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ISO 27701 Certification UAE — Expert Privacy Information Management System Consultancy
Emarati Consultancy helps UAE businesses achieve ISO 27701 certification UAE — the international standard for Privacy Information Management Systems. With UAE Personal Data Protection Law full enforcement arriving on 1 January 2027, DIFC Data Protection Law already in force, ADGM Data Protection Regulations applying across Abu Dhabi’s financial centre and international clients demanding independently verified privacy governance credentials — 2026 is the year UAE businesses must move from privacy policy statements to Privacy Information Management Systems that hold up under regulatory investigation, data breach scrutiny and international due diligence.
What Is ISO 27701 and What Makes the 2025 Version Different?
ISO 27701 is the international standard for Privacy Information Management Systems published by the International Organisation for Standardisation. It provides organisations with a structured framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving how they manage personally identifiable information — protecting individual privacy rights, satisfying data protection regulatory requirements and demonstrating privacy governance credibility to clients, partners and regulators.
The 2025 edition — published in October 2025 — made a fundamental change to how ISO 27701 works. The 2019 version required organisations to hold ISO 27001 first and then extend it with privacy controls. ISO 27701:2025 established itself as a standalone Privacy Information Management System — organisations can now pursue ISO 27701 certification independently without requiring ISO 27001 certification as a prerequisite, while remaining fully compatible with ISO 27001 for organisations that hold both.
ISO 27701:2025 introduces 78 privacy-focused controls across two categories. Thirty-one controls apply to PII Controllers — organisations that determine the purposes and means of personal data processing. Eighteen controls apply to PII Processors — organisations that process personal data on behalf of controllers. New controls in the 2025 version specifically address artificial intelligence systems processing personal data, cloud services privacy obligations and cross-border data transfer governance — making the updated standard directly relevant to the modern digital business environments that UAE organisations operate in.
Learn about ISO 27701:2025 from ISO.org
PII Controller vs PII Processor — understanding which applies to your organisation
Every UAE organisation implementing ISO 27701 must determine whether it acts as a PII Controller, a PII Processor or both. A PII Controller determines the purposes and means of personal data processing — deciding what data is collected, why it is collected, how it is used and how long it is retained. A PII Processor processes personal data on behalf of a controller — following the controller’s instructions without determining the purposes of processing. Many UAE organisations act as both — as controllers for their own customer and employee data and as processors for data entrusted to them by their clients. ISO 27701:2025’s separate control sets for controllers and processors means your PIMS is scoped and documented specifically for your actual role — not a generic privacy compliance framework that attempts to cover everything for everyone.
Why ISO 27701 Is Essential for UAE Businesses in 2026
UAE PDPL full enforcement — January 1 2027 deadline
Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 — the UAE Personal Data Protection Law — has a full enforcement deadline of 1 January 2027. Every organisation handling personal data of individuals within the UAE must be fully compliant by this date. Most organisations can achieve PDPL compliance within 6 to 12 months depending on size, data complexity and existing data governance maturity. That means 2026 is the year UAE businesses must begin implementation — not 2027 when the deadline has already passed. ISO 27701 certification provides the structured Privacy Information Management System framework that satisfies UAE PDPL technical and organisational security requirements — with independently audited evidence that demonstrably exceeds the compliance credibility of internal policy statements or self-assessment declarations.
DIFC Data Protection Law — already in force
DIFC Data Protection Law No. 5 of 2020 is already in full force — governing data security, consent, processing accountability and breach notification for all organisations operating within the Dubai International Financial Centre. ISO 27701 certification provides the Privacy Information Management System foundation that satisfies DIFC Data Protection Law requirements and is increasingly specified in DIFC client procurement requirements as a vendor qualification criterion. For DIFC-regulated organisations and their service providers, ISO 27701 combined with ISO 27001 provides the most comprehensive data governance certification package available.
ADGM Data Protection Regulations
Abu Dhabi Global Market Data Protection Regulations apply similar requirements to DIFC — covering data security, processing accountability and data subject rights for organisations operating within Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre. ISO 27701 certification satisfies ADGM regulatory data protection expectations and the privacy governance requirements of international financial counterparties operating through ADGM whose own data protection obligations flow down to their UAE service providers.
ISO certification in Abu Dhabi
M&A due diligence and regulatory investigation protection
The need for ISO 27701 most urgently arises in two specific scenarios — merger and acquisition due diligence and regulatory investigations following a data breach. During M&A transactions, acquirers assess target company privacy governance as part of due diligence — and organisations without documented, certified privacy management systems face valuation discounts and transaction delays. Following a data breach, regulators assess whether adequate privacy management was in place before the incident — and ISO 27701 certification provides documented evidence of systematic privacy governance that preceded the breach. Building this evidence base now is significantly more credible than attempting to demonstrate privacy management capability after an incident has occurred.
International client privacy due diligence requirements
European, American and Asian clients performing vendor due diligence on UAE business relationships consistently assess privacy governance as part of their supplier qualification processes — particularly following GDPR enforcement raising global privacy governance standards. ISO 27701 certification provides the independently audited privacy management evidence that satisfies GDPR-aligned due diligence requirements and demonstrates to international clients that personal data entrusted to your UAE organisation is governed to internationally recognised privacy standards.
More than 90 percent of data breaches involve personal data
More than 90 percent of reported data breaches globally involve personal data — and regulatory penalties related to privacy violations continue to rise every year. In the UAE, digital adoption across finance, healthcare, education, logistics and government services has significantly increased the volume of personal data being processed daily. ISO 27701 provides the systematic privacy risk management framework that reduces both the probability of privacy incidents occurring and the regulatory and reputational consequences of incidents that do occur.
Key Benefits of ISO 27701 Certification for UAE Businesses
UAE PDPL compliance evidence before the January 2027 deadline
ISO 27701 certification provides independently audited evidence of UAE PDPL-aligned privacy management — demonstrating to the UAE Data Office that your organisation has implemented a systematic, documented Privacy Information Management System that satisfies the law’s technical and organisational security requirements before the full enforcement deadline.
DIFC and ADGM regulatory compliance
ISO 27701 certification satisfies DIFC Data Protection Law and ADGM Data Protection Regulation requirements — providing the independently verified privacy governance evidence that financial sector regulators and their supervised entities require from service providers handling personal data within or on behalf of DIFC and ADGM regulated businesses.
Protection during M&A due diligence and regulatory investigations
ISO 27701 certification builds the documented privacy governance evidence base that protects your organisation’s valuation during M&A transactions and demonstrates systematic privacy management to regulators during breach investigations — significantly strengthening your position compared to organisations relying on informal privacy practices when scrutiny arrives.
International client and supply chain qualification
ISO 27701 certification satisfies the privacy governance due diligence requirements of GDPR-compliant international clients — demonstrating that personal data entrusted to your UAE organisation is governed by an independently audited Privacy Information Management System that meets globally recognised privacy standards.
Build genuine customer trust in your data handling
ISO 27701 certification signals to your customers that their personal data — names, contact details, financial information, health records, purchase history — is managed by a documented, independently verified privacy management system. This trust signal is increasingly commercially significant as consumer awareness of data privacy rights grows across the UAE market.
Standalone certification now available with ISO 27701:2025
The 2025 edition of ISO 27701 removed the requirement to hold ISO 27001 as a prerequisite — meaning UAE organisations can now achieve ISO 27701 privacy certification independently. This makes privacy management certification accessible to organisations that have not yet implemented ISO 27001 and allows privacy governance to be addressed as a distinct strategic priority rather than as an add-on to information security management.
ISO 27701:2025 Requirements — What UAE Businesses Must Implement
ISO 27701:2025 follows the same High Level Structure as other modern ISO management standards. The privacy-specific requirements cover:
Privacy information management context and scope
Your organisation must define the context in which personal data is processed — identifying all internal and external factors affecting privacy governance, understanding the expectations of data subjects, regulatory authorities and business partners and defining the scope of your PIMS covering all processing activities, data types and roles within the certification boundary.
Privacy policy and leadership commitment
Top management must establish a privacy policy committing the organisation to protecting personally identifiable information — covering data minimisation, purpose limitation, consent management, data subject rights and cross-border transfer governance. Privacy and data protection roles must be clearly assigned including Data Protection Officer responsibilities where required by UAE PDPL.
Privacy risk assessment and data protection impact assessment
Your organisation must systematically identify privacy risks across all processing activities — assessing the likelihood and impact of privacy incidents, consent failures, data subject rights violations and cross-border transfer risks. Data Protection Impact Assessments must be conducted for high-risk processing activities as required by UAE PDPL and applicable data protection regulations.
PII Controller controls — 31 privacy management requirements
For PII Controllers, ISO 27701:2025 applies 31 specific controls covering consent and legitimate interest management, privacy notice design and delivery, data subject rights procedures — access, rectification, erasure and portability — data retention and deletion governance, third-party processor management and cross-border data transfer safeguards including adequacy assessments and contractual mechanisms.
PII Processor controls — 18 privacy management requirements
For PII Processors, ISO 27701:2025 applies 18 specific controls covering processing instructions documentation, sub-processor management, data return and deletion procedures, data breach notification to controllers and privacy evidence production for regulatory enquiries and audit requests.
AI, cloud and cross-border data transfer governance
ISO 27701:2025 introduces specific controls for emerging technology privacy risks — AI systems processing personal data must be governed with appropriate privacy impact assessment and data minimisation controls. Cloud services privacy obligations must be documented through processor agreements and technical controls. Cross-border data transfers must be governed through documented adequacy assessments, standard contractual clauses or equivalent transfer mechanisms applicable under UAE PDPL, DIFC and ADGM frameworks.
Privacy performance monitoring and continual improvement
Privacy performance must be monitored through defined metrics — data subject rights request completion rates, consent rates, breach incident trends and DPIA completion status. Internal audits must be conducted at planned intervals. Management reviews must evaluate PIMS effectiveness and drive continual improvement in privacy governance practices across the organisation.
ISO 27701 Certification Process in UAE — Step by Step with Emarati Consultancy
Step 1 — Free privacy governance consultation
We begin with a free consultation to understand your organisation — your personal data processing activities, your regulatory obligations under UAE PDPL, DIFC, ADGM or international frameworks, your current privacy governance maturity and your certification objectives. We confirm the right scope and approach for your ISO 27701 implementation and provide a transparent fixed-scope proposal before you commit to anything.
Step 2 — Data processing activity mapping
We conduct a comprehensive mapping of all personal data processing activities within your certification scope — documenting data types, processing purposes, legal basis for processing, data flows, retention periods, third-party processors and cross-border transfer destinations. This data mapping is the foundation of your PIMS and the primary evidence base for UAE PDPL, DIFC and ADGM regulatory compliance.
Step 3 — Privacy risk assessment and DPIA
We conduct a systematic privacy risk assessment identifying risks across all processing activities — assessing likelihood and impact of privacy incidents, consent failures, data subject rights violations and transfer risks. We conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments for high-risk processing activities as required by UAE PDPL.
Step 4 — Gap analysis against ISO 27701:2025 requirements
We assess your current privacy governance practices against ISO 27701:2025 requirements for your specific roles as PII Controller, PII Processor or both — identifying existing controls and the gaps that need to be closed to achieve certification readiness.
Step 5 — PIMS documentation development
We develop all required PIMS documentation — privacy policy, data processing register, consent management framework, data subject rights procedures, processor agreement templates, cross-border transfer documentation, breach notification procedures, DPIA methodology and all other policies, procedures and records required by ISO 27701:2025 and applicable UAE data protection regulations.
Step 6 — Privacy controls implementation
We work with your team to implement privacy controls across your operations — ensuring consent management is operational, data subject rights procedures function as documented, processor agreements are in place with all third parties and cross-border transfer mechanisms are correctly implemented.
Step 7 — Privacy awareness training
We deliver targeted privacy awareness training to all personnel whose work involves processing personal data — covering UAE PDPL obligations, their specific privacy responsibilities and how to handle data subject requests, consent withdrawals and privacy incidents appropriately.
Step 8 — Internal PIMS audit
We conduct a comprehensive internal audit of your Privacy Information Management System — assessing documentation completeness, control implementation, data processing register accuracy and overall PIMS effectiveness against ISO 27701:2025 requirements. All non-conformities are resolved before the external certification body audit.
Step 9 — Management review and corrective actions
We facilitate your first PIMS management review — ensuring top management evaluates privacy risk status, data subject rights performance, breach incident trends, regulatory compliance status and overall system effectiveness. All corrective actions from the internal audit are fully resolved before the external certification audit.
Step 10 — Certification audit and certificate issued
The accredited certification body conducts Stage 1 documentation review and Stage 2 on-site PIMS assessment. We coordinate everything, support your team throughout both stages and ensure your ISO 27701 certificate is issued efficiently. Valid for three years with annual surveillance audits.
ISO 27701 Certification Cost and Timeline in UAE — 2026
How much does ISO 27701 certification cost in UAE?
ISO 27701 cost depends on your organisation’s size, the volume and complexity of personal data processing activities, the number of processing roles — controller, processor or both — and your current privacy governance maturity. Here are realistic 2026 figures covering both Emarati Consultancy fees and certification body audit fees combined:
| Organisation | Processing Complexity | Total Cost AED |
|---|---|---|
| Small business — controller or processor | Limited data processing | AED 8,000 — 14,000 |
| Medium business — controller and processor | Multiple processing activities | AED 14,000 — 22,000 |
| Large business — complex data environment | High volume, cross-border | AED 22,000 upward |
| Adding to existing ISO 27001 | Any size | Save 25 to 35 percent |
Organisations already holding ISO 27001 can implement ISO 27701 significantly more efficiently — the information security governance structure is already in place and the PIMS requirements can be integrated into the existing ISMS framework. This integration consistently costs 25 to 35 percent less than a standalone ISO 27701 implementation.
Get a transparent fixed-scope quote
How long does ISO 27701 certification take in UAE?
| Organisation | Status | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Small business | Standalone PIMS | 8 to 14 weeks |
| Medium business | Moderate data complexity | 12 to 18 weeks |
| Large business | Complex data environment | 18 to 26 weeks |
| Any size | Adding to ISO 27001 | 8 to 14 weeks |
Given the UAE PDPL full enforcement deadline of 1 January 2027 organisations should begin ISO 27701 implementation no later than Q1 2026 to ensure certification is in place before the enforcement deadline — with sufficient time to address any corrective actions identified during the certification process.
Which UAE Businesses Need ISO 27701 Certification?
Technology companies and SaaS providers
Technology companies, software developers, cloud service providers and SaaS businesses processing customer data across UAE and international markets need ISO 27701 to satisfy the privacy governance requirements of enterprise clients performing GDPR-aligned due diligence and to demonstrate UAE PDPL compliance to the UAE Data Office.
Financial services and DIFC businesses
Banks, insurance companies, fintech businesses and investment firms across UAE mainland, DIFC and ADGM process significant volumes of customer financial data subject to UAE PDPL, DIFC Data Protection Law and ADGM Data Protection Regulations. ISO 27701 certification provides the Privacy Information Management System evidence that satisfies all three regulatory frameworks simultaneously through a single independently audited certification.
Healthcare organisations
Hospitals, clinics, healthcare technology companies and pharmaceutical businesses processing sensitive patient health data implement ISO 27701 alongside ISO 27001 to satisfy UAE PDPL requirements for sensitive personal data processing, DOH and DHA patient data governance expectations and the privacy governance requirements of international healthcare accreditation bodies.
E-commerce and retail businesses
Online retailers, e-commerce platforms and retail businesses processing customer purchase history, payment data and personal profiles implement ISO 27701 to satisfy UAE PDPL consumer data protection requirements and to demonstrate privacy governance credibility to customers increasingly aware of their data protection rights.
HR and recruitment businesses
Human resources management companies, recruitment agencies and employers processing significant employee and candidate personal data implement ISO 27701 to satisfy UAE PDPL employee data processing obligations and to demonstrate systematic privacy governance to enterprise clients whose own PDPL compliance flows through to their HR service providers.
Government contractors and data processors
Technology vendors, system integrators and professional services firms processing government or citizen personal data on behalf of UAE federal or emirate government entities implement ISO 27701 to satisfy data processing requirements and demonstrate privacy management credibility to government procurement authorities assessing data governance alongside technical qualification.
ISO 27701 Compared to Related Standards
ISO 27701 and ISO 27001 — the complete data governance combination
ISO 27001 addresses information security management — protecting data and systems from security threats. ISO 27701 addresses privacy information management — governing how personally identifiable information is processed, protected and managed to satisfy data subject rights and regulatory obligations. The two standards address complementary but distinct governance domains. Together they provide the most comprehensive data governance certification framework available — ISO 27001 for information security and ISO 27701 for privacy management — satisfying UAE PDPL, DIFC, ADGM and international data protection requirements across a single integrated system.
ISO 27701 and ISO 42001 — privacy in AI systems
ISO 42001 governs artificial intelligence management — ensuring responsible AI development and deployment. ISO 27701:2025 introduces specific controls for AI systems processing personal data. For UAE technology companies building or deploying AI systems that process personal information — recommendation engines, automated decision-making systems, predictive analytics platforms — implementing both standards provides comprehensive governance covering AI ethics and accountability alongside personal data privacy.
ISO 27701 and ISO 22301 — privacy in business continuity
ISO 22301 governs business continuity management — ensuring critical operations continue through disruption. For organisations processing personal data, data breaches and system failures are among the most significant continuity threats — and UAE PDPL breach notification requirements create specific time-critical response obligations during disruption events. Organisations implementing both standards create a governance framework that addresses both privacy management and operational resilience to privacy-threatening disruptions.
Why Choose Emarati Consultancy for ISO 27701 Certification in UAE?
We understand UAE PDPL, DIFC and ADGM simultaneously
Emarati Consultancy has direct knowledge of UAE Personal Data Protection Law Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021, DIFC Data Protection Law No. 5 of 2020, ADGM Data Protection Regulations and the enforcement deadline of 1 January 2027. We implement PIMS frameworks that satisfy all three UAE data protection regulatory frameworks simultaneously — ensuring your ISO 27701 implementation serves regulatory compliance, not just certification body audit requirements.
We implement ISO 27701:2025 — the current standalone standard
Emarati Consultancy implements all ISO 27701 projects to the 2025 version — the current standalone standard with 78 updated privacy controls including AI, cloud and cross-border transfer governance. Organisations implementing to the 2019 version face an early transition requirement as certification bodies move to the 2025 standard. All Emarati Consultancy implementations are current from day one.
We integrate efficiently with existing ISO 27001 systems
For organisations already holding ISO 27001, Emarati Consultancy integrates ISO 27701 into your existing ISMS framework efficiently — sharing documentation structure, risk assessment methodology, internal audit programme and management review process. This integration consistently saves 25 to 35 percent compared to standalone ISO 27701 implementation and produces a more coherent data governance framework than two independently managed systems.
We build data processing registers that satisfy MOHAP, DIFC and UAE Data Office
The data processing register — mapping all personal data processing activities, legal basis, retention periods and third-party processors — is the primary evidence document assessed by the UAE Data Office, DIFC Commissioner and ADGM Registrar during compliance enquiries. Emarati Consultancy builds processing registers that satisfy the specific evidence expectations of each UAE data protection authority — not generic GDPR-template registers that miss local regulatory context.
All 17 ISO standards under one roof
If your business also needs ISO 27001 for information security, ISO 9001 for quality management or ISO 42001 for AI governance alongside ISO 27701 — Emarati Consultancy handles everything. One team, one relationship, every certification your UAE business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions — ISO 27701 Certification UAE
- What is ISO 27701 certification and why do UAE businesses need it before January 2027?
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ISO 27701 certification is formal independent verification that your organisation's Privacy Information Management System meets the requirements of the ISO 27701:2025 international standard. UAE businesses need it before January 2027 because UAE PDPL full enforcement arrives on 1 January 2027 — and most organisations require 6 to 12 months to implement a PIMS that satisfies PDPL technical and organisational requirements. ISO 27701 provides the documented, independently audited privacy governance evidence that demonstrably satisfies UAE PDPL requirements — significantly stronger than internal policy statements when regulatory scrutiny arrives.
- Does ISO 27701:2025 still require ISO 27001 as a prerequisite?
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No. ISO 27701:2025 — published in October 2025 — transformed the standard from an ISO 27001 extension into a standalone Privacy Information Management System. Organisations can now pursue ISO 27701 certification independently without holding ISO 27001. However organisations already holding ISO 27001 can implement ISO 27701 more efficiently by integrating it into their existing ISMS — saving 25 to 35 percent in implementation cost compared to a standalone PIMS implementation.
- What is the difference between ISO 27701 and ISO 27001?
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ISO 27001 addresses information security management — protecting data, systems and assets from security threats including cyberattacks, unauthorised access and data breaches. ISO 27701 addresses privacy information management — governing how personally identifiable information is processed, managed and protected to satisfy data subject rights and regulatory obligations including UAE PDPL. The two standards address complementary governance domains — ISO 27001 for security and ISO 27701 for privacy — and together provide the most comprehensive data governance certification available for UAE data-intensive organisations.
- How long does ISO 27701 certification take in UAE?
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Small UAE organisations with limited data processing achieve ISO 27701 certification in 8 to 14 weeks. Medium organisations with multiple processing activities require 12 to 18 weeks. Large organisations with complex data environments need 18 to 26 weeks. Organisations adding ISO 27701 to existing ISO 27001 typically achieve certification in 8 to 14 weeks regardless of size. Given the January 2027 PDPL enforcement deadline organisations should begin implementation no later than Q1 2026.
- How much does ISO 27701 certification cost in UAE?
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ISO 27701 for small UAE businesses costs from AED 8,000 covering consultancy and certification body fees. Medium businesses pay AED 14,000 to AED 22,000. Large organisations from AED 22,000 upward. Organisations integrating ISO 27701 with existing ISO 27001 save 25 to 35 percent compared to standalone implementation. Contact Emarati Consultancy for a transparent fixed-scope quote.
- How does ISO 27701 help with UAE PDPL compliance?
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ISO 27701 provides the Privacy Information Management System framework that directly addresses UAE PDPL technical and organisational security requirements — covering data processing registers, consent management, data subject rights procedures, breach notification processes and data processor management. ISO 27701 certification provides independently audited evidence of PDPL-aligned privacy management — significantly stronger compliance evidence than internal privacy policies or self-assessment declarations when the UAE Data Office conducts compliance enquiries.
- What is a Data Protection Impact Assessment and does UAE PDPL require it?
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A Data Protection Impact Assessment is a systematic evaluation of the privacy risks created by specific personal data processing activities — particularly those involving large-scale processing, sensitive personal data or automated decision-making. UAE PDPL requires DPIAs for high-risk processing activities. ISO 27701 incorporates DPIA methodology as a core requirement — ensuring that organisations implement DPIAs as a standard privacy risk management tool rather than a reactive response to regulatory enquiry.
- Does Emarati Consultancy provide ISO 27701 consultancy across all UAE emirates?
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Yes. Emarati Consultancy provides ISO 27701 certification consultancy across all seven UAE emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain and Umm Al Quwain — with both in-person and remote consultation available. Our consultants have direct knowledge of UAE PDPL requirements, DIFC Data Protection Law, ADGM Data Protection Regulations and the January 2027 full enforcement deadline.
Get ISO 27701 Certified in UAE — Build Your Privacy Governance Before the January 2027 PDPL Deadline
ISO 27701 certification transforms your organisation’s privacy commitment from a policy statement into an independently verified Privacy Information Management System. In 2026 — with UAE PDPL full enforcement twelve months away, DIFC and ADGM data protection regulations already in force, international clients demanding privacy governance evidence and data breaches triggering regulatory investigations that assess prior governance — the question is not whether your organisation needs systematic privacy management. It is whether you are building it now on your own terms or waiting until enforcement pressure forces a reactive and more expensive implementation.
Whether you are a technology company managing customer data, a financial institution satisfying DIFC or ADGM regulatory requirements, a healthcare organisation protecting patient privacy, an e-commerce business complying with UAE PDPL consumer protection obligations or any UAE organisation processing personal data subject to January 2027 enforcement — Emarati Consultancy has the privacy governance expertise, UAE regulatory knowledge and ISO 27701:2025 implementation experience to guide you through efficiently and successfully.
Phone: +971 52 856 0299 Email: info@emaraticonsultancy.ae Office: City Bay Business Centre, Office 303, Near Abu Bakr Metro Station, Dubai, UAE
