News

The education arm of Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, ADGM Academy (“ADGMA”), in collaboration with the ADGM Office of Data Protection (“ODP”), has launched a Certified Data Protection E-Learning Programme designed to enhance privacy awareness and strengthen data protection knowledge across ADGM’s ecosystem.

The programme is the first training course to receive certification from ADGM’s ODP under the Data Protection Regulations 2021. This provides organisations with independent assurance that ADGM's data protection regulator has assessed and certified the content and that it aligns with ADGM's data protection requirements.

Accessibility and high-quality training on data protection principles and responsibilities are at the centre of the newly launched programme for individuals and organisations operating within ADGM. The programme is designed to provide accessible training for organisations of different sizes, including SMEs, technology start-ups and microbusinesses, helping them strengthen compliance, build internal capability and support responsible data handling practices.

Through interactive learning modules, participants gain a practical understanding of data protection obligations, responsible data-handling practices and the role individuals play in protecting personal data. The programme supports organisations in developing a workforce that is better equipped to protect personal data and foster a strong culture of accountability.

Ali Al Mehairi, Senior Executive Director – Business Enablement at ADGM Academy and Research Centre, said, “Digital trust has become increasingly important in today’s innovation-led era, and building this trust requires people to understand how to handle personal data responsibly. The launch of the Data Protection E-Learning Programme marks an important milestone in strengthening this understanding within ADGM’s diverse community. Developed in collaboration with ADGM’s ODP, the programme translates regulatory expectations into practical and accessible learning that can help individuals and organisations better understand and fulfil their data protection responsibilities. The initiative reflects ADGM Academy’s commitment to developing world-class capabilities that support a resilient, responsible and knowledge-based digital economy.”

Sami Mohammed, ADGM Commissioner of  Data Protection, said, “Data protection starts with awareness. Under the ADGM Data Protection Regulations 2021, organisations are expected to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, and staff training is an important part of demonstrating those measures in practice. Workforce education remains an important component of effective data protection and compliance programmes. This certified programme is designed to provide organisations with a practical and accessible way to build that capability. Importantly, it enables SMEs, technology start-ups and microbusinesses to access high-quality certified training that supports compliance and promotes a culture of privacy and responsible data handling.”

The launch of the Data Protection E-Learning Programme forms part of ADGM's broader commitment to promoting privacy, supporting regulatory excellence and strengthening trust in the digital economy. By combining regulatory expertise with practical learning, ADGM and ADGM Academy are helping organisations build capability, strengthen governance and embed best practices in data management across their operations.