Framework
UAE PDPL compliance, automated
Operationalize the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021). Automate data discovery, DPIAs, breach management, and cross-border transfers in one AI-powered platform.
Everything PDPL requires in one workspace
Data Discovery & RoPA
Build and maintain your Record of Processing Activities (RoPA). Map personal data flows across systems, departments, and third parties.
DPIA Automation
Run Data Protection Impact Assessments with guided questionnaires. Auto-identify high-risk processing and recommended mitigations.
Breach Management
Detect, log, assess, and report personal data breaches within UAE PDPL timelines. Pre-configured workflows and notification templates.
Cross-Border Transfers
Govern international data transfers with adequacy assessments, standard contractual clauses, and transfer impact assessments.
Consent & Data Subject Rights
Manage consent records and respond to data subject requests (access, rectification, erasure, portability) within statutory timelines.
Privacy Notices & Policies
Generate and maintain privacy notices, internal data protection policies, and DPO records versioned and audit-ready.
Data Residency Tracking
Visualize where personal data is stored and processed to support data residency obligations across UAE and KSA.
TPRM for Processors
Onboard, assess, and continuously monitor third-party processors with PDPL-aligned due diligence and DPA tracking.
The 6 core PDPL principles
Lawfulness, Fairness, Transparency
Process personal data only with a valid legal basis. Communicate clearly with data subjects about how their data is used.
Purpose Limitation
Collect data for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes. Don't reuse it incompatibly later.
Data Minimization
Only collect what is adequate, relevant, and necessary for the stated purpose.
Accuracy
Keep personal data accurate and up to date. Erase or rectify inaccurate data without delay.
Storage Limitation
Retain data only as long as needed. Define and enforce retention schedules.
Integrity & Confidentiality
Apply appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure.
UAE PDPL questions, answered
What is the UAE PDPL?
The UAE Personal Data Protection Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021) is the federal law governing the processing of personal data of individuals in the UAE. It establishes principles for lawful processing, data subject rights, and obligations for controllers and processors.
Who must comply with UAE PDPL?
Any entity that processes personal data of individuals residing in the UAE whether the entity is based in the UAE or abroad must comply with the PDPL, subject to limited sectoral exemptions (e.g. specific financial free zones with their own regimes).
When is a DPIA required under PDPL?
A Data Protection Impact Assessment is required for processing likely to result in a high risk to the rights of data subjects, including large-scale processing of sensitive data, systematic monitoring, or use of new technologies.
What are the breach notification requirements?
Controllers must notify the UAE Data Office and affected data subjects of personal data breaches that pose a risk to privacy or confidentiality, within timelines and conditions defined by the PDPL and its executive regulations.
How does Waaqi help with cross-border data transfers?
Waaqi provides a structured workflow for assessing whether destination countries provide adequate protection, generating standard contractual clauses, conducting transfer impact assessments, and maintaining a centralized transfer register.
Ready to operationalize PDPL?
See how Waaqi turns PDPL obligations into automated, audit-ready workflows.