Act Now Partners with Middlesex
University Dubai for UAE’s first
Executive Certificate in DP Law

Act Now Training, in collaboration with Middlesex University Dubai, is excited to announce the launch of the UAE’s first Data Protection Executive training programme. This qualification is ideal as a foundation for businesses and organisations aiming to comply with the UAE Federal Data Protection Law.

This practical course focusses on developing a data protection framework and ensuring compliance with the UAE Data Protection Law’s strict requirements. This is particularly relevant given the recent advancements in Data Protection law in the Middle East, including the UAE’s first comprehensive national data protection law, Federal Decree Law No. 45/2021. 

This law regulates personal data processing, emphasising transparency, accountability, and data subject rights. It applies to all organisations processing personal data within the UAE and abroad for UAE residents.

The importance of understanding this law is paramount for every business and organisation, as it necessitates a thorough reassessment of personal data handling practices. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties and reputational damage.

The Executive Certificate in UAE DP Law is a practical qualification delivered over 5-weeks in two half day sessions per week and offers numerous benefits:

  1. Expertise in Cutting-Edge Legislation: Gain in-depth knowledge of the UAE’s data protection law, essential for professionals at the forefront of data protection practices.

  2. Professional Development: This knowledge enhances your resume, especially for roles in compliance, legal, and IT sectors, showing a commitment to legal reforms.

  3. Practical Application: The course’s structured format allows gradual learning and practical application of complex legal concepts, ensuring a deep understanding of the law.

  4. Risk Mitigation: Understanding the law aids in helping organisations avoid penalties and reputational harm due to non-compliance.

  5. Networking Opportunities: The course provides valuable connections in the field of data protection and law.

  6. Empowerment of Data Subjects: Delegates gain insights into their rights as data subjects, empowering them to protect their personal data effectively.

Delegates will receive extensive support, including expert instruction, comprehensive materials, interactive sessions, practical exercises, group collaboration, ongoing assessment, and additional resources for further learning. Personal tutor support is also provided throughout the course.

This program is highly recommended for officers in organisations both inside and outside the UAE that conduct business in the region or have customers, agents, and employees there. 

Act Now will be delivering and has designed the curriculum. Act Now Training is the UK’s premier provider of information governance training and consultancy, serving government organisations, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and corporate law firms.   

With a history of delivering practical, high-quality training since 2002.
Act Now’s skills-based training approach has led to numerous awards including most recently the Supplier of Year Award 2022-23 by the Information and Records Management Society in the UK. 

Our associates have decades of hands-on global Information Governance experience and thus are able to break down this complex area with real world examples making it easy to understand, apply and even fun!

Middlesex University Dubai is a 5 star rated KHDA university and one of three global campuses including London and Mauritius. It is the largest UK University in the UAE with over 5000 student enrolments from over 120 nationalities.

For more information and to register your interest, visit Middlesex University Dubai’s website. Alternatively you can Click Here.

Act Now Launches New UAE DP Officer Certificate 

Act Now Training is pleased to announce the launch of the new UAE Data Protection Officer Certificate.  

Data Protection law in the Middle East has seen some rapid developments recently. The UAE recently enacted a federal law to comprehensively regulate the processing of personal data in all seven emirates. This will sit alongside current data protection laws regulating businesses in the various financial districts such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Data Protection Law No. 5 of 2020 and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Data Protection Regulations 2021. In addition there are several sector specific laws in the UAE which address personal privacy and data security. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar also now have comprehensive data protection laws.   

These laws require a fundamental assessment of the way Middle East businesses handle personal data from collection through to storage, disclosure and destruction. With enhanced rights for individuals and substantial fines for non-compliance no business can afford to ignore the new requirements. 

Act Now’s UAE Data Protection Officer Certificate has been developed following extensive discussions with our clients and partners in the UAE and builds on our experience of delivering training and consultancy in the region. The course focuses on the essential knowledge required by DPOs to successfully navigate the UAE data protection landscape. The course will also help DPOs to develop the skills required to do their job better.
These include interpreting the data protection principles in a practical context, drafting privacy notices, undertaking DPIAs and reporting data breaches. 

The course teaching style is based on four practical and engaging workshops covering theory alongside hands-on application using case studies that equip delegates with knowledge and skills that can be used immediately. Delegates will also have personal tutor support throughout the course and access to a comprehensive revised online resource lab. 

Ibrahim Hasan, director of Act Now Training, said: 

“I am really pleased to be launching this new UAE DPO certificate course. This is an exciting time for data protection law in the Middle East. Act Now is committed to contributing to the development of the DPO function in the region.” 

If you would like to discuss your suitability for this course, please get in touch. It can also be delivered as an in house option.

New FOI Intermediate Certificate

Act Now Training is delighted to launch the FOI Intermediate Certificate . This new course empowers delegates to further enhance their skills as FOI practitioners, by building upon the foundations established by the FOI Practitioner Certificate, delving deep into the intricacies of FOI and gaining the confidence to navigate its complexities effectively.

Background

Over the past three years, Act Now Training has worked diligently alongside industry experts and education professionals to develop a comprehensive skills and competency framework for FOI Officers. The Intermediate Certificate emerged from the need to further develop FOI Officers who have already completed our FOI Practitioner Certificate and wish to enhance their expertise. The course emphasises skills as well as knowledge, covering challenging topics to provide a deeper understanding of the FOI fundamentals.

Course Content

The Intermediate Certificate strengthens the foundations established by the FOI Practitioner Certificate. Topics include interpreting information requests, navigating data repositories for relevant information, handling vexatious requests and applying the exemptions. Time will also be spent discussing the historical development and transformative impact of FOI on transparency, accountability and citizen empowerment. International comparisons with the FOI Act will broaden delegates’ perspectives, while critically evaluating its impact and effectiveness will assist them to appreciate the importance of transparency and accountability. By the end of the course, delegates will gain skills in, amongst other things, effectively interpreting information requests, assessing their scope, retrieving relevant information, overcoming challenges in organisational compliance, applying exemptions and crafting clear Refusal Notices.

Format

The course is structured over three days, one day per fortnight, and can be undertaken online or in the classroom. Each day includes engaging discussions, exercises and case studies. Upon completion, delegates must submit a practical assessment within 30 days. Personal tutor support is provided, throughout the course, alongside access to a comprehensive online resource lab to maximise success.

Our Commitment

Act Now Training is committed to promoting the recognition of Information Governance as a profession. We believe that anyone in the profession can gain a solid foundation in interpreting and applying the law as part of their skillset. We are committed to not only teaching with a non complex jargon free philosophy, but also ensuring our delegates are supported in building these skills for themselves and their organisations.

Our involvement with NADPO and the IRMS over the past two decades demonstrates our dedication to nurturing new entrants into the IG profession through quality training. Our partnership with Damar, on the DP and IG Apprenticeship, has led to the recruitment of over 100 apprentices and laid the foundations for prosperous IG careers.  Course Director, Ibrahim Hasan, commented:  

“After carefully considering feedback from our delegates and consulting with FOI experts, we are thrilled to introduce the FOI Intermediate Certificate. This newly designed course offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with a strong foundation and practical experience in FOI to further elevate their expertise and refine their skills.”

Special Discount

The first course starts in November and is currently eligible for a special introductory discount. In addition, if you have completed our FOI Practitioner Certificate in the last 24 months, we are offering a further £150 discount off the Introductory price. Limited places are available, book now so book now to avoid disappointment.