ADGM DPR
ADGM Data Protection Regulations 2021
Abu Dhabi Global Market's free-zone data protection regime, enforced by the independent ADGM Office of Data Protection, with fines for serious breaches capped at USD 28 million.
Source: IQWorks — iqworks.ai | Last updated: 2026-03-20
Effective
Aug 14, 2021
Jurisdiction
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Max Penalty
Up to USD 28 million for serious breaches under the Data Protection Regulations (Fines) Rules 2021
Enforced By
ADGM Office of Data Protection
Who Does ADGM DPR Apply To?
Entities established in Abu Dhabi Global Market. Applied from 14 August 2021 to entities registered on or after 14 February 2021, and from 14 February 2022 to entities already in existence before that date.
Key Requirements
Lawful Basis and Transparency
Each processing activity requires a lawful basis, and data subjects must receive clear information about the purposes, recipients and retention of their personal data.
Accountability Documentation
Controllers must maintain records of processing activities and be able to demonstrate compliance to the ADGM Office of Data Protection.
Impact Assessments
A data protection impact assessment is required before processing likely to result in a high risk to data subjects, following the structure familiar from the GDPR.
Fines and Fees Rules
The Fines Rules cap penalties for serious breaches at USD 28 million, alongside much smaller fixed fines for administrative failures such as late filings.
Individual Rights Under ADGM DPR
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ADGM DPR?
Abu Dhabi Global Market's free-zone data protection regime, enforced by the independent ADGM Office of Data Protection, with fines for serious breaches capped at USD 28 million.
What are the penalties for ADGM DPR non-compliance?
The maximum penalty under ADGM DPR is Up to USD 28 million for serious breaches under the Data Protection Regulations (Fines) Rules 2021. Enforcement is handled by ADGM Office of Data Protection.
Who does ADGM DPR apply to?
Entities established in Abu Dhabi Global Market. Applied from 14 August 2021 to entities registered on or after 14 February 2021, and from 14 February 2022 to entities already in existence before that date.
When did ADGM DPR take effect?
ADGM Data Protection Regulations 2021 was enacted in 2021 and became effective on August 14, 2021.
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