A PDPL-Compliant Digital Transformation Framework for Nonprofit Public Institutions: A Case Study on Awqaf UAE

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Source of Publication

2026 International Conference on Integrated Intelligence and Cognitive Engineering Iciice 2026

Publication Date

4-18-2026

Abstract

Digital transformation in nonprofit public institutions increasingly relies on data-driven systems to enhance transparency, efficiency, and stakeholder trust. However, such transformation introduces significant privacy and governance risks, particularly under emerging regulatory regimes. In the United Arab Emirates, Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (PDPL) establishes structured obligations for lawful, secure, and accountable personal data processing. While international privacy governance models such as GDPR, the NIST Privacy Framework, and ISO/IEC 27701 provide general guidance, they lack contextual adaptation for nonprofit public institutions operating under PDPL. This paper proposes a PDPL-compliant digital transformation governance framework tailored to nonprofit institutions, using Awqaf UAE as a representative case study. Grounded in Design Science Research (DSR), the framework integrates governance accountability, policy enforcement, technical safeguards, risk management, and continuous monitoring within a unified layered architecture. A PDPL traceability matrix and governance maturity model are introduced to enhance compliance transparency and evaluative rigor. The proposed framework provides a structured blueprint for responsible digital transformation under emerging data protection regimes.

ISBN

[9798331545314]

Publisher

IEEE

Disciplines

Computer Sciences

Keywords

Design Science Research, Digital Transformation, Nonprofit Information Systems, PDPL, Privacy Governance

Scopus ID

105043727175

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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