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United Arab Emirates

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Like many countries, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented data privacy regulations to protect the personal information of its citizens and residents. The UAE has a number of laws and regulations that govern data privacy, including the following:

  1. Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 on the use of information and communication technology in healthcare: This law aims to regulate the use of information and communication technology in the healthcare sector, including the protection of patients’ personal health information.
  2. Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 on the issuance of the Penal Code: This law includes provisions related to the protection of personal information and privacy, including criminal penalties for offenses such as theft or misuse of personal information.
  3. Dubai Law No. 26 of 2015 on data sharing in the government of Dubai: This law regulates the sharing of government data, including personal information, among various government entities.
  4. Dubai Law No. 13 of 2012 on the protection of personal data: This law outlines the principles of protecting personal data and sets out the requirements for data controllers to obtain consent from individuals before processing their personal data.
  5. Abu Dhabi Law No. 18 of 2005 on the protection of personal data: This law sets out the rules and principles for the collection, processing, and storage of personal data in Abu Dhabi.
  6. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Data Protection Law: This law applies to companies operating in the DIFC, a free zone in Dubai, and sets out rules and regulations for the processing of personal data.

Overall, the UAE has taken significant steps to protect the personal information of its citizens and residents through various laws and regulations. These laws cover a wide range of areas, including healthcare, government data sharing, and data protection in the private sector. Companies operating in the UAE should ensure that they comply with these regulations to avoid potential legal consequences and protect the privacy of their customers.

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