UAE PDPL
UAE federal regulation for personal data protection
IEC 62443
International standard for IACS cybersecurity.
Quick Verdict
UAE PDPL mandates privacy protections for personal data in onshore UAE, with rights and breach rules. IEC 62443 provides voluntary cybersecurity standards for industrial control systems globally. Companies adopt PDPL for legal compliance, IEC 62443 for OT resilience.
UAE PDPL
Federal Decree-Law No. 45/2021 on Personal Data Protection
Key Features
- Mandates DPOs and DPIAs for high-risk processing
- Extraterritorial scope targeting foreign UAE data processors
- Universal records of processing for all controllers
- Risk-based security with encryption and pseudonymisation
- GDPR-aligned data subject rights and transfers
IEC 62443
IEC 62443: IACS Security Standards Series
Key Features
- Zones and conduits for risk-based segmentation
- Security levels SL-T, SL-C, SL-A triad
- Shared responsibility across asset owners, suppliers, integrators
- Seven foundational requirements FR1-FR7
- ISASecure modular certifications SDLA, CSA, SSA
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
UAE PDPL Details
What It Is
UAE PDPL (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 Concerning the Protection of Personal Data) is a comprehensive federal regulation establishing onshore UAE's first economy-wide personal data framework. Effective 2 January 2022, it governs processing via a risk-based approach, mandating controls proportional to risks from new technologies, large volumes, or sensitive data.
Key Components
- Core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, security, storage limitation, accountability.
- Obligations: mandatory Records of Processing Activities (RoPA), DPOs and DPIAs for high-risk activities, data subject rights (access, portability, erasure, objection).
- Security: encryption, pseudonymisation, breach notification to UAE Data Office.
- No certification; compliance demonstrated via records and audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for onshore entities and extraterritorial processors of UAE data; avoids penalties (multi-million AED fines), enables secure digital economy participation, builds trust, aligns with GDPR for multinationals, manages risks in fragmented regime (free zones, sectors excluded).
Implementation Overview
Phased: discovery/gap analysis, RoPA/DPIA build, operationalization, monitoring. Applies to private sector onshore; high effort for data mapping, vendor controls, rights workflows. No formal certification; regulator audits records.
IEC 62443 Details
What It Is
IEC 62443 is the international consensus-based series of standards for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). It provides a comprehensive framework spanning governance, risk assessment, system architecture, and component requirements, using a risk-based approach with zones/conduits and security levels (SL 0–4).
Key Components
- Four groupings: General (-1), Policies/Procedures (-2), System (-3), Components (-4).
- Seven Foundational Requirements (FR1–7) like identification, integrity, and availability.
- ~140 component requirements in IEC 62443-4-2; maturity levels in -2-1.
- ISASecure certifications (SDLA, CSA, SSA) for modular compliance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates OT-specific risks (safety, availability, legacy systems).
- Meets regulatory references (e.g., NIS-2, NERC CIP); enables insurance benefits.
- Builds supply chain trust via shared responsibilities (asset owners, suppliers, integrators).
- Drives competitive advantage through certified products and resilient operations.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance (-2-1), risk assessment/zoning (-3-2), controls (-3-3/-4-2), certification.
- Applies to critical infrastructure globally; suits all sizes via maturity progression.
- Involves audits, training, and continuous improvement for SL-T to SL-A verification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | UAE PDPL | IEC 62443 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data processing, privacy rights, security | IACS/OT cybersecurity, zones, security levels |
| Industry | All onshore private sectors, UAE-focused | Industrial automation, global cross-sector |
| Nature | Mandatory federal law, administrative enforcement | Voluntary consensus standards, certification |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk, no formal certification | Risk assessments, ISASecure component audits |
| Penalties | Administrative fines, criminal referrals pending | No legal penalties, certification withdrawal |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UAE PDPL and IEC 62443
UAE PDPL FAQ
IEC 62443 FAQ
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