Hadef & Partners provides advice on the scope and application of data protection and privacy across a broad range of sectors and maintains close contacts with regulatory authorities.
Our data protection and privacy practice specialises in the legal, regulatory and commercial aspects of data protection and privacy, in both ‘onshore’ United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
We advise our clients on data protection and privacy requirements, compliance, how to adopt effective risk management strategies, practical protective measures, policies and procedures.
We advise on the use, processing, and transfer of personal data and sensitive personal data through various forums, such as via electronic communications, physical transfers, filing systems, the media, and other technology or software.
We assist our clients at all stages of their businesses and through all aspects of the data cycle, from day to day operations and functioning, to workplace procedures, internal and staff policies, commercial and corporate transactions, projects, marketing strategies, and where a dispute arises.
Our clients range from international corporations, to SME’s, public sector organisations and individuals.
Our data protection lawyers have backgrounds in commercial, employment, corporate, regulatory and financial services. Firm wide, our lawyers have experience in almost every sector, including: retail, hospitality, F&B, energy, utilities, financial services, education, health, construction, transportation, real estate, tourism, manufacturing, technology and media and advertising.
We work with our colleagues, in our Commercial, Employment, Banking & Finance, Financial Services & Regulatory, and Dispute Resolution teams, as part of a total response to our clients' needs.
The breadth of knowledge gained from our experience enables us to provide well informed and practical advice, addressing international requirements and standards, while addressing specific laws, regulations, practices and market customs of the UAE and DIFC.
We advise on all manner and aspects of data protection and privacy in the UAE, including:
- confidentiality requirements and the right to privacy;
- data transfers outside of the UAE and multi-jurisdictional issues;
- privacy policies;
- online portals;
- e-commerce;
- whistleblowing;
- implications on M&A transactions and corporate restructuring; and
- recording, retention, handling and monitoring of employee data,
and specifically in the DIFC, including:
- the use, collection, storage and transfer of personal data by a data processor;
- statutory filing, notification and approval requirements; and
- Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) compliance and data protection and privacy.