The Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) made headlines recently with its announcement of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as the host for the prestigious GPA conference scheduled for 2026. This significant decision emphasizes the growing recognition of the Middle East as a hub for privacy and data protection regulations.
Established in 1979, the GPA serves as the premier international forum for data protection and privacy authorities, attracting members from around the world. The assembly is dedicated to promoting openness by public bodies and safeguarding individual privacy rights, joining forces with leading Information and Privacy Authorities and Commissioners globally.
DIFC’s selection to host the GPA conference reflects its reputation for enforcing stringent data protection laws. The DIFC Law No. 5 of 2020, enacted as part of its comprehensive legal framework, establishes rigorous standards for privacy and data security, appealing to businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.
The new hosting opportunity not only highlights DIFC's commitment to upholding privacy rights but also marks its role as a key player in ensuring secure cross-border data flows, pivotal for the success of international business collaborations. The centre’s regulations aim to enable innovation, ensuring ethical and responsible management of personal data.
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, "DIFC has set a very high bar for comprehensive privacy and data protection regulation, initially in the Middle East and is now gaining global recognition. It will be an honour to host the Global Privacy Assembly in 2026. The event will allow DIFC to showcase our world-class standards and to allow GPA members to become ambassadors for Dubai." This sentiment resonates strongly with the centre’s vision to drive the future of finance through innovation and collaboration.
The last GPA conference was held by the Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner in 2024, making the upcoming event highly anticipated, particularly as DIFC gears up to present its advancements. Jersey’s Information Commissioner Paul Vane expressed confidence in DIFC’s ability to deliver an informative and engaging program, emphasizing the readiness of the DIFC Data Protection Commissioner’s Office.
Over the years, DIFC's legal and regulatory framework has evolved, incorporating best practices from around the globe. Recently, data protection regulations were amended to address the ethical management of personal data and to introduce Regulation 10, focusing on the processing of personal data via autonomous systems. Other legislative updates include the introduction of Digital Assets Law and Law of Security, establishing clear guidelines for the control and transfer of digital assets.
To strengthen its position, DIFC has also joined the Global Cooperation Arrangement for Privacy Enforcement (CAPE) and secured Associate Membership with the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum, underscoring its commitment to international cooperation on privacy enforcement.
Considering DIFC’s multifaceted approach to data protection, its role as host of the 2026 GPA conference is expected to galvanize opportunities for dialogue and cooperation among various stakeholders, including technology firms, legal experts, and government agencies. By fostering these relationships, DIFC aims to address both current and future challenges related to privacy and data protection on the international stage.
Indeed, the hosting of the GPA conference is only one milestone for the DIFC Data Protection Commissioner’s Office this year, as it continues to forge strategic partnerships to bolster global standards for data protection and privacy enforcement.
With its remarkable track record, the DIFC stands as one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, seamlessly connecting markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA). Home to an independent regulator and based on common law principles, DIFC is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of legal integrity and efficiency.
Dubai International Financial Centre is more than just a legislative hub; it embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence, offering extensive support to the growing FinTech and venture capital sectors through cutting-edge technologies and licensing solutions.
With the GPA conference on the horizon, all eyes will be on DIFC as it hosts key discussions on privacy governance and data protection strategies, ensuring it solidifies its reputation as the preeminent global center for these pivotal issues.