Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), governments are strengthening regulatory frameworks as digital services continue to expand across the region. From Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and SAMA Cybersecurity Framework to the UAE’s federal data protection framework and North Africa’s evolving compliance measures, countries are placing greater focus on consumer protection, responsible data use, and stronger cybersecurity standards.
Clearer regulations are helping create more stable operating environments for digital services, while also supporting investment, innovation, and cross-border growth. Governments across MENA are also increasing attention on operational assurance, cybersecurity testing, and recognised certifications to improve trust and strengthen supply chain security.
In an exclusive conversation with SiGMA World, Dr. Aftab Rizvi, Chairman of Gaming Associates, said, “The awareness of data privacy and cybersecurity is increasing significantly across the MENA region, at both regulatory and organisational levels, that reflects a shared understanding that trust in digital services depends on strong protection of data and effective cyber risk management. This shift has moved the region away from reactive compliance toward proactive digital governance, with regulators focusing on end-to-end security across platforms, cloud infrastructure, third-party providers and cross-border operations. In my view, this regulatory and governance maturity lays the foundation for a secure and trusted digital region.”
