UK Minister of State for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure, Ms. Julia Lopez MP, and Mr. Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, have issued a joint statement on a shared commitment to deepening their data partnership and the promotion of the trustworthy use and exchange of data between the UK and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
DIFC is the first financial center in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region to engage with the UK Government on an adequacy assessment.
According to the statement, “International data transfers underpin modern-day business transactions and financial services. They help streamline supply chain management and allow for financial inclusion, so that businesses anywhere, particularly those in the MEASA region with ties to the UK, can scale and trade globally.”
As many as 5,000 British companies are operating in the UAE, many of which depend on safe data transfers, the statement added.
Arif Amiri CEO – DIFC Authority
“DIFC is a destination for culture and commerce, but its key distinguishing factor is its legal and regulatory framework. The sound infrastructure built by our legislation is adaptable yet resilient enough to cater to essential, innovative legal principles and best practices that support key business activities in DIFC. The DIFC Data Protection Law 2020 is a prime example of that, and the joint statement issued today with the UK government confirms it.”
Ms. Lopez noted that, “Trusted data transfers can unlock huge potential for trade, investment, and innovation around the world. The UAE has always been an important destination for UK businesses, and I look forward to strengthening our partnership through the free and secure flow of data in the future.”
“The joint statement issued today is a signal that the UK is taking its place as a leader in innovative data protection policy, and the evaluation of the DIFC Data Protection Law is a key part of the overall policy framework on international transfers. We look forward to completing the assessment in the near future,” commented Mr. Jacques Visser, Chief Legal Officer and Commissioner of Data Protection at DIFC.
