The National, 16 September 2025: Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre has strengthened its data protection regulations with new amendments specifically targeting the insurance and education sectors.

The revised Data Protection Guidelines 2021 introduce ‘Substantial Public Interest Rules’, which establish clearer protocols for handling sensitive personal information.

Under the new regulations, insurers must follow specific procedures when processing special categories of personal data. The amendments include precise definitions of “insurance contract” and “insurance purpose” to ensure uniform implementation across the industry.

A key provision allows for processing sensitive personal data without consent in cases involving children or individuals at risk of harm. The rules extend protection to vulnerable adults aged 18 and above, once they meet specified criteria.

The guidelines define at-risk individuals as those requiring care and support, facing neglect or physical, mental or emotional harm, or unable to protect themselves from such risks.

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