Cookie Policy

1. About this policy

The Emirates Research and Development Council (“ERDC”, “we”, “us” or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on this website. This Cookie Policy explains what those technologies are, which categories we use, why we use them and the choices available to you.

This policy should be read together with the ERDC Privacy Policy, which explains how personal data is collected, used and protected. This policy applies to this website only; separate notices may apply to TAWWER, EmaraTax and other platforms operated by ERDC or third parties.

2. What cookies are

A cookie is a small text file placed on your device when you visit a website. Cookies allow the website to recognise your device, remember your choices and understand how the website is used.

We may also use similar technologies such as local storage, session storage, pixels and software development kits. In this policy, all of these are referred to as “cookies”.

3. Categories of cookies we use

This website may use the following categories:

• Strictly necessary cookies — required for the website to operate, including page navigation, security, load balancing and access to protected areas. These cannot be switched off.
• Preference cookies — remember settings you select, such as your language choice between English and Arabic, or accessibility preferences.
• Analytics and performance cookies — help us understand, on an aggregated basis, which pages are visited, how visitors move through the website and where improvements are needed.
• Security cookies — help protect the website, detect suspicious activity and prevent misuse.

We do not use cookies for advertising or for selling personal data.

4. First-party and third-party cookies

First-party cookies are set by this website. Third-party cookies may be set by service providers acting on our behalf, for example analytics, content delivery, video hosting or security providers.

Third parties may receive technical and usage information through those cookies. Their handling of that information is governed by their own notices and by the contractual and privacy requirements agreed with ERDC. We recommend reviewing the relevant provider’s privacy information for further detail.

5. Legal basis and consent

Strictly necessary cookies are used because they are essential for the website to function and to be kept secure.

Where required by applicable UAE law, non-essential cookies — including analytics and preference cookies that are not essential — are set only after you provide consent through the cookie banner or preference tool. You may withdraw or change your consent at any time.

6. How long cookies last

Cookies are either:

• Session cookies, which are deleted when you close your browser; or
• Persistent cookies, which remain on your device for a defined period or until you delete them.

Retention periods vary by purpose. Analytics cookies typically expire within a limited period, while preference cookies may last longer so that your settings are remembered on your next visit.

7. Managing your preferences

You can manage non-essential cookies in the following ways:

• Use the cookie banner or preference tool on this website to accept, reject or adjust categories.
• Change your browser settings to block or delete cookies. Most browsers provide these controls in their privacy or security settings.
• Use your device or browser privacy features, such as private browsing modes.

Blocking or deleting some cookies may affect parts of the website, including language preferences, forms and secure areas.

8. Do Not Track signals

Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” setting. There is currently no common industry standard for responding to these signals. Where this website does not respond to Do Not Track, you can still manage cookies using the preference tool and your browser settings.

9. Personal data and cookies

Some cookies may involve the processing of personal data, such as an IP address or a device identifier. Where this occurs, the information is handled in accordance with the ERDC Privacy Policy and applicable UAE legislation, including the rules on retention, security, disclosure and your rights as a data subject.

10. External links

This website may link to third-party websites and platforms that set their own cookies. ERDC is not responsible for the cookie practices of those services. Please review the cookie or privacy notice of each external service before continuing.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect legal, technical or operational changes, or changes to the cookies used on the website. The revised version will be published on this page with an updated date.

12. Contact us

For questions about this Cookie Policy or about how cookies are used on this website, contact ERDC through the official Contact Us page or the privacy contact details approved for publication:

Email: [privacy email address]

Postal address: [official postal address]