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Version: 0.2 Draft 3

Namespace: x-difc-dp:

DIFC Data Protection Law (Dubai International Financial Centre)

Jurisdiction: Dubai International Financial Centre (AE-DIFC) Frameworks addressed: DIFC Data Protection Law No. 5 of 2020 and DIFC Data Protection Regulations 2020. Enforced by the DIFC Commissioner of Data Protection. EU and UK adequacy recognised. Registration tier: Open Review status: ai_reviewed Review date: 2026-03-20

Fields

FieldTypeRequiredDescription
x-difc-dp:processing_basisenumCONDITIONALPermitted values: consent, contract_performance, legal_obligation, vital_interests, public_task, legitimate_interests.
x-difc-dp:sensitive_data_flagbooleanOPTIONALSet to true where data includes sensitive personal data under DIFC DP Law Article 14.
x-difc-dp:dpia_required_flagbooleanOPTIONALSet to true where a DPIA is required under Article 20 for high-risk processing.
x-difc-dp:dpo_required_flagbooleanOPTIONALSet to true where DPO appointment is mandatory under Article 16 (high-risk processing, public bodies). Note: DPO is not universally required.
x-difc-dp:adequate_jurisdiction_flagbooleanOPTIONALSet to true where the destination jurisdiction for transfer is recognised as adequate by the DIFC Commissioner under Article 27. Note: adequacy is assessed for destination jurisdictions, not for the DIFC entity itself.
x-difc-dp:cross_border_transfer_basisenumOPTIONALTransfer basis under Article 27. Permitted values: difc_commissioner_adequacy_decision, standard_clauses, binding_corporate_rules, consent, contract_performance, vital_interests.
x-difc-dp:dp_officer_refstring (URI)OPTIONALReference to the registered DPO contact details as filed with the DIFC Commissioner.

Revision notes

  • adequacy_transfer_flag replaced by adequate_jurisdiction_flag: adequacy applies to destination jurisdictions not the DIFC entity itself.
  • dpo_required_flag added with note that DPO is not universally required under Article 16.
  • Transfer basis description updated to reference DIFC Commissioner adequacy decisions.

This namespace is reserved for registration by a qualified DIFC data protection law practitioner.