UAE PDPL
UAE federal regulation for personal data protection compliance
ISO 55001
International standard for asset management systems
Quick Verdict
UAE PDPL mandates privacy protection for personal data in UAE onshore operations with fines, while ISO 55001 is a voluntary standard optimizing asset lifecycle value globally. Companies adopt PDPL for legal compliance, ISO 55001 for performance and certification.
UAE PDPL
Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection
Key Features
- Mandates DPO for high-risk processing with new technologies
- Extraterritorial scope targeting foreign processors of UAE data
- Requires Records of Processing for all controllers/processors
- Carves out free zones, health, and banking data regimes
- Embeds risk-based DPIAs and privacy-by-design obligations
ISO 55001
ISO 55001:2024 Asset management — Management systems — Requirements
Key Features
- Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) requirement
- Annex SL structure for integration with other standards
- PDCA cycle for continual improvement
- Formal asset decision-making framework
- Risk-opportunity separation in planning
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 the first economy-wide framework for personal data processing in onshore UAE. Effective from 2 January 2022, it adopts a risk-based approach with GDPR-like principles including fairness, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, security, and storage limitation, applying to controllers and processors handling UAE residents' data.
Key Components
- Core principles enforced via lawful bases (consent primary, with exceptions), data subject rights (access, portability, erasure, objection), and obligations like Records of Processing Activities.
- Mandates DPOs and DPIAs for high-risk activities (new tech, large volumes, sensitive data profiling).
- Security per best practices (encryption, pseudonymisation); breach notification to UAE Data Office.
- No certification; compliance demonstrated through records and audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives legal compliance amid fines up to AED 5M, enhances cybersecurity maturity, builds digital trust, enables cross-border flows, and aligns with global norms for multinationals navigating free zones/sectoral rules.
Implementation Overview
Phased program: gap analysis, data inventory/RoPA, DPIAs, security hardening, rights workflows, vendor DPAs. Targets onshore private sector; 12-18 months typical, risk-based for SMEs/large firms.
ISO 55001 Details
What It Is
ISO 55001:2024, Asset management — Management systems — Requirements, is an international certification standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Asset Management System (AMS). It enables organizations to realize value from assets across lifecycles, balancing performance, risks, and costs. Built on Annex SL high-level structure and PDCA cycle, it applies a risk-based management systems approach.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: Context, Leadership, Planning (SAMP), Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, Improvement
- 72 obligatory 'shall' requirements
- Core elements: Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), decision-making framework, documented information control
- Voluntary certification via accredited bodies with audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives cost savings, reliability, regulatory compliance
- Enhances governance, stakeholder trust, silobusting
- Manages outsourcing/change risks, supports ESG/climate resilience
- Competitive edge in asset-heavy sectors like utilities, infrastructure
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, SAMP development, competence training, process integration
- Targets mid-to-large asset-intensive firms globally
- Involves EAM/CMMS tools, internal audits, management reviews (180 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | UAE PDPL | ISO 55001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data processing, privacy rights, security | Asset management systems, lifecycle value optimization |
| Industry | All onshore UAE sectors, extraterritorial reach | Asset-intensive industries worldwide, all sizes |
| Nature | Mandatory federal law with penalties | Voluntary certification management standard |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk, breach notifications | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | Fines up to AED 5M, enforcement actions | Loss of certification, no legal fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UAE PDPL and ISO 55001
UAE PDPL FAQ
ISO 55001 FAQ
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