ADGM celebrates International Data Protection Day

UAE CYBERSECURITY

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is celebrating the International Data Protection Day, which is also known as "Data Privacy Day".

It is celebrated annually on 28th January and this year marks the 41st anniversary of the Council of Europe's Convention 108, the only international treaty on data protection.

ADGM has been actively participating as the only observer from the GCC to the Council of Europe's convention 108.

Every year, on International Data Protection Day, national data protection bodies and other sectors carry out activities to raise awareness about personal data protection and privacy rights.

In 2021, ADGM enacted the Data Protection Regulations 2021. The ADGM Regulations were benchmarked with international standards, including Convention 108.

Dhaher bin Dhaher Al Muhairi, CEO Registration Authority, said, "The privacy and the protection of personal data is not just a benefit, but it is, in fact, a fundamental right that every individual must be afforded, within the parameters of the regulations that govern the same. Without privacy, there can be no trust, which will inhibit economic progress. We are committed to raising awareness of this issue daily, and the International Data Protection Day allows us to reflect on progress and celebrate the achievements that have taken place.

"Marking this day is a visible commitment that ADGM is here to protect individual interests and will continue to strive to do so. I want to take this opportunity to thank every individual within the UAE and across the world that has helped get the data protection community to where it is today." Sami Mohammed, Commissioner of Data Protection, commented, "In ADGM and other jurisdictions, it is evident that we are rapidly embracing advanced digital tools with wide-ranging implications for social and economic development. As a result of the digital age, the right to privacy is gaining more significance. The Office of Data Protection plays a key role in ADGM and regionally regarding the processing of personal data and upholding the privacy rights of individuals."