UAE’s businesses need a clear grip on new data laws

UAE’s businesses need a clear grip on new data laws

The UAE government is setting the gold standard for protecting personal data, and with good reason. The copious amounts of data generated from our online presence has transformed the way we communicate, work, shop, manage our finances, run our homes, and even access essential healthcare services. As one of several digital initiatives designed to prepare the country for the future, the UAE announced the Data Protection Law in December last. Similar to the Dubai International Financial Centre’s (DIFC) Data Protection Law and Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Data Protection Regulations 2021, the new law is critical in making foreign data transfers easier in terms of compliance by aligning with the EU’s GDPR. This means, all businesses operating in the UAE will now need to carefully consider data protection in detail and, at an enterprise-wide level, ensure compliance. With the right approach, tools and automation, these regulations can present a significant opportunity for businesses to reassess the security measures across their IT environments and create new efficiencies. Over the last year, UAE organisations have made significant progress in their data protection efforts, with 58 per cent claiming that their security measures have kept up with Covid-led digital transformation projects, compared to