The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, has proposed key amendments to its legislation through the DIFC Laws Amendment Law, Law No. 1 of 2005.
These amendments aim to align DIFC laws with international best practices and provide enhanced protections for data subjects.
A significant change involves the Data Protection Law, which seeks to introduce several updates. The amendments will clarify the scope of the law, ensuring that DIFC Data Subjects receive full protection, regardless of where their data is processed. Additionally, updates to Article 28 will allow the Commissioner to reassess the adequacy of third countries' data protection measures. This also ensures that personal data handled by government authorities is properly safeguarded, with accessible remedies for affected individuals.
Another major development is the introduction of a Private Right of Action through DIFC Courts. This will empower data subjects to seek legal remedies if their personal data is processed in violation of the Data Protection Law.
Further proposed amendments will provide clarifications on the Law of Security, Insolvency Law, and Employment, refining existing provisions to enhance legal clarity and consistency.
The proposed changes are open for public consultation, with the consultation period running until March 26, 2025. Interested parties can review the full details of the proposed amendments in Consultation Paper No. 1 of 2025.
These updates reflect DIFC's commitment to maintaining a robust legal framework that aligns with global standards and promotes transparency and fairness in data protection.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
