Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, or using the ShelterMaps UAE application ("App"), you ("User") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the App. Your continued use of the App constitutes ongoing acceptance of these Terms and any modifications thereto.

2. Nature of Service

The App is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the UAE Civil Defense, Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, or any governmental authority at the federal, emirate, or municipal level.

Underground locations displayed in the App (metro stations, mall basements, parking facilities, etc.) are not certified emergency shelters. They are locations that may provide protection based on their physical characteristics, but such protection is not guaranteed.

The App does not provide real-time emergency alerts, official evacuation routes, or certified safety information.

3. Disclaimer of Warranties

The App is provided "as is" and "as available" without any warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement.

We expressly disclaim and do not warrant that:

• Location data is accurate, complete, current, or reliable
• Shelter locations will be accessible, open, or available during emergencies
• Listed locations will provide adequate or any protection
• The App will function without interruption, errors, or defects
• The information provided will be suitable for any particular emergency situation
• GPS or location services will function accurately

Shelter accessibility, capacity, and protection levels are estimates only and may vary significantly during actual emergency situations.

4. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by UAE law, including but not limited to UAE Federal Civil Code and any applicable regulations, the developers, owners, operators, licensors, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors of the App (collectively, "Released Parties") shall not be liable for:

• Any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages
• Any loss of life, bodily injury, personal injury, or property damage of any kind
• Any reliance on information provided by the App
• Any failure of the App to function during emergencies
• Any decisions made based on App information
• Any damages arising from unauthorized access to your data
• Any loss of profits, revenue, data, goodwill, or other intangible losses

The User assumes all risk associated with the use of this App, including but not limited to risks arising from emergency situations, reliance on App information, and device malfunctions.

In no event shall the total liability of the Released Parties exceed the amount paid by you for the App (which is zero for free apps).

5. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, debts, and expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from:

• Your use of and access to the App
• Your violation of any term of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party right
• Any claim that your use of the App caused damage to a third party
• Any decision you made based on information from the App
• Your failure to follow official emergency guidance

6. User Responsibilities

Users must:

• Always follow official instructions from UAE Civil Defense and Police
• Verify shelter accessibility independently before relying on any location
• Not use the App as a substitute for official emergency guidance
• Maintain awareness of official emergency channels and alerts
• Keep their device charged and functional during potential emergencies
• Use common sense and personal judgment in emergency situations

Users acknowledge and accept that during actual emergencies:

• Listed locations may be closed, inaccessible, damaged, or at capacity
• Conditions may change rapidly and without warning
• Official guidance supersedes any and all App information
• The App may not function due to network, power, or device issues
• Routes to locations may be blocked or dangerous

7. Location Services

The App requires access to device location services to function properly. Location data is processed locally on the device and is not transmitted to external servers owned or operated by us.

Users may deny location access, but the App's functionality will be significantly limited. Location accuracy depends on your device and environmental factors beyond our control.

8. Intellectual Property

All content, design, functionality, trademarks, and intellectual property of the App are owned by or licensed to us and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws of the UAE and international treaties.

Users may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, lease, reverse engineer, decompile, or create derivative works of any part of the App without prior written consent.

9. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time at our sole discretion. Material changes will be notified through the App or via prominent notice. Continued use of the App after modifications constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

10. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performing their obligations under these Terms where such failure or delay results from Force Majeure Events, including:

• Acts of God, natural disasters, earthquakes, floods, storms
• War, armed conflict, military operations, terrorism, civil unrest
• Pandemics, epidemics, quarantine restrictions
• Government actions, laws, regulations, embargoes
• Failure of telecommunications or power infrastructure
• Cyberattacks, system failures beyond reasonable control

11. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, invalid, or illegal by a court of competent jurisdiction, such finding shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions.

12. Waiver

The failure of either party to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Any waiver of any provision will be effective only if in writing.

13. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the App and supersede any prior agreements.

14. Class Action Waiver

To the maximum extent permitted by law, you agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms or the App shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

16. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to the App immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever. Upon termination, your right to use the App will immediately cease.

17. Acknowledgment

By using this App, you acknowledge that:

• You have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service
• You understand this App is not an official emergency service
• You will always follow official emergency instructions
• You assume all risks associated with using this App
• You have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement