UAE Data Privacy Law Explained

The behemoth that is the internet has provides business professionals the ability to connect regardless of their geographical location. Because of this, the chance for growth in the international market has exponentially increased. 

Still, while the development of new technologies has allowed businesses to seamlessly use modern technologies, there are many concerns about data privacy. Unfortunately, everything you post privately or publicly can be collected and stored by a third party, so nothing is private. 

In addition, data breaches and leaks are at an all-time high, and it has been reported that there were upwards of 22 billion leaks in 2022 alone. This is also concerning considering just how much all organizations rely on online communication to conduct business.

So what if you have plans of working in or partnering up with other businesses in the United Arab Emirates? Let’s dive deeper into the UAE Data Privacy Law. 

The definition of UAE Data Protection/Privacy Law 

The United Arab Emirates has implemented various regulations in an effort to protect the data of its residents and citizens. This UAE Data Privacy Law is also referred to as Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 on the Protection of Personal Data. 

The UAE Data Privacy Law classifies the term personal data as any information about an individual by which they can be directly or indirectly identified. This includes an online identifier, location data, identification number, or factors such as the physiological, mental, cultural, and social identity of the said individual, among others. 

This definition is similar to the EU GDPR which is a model for many data privacy and protection laws around the globe.

All entities that process personal data must adhere to the UAE Data Privacy Law, including individuals, companies, and government bodies that collect and transfer personal information. This helps assure users that their data is processed fairly and lawfully. More importantly, it helps maintain the individual’s right to be informed on how their information is handled by someone else. 

How to make sure you comply with the UAE Data Protection Law

All the business entities operating in the territory of UAE that process personal data must comply with the UAE Data Privacy Law. More precisely, they need to implement technical and organizational measures to protect the data they collect from unauthorized data. In addition, they must also appoint a data protection officer. 

Equally as important, the jurisdiction of the UAE data protection laws isn’t limited only to businesses with addresses in The United Arab Emirates. Article 2 of the Federal Law applies to all legal and natural persons who process data, regardless of whether they are located outside the UAE, as long as the collected data concerns an identifiable person present on UAE territory. 

In other words, the UAE Data Privacy Law also applies to entities that aren’t even based in the UAE but are simply handling the information of UAE residents. 

UAE data protection law in comparison to EU GDPR

The UAE law regarding data privacy shares many similarities with the General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union. This is especially true when talking in terms of the protection of the rights of individuals concerning their personal information.

For starters, both sets of laws have provisions that address the collection, storage, use, and transfer of personal data along with provisions that protect the rights of individuals and their rights to access their data. 

In addition, both EU GDPR and UAE data protection law require entities who process data to appoint a data protection officer along with implementing solid measures to protect user data.

However, apart from the similarities in the basic way they operate, the EU GDPR still slightly differs from the data protection laws implemented in the UAE. 

For instance, the UAE Data Privacy Law applies to data processors and controllers while the EU GDPR only addresses data protection. This means that even if they’re similar, the scope and implementation of the laws will vary significantly.

UAE data protection law in comparison to US data privacy laws

The UAE Data Privacy Law is also similar to US data privacy and protection laws so if you’re familiar with how protection of personal information works in the US, you’ll have no problem adhering to the UAE law. 

For example, both laws have detailed provisions that apply to the transfer, collection, storage, and use of personal information. The measures required by law are also similar, with entities processing data being required to implement all the necessary organizational and technical measures that help protect personal info from unauthorized use. 

Lastly, US and UAE laws both include provisions that address the rights of individuals to access and use their personal data. 

Still, despite their similarities, there are some notable differences you need to be aware of.

One of the ways these laws vary is that the US doesn’t have a data protection law on a Federal level. Rather, there is a sectoral approach with appropriate laws for different sectors in addition to a plethora of state laws that address data protection. 

Another glaring difference is that the UAE Data Privacy Law applies to all entities that use the information of residents of the UAE, regardless of where the entity in question is located while the US laws only apply to US citizens. 

Lastly, non-compliance with the data law also has bigger implications in the UAE where the fines and penalties are significantly higher than those in the US.

What can you do about it?

If you’re conducting business in the UAE (even if your company is not located on the territory of the UAE) you must adhere to the UAE laws regarding data protection. To stay compliant and circumvent any hefty fines and penalties, you need to implement a higher level of data security in your company.

You can do just that by reaching out to AMJ Technology Solutions.

We offer cybersecurity services that help you safeguard your business operation and help you stay compliant with any data privacy laws. Furthermore, our expansive array of services can serve as a foundation for your further growth in the digital age.

Start creating a secure environment for your business, reach us via our contact form.