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DIFC DPL

Data Protection Law, DIFC Law No. 5 of 2020

In force privacy

WhenIn effect since 1 July 2020

Who enforces itCommissioner of Data Protection, DIFC

Who it applies toControllers and processors in the Dubai International Financial Centre, and processing of personal data there.

Tell the regulatorNotify the Commissioner as soon as practicable in the circumstances DPO requiredDPO required for DIFC Bodies and for controllers or processors performing high-risk processing… RegistrationControllers and processors must register by filing a notification of processing with the Commi… Transfers abroadTransfer if destination has adequate protection or with appropriate safeguards, or listed dero… Request deadlineRespond within one month, extendable by two months for complex or numerous requests Maximum fineAdministrative fines up to USD 100,000 per standard contravention under Schedule 2

The data protection law of the Dubai International Financial Centre, a financial free zone with its own laws and courts. It follows the GDPR closely and has its own Commissioner of Data Protection.

86% coveredif you already meet GDPR. 3 requirements to work on.See the gap → 1 of 21requirements scored most demanding, each cited to the law.See all 21 → 68 sectionsindexed by topic, each linked to the official text.Read section by section →

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Recent developments

Nothing reported yet. Regulatory Watch lists new rules, enforcement and court decisions as they arrive.

Sources

Text of the law UAE Government portal · Official text or regulator

Dates and status checked against these sources on 18 October 2026. This page explains the law for practitioners; it is not legal advice.

Data protection authority UAE Data Office

The Data Office has not published contact details yet.

Checked 18 Oct 2026. Report a change

DIFC · Data protection authority Commissioner of Data Protection, DIFC

Address: DIFC Authority, Level 14, The Gate, Dubai✓
Email: commissioner@dp.difc.ae ✓
Phone: +971 4 362 2222 ✓
Website: difc.com/business/registrars-and-commissioners/commissioner-of-data-protection✓
Register: Registration portal✓
Breaches: Report a breach✓

Covers entities in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Checked 18 Oct 2026. ✓ confirmed on the authority's own site. Report a change

ADGM · Data protection authority Office of Data Protection, ADGM

Address: 9th Floor, Al Khatem Tower, ADGM Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi✓
Email: data.protection@adgm.com ✓
Phone: +971 2 333 8888 ✓
Website: adgm.com/operating-in-adgm/office-of-data-protection✓
Register: Registration portal✓
Breaches: Report a breach✓

Covers entities in Abu Dhabi Global Market.

Checked 18 Oct 2026. ✓ confirmed on the authority's own site. Report a change

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