Sheikh Hamdan directs creation of unified Dubai population registry

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has issued Executive Council Resolution No. (50) of 2024, which pertains to the creation of a unified Dubai population registry aimed at providing comprehensive real-time data on Dubai’s residents.

The registry seeks to centralise Dubai's population data, ensuring accuracy, comprehensiveness, and real-time updates. It will support the development of government plans, strategies, and policies, and provide regular census results in line with Dubai’s digital transformation goals. Additionally, it aims to improve government services and programmes while enabling future population forecasting to guide economic and social policies.

According to the resolution, the unified Dubai population registry will be established on the digital platform of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment. This registry will be the official and sole source of population data for the emirate.

The resolution outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, including managing the population registry and coordinating with government entities to gather necessary data. The establishment is also responsible for designing, updating, and linking the registry with other records, preparing user guides, and ensuring data security in collaboration with the Dubai Cyber Security Centre.

Additionally, the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment will manage access permissions, set confidentiality levels, and regularly review policies. It will also ensure the privacy of individuals, maintain that the platform meets Dubai's security standards, and make the data accessible for people of determination.

The resolution tasks the Dubai Electronic Security Centre with ensuring the security of information, communication networks, and government systems. It will work with the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment to integrate and audit the digital platform, ensuring it meets security standards. The centre will also manage any additional responsibilities necessary to achieve the registry's goals as directed by the Ruler of Dubai.

The resolution mandates data providers from both the private and government sectors, as well as any other entities specified by the Dubai Digital Authority, to supply and describe data in accordance with the Dubai Data Guide. They must adhere to approved quality standards and ensure regular updates. Data providers are required to coordinate with the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, ensure their systems meet the registry's requirements, maintain accurate and up-to-date information, comply with security policies, and report any breaches promptly.

This resolution does not alter the legal protections for the personal data of Dubai residents as outlined in Law No. (26) of 2015, which regulates data publishing and exchange in Dubai, along with other relevant laws.

The Director-General of the Dubai Digital Authority will issue the decisions necessary to implement this resolution. This resolution annuls any other legislation that may contradict it. It is effective from the date of its issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

WAM