UAE PDPL
UAE federal regulation for personal data protection onshore
ISO 26000
International guidance standard on social responsibility.
Quick Verdict
UAE PDPL mandates personal data protection for onshore entities with rights and security rules, while ISO 26000 offers voluntary social responsibility guidance across 7 core subjects. Companies adopt PDPL for UAE compliance, ISO 26000 for global ESG strategy.
UAE PDPL
Federal Decree-Law No. 45/2021 on Personal Data Protection
Key Features
- Mandatory Records of Processing for all controllers/processors
- Risk-based DPO appointment for high-risk processing
- Extraterritorial scope for foreign entities targeting UAE residents
- Explicit exemptions for free zones and sectoral data
- Breach notification to Data Bureau upon awareness
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Key Features
- Seven core subjects for holistic SR coverage
- Seven principles as cross-cutting decision norms
- Non-certifiable guidance applicable to all organizations
- Stakeholder engagement for issue prioritization
- Integration into governance and management systems
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 protection framework. Effective 2 January 2022, it governs processing by controllers/processors with a risk-based approach, embedding principles like fairness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, security, and accountability.
Key Components
- Core processing controls (Articles 4-5: lawful bases, consent rules)
- Data subject rights (Articles 13-19: access, portability, erasure, objection)
- Controller/processor obligations (Articles 7-8: RoPAs, security, processors)
- High-risk governance (DPOs Articles 10-12, DPIAs Article 21)
- Breach notification (Article 9), cross-border transfers (Articles 22-23) No fixed control count; compliance via demonstrable records and measures.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for onshore private sector; aligns with GDPR-like norms for multinationals. Mitigates fines, builds trust, enables secure digital economy participation. Enhances cybersecurity, vendor management, incident response.
Implementation Overview
Phased: discovery/gap analysis, design/remediation (RoPA, DPIAs, security), operationalization (DPO, rights workflows), monitoring. Applies to all sizes onshore (exemptions for free zones/govt/health/banking); no certification, but Bureau oversight.
ISO 26000 Details
What It Is
ISO 26000:2010 is the international guidance standard on social responsibility (SR), providing a voluntary framework applicable to all organizations regardless of size, type, or location. Its primary purpose is to help organizations understand SR, integrate it into operations, and contribute to sustainable development through transparent, ethical behavior. The approach is holistic and principles-based, emphasizing context-specific prioritization via stakeholder engagement rather than prescriptive requirements.
Key Components
- **Seven core subjectsorganizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
- **Seven principlesaccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
- Built on multi-stakeholder consensus; non-certifiable, no formal audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances risk management, resilience, and ESG alignment.
- Builds stakeholder trust, supports SDG/OECD/GRI integration.
- Drives competitive advantages like market access, talent retention.
- No legal mandate but aligns with emerging regulations (e.g., HRDD).
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, materiality assessment, policy integration, training, reporting.
- Applies universally; integrates with ISO 14001/45001.
- Self-assessment and transparent communication; no certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | UAE PDPL | ISO 26000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data processing, rights, security, transfers | Social responsibility principles, 7 core subjects |
| Industry | Onshore UAE private sector, excludes free zones | All organizations, sectors, global applicability |
| Nature | Mandatory federal law with enforcement | Voluntary non-certifiable guidance standard |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk, records of processing | Self-assessment, stakeholder engagement, no audits |
| Penalties | Administrative fines, potential criminal liability | No penalties, reputational risks only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UAE PDPL and ISO 26000
UAE PDPL FAQ
ISO 26000 FAQ
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