Privacy Policy
Welcome to Zakian Surveying & Appraisal Services L.L.C.'s Privacy Policy. As a globally recognized marine and non-marine surveying, appraisal, and loss adjusting company headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, data protection, and professional ethics. This policy outlines how we collect, process, use, store, and protect information in accordance with the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021), international best practices, and our obligation to serve our clients with integrity and transparency.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Project and Technical Documentation
In the course of providing our surveying, appraisal, inspection, and consultancy services, we collect and process comprehensive technical information including:
- Site survey measurements, vessel specifications, and machinery data
- Architectural, structural, engineering, and technical drawings
- Building inspection reports, vessel survey reports, and technical assessments
- Construction project details, vessel operational history, and maintenance records
- Cargo specifications, container information, and shipment documentation
- Photographs, video recordings, thermal imaging, and ultrasonic testing data
- Non-destructive testing results and technical evaluations
- Fire investigation documentation and damage assessment reports
1.2 Personal Information
We collect personal and organizational information necessary to deliver our services, including:
- Client Contact Information: Full name, job title, company/organization name, business email address, UAE telephone numbers, international contact details, and postal addresses
- Property and Ownership Information: Title deed verification, property registration details, vessel registration and classification documents, flag state documentation, and beneficial ownership information when required for legal or regulatory compliance
- Technical and Operational Data: IP addresses, device information, browser type, operating system, access logs, and technical metadata related to service delivery
- Communication Records: Email correspondence, WhatsApp communications, telephone recordings (where legally permitted), meeting notes, and documentary evidence of service requests and delivery
- Financial Information: Invoice details, payment records, banking information for service payments, and financial transaction documentation
- Professional Credentials: Professional licenses, certifications, qualifications, insurance information, and regulatory compliance documentation
1.3 Sensitive Data
Where necessary for legal compliance, insurance purposes, or regulatory requirements, we may process sensitive information including accident circumstances, medical information related to incident investigation, criminal convictions for maritime offenses, and other sensitive personal data as legally required for our services.
2. Legal Basis for Data Processing
Under the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and international data protection standards, we process personal and project data based on the following legitimate grounds:
- Contractual Obligations: Processing data necessary to perform surveying, appraisal, inspection, loss adjusting, and consultancy services as requested by clients
- Legal Compliance: Compliance with Dubai Municipality regulations, UAE maritime law, flag state requirements, international maritime conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPS), insurance regulations, and court orders or legal proceedings
- Legitimate Business Interests: Service improvement, operational efficiency, risk management, quality assurance, staff training, and professional development
- Regulatory Authority Cooperation: Cooperation with government agencies, maritime authorities, classification societies, flag state administrations, and regulatory bodies as legally required
- Protection of Rights: Protecting our legal rights, property, safety, and preventing fraud or unauthorized access
- Explicit Consent: Where clients provide specific consent for processing activities beyond contractual obligations
3. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
- Delivering professional surveying, appraisal, inspection, and consultancy services
- Preparing technical reports, assessments, certifications, and expert opinions
- Facilitating communication regarding projects, deliverables, and service progress
- Invoicing, billing, and financial management of service engagements
- Regulatory compliance and submission of required documentation to authorities
- Quality assurance, internal audits, and professional standards maintenance
- Staff training, professional development, and service quality improvement
- Legal proceedings, arbitration, expert witness testimony, and dispute resolution
- Insurance claims management and loss adjusting activities
- Website analytics, security, fraud prevention, and system maintenance
- Business continuity, disaster recovery, and operational resilience
4. Data Sharing and Third Parties
We share information only when necessary to deliver services or comply with legal obligations. We share your information exclusively with:
- Dubai Land Department and Municipal Authorities: When legally required for property surveys, municipal compliance, and regulatory submissions
- Flag State Administrations: For vessel documentation, flag state inspections, and maritime regulatory compliance
- Classification Societies: Bureau Veritas, Non-IACS societies, and approved classification inspectors for vessel surveys and certification
- Approved Engineering Consultants and Partners: Qualified professionals assisting with specific technical aspects of projects
- Insurance Companies and Protection & Indemnity Clubs: For loss adjusting, claims management, and underwriting purposes
- Cloud Storage and IT Service Providers: Data remains exclusively within UAE servers operated by GDPR/PDPL-compliant providers
- Legal Counsel and Dispute Resolution Services: When required for legal proceedings, arbitration, or expert witness services
- Government and Regulatory Bodies: When required by law, court order, or regulatory mandate
- Financial Institutions: For payment processing and banking services
Important: We do not sell, trade, or rent personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. All third parties are contractually bound to maintain data confidentiality and security equivalent to our standards. You are responsible for providing accurate information about third parties authorized to receive project information.
5. Your Rights Under UAE Personal Data Protection Law
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Right of Access: You may request access to your personal data that we process
- Right to Correction: You may request correction of inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated personal data
- Right to Deletion: You may request deletion of non-essential personal data, except where data retention is required by law or contract
- Right to Withdraw Consent: You may withdraw consent for marketing communications and non-contractual processing at any time
- Right to Object: You may object to certain processing activities, subject to our contractual and legal obligations
- Right to Data Portability: You may request your personal data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format
- Right to Legal Remedy: You have the right to lodge complaints with the UAE Personal Data Protection Authority or seek legal remedies
Limitations: These rights are subject to contractual obligations, legal requirements, ongoing litigation, and legitimate business interests. Project documentation, technical reports, and survey data may be retained as required by UAE law, professional standards, and insurance requirements. To exercise any of these rights, contact our Data Protection Officer at the information provided below.
6. Data Retention Policy
We retain personal and project data for the following periods:
- Project Files and Technical Documentation: 7 years from project completion, as required by Dubai real estate regulations, UAE maritime law, and international best practices
- Client Contact Information: 3 years after the last engagement or service completion, unless legal obligations require longer retention
- Financial Records: 7 years from transaction date, as required by UAE tax and accounting regulations
- Communication Records: 3-7 years depending on regulatory requirements and legal relevance
- Website Analytics and Technical Data: 12 months from collection, except where extended retention is legally required
- Legal and Litigation Documentation: Retained for the duration of legal proceedings plus 7 years thereafter
- Insurance-Related Data: Retained for the duration of insurance coverage plus the applicable statute of limitations
Upon expiration of retention periods, data is securely destroyed or anonymized. Certain data may be retained longer if required by UAE law, ongoing legal obligations, or legitimate business interests.
7. Information Security Measures
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:
- Encryption: AES-256 encryption for all project data, technical documentation, and sensitive information at rest and in transit
- Authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication for all system access and administrative functions
- Access Control: Role-based access controls, principle of least privilege, and strict employee access policies
- Network Security: Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access
- Regular Audits: Comprehensive cybersecurity audits conducted by Dubai-based IT security specialists and international standards compliance
- Employee Training: Mandatory data protection training for all staff members handling personal or project data
- Incident Response: Documented incident response procedures for addressing potential data breaches or security violations
- Backup and Recovery: Regular backups, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity measures
- Physical Security: Secure office facilities in Dubai with controlled access, surveillance, and document destruction protocols
- Vendor Management: Third-party service provider audits and contractual security obligations
Limitation of Liability: While we employ industry-leading security measures, no system is completely immune to unauthorized access or data breaches. We maintain cyber liability insurance appropriate to our operations. In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected individuals and the relevant authorities as required by UAE law.
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and tracking technologies to enhance user experience, analytics, and security:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality, security, and service delivery
- Analytics Cookies: Track visitor behavior and website performance for improvement purposes
- Marketing Cookies: Enable targeted marketing and advertising (only with explicit consent)
- Third-Party Cookies: Used by analytics platforms and service providers
You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain website functionality. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.
9. International Data Transfers
As a global surveying services company, we may transfer personal data internationally to serve clients across multiple jurisdictions. All international data transfers are conducted with appropriate safeguards and in compliance with UAE PDPL. Where data is transferred outside the UAE, we ensure equivalent data protection standards through contractual agreements, standard contractual clauses, and Binding Corporate Rules where applicable. By engaging our services, you consent to international data transfers necessary to deliver our services.
10. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a minor without appropriate parental consent, we will take steps to delete such data promptly. Parents or guardians who believe we have collected information about a minor should contact our Data Protection Officer immediately.
11. Third-Party Links and Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, services, and resources. This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected through our services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of third-party websites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services before providing your information.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, applicable law, and other factors. Material changes will be communicated through updates on this page with the "Last Updated" date prominently displayed. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to remain informed of how we protect your information.
13. Data Protection Officer and Contact Information
For privacy inquiries, data subject requests, or concerns regarding our data protection practices, please contact:
Data Protection Officer
Company: Zakian Surveying & Appraisal Services L.L.C.
Email: dpo@masoudzakian.com
Alternative Email: privacy@masoudzakian.com
Phone: +971 4 234 5678
WhatsApp: +971-50-7482424
Office Address: 11st St - Al Barsha - Al Barsha 1, Dubai 282403, United Arab Emirates
Response Time: We aim to respond to data subject requests and privacy inquiries within 30 days. Complex requests may require additional time as permitted under UAE PDPL.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UAE Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA) if you believe your data protection rights have been violated.
14. Acknowledgment of Privacy Policy
By accessing our website, requesting our services, or providing any information to Zakian Surveying & Appraisal Services L.L.C., you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy. You consent to our collection, processing, use, and retention of your personal data as described herein. If you do not agree with this policy, you should not use our services or provide any information to us.