ADGM Data Protection Office becomes an accredited member of the Global Privacy Conference

The Office of Data Protection (ODP) in the Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM), the international financial center of the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has become an accredited member of the Global Privacy Conference (GPA). This was announced by the Executive Committee at the closed-door meeting of the 43rd General Assembly, currently being held in Mexico City.

GPA was first convened in 1979, formerly known as the International Data Protection and Privacy Committee Meeting. It is the premier global forum for data protection and privacy authorities, linking the efforts of more than 130 authorities around the world.

Dhaher bin Dhaher Al Mheiri, CEO of ADGM Registrar, said: “When the Data Protection Regulation was promulgated and the ODP was established, we were committed to strengthening regulatory best practices and providing consistency with other international data protection systems-this is what we are proud of now. Completed locally. ODP is committed to advancing data protection standards throughout the region and beyond. This is what you see now.”

ADGM Data Protection Specialist Sami Mohammed said: “After ADGM promulgated and implemented new data protection regulations, ODP is very proud to be an accredited member of GPA. Since the 39th GPA meeting held in Hong Kong in 2017, I have personally represented ADGM as Observers attended the meeting.

Data protection and privacy laws are designed to strike a balance between individual rights and business goals. Our membership of GPA further affirmed ADGM’s position among major international peers. In addition, it strengthens our mutual commitment to protect personal data and safeguard individual rights on the global stage. “

ODP is a member of an important international forum for data protection and privacy, and GPA certification has played a role in its journey and vision to become the leading data protection regulator in the Middle East. ODP is the first in the Gulf region to become a member of the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) and the International Law Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IECWG). In addition, ADGM ODP is the only Gulf participant and observer on the 108th Convention Committee of the Council of Europe.