Skip to main content
NOPE
In Effect Law Data Protection

Bahrain PDPL

Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 30 of 2018)

Bahrain's GDPR-aligned data protection law with automated decision-making restrictions and Data Protection Guardian requirement.

Jurisdiction

Bahrain

Enacted

Jul 19, 2018

Effective

Aug 1, 2019

Enforcement

Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA)

GDPR-aligned framework

Bahrain PDP Authority

Why It Matters

Bahrain's GDPR-aligned framework with Data Protection Guardian requirement creates familiar compliance pathway for European AI companies expanding to Gulf markets.

At a Glance

Applies to

AI CompanionMental Health AppGeneral Chatbot

Who Must Comply

  • Data controllers and processors in Bahrain
  • Entities processing data of Bahraini residents
  • High-risk automated processing

Obligations fall on:

Safety Provisions

  • Automated decision-making restrictions
  • Data Protection Guardian required for certain entities
  • Data Protection Impact Assessment for high-risk processing
  • 72-hour breach notification
  • Cross-border transfer restrictions

Compliance & Enforcement

Penalties

BHD 50K

View on map

Bahrain

Focus Areas

Mental health & crisis
Algorithmic accountability

Cite This

APA

Bahrain. (2018). Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 30 of 2018).

Related Regulations

In Effect IL

Israel Privacy Amendment 13

Israel's most significant privacy reform in 40 years, explicitly covering AI systems. Requires Data Protection Officers (DPOs) for entities processing sensitive data at scale, mandates Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) before AI deployment, and enhances Protection of Privacy Authority enforcement powers. One of first data protection laws to explicitly require DPIAs before AI development or deployment.

In Effect JO

Jordan PDPL

Jordan's data protection law with medical data processing exceptions, data portability rights, and oversight including security services.

In Effect SA

Saudi Arabia PDPL

Saudi Arabia's comprehensive personal data protection law with extraterritorial scope, DPO requirements for sensitive processing, and National Data Governance Platform registration.

In Effect EG

Egypt AI Strategy 2025

Ambitious national strategy positioning Egypt as regional AI hub for Africa and Middle East. Targets 7.7% ICT sector GDP contribution by 2030, training 30,000 AI specialists, establishing 250 AI companies. Built on six strategic pillars: governance, infrastructure, technology, data, ecosystem, and talent. Accompanied by Egyptian Charter for Responsible AI (April 2023) with ethics principles.

In Effect QA

Qatar QCB AI Guidelines

Binding AI governance requirements for Qatar's financial sector. Mandates board-level accountability, risk assessments, human-in-the-loop for high-impact decisions, and prior QCB approval for high-risk AI systems.

In Effect AE

UAE Media Law

Comprehensive media regulation requiring licensing for all digital platforms, social media operations, and influencers. 20 binding content standards with significant penalties.

All regulations Check if this applies to you

Last updated January 22, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.