Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

Designrea is the operator of this platform (also presented under the Grand Gate brand). We act as the data controller for personal data processed to run membership, the feed, messaging, marketplace, talent, jobs, live coverage, and related services.

For privacy requests, use the Contact form on this site or email it@designrea.com. We will respond within a reasonable period as required under the PDPL.

2. Personal data we collect

We collect only what we need to operate a trusted professional community. Depending on how you use Designrea, this may include:

• Identity and membership data: name, official email, profession, LinkedIn or equivalent profile URL, workplace or studio, location or city, account type (designer, studio, supplier), membership status, and admin-approval decisions.
• Profile data you choose to publish: headline, about text, experience, education, featured work, avatar, cover image, and website.
• Content you create: posts, comments (including private comments), messages, product listings, files and datasheets, forum topics, articles comments, bespoke requests and quotes, job applications, talent entries, coverage submissions, and live chat.
• Usage and device data: log-in times, last-seen / online status, impressions on posts, connection and follow graphs, IP address, browser type, and approximate locale used to tailor content such as local talent.
• Commercial and support data: premium-access requests, datasheet request counts, and messages sent through the contact form.

3. Why we process your data

We process personal data to: create and verify membership; host the community feed and comments; enable connections, follows, and messaging; operate the materials and furniture marketplace; run bespoke sourcing, jobs, local talent voting, forum, articles, and live coverage; keep the platform secure; send service notices (including approval or rejection of membership); and comply with Saudi law.

We do not sell member data. Marketing newsletters are optional and only sent where you subscribe.

4. Legal bases (PDPL)

Where the PDPL requires a lawful basis, we rely on: your consent (for example optional profile fields, newsletter, certain cookies if introduced); performance of our membership contract (to provide the service after you register); our legitimate operational interests that do not override your rights (security, fraud prevention, product improvement); and legal obligation (record-keeping, responding to competent Saudi authorities).

Membership is by application. An administrator may approve or reject an application. Decision records and related emails are kept for audit and security.

5. Private comments, messages, and confidential briefs

Private comments are visible only to the author, the post owner, and authorised administrators or moderators. They are excluded from public counts and public broadcasts.

Direct messages and bespoke request details (including confidential budgets or hidden studio names until award) are treated as restricted. Administrators may access content only to enforce these terms, handle reports, or comply with law. Every privileged admin action is written to an audit log.

6. Sharing

We share personal data only as needed to run the service:

• Other members, according to the audience you chose (anyone, connections, designers, suppliers, or named people).
• Service providers who host infrastructure, email, storage, or realtime delivery, under contracts that require confidentiality and PDPL-compatible safeguards.
• Authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when legally required.
• A successor entity if Designrea is restructured, provided protections continue.

7. Cookies and similar technologies

We use essential storage to keep you signed in, remember display preferences, and protect the service against abuse. We do not currently use third-party advertising cookies.

If we introduce optional analytics or marketing cookies, we will explain them and obtain consent where the PDPL or other applicable rules require it.

8. International transfers

Designrea is offered for use in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. Some infrastructure or subprocessors may be located outside the Kingdom. Where personal data is transferred abroad, we will apply the PDPL rules on cross-border transfer, including adequacy, appropriate safeguards, or another permitted ground.

9. Retention and security

We keep personal data for as long as your account is active and for a limited period afterwards as needed for disputes, security, and legal retention in Saudi Arabia. Pending or rejected applications may be retained to prevent abuse.

We use access controls, encrypted transport, and least-privilege admin tools. No online service is perfectly secure; please choose a strong password and keep it confidential.

10. Your rights

Subject to the PDPL and its implementing regulations, you may request to access, correct, complete, or destroy your personal data, withdraw consent where processing is based on consent, and lodge a complaint with SDAIA if you believe your rights were not respected.

You may also close your account by contacting us. Some records (for example published posts that others have engaged with, or audit logs of moderation) may be retained in anonymised or legally required form.

11. Children

Designrea is a professional community. You must be at least 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

12. Changes

We may update this policy to reflect product or legal changes. The “Last updated” date on this page will change. Material updates may also be notified in-product or by email to your official membership address.

13. Language and status

This policy is issued in English, which is the controlling language of the Designrea service. An Arabic translation may be published later. If a translation differs, the English text applies except where Saudi law requires the Arabic text to prevail.

This policy is for transparency about how Designrea handles personal data. It is not legal advice. For a complaint about personal data, you may also contact SDAIA through its published channels.