UAE PDPL
UAE federal law for onshore personal data protection
ISO 30301
International standard for management systems for records
Quick Verdict
UAE PDPL mandates personal data protection for onshore entities with fines and DPIAs, while ISO 30301 is a voluntary standard for records management systems. Companies adopt PDPL for UAE compliance, ISO 30301 for global governance and certification.
UAE PDPL
Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 Concerning Personal Data Protection
Key Features
- Mandatory Records of Processing for all controllers/processors
- Risk-based DPO and DPIA for high-risk processing
- Extraterritorial scope targeting UAE residents' data
- Explicit exemptions for free zones and sectoral data
- Breach notification at time of awareness to Bureau
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records requirements
Key Features
- High-Level Structure for MSS integration
- Normative Annex A operational controls
- Flexible conformity pathways self-declaration to certification
- Records requirements explicit identification Clause 4.1.2
- Risk-based planning with measurable objectives
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 January 2022, it governs processing by controllers/processors with a risk-based approach, mandating measures proportional to risks like large-scale sensitive data or new technologies.
Key Components
- Core principles: lawfulness, fairness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, security, storage limitation, accountability.
- Obligations: Records of Processing Activities (RoPA) for all, DPO and DPIAs for high-risk, data subject rights (access, portability, erasure, objection).
- Security via best international practices (encryption, pseudonymisation); breach notification; cross-border transfers with safeguards.
- Enforced by UAE Data Office/Bureau.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for onshore private sector (extraterritorial for UAE-targeted data), it mitigates fines (up to AED 5M), builds trust, aligns with GDPR-like norms, enables secure digital economy participation amid sectoral/free-zone overlaps.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, data inventory/RoPA, governance (DPO), technical controls, training. Applies to most organizations (exemptions: government, free zones like DIFC/ADGM, health/banking). No certification, but audit-ready records demonstrate compliance.
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 is the international standard specifying requirements for a Management System for Records (MSR). It provides a certifiable framework to establish, implement, maintain, and improve records management, ensuring authoritative evidence of business activities. Applicable to any organization, it uses a risk-based, PDCA management system approach aligned with the High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- **Clauses 4–10Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- **Annex A (normative)Operational controls for records processes and systems.
- Built on ISO 15489 principles (authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability).
- Flexible conformity: self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances governance, compliance, risk mitigation (legal, regulatory).
- Improves efficiency, auditability, transparency.
- Builds stakeholder trust, supports business continuity.
- Competitive edge via certification in regulated sectors.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy design, operational controls, audits.
- Cross-functional, scalable for any size/industry.
- Involves training, system integration; certification optional via accredited bodies. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | UAE PDPL | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data processing, rights, security, transfers | Records management systems, lifecycle governance |
| Industry | Onshore UAE private sector, excludes free zones, health, banking | All organizations, sectors, global applicability |
| Nature | Mandatory federal law with administrative penalties | Voluntary certifiable management system standard |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk processing, breach notifications | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | Administrative fines up to AED 5 million, sanctions | No legal penalties, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UAE PDPL and ISO 30301
UAE PDPL FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
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