Dubai International Financial Centre has become a member of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum, marking a significant milestone in global data protection and digital trade.
The announcement positions DIFC as the first jurisdiction outside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation region to join the forum, reinforcing Dubai’s growing role in shaping trusted international data frameworks.
The membership was announced during a recent Global CBPR Forum workshop held in the Philippines. As part of the accession requirements, DIFC also joined the Global Cooperation Arrangement for Privacy Enforcement, further aligning the Centre with international standards for privacy oversight and enforcement.
DIFC’s inclusion supports the development of interoperable and transparent cross-border data flows, a key enabler of global trade in the digital economy. It also advances the objectives of the UAE Digital Economy Strategy by strengthening trust in how personal data is managed and transferred across borders.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said the membership recognises DIFC’s leadership in data and privacy protection. He noted that businesses, particularly in the financial sector, increasingly handle vast volumes of personal data across jurisdictions, making robust regulatory frameworks essential.
The Cross-Border Privacy Rules System certifies organisations that meet specific requirements for international data transfers. While it originally operated under APEC, the Global CBPR Forum was established in 2022 to extend participation beyond the region and promote regulatory interoperability worldwide.
DIFC’s move builds on its 2023 introduction of Regulation 10, which governs the processing of personal data using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, setting a benchmark for responsible and ethical data use in the MEASA region.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
