UAE PDPL
UAE federal regulation for personal data protection
ISO 27017
International code of practice for cloud security controls
Quick Verdict
UAE PDPL mandates personal data protection for onshore entities with rights and breach rules, while ISO 27017 provides voluntary cloud security guidance. UAE firms adopt PDPL for legal compliance; global cloud users choose 27017 for ISMS enhancement.
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 for foreign entities targeting UAE data
- Universal Records of Processing Activities requirement
- Pre-processing transparency on purposes and transfers
- Exemptions for free zones and regulated sectors
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Seven cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Clarifies shared CSP-CSC responsibilities
- Guidance for multi-tenancy segregation
- Virtual machine configuration hardening
- Integrates with ISO 27001 audits
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 rules for processing personal data in onshore UAE. Effective from 2 January 2022, it adopts a risk-based approach with principles like fairness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, security, and storage limitation, overseen by the UAE Data Office.
Key Components
- Core processing controls (Articles 5-8) and data subject rights (Articles 13-19)
- Mandatory DPOs and DPIAs for high-risk activities (Articles 10-12, 21)
- Security measures, breach notification (Article 9), and transfer rules (Articles 22-23)
- Accountability via Records of Processing Activities for controllers/processors
- No certification; compliance demonstrated through records and audits
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for onshore private sector; aligns with GDPR for multinationals. Reduces breach risks, builds trust, enables secure data flows amid UAE's digital economy growth. Enhances cybersecurity maturity and competitive positioning.
Implementation Overview
Phased: discovery/gap analysis, remediation (policies, DPIAs, security), operationalization (DPO, rights workflows), monitoring. Applies to controllers/processors handling UAE residents' data; high complexity for large firms with sectoral/free-zone overlaps.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice providing cloud-specific guidance for information security controls, extending ISO/IEC 27002. It focuses on securing cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) via a risk-based approach integrated into an ISO 27001 ISMS.
Key Components
- Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls plus 7 additional CLD cloud controls (e.g., shared responsibilities, multi-tenancy segregation, VM hardening).
- Domains: organization, access, operations, supplier relationships.
- Built on ISO 27001/27002; assessed during ISO 27001 audits, no standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Clarifies CSP-CSC shared responsibilities reducing cloud risks.
- Supports procurement, regulatory alignment (GDPR/CCPA), competitive edge.
- Enhances multi-tenant security, builds stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Extend existing ISO 27001 via risk assessment, control mapping.
- Activities: define roles, implement segregation/monitoring, update SoA.
- Suits cloud-reliant orgs globally; joint audits 9-12 months.
Key Differences
| Aspect | UAE PDPL | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data processing, rights, transfers | Cloud-specific security controls |
| Industry | Onshore UAE private sector, all sizes | Global cloud providers and customers |
| Nature | Mandatory federal law, enforced by Data Office | Voluntary guidance code of practice |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk, records of processing | ISO 27001 audits with cloud controls |
| Penalties | Administrative fines, criminal liabilities | No legal penalties, certification loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UAE PDPL and ISO 27017
UAE PDPL FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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