Astana and Abu Dhabi Strengthen Data Protection Cooperation with MoU
The Office of Data Protection of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and the Office of Data Protection at ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in data protection and the enforcement of privacy protection laws.
Reaffirming the shared commitment of both jurisdictions, the MoU ensures the secure cross-border movement of data, in alignment with the AIFC and ADGM data protection regulations and upholds individuals’ rights concerning their personal data.
This entails jointly establishing a comprehensive framework for several key areas defined within the MoU, including the sharing of relevant regulatory information, best practices, and complaint handling processes, as well as cooperation in investigations, policy alignment and enforcement concerning data protection violations.
The MoU will also allow both parties to explore joint education and awareness initiatives on data privacy, capacity-building initiatives such as staff exchanges and provide mutual assistance in emerging cross-border privacy challenges within their respective jurisdictions.
This partnership underscores both parties’ commitment to advancing robust data protection and privacy and fostering cross-border regulatory cooperation.
Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre, commented: “The signing of the Memorandum with the ADGM Office of Data Protection marks an important step forward in advancing international cooperation on personal data protection. This agreement reinforces our commitment to maintaining high standards of privacy and legal certainty within the AIFC, while also promoting the adoption of international best practices across the region”.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said, “The MoU between the data offices of ADGM and AIFC comes at a critical time, as global economies increasingly depend on trusted frameworks for data exchange, technological cooperation, and the protection of personal information. Abu Dhabi is committed to being a global benchmark for digital trust and regulatory innovation, and we are pleased to partner with AIFC, whose commitment to robust data governance and international collaboration mirrors our own”.
This partnership signals a forward-looking commitment by both AIFC and ADGM to lay the groundwork for deeper cooperation and innovation in privacy regulation across international financial centres and shape the future of responsible data governance on the global stage.
About the Astana International Financial Centre
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a leading financial hub in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, designed to connect global capital with the vast opportunities of emerging markets. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the AIFC combines international best practices with innovative approaches to create a world-class platform for investment, business, and financial services. Since its establishment in 2018, the AIFC has attracted over USD 14.7 bln in investments into Kazakhstan’s economy. Over 3,900 companies from 80+ countries, including the USA, the UK, China, Hong Kong, Turkiye, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and others, are registered within the AIFC’s jurisdiction. www.aifc.kz
About ADGM
ADGM is the international financial centre (IFC) of the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, which opened for business on 21 October 2015. ADGM augments Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading financial centre and a business hub, serving as a strategic link between the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and the rest of the world. Operating within an international regulatory framework based on the direct application of English Common Law, ADGM governs the entirety of Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, collectively designated as the financial free zone of Abu Dhabi.
