DIFC selected to host 2026 Global Privacy Assembly
The Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) has announced that Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, has been selected to host the GPA conference in 2026.
The Global Privacy Assembly is an international group, established in 1979 as the premier global forum for data protection and privacy authorities. The assembly comprises leading global Information and Privacy Authorities and Commissioners. It is an independent body that operates primarily to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals, a statement said.
DIFC's selection reflects the centre's reputation of being at the forefront of data protection and privacy regulation in the region. With its robust Data Protection Law (DIFC Law No. 5 of 2020), DIFC ensures the highest standards of privacy and data security, fostering trust among global businesses and multi-jurisdictional stakeholders. As a key jurisdiction that facilitates secure, cross-border data flows, DIFC is committed to enabling innovation while ensuring that data is handled ethically and responsibly.
Hosting the Global Privacy Assembly in 2026 will further highlight DIFC's leadership in privacy governance, solidifying its reputation as a global hub for privacy policy, regulatory excellence, and international cooperation. Hosting the GPA 2026 also provides DIFC with a seat on the Assembly's Executive Committee.
The event will be open to private industry including technology companies, consultants, law firms and non-governmental organisations as well as data protection authorities and other similar organisations admitted to the GPA as Members and Observers.
Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC said: '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 ensure GPA members become ambassadors for Dubai.'
The last Assembly was hosted in 2024 by the Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner. When announcing that Dubai had won the bid to host the 2026 event, Jersey's Information Commissioner Paul Vane and the Global Privacy Assembly's Executive Committee, both expressed confidence in the capacity of the DIFC Data Protection Commissioner's Office to organise an insightful and engaging programme.
DIFC's world-class legal and regulatory framework is based on international standards and principles of common law. Over the years, the Centre's laws and regulations have continued to evolve, reflecting global best practice. Recently, Data Protection Regulations were amended to address safer, and more ethical management of personal data processing and operations, with Regulation 10, a first-of-its-kind inclusion introduced on the processing of personal data via autonomous and semi-autonomous systems. A Digital Assets Law and Law of Security were introduced, which set out legal characteristics of a digital asset, its proprietary nature, how it may be controlled, transferred, and dealt with by interested parties.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Trade Arabia
a day ago
- Trade Arabia
H&H expands Eden House brand with new Dubai project
H&H, one of the pioneers in Dubai's real estate market with bespoke turnkey developments, is expanding its flagship Eden House brand with the launch of its new project in DIFC. Conceptualised by DXB Lab and Tristan Auer, the Eden House Za'abeel project represents a pivotal new phase in the brand's growth strategy, and demonstrates its commitment to exceptional design and craftsmanship. The latest launch highlights the Eden House portfolio's expansion and resounding success in Dubai's upscale real estate market, particularly within the highly popular DIFC district's limited residential offerings, said the statement from H&H. The project features a curated collection of high-end apartments, consisting of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, along with a limited number of penthouses featuring spacious layouts, exquisite finishes, and a wrap-around balcony. The development prioritises wellness and comfort with its diverse range of wellness amenities, such as a wellness courtyard, indoor wellness lounge, fitness facility, movement studio, spa suite with a sauna and steam room. Additionally, the project promotes a sense of community with its residents' lounge, multiple courtyards, food and beverage venues, café, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, and a business suite, among other offerings and amenities, it stated. Speaking on the occasion, CEO Miltos Bosinis said: "The launch of Eden House Za'abeel in DIFC reflects our commitment to excellence through exceptional design and meticulous craftsmanship. Our latest addition to the Eden House portfolio, located between Za'abeel and DIFC, is an extension of the brand's growing property portfolio in Dubai. With easy access to global financial institutions, fine dining, retail outlets, and other cultural attractions, the project functions as an integral hub for the local community." "We also commend the shared vision of DXB Lab and Tristan Auer, whose collaboration refined the structure into an ideal setting that offers residents a serene and sophisticated living experience," he added. Centrally located in the DIFC district, the development's main entrance on the Za'abeel side ensures easy access while offering a unique setting that prioritises serenity, privacy, and a welcome escape from the city's bustle. This project reflects the DNA of Eden House, seamlessly blending with the vibrance of DIFC to create a living environment that is both tranquil and dynamic for its residents, said the developer. According to Bosinis, the design develops with elegant, curvilinear gestures that blend in with the surroundings, taking inspiration from the site's native Ghaf groves, which became part of the landscape scheme of this development. This is reflected in the carefully considered design elements - from the textured concrete façade and cascading greenery to the rhythmic grid of balconies with elegantly curved handrails - all contributing to a striking balance between urban sophistication and simplicity.
Trade Arabia
03-06-2025
- Trade Arabia
Spark Capital PWM launches operations in DIFC
Spark Capital Private Wealth Management (Spark Capital PWM) has announced the launch of its operations in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region through Spark Global PWM Private Limited. This strategic expansion will enable global investors to access diverse markets with ease while offering its clients comprehensive portfolio diversification opportunities. The move reinforces Spark Capital's commitment to delivering sophisticated, bespoke wealth management solutions on an international scale, the company said. Spark Capital PWM has significantly focused on growth and expansion in recent years. Its AUM & AUA has grown nearly 10x —from $360.24 million in April 2023 to $3.56 billion in May 2025. The firm has also scaled its team from 60 to over 400 professionals, including 130+ seasoned relationship managers, and established a pan-India presence across 12 cities. Arpita Vinay, Senior Managing Director & Co-CEO, Spark Capital Private Wealth Management Private Limited, said: "The establishment of our DIFC office represents a significant milestone in Spark Capital PWM's global growth strategy. Dubai's strategic location and robust financial infrastructure provide an ideal platform to connect investors across regions with diverse investment opportunities. This expansion allows us to enhance our service offerings to international clients while creating new avenues for wealth creation and preservation." Neeraj Ojha, Senior Executive Officer, Spark Global PWM Private Limited, added: "DIFC offers an exceptional ecosystem for wealth management firms, with its world-class regulatory framework and access to a wide network of financial institutions. Through our presence here, we aim to provide professional clients in the Middle East with comprehensive wealth solutions backed by Spark Capital's expertise and innovation in investment management." DIFC is a strategic gateway to financial institutions and multinational firms in the region. DIFC continues to experience exponential growth in the wealth and asset management sector with 420 wealth and asset management firms and over 75 pure play hedge funds, 48 of which are 'billion-dollar club' organisations, that are capitalising on regional opportunities. Spark Global PWM Private Limited's DIFC office will be staffed by a team of experienced wealth management professionals with extensive knowledge of global markets and a proven track record of delivering exceptional client outcomes. These professionals will leverage the firm's comprehensive research capabilities, innovative investment strategies, and established track record in wealth management to provide tailored solutions to clients in the region. This approach underscores Spark Capital's dedication to client-centric service while strengthening its position as a trusted wealth management partner globally, it said. –
Gulf Insider
05-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Attracts Swiss Family Offices Tired Of Tax And Regulation
Ronald Graham, managing partner of law firm Taylor Wessing's Dubai office, said people at two large family offices, including one with billions of dollars of assets, had told him they were exploring moving to the United Arab Emirates and that regulation was the reason. One has already completed the move. He said: 'In Switzerland there is more regulation, certainly more disclosure in terms of confidential information. Dubai family offices are not subject to the same standards, they can be more private — that's more attractive to the world's wealthy.' There had been no single issue or 'road to Damascus moment' that had persuaded these family offices to consider leaving Switzerland but rather a pile-up of obstacles, Graham said, including the definition of 'family'. A family office in Switzerland managing assets for more than 20 clients, including members of a single family, or with earnings or assets above specified limits must be licensed as a portfolio manager, attracting more onerous regulation, according to Swiss bank Julius Baer. By contrast, Graham said, Dubai had a wide definition of 'family' which did not invite greater regulation. Wealthy families have also been concerned by recent political debate in Switzerland, which will hold a referendum later this year on the introduction of a 50% tax on very large inheritances and gifts. A beneficiary of one Swiss family office said the political debate and concerns about regulation had pushed some people to leave the country. Voters are expected to reject the proposal but the person said, 'The insecurity it has caused in the past two years has obviously motivated some families to reconsider Switzerland as a financial hub.' He cited Norwegian families who had moved there to avoid high domestic taxes and Swiss families who held their businesses in their family offices. Both single family offices, which manage the wealth of one family, and multi-family offices have been moving wholesale to Dubai or establishing a branch there. Around 200 family offices joined Dubai's offshore financial centre last year, according to the DIFC, taking the total to 800. Reto Gareus, a partner at consultancy KPMG in Switzerland, said he saw many multi-family offices moving to the Middle East because their clients were relocating. 'The standard of living in Dubai is enormous and the economic system is geared towards entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals,' he said. Click here to read more…
