DPA Agreement Template for United Arab Emirates

This Data Processing Agreement (DPA Agreement) is essential for organizations operating in the UAE that engage in the processing of personal data through third-party service providers. It is designed to comply with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45/2021 and related data protection regulations, establishing clear responsibilities and obligations for both data controllers and processors. The document is particularly crucial when outsourcing data processing activities, using cloud services, or engaging vendors who will have access to personal data. It includes mandatory provisions required by UAE law, such as data security measures, breach notification procedures, and data subject rights management. This agreement should be implemented before any data processing activities commence and updated as necessary to reflect changes in processing activities or regulatory requirements.

1. Parties: Identification of the data controller and data processor, including full legal names and registration details

2. Background: Context of the agreement, relationship between parties, and purpose of data processing activities

3. Definitions: Definitions of key terms used in the agreement, aligned with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45/2021

4. Scope and Purpose of Processing: Detailed description of the permitted data processing activities and their specific purposes

5. Duration of Processing: Timeline for data processing activities and conditions for termination

6. Nature and Categories of Personal Data: Specification of personal data types to be processed and categories of data subjects

7. Obligations of the Data Processor: Comprehensive list of processor's responsibilities including security, confidentiality, and compliance measures

8. Obligations of the Data Controller: Controller's responsibilities, including lawful basis for processing and instructions to processor

9. Data Subject Rights: Procedures for handling data subject requests and ensuring compliance with UAE data protection laws

10. Data Security Measures: Required technical and organizational security measures to protect personal data

11. Breach Notification: Procedures and timeframes for reporting and handling data breaches

12. Audit Rights: Controller's rights to audit processor's compliance and processor's obligations to demonstrate compliance

13. Liability and Indemnification: Allocation of liability and indemnification obligations between parties

14. Termination: Conditions for termination and obligations regarding data return or deletion

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Specification of UAE law as governing law and jurisdiction for disputes