HRMARS - This study examines the protection of digital privacy through the dual lenses of the objectives of Islamic jurisprudence (Maqasid al-Shariah) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) legislation. This inquiry is framed within the context of rapid digital transformation and the concomitant expansion of modern technologies and e-services that rely heavily on the collection and processing of personal data. The study aims to elucidate the teleological (maqasidi) foundation for digital privacy protection, analyze the regulatory framework established by the UAE legislature, and demonstrate the complementary nature of the Shariah and legislative perspectives in constructing an effective personal data governance system. Employing an analytical methodology, this study examines Islamic jurisprudential texts alongside UAE legislative instruments, primary among which are Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection and Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes. The study concludes that the objectives of Islamic jurisprudence particularly the preservation of life, property, honor, and the safeguarding of human dignity constitute a robust value-based foundation for digital privacy protection. Concurrently, UAE legislation provides a comprehensive legal framework that regulates data collection and processing, guarantees data subjects' rights, and criminalizes privacy violations, thereby enhancing cybersecurity and fostering trust in the digital ecosystem. Furthermore, the study indicates that digital privacy protection faces escalating challenges due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and the transnational nature of cybercrimes. These challenges necessitate continuous legislative adaptation, the elevation of digital awareness, and the activation of institutional governance and international cooperation. Ultimately, the study asserts that the integration of Maqasid al-Shariah and UAE legislation offers a balanced model that harmonizes ethical values, legal controls, and technical mechanisms, thereby contributing to personal data protection, strengthening cybersecurity, and supporting the sustainability of the digital economy in the United Arab Emirates.
Alriyami et al. (Sun,) studied this question.