The Advertising Business Group (ABG)

PRIVACY POLICY

WHO WE ARE

Advertising Business Group (ABG) is a business group licensed under Dubai Chambers, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. ABG is a non-profit, industry-led platform representing advertisers, agencies, media owners, and platforms across the Middle East.

For the purposes of applicable data protection laws, ABG acts as a data controller in relation to personal data collected through its activities.

This Privacy Policy explains how ABG collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal data in accordance with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 and reflects ABG’s commitment to responsible data practices aligned with international standards.

SCOPE OF THIS POLICY

This Privacy Policy applies to personal data collected through:

  • Our website: https://www.abg-me.com
  • Events and forums (including closed-door sessions)
  • Membership and committee participation
  • Research initiatives and surveys
  • Communications and outreach activities
PERSONAL DATA WE COLLECT

We may collect the following categories of personal data:

  • Identification data: name, job title, organisation
  • Contact data: email address, phone number
  • Professional data: company affiliation, role, industry
  • Participation data: event attendance, committee involvement, registrations
  • Transaction data: invoicing and payment information (processed via secure third parties)
  • Communications data: enquiries, survey responses, feedback
  • Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, cookies, and analytics data
HOW WE COLLECT PERSONAL DATA

We collect personal data:

  • Directly from you (e.g. forms, registrations, communications)
  • Through event partners, sponsors, or research collaborators (where disclosed)
  • Through website cookies and analytics tools
LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING

ABG processes personal data in accordance with applicable UAE laws based on:

  • Consent: newsletters, marketing communications, optional surveys
  • Contractual necessity: event participation, membership administration
  • Operational necessity: to deliver ABG activities and services, provided such processing does not conflict with your rights
  • Legal obligations: compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements
HOW WE USE PERSONAL DATA

We use personal data to:

  • Manage memberships, committees, and events
  • Deliver reports, insights, and industry initiatives
  • Communicate ABG activities, updates, and opportunities
  • Conduct research and industry studies
  • Improve our website, content, and user experience
  • Meet legal and regulatory obligations

Where communications relate to marketing or promotional content, they are sent based on consent or an existing relationship.

You may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link or by contacting us.

DATA SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

We may share personal data with:

  • Service providers supporting ABG operations (e.g. CRM systems, email platforms, event tools), acting under contractual obligations
  • Event partners or sponsors, strictly where disclosed at the point of registration and limited to event-related purposes
  • Research partners, where participation and data usage are clearly communicated
  • Regulatory authorities, where required by law

ABG does not sell personal data.

INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFER

ABG works with regional and international partners. Personal data may be transferred outside the UAE.

Where such transfers occur, appropriate safeguards are implemented, including contractual protections or transfers to jurisdictions with adequate levels of data protection.

DATA RETENTION

Personal data is retained only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined:

  • Membership data: duration of membership and a reasonable period after
  • Event data: event lifecycle, reporting, and follow-up
  • Financial data: as required by applicable legal and regulatory obligations
  • Marketing data: until consent is withdrawn or the individual opts out
DATA SECURITY

ABG implements appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.

YOUR RIGHTS

Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request correction or deletion
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Withdraw consent at any time

Requests can be submitted via the contact details below.

CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

ABG’s services are intended for professionals. We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under the age of 18.

DATA BREACH MANAGEMENT

In the event of a personal data breach, ABG will assess and respond in accordance with applicable legal obligations.

THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. ABG is not responsible for their privacy practices.

UPDATES TO THIS POLICY

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. The latest version will always be available on our website.

CONTACT US

Advertising Business Group (ABG)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Email: [email protected]

Subject: Privacy / Data Protection

DATA PROCESSING ROLES

ABG acts as a data controller for personal data collected through its core activities.

In certain cases (such as joint initiatives with partners), ABG may act as a joint controller or data processor, depending on the nature of the activity.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 01, 2026

Advertising Business Group (ABG) is a business group licensed by Dubai Chambers and based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. ABG is a non-profit, industry-led platform representing advertisers, agencies, media owners, and platforms across the Middle East.

For the purposes of applicable data protection laws, ABG acts as a data controller in relation to personal data collected through its activities.

This Privacy Policy explains how ABG collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal data in accordance with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 and reflects ABG’s commitment to responsible data practices aligned with international standards.

This policy applies to personal data collected via https://www.abg-me.com, ABG events, memberships, committees, research initiatives, and communications.

 

PERSONAL DATA WE COLLECT

We may collect the following categories of personal data:

  • Identification data: name, job title, organisation

  • Contact data: email address, phone number, postal address

  • Membership and participation data: committee involvement, event attendance, registrations

  • Transaction data: invoicing and payment information (processed securely via third parties)

  • Communications data: enquiries, survey responses, feedback

  • Technical data: IP address, browser type, cookies, analytics data

 

SOURCE OF PERSONAL DATA

Personal data may be collected:

  • Directly from you

  • Through ABG event and technology partners

  • Through sponsors or research partners, where clearly disclosed

 

LAWFUL BASIS FOR PROCESSING 

ABG processes personal data on one or more of the following lawful bases:

  • Consent: newsletters, marketing communications, optional surveys

  • Contractual necessity: event registration, membership administration

  • Legitimate interests: association operations, stakeholder engagement, industry research

  • Legal obligation: regulatory or compliance requirements

 

HOW WE USE PERSONAL DATA

Personal data is used to:

  • Manage memberships, events, and committees

  • Deliver content, reports, and industry initiatives

  • Communicate ABG activities and opportunities

  • Conduct research and industry studies

  • Improve our website and services

  • Meet legal and regulatory obligations

 

DATA SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

We may share personal data with:

  • Service providers supporting ABG operations

  • Event sponsors or partners (where disclosed at registration)

  • Regulatory authorities where required by law

ABG does not sell personal data

 

INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS

Personal data may be transferred outside the UAE where service providers or partners operate internationally. Appropriate safeguards are applied where required.

 

COOKIES AND ANALYTICS

ABG uses cookies and analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics) to improve user experience. Non-essential cookies are deployed only with consent, where required.

 

DATA SECURITY

ABG maintains appropriate technical and organisational safeguards to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.

 

DATA RETENTION

Personal data is retained only as long as necessary for the stated purposes or to meet legal requirements.

 

INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS

You may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to processing of your personal data, and to withdraw consent where applicable.

 

CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

ABG services are intended for professionals. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13.

 

DATA BREACH MANAGEMENT

In the event of a personal data breach, ABG will assess and respond in accordance with applicable legal obligations.

 

THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES

ABG is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites linked from our site.

 

POLICY UPDATES

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Updates will be published on our website.

 

CONTACT US

Advertising Business Group (ABG)

[email protected]

ABG MEMBER ACCESS

Current members without access. Request Access.

Not a member? Apply for membership.