Data Sovereignty & Cross-Border Transfer: The Mandate for Compliance with the UAE's Federal Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). Legal Focus: Federal Decree-Law No. (45) of 2021 sets forth a comprehensive framework for personal data processing and stringent rules for international data transfers. Scope & Applicability: The law governs the processing of personal data inside the UAE and applies extraterritorially to foreign companies processing the data of UAE residents and citizens. Data Controller Obligations: Companies must obtain explicit consent for processing and enable individuals' rights (Access, Correction, Erasure/Right to be Forgotten). Cross-Border Transfer Restrictions: Data transfers outside the UAE are restricted unless the destination jurisdiction provides an equivalent level of protection, or adequate legal safeguards are implemented, such as Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) or Approved Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).

Data Sovereignty & Cross-Border Transfer: The Mandate for Compliance with the UAE's Federal Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL).
Legal Focus: Federal Decree-Law No. (45) of 2021 sets forth a comprehensive framework for personal data processing and stringent rules for international data transfers.
Scope & Applicability: The law governs the processing of personal data inside the UAE and applies extraterritorially to foreign companies processing the data of UAE residents and citizens.
Data Controller Obligations: Companies must obtain explicit consent for processing and enable individuals' rights (Access, Correction, Erasure/Right to be Forgotten).
Cross-Border Transfer Restrictions: Data transfers outside the UAE are restricted unless the destination jurisdiction provides an equivalent level of protection, or adequate legal safeguards are implemented, such as Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) or Approved Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).