Data Privacy Q&A: United Arab Emirates

A Q&A guide answering common questions and concerns about the Data Privacy landscape in the United Arab Emirates.

To download the Data Privacy Q&A guide, please  click here.

To see other released Data Privacy Q&A guides on separate jurisdictions, please  click here.

Is there a data privacy law in the jurisdiction of UAE? If yes, is it implemented? If no, what laws are relied on?) 

UAE Federal Law

The United Arab Emirates ('UAE') implemented Federal data protection legislation which came into effect at the beginning of January 2022.   There are two Decrees:

The UAE Federal Decree Law No 45 of 2021, Regarding the Protection of Personal Data ("the PPD Law").  Executive Regulations are expected in March 2022. There is a six month window from March for compliance.