Doha – Qatar: The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), has reached reciprocal data protection adequacy recognition with ADGM and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This regulatory milestone reinforces the three financial centres’ commitment to establishing a robust data protection regime and regional regulatory cooperation.

The reciprocal inclusions in their respective data protection adequacy lists follow a comprehensive assessment process, undertaken with the support of specialist legal firms, to evaluate each jurisdiction’s data protection framework, regulatory enforcement, and alignment with international best practices.  Inclusion is granted only to jurisdictions that demonstrate best-in-class data protection standards and a consistently high level of protection for personal and sensitive data.

Daniel Patterson, Data Protection Commissioner, QFC, commented on the strategic impact of the reciprocal acknowledgement stating, “By mutually recognising our data protection frameworks as adequate, the QFC, DIFC and ADGM have made international data transfers simpler across the region. This reduces compliance burden and cost while maintaining strong rights, accountability and enforcement. It strengthens trust, supports digital trade and reinforces the Gulf as a secure, innovation-driven platform for growth and investment.”

The initiative advances regional harmonisation, and underscores how cooperation between leading financial centres can translate into practical outcomes for the market. It also reinforces the platforms’ shared commitment to supporting the evolving needs of international businesses.

About Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is an onshore business and financial centre located in Qatar, providing an excellent platform for firms to do business in Qatar and the region. The QFC offers its own legal, regulatory, tax and business environment, which allows up to 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of profits, and charges a competitive rate of 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits. The QFC welcomes a broad range of financial and non-financial services firms.

For more information about the permitted activities and the benefits of setting up in the QFC, please visit www.qfc.qa

@QFCAuthority | #QFCMeansBusiness

About ADGM

ADGM is the leading international financial centre (IFC) based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the world’s largest financial districts by size and is the largest IFC in the Middle East and Africa by the number of active licences.

ADGM is also one of a handful of jurisdictions globally and the only one regionally to directly apply the trusted legal system of English Common Law.

Governing both Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, which are collectively designated as Abu Dhabi’s financial free zone, ADGM connects the economies of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region with global markets. Its progressive and inclusive ecosystem empowers financial and non-financial institutions to thrive, supporting innovation, sustainable growth, and long-term economic resilience.

Through its continued growth and cross-border partnerships, ADGM is strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as the ‘Capital of Capital’ and a leading global hub for finance, investment, and enterprise.

For more details on ADGM, please visit www.adgm.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram: @ADGM X: @adglobalmarket

For media queries, please contact. media@adgm.com

About Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.

DIFC has more than 20 years of demonstrable success in facilitating trade and investment flows across MEASA. The region comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.8 billion and an estimated GDP of USD 11.2 trillion.

The Centre connects these fast-growth markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Media Contact
QFC Corporate Communications
Rasha Kamaleddine | r.kamaleddine@qfc.qa