UAE PDPL
UAE federal law protecting personal data processing
ISO 22301
International standard for business continuity management systems.
Quick Verdict
UAE PDPL mandates privacy protections for onshore data processing with rights and security, while ISO 22301 is a voluntary BCMS standard for disruption resilience. UAE firms adopt PDPL for legal compliance; global organizations pursue 22301 certification for operational continuity and trust.
UAE PDPL
Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection
Key Features
- Mandatory DPO and DPIAs for high-risk processing
- Extraterritorial scope targeting foreign UAE data processors
- Universal Records of Processing Activities requirement
- Pre-processing transparency and detailed notices
- Risk-based security with pseudonymisation and encryption
ISO 22301
ISO 22301:2019 Business continuity management systems — Requirements
Key Features
- PDCA cycle for continual BCMS improvement
- Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and risk assessment
- Top management leadership commitment and policy
- Operational testing and recovery exercises
- Annex SL integration with ISO 27001
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 economy-wide personal data governance. Effective January 2022, it applies onshore with extraterritorial reach, using a risk-based approach for controllers and processors handling UAE residents' data.
Key Components
- Core principles: lawfulness, transparency, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, security, accountability.
- Obligations: RoPAs, DPO/DPIAs for high-risk (sensitive data, new tech), data subject rights (access, erasure, portability).
- Security: encryption, pseudonymisation; breach notification to UAE Data Office.
- No certification; compliance via records and audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for onshore/private sector; avoids fines, builds digital trust, aligns with GDPR for multinationals. Enhances cybersecurity, vendor management, cross-border flows; boosts reputation in UAE economy.
Implementation Overview
Phased: discovery/gap analysis, remediation (policies, tech controls), operationalization (training, DSR workflows), monitoring. Targets all sizes onshore; integrates with free-zone/sectoral rules. (178 words)
ISO 22301 Details
What It Is
ISO 22301:2019 is an international certification standard for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS). It specifies requirements to protect against, reduce likelihood of, respond to, and recover from disruptions, ensuring continuity of critical products and services. Employs a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach with high-level structure for organizational flexibility.
Key Components
- 10 clauses (4-10 core): context understanding, leadership commitment, planning (BIA/RA), support resources, operational controls/testing, performance evaluation (audits/reviews), improvement.
- No prescriptive controls; tailored via Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and risk assessment.
- Annex SL alignment; 3-year certification with annual surveillance audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Builds resilience, minimizes downtime/financial losses, enhances risk management.
- Meets regulatory needs (e.g., NIS Directive, NIST).
- Boosts stakeholder trust, reputation, competitive advantages like procurement wins.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, BIA, policy/strategies, training, testing, audits.
- Suits all sizes/sectors globally; typical 0-6 months with tools.
Key Differences
| Aspect | UAE PDPL | ISO 22301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data processing, privacy rights, security | Business continuity management, disruption resilience |
| Industry | Onshore UAE private sector, excludes free zones/health/banking | All industries/sectors worldwide, all sizes |
| Nature | Mandatory federal law with administrative penalties | Voluntary international certification standard |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk processing, no routine testing mandated | Regular exercises, tabletop tests, full simulations required |
| Penalties | Administrative fines up to millions AED, criminal liability | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UAE PDPL and ISO 22301
UAE PDPL FAQ
ISO 22301 FAQ
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