UAE
SubstantialFederal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (PDPL)
Authority: UAE Data Office | Enforcement: Active | Enacted: January 2022
Overview
The UAE enacted a comprehensive federal data protection law in 2021, effective January 2022, with the implementing regulations issued in 2023. The DIFC and ADGM free zones maintain their own data protection regimes. The law aligns broadly with GDPR principles.
14-Topic Coverage
Data Protection Authority
Fully AddressedUAE Data Office established as the federal supervisory authority.
Consent Requirements
Fully AddressedConsent required with six legitimate processing bases similar to GDPR.
Data Subject Rights
Fully AddressedRights to access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection.
Cross-Border Transfer
Fully AddressedTransfers permitted to adequate countries or with appropriate safeguards.
Breach Notification
Fully AddressedMandatory notification to UAE Data Office and affected individuals.
DPO Requirements
Partially AddressedDPO required for specific categories of controllers as defined in regulations.
Children's Data
Partially AddressedEnhanced protections for children's data with parental consent requirements.
Penalties & Enforcement
Fully AddressedAdministrative fines up to AED 20 million.
Sector-Specific Rules
Fully AddressedDIFC Data Protection Law 2020, ADGM Data Protection Regulations, health and financial sector rules.
Cookie/Tracking
Partially AddressedNo specific cookie law. General consent requirements apply.
AI & Automated Decisions
Partially AddressedUAE AI Strategy 2031 and sector guidance. No specific AI data protection rules.
Data Localisation
Partially AddressedSome categories of data must be stored locally per sector regulations.
Significant Data Fiduciary
Not AddressedNo direct equivalent concept in the PDPL.
Government Data
Partially AddressedGovernment processing has specific exemptions under the PDPL.
Coverage Summary
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