On August 27, 2024, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) announced that it had been recognized as an Associate Member of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum (the Forum), alongside Mauritius and Bermuda, following the endorsement of the Membership Committee's recommendation by the Global Forum Assembly (GFA).

According to the DIFC, its recognition as an Associate Member will allow DIFC to collaborate more closely with other regulatory authorities on the future of secure international data flows, a key area of focus for the Forum. The DIFC noted that in 2022, it recognized CBPRs as an adequate mechanism for the free flow of data with trust. In this regard, the DIFC stated that it plans to integrate CBPRs into its data protection compliance regime, in line with Article 50(5) of the DIFC Data Protection Law.

Further, the DIFC highlighted that the recognition aligns with the UK's selection of DIFC as one of six global jurisdictions to be a priority partner for establishing a 'Data Bridge,' aimed at facilitating secure data transfers. The DIFC noted that safe and trustworthy data flows are essential for streamlining supply chain management and promoting financial inclusion, enabling businesses to engage in global trade while complying with applicable data protection laws and policies.

You can read the press release here.