The government sector is a major collector of data in any developed economy.

Ensuring that data collected by the government is gathered and made available, internally and externally, in a methodical manner, is fundamental to the successful development of a smart city.

Greater knowledge resulting from greater data sources and volumes, and the ability to see new patterns in data, can lead to innovation in products and services, enhanced efficiency and effectiveness, and better ability to measure results.

Dubai Law No. 26 of 2015, regulating Dissemination and Exchange of Data in the Emirate of Dubai (the “Dubai Data Law”) was announced last November.

It aims primarily to ensure that data gathered by Dubai government entities is effectively shared amongst such bodies, and with the private sector, so as to maximise opportunities to capture the benefit of such data for the emirate’s residents, visitors and economy.

The Dubai Data Law provides a hint that considerable change is ahead when it comes to collecting and processing data in the emirate.

The law is worded very broadly. Beyond guiding how data collected or produced by government entities is to be used, the law also indicates that data relating to the emirate of Dubai that is collected by private entities will also be subject to its requirements.

The full impact of these in the broader sphere is yet to be seen.

When considering why data is important, the Dubai Data Law provides some clear guidance. Specifically, it sets out a number of objectives.

These include:

• empowering the emirate to meet its goals of making Dubai a smart city
• achieving integration and harmony among the services provided by government entities
• promoting transparency and establishing governance rules in terms of data dissemination and exchange
• increasing efficiency in the provision of government services
• striking a balance between data dissemination and exchange and maintaining confidentiality and privacy