Areeka was built for people who want support without giving up their privacy. You can create an account and book a session without sharing your name or email. This policy explains the little we do process, and why.
Who we are
Areeka is a bilingual (Arabic and English) mental health platform operated by Areeka Tech Ltd, a company registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In this Privacy Policy, “Areeka”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Areeka Tech Ltd.
Our privacy-first approach
Areeka is designed so you can get help without giving up your identity. You do not need to provide your name or email address to use Areeka. You can create an account, browse therapists and book a session anonymously.
We collect as little information as possible — only what is strictly necessary to sign you in securely and deliver your session.
Information we collect
Your phone number, for sign-in only. We create your account and log you in using a one-time passcode (OTP) sent by SMS through our authentication provider, Twilio. We use your number to verify it is you — not to build a profile of you.
Anything you choose to share. If you decide to add a name, notes or other details, that is entirely optional and up to you.
Booking details needed to schedule your session, such as the therapist and time you select.
Minimal technical information needed to keep the app running and secure, such as basic device and connection data.
Your sessions are private
Therapy sessions take place through Whereby, a third-party, HIPAA-compliant video service. Areeka does not join, listen to, record or store your sessions, and we have no access to what is said in them. What you share with your therapist stays between you and your therapist.
Payments
Paid sessions are processed by a third-party payment provider. Your card details are entered with that provider, not with Areeka — we do not see or store your full card information.
How we use information
We use the limited account information we hold only to sign you in, create and manage your bookings, deliver and support the Services, keep your account secure, and meet our legal obligations. We do not sell your personal data. Separately, our marketing website uses analytics and advertising cookies as described below.
Who we share information with
We rely on a small number of trusted providers who act on our instructions: Twilio (to send your one-time sign-in passcode), Whereby (to host your private video sessions), and our payment provider (to process payments). We may also disclose information where strictly required by law.
Security
We apply strict technical and organisational safeguards, including encryption in transit and access controls, to protect the limited information we hold. Sessions are delivered over Whereby's HIPAA-compliant infrastructure. No system is perfectly secure, but we work continuously to keep your data safe.
How long we keep it
We keep your information only for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Services and meet legal obligations. You can ask us to delete your account at any time.
Your rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to access, correct or delete your information and to withdraw consent. Because accounts can be anonymous, the simplest way to remove your data is to delete your account. To make a request, contact us at hello@tryareeka.com.
Cookies
Our app keeps cookie use to a minimum — essential cookies only, such as keeping you signed in and remembering your language. Our marketing website, however, uses analytics and advertising cookies and pixels from third parties to understand how the site is used and to measure our campaigns. These currently include Google Analytics, the Meta (Facebook) Pixel and the Snapchat Pixel. You can control or block these through your browser settings, and any consent options we provide on the site.
International transfers
Some of our providers (such as Twilio and Whereby) may process limited data outside your country. Where data is transferred internationally, we rely on providers that offer appropriate safeguards.
Children
The Services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has used the Services, please contact us.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the date above.
Contact us
Questions about your privacy? Contact Areeka Tech Ltd at hello@tryareeka.com, or write to IH-03, Level 2, Innovation One, DIFC, Dubai, UAE.