data. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hello@alraff.com. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website uses a cookie banner to ask for your consent before placing non-essential analytics cookies. You can choose to accept or decline these at any time. We use this data to understand how visitors use our site and to improve it over time.

10. Children's Data

AlRaff membership is for adult authors. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. Where children's names, images, or likenesses appear in book covers or other materials submitted by a member, responsibility for obtaining appropriate consent rests with the member submitting that material.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Continued use of our website after changes are posted means you accept the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

Questions about this policy, or requests relating to your data, can be sent to hello@alraff.com.