This Cookie Policy explains how Dubai Smart Home (DSH) uses cookies and similar technologies on dubaismarthome.ae. It sits alongside our Privacy Policy and tells you what is set on your device, why, and how to control it.
We have written it for a non technical reader. Where it matters, we cite the UAE law we are following so you can verify our position.
1. What cookies are
A cookie is a small text file that a website asks your browser to store on your device. Cookies let a site remember things between page loads or between visits, such as whether you are signed in, which language you prefer, or whether you have accepted a notice.
Beyond cookies, modern websites also use related technologies including:
- Local storage and session storage: key value data your browser keeps for a site, used in single page apps such as those built with Next.js or Webflow.
- Pixels and tags: tiny image or script requests that record an event such as a page view or a form submission.
- Server side identifiers: anonymous IDs the server attaches to your session for fraud prevention or analytics.
In this policy, when we say "cookies" we mean cookies and these similar technologies together.
2. Categories of cookies we use
We group cookies into four categories that match how UAE PDPL and most international frameworks treat them.
2.1 Strictly necessary
These are required for the site to function. They handle things such as routing requests, balancing load, remembering your cookie consent choice, and protecting against fraud. We do not need consent for strictly necessary cookies because the site cannot work without them.
2.2 Functional
These remember choices you make to give you a better experience, such as preferred language, region, or recently viewed pages. They are not essential, so we ask for your consent before setting them.
2.3 Analytics
These help us understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it. They include page view counts, scroll depth, time on page, and aggregated journey data. They are set only after you accept analytics.
2.4 Marketing
These are used to measure the effectiveness of our advertising and to deliver content that may be more relevant to you. They are set only after you accept marketing.
3. Consent under UAE PDPL
UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (the UAE PDPL), and in particular Article 6 on consent, requires that consent for non essential personal data processing is freely given, specific, informed, and clearly evidenced. The TDRA Cyber Hygiene guidance for residential and SME web operators reinforces the same expectations.
In practice that means:
- We ask for your consent through a banner on your first visit and remember your choice.
- We do not pre tick any non essential category. The default is off.
- You can change your choice at any time through the "Cookie preferences" link in the website footer.
- We keep a record of when you gave consent and what you accepted, for evidence purposes, for 24 months.
- We do not use dark patterns to push you into accepting.
4. Specific cookies and tools we use
The list below describes the main tools active on dubaismarthome.ae. Specific cookie names can change when vendors update their products. The current up to date list is available on request from support@dubaismarthome.ae.
4.1 Vercel Analytics (strictly necessary / analytics)
We host the site on Vercel. Vercel Analytics measures core web vitals and page view counts using a privacy preserving model that does not store IP addresses or set tracking cookies. It runs without consent for performance metrics. Where we enable richer audience analytics features we treat them as analytics and ask for consent.
4.2 Google Analytics 4 (analytics)
If enabled, Google Analytics 4 (GA4) helps us understand site usage. We configure GA4 with:
- IP anonymisation enabled by default.
- Google Signals turned off unless explicitly required.
- Data retention set to the minimum useful window.
- Data sharing options minimised.
GA4 sets cookies in the _ga family. It runs only after you accept the analytics category.
4.3 HubSpot or equivalent CRM (functional / marketing)
If we are using HubSpot or a similar marketing CRM, it sets cookies such as __hstc, hubspotutk, __hssc, and __hssrc to track first visit, current session, and form fills, so that we can join a conversation back to a contact record. These run only after you accept marketing.
4.4 Calendar booking widget (functional)
For discovery calls and showroom visits we embed a calendar booking widget such as Calendly or HubSpot Meetings. These set cookies to remember your time zone and session state during booking. They are set when you actively interact with the widget.
4.5 Embedded YouTube and Vimeo (functional / marketing)
We embed project walkthrough videos. Where possible we use the privacy enhanced YouTube embed (youtube-nocookie.com) or Vimeo's Do Not Track friendly mode, which set fewer cookies. Even in privacy enhanced mode some cookies are set when you press play. These run only after you accept the relevant category, and we present a click to load placeholder for visitors who decline.
4.6 Google Maps (functional)
We use Google Maps to show service area coverage and to render directions. Google sets cookies for map functionality and may collect aggregated usage data. We load Maps only after you accept functional cookies, and otherwise show a static image fallback.
4.7 Webflow or Next.js platform cookies (strictly necessary)
The underlying platform may set a small number of cookies for routing, A B testing, or anti CSRF tokens. These are strictly necessary.
5. Local storage and session storage
In addition to cookies we use browser local storage and session storage for things such as:
- Remembering your cookie consent choice.
- Caching read only configuration (for example, available service areas) so pages load faster.
- Holding the state of your enquiry form between pages within the same visit.
We treat the consent rules for local storage the same way as cookies. If a key holds non essential personal data, we wait for consent.
6. Third party iframes and embeds
When we embed third party content such as YouTube, Vimeo, Calendly, or Google Maps, that third party can see your IP address, the page you are on, and any cookies it has previously set in your browser. We minimise this by:
- Using privacy enhanced embed modes where the vendor offers them.
- Loading the embed only after you click to engage, where the user experience allows.
- Listing each embed in this policy so you know what is on a page.
7. How to manage and revoke consent
You have several layers of control.
7.1 On our website
- Click Cookie preferences in the footer to open the consent panel.
- Toggle each category on or off and save.
- Your choice is recorded and applied immediately. Existing non essential cookies are deleted.
7.2 In your browser
All major browsers allow you to:
- Block all cookies.
- Block third party cookies.
- Delete cookies on close.
- Set per site exceptions.
For instructions, see your browser's help pages. Note that blocking strictly necessary cookies will break parts of the site such as form submission.
7.3 Through opt out tools
For analytics and advertising specifically:
- Google Analytics opt out browser add on: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
- YouTube and Google ad personalisation: myadcenter.google.com
8. Do Not Track signals
Some browsers send a "Do Not Track" (DNT) header. There is no settled UAE or international standard for how websites must respond. Our position:
- We do not rely on DNT to make consent decisions because it does not always reflect a deliberate choice.
- We do honour an active DNT signal as a strong hint by defaulting analytics and marketing to off until you make an explicit choice through our consent banner.
- We support the newer Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal in the same way.
9. Children
We do not target dubaismarthome.ae at children under 18 and do not knowingly set tracking cookies on children's devices. If you believe a child has been profiled through our site, please contact support@dubaismarthome.ae.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time, for example when we add a new tool to the site or when guidance from the UAE Data Office or TDRA evolves. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the latest version. Material changes prompt a fresh consent request through the banner.
11. Contact
For any cookie related question:
- Email: support@dubaismarthome.ae
- Postal address: One Central, 8th and 9th Floor, Trade Centre 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UAE Data Office under Federal Decree-Law No. 44 of 2021. Contact details are listed in our Privacy Policy.