13 August 2017, Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Registration Authority is honoured to be granted Observer status of the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners (ICDPPC). ADGM is the only International Financial Centre (IFC) and data protection regulator to be accredited with such status in the MENA region. With Observer status, ADGM joins the global forum of data protection regulators and privacy commissioners, to participate in discussing and sharing experiences on data protection and privacy developments and issues.

ADGM’s Data Protection Regulations 2015 (the Regulations), which are aligned to current international standards, make provision for the protection of personal data within the ADGM jurisdiction. The Regulations stipulate how personal information is used by organisations and businesses in ADGM and how all ADGM-registered entities have the obligations and responsibilities to comply with the stated rules and requirements when processing personal data. The Registration Authority is the data protection regulator in ADGM and to support ease of doing business, it has in place streamlined registration and notification processes for data protection, embedded within ADGM’s online registry solution.

“ADGM is pleased to have the opportunity to meet with fellow international authorities and regulators on raising the practice of data protection and privacy. Maintaining confidence in the protection of personal data is critical to garnering trust and transparency in our jurisdiction and market. This is one of ADGM’s ongoing commitments in upholding a fair, well-regulated and internationally-recognised platform,” said Mr Dhaher bin Dhaher, Chief Executive Officer, Registration Authority of ADGM.

Dino Wilkinson, a partner with global law firm Clyde & Co based in Abu Dhabi, commented: "In addition to protecting the privacy rights of individuals, an effective legal framework for data protection helps organisations to understand the scope with which they can use personal data in a safe, compliant manner. Our corporate clients are increasingly welcoming the certainty that is being offered by emerging data protection laws and regulatory regimes such as those in Abu Dhabi Global Market, particularly where these are aligned to existing international best practices."

Shortly, ADGM will implement further enhancements to the Regulations, regarding items such as defined terms, the mechanism of designation of jurisdictions with adequate level of protection, deadlines for notifications to the Registrar and additional enforcement provisions. The proposed amendments will offer more clarity and enhance the effectiveness of the regime.

The International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners (ICDPPC)

The International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners (ICDPPC) is the premier global forum for data protection regulators and privacy authorities. It seeks to provide leadership in data protection and privacy at an international level. The programme of the ICDPPC annual conference consists of a closed session and an open session; the closed session is exclusively for its accredited members and observers.