Does the UAE PDPL give me a right to data portability, and how does it work?

Yes, the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021) recognises a right to data portability among the rights it grants to individuals. In broad terms, this allows you to obtain the personal data you provided to a controller in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format, and — where technically feasible — to have it transmitted to another controller. The right is designed to reduce lock-in and give people more control, for example when switching between service providers. It generally applies to data you provided and where the processing is carried out by automated means on a basis such as your consent or a contract, rather than to every piece of data a company holds. To use it, send a written request to the controller's privacy contact specifying what you want and, if relevant, the provider you want it sent to. The controller must respond within the period set by the law and its Executive Regulations, subject to limited exceptions, such as where transfer would adversely affect others' rights. For the exact scope and format requirements, confirm with the UAE Data Office, and for disputes you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.