UAE Information Assurance (UAE IA) Standard
Achieve full compliance with the UAE Information Assurance Standard v2.1 (formerly NESA)—without complexity or delays.
We help government entities, critical infrastructure providers, and private organizations across the UAE meet mandatory cybersecurity requirements set by the UAE Cyber Security Council. From gap assessment to pre audit readiness and final audit, our experts guide you every step of the way.
Stay compliant. Reduce risk. Pass audits with confidence.
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Our Services
- UAE IA Gap Assessment
- Remediation & Implementation
- Audit & Compliance Validation
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- 16+ Years | 600+ Clients
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Our Services
As a leading cybersecurity firm, we help entities comply with the Information Assurance Standard v2.1 (formerly NESA) mandated by the UAE Cyber Security Council.
We partner closely with government entities, critical infrastructure providers, and private sector entities, supporting them to meet UAE IA control and maintain continuous compliance.
This process culminates in a comprehensive statement of applicability and a clear remediation roadmap, which serve as the essential proof of your security posture required by sector regulators.
Our AI-Enabled UAE IA Engagement Model
Assessment Phase
- Project Kick-off
- Understanding Business
- Scoping and RFI Share
- Conduct Gap Assessment
- Handover Gap Assessment Report
Remediation & Implementation
- Project Kick-off
- Understanding Business and Scoping
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Security Control Implementation
Audit & Compliance Validation
- Project Kick-off
- Understanding Business
- Scoping and RFI Share
- Conduct UAE IA Audit
- Handover Audit Report
Our UAE IA Roadmap
01
Discovery and Scoping
We map your information assets and identify the exact boundaries of your assessment. Together, we evaluate your critical business processes, data flows, and network architecture to clearly define what falls under the national mandate, saving you time and reducing assessment creep.
02
Gap & Risk Assessment
A thoughtful, collaborative review of your networks and applications to see how closely they align with the mandatory UAE IA v2.1 controls. We review your current configurations and policies to give you a clear, honest picture of your readiness before any formal regulatory submission.
03
Remediation Guidance
Practical, clear advice to help your team make the necessary updates and establish the right security measures. We guide and support your IT and Cyber Security personnel to make sustainable improvements, update your documentation, and ensure your operations smoothly meet the new standards.
04
Audit & Validation
The final, formal review conducted by our assurance specialists. We guide you smoothly through the evidence-gathering process, leading up to a comprehensive review to ensure your organization is fully prepared and confident for the official regulatory assessment.
What Is New in UAE IA Version 2.1?
UAE IA Version 2.1 focuses on control effectiveness, accountability, and modern technology risks, rather than basic policy compliance.
Key themes introduced in UAE IA 2.1:
Risk-based control applicability
Stronger governance and management accountability
New controls for cloud and third-party security
Measurable cybersecurity performance
Alignment with global information security standards
Key Maturity Upgrades
Following controls did not exist in UAE IA v1.1 and are newly introduced in UAE IA Version 2.1. These controls represent key maturity upgrades aligned with ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and modern cybersecurity practices.
New Controls:
Information Security in Project Management
Management Review
Information Deletion
Security of User Endpoint Devices
Threat Intelligence
Data at Rest and in Motion
Cryptographic Requirements in Post-Quantum
Web Filtering
Third-Party Risk Management
Secure System Engineering Principles
Secure Coding
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UAE IA Regulation?
The UAE Information Assurance Regulation is a federal framework designed to raise the minimum level of information security across all relevant entities in the UAE. It ensures that critical national data and infrastructure are protected against cyber threats.
Do we need to comply with UAE IA?
Compliance is mandatory for all UAE government entities and any private sector businesses identified as part of the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). It is also highly recommended for vendors and suppliers working directly with these organizations.
How long does the assessment and remediation process take?
Timelines vary based on the complexity of your network and your current security posture. Depending on your starting point, a standard engagement can range from a few weeks to a few months. Our phased, collaborative approach ensures your daily operations remain uninterrupted during this time.
What is the difference between a Gap Asessment and the Internal Audit?
A Gap Asessment is a preliminary, collaborative review designed to identify vulnerabilities so your team can fix them internally without penalty. The Internal Audit is the formal, evidence-based evaluation conducted to validate your controls for regulatory reporting.
How does UAE IA align with the UAE Data Protection Law (PDPL)?
While the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (PDPL) governs the general privacy of personal data, the UAE IA framework dictates the technical and administrative security baseline for protecting overall information assets. Achieving UAE IA compliance provides a robust technical foundation that significantly supports your broader PDPL obligations.
Can UAE IA efforts overlap with international standards like ISO 27001?
Yes. Many controls required by the UAE IA framework; such as strict access management, risk assessments, and continuous monitoring; directly overlap with ISO 27001 requirements. We help you map these frameworks together to avoid duplicated efforts and streamline your audits.
Are there local data residency requirements under this standard?
The UAE regulatory landscape strongly encourages, and in certain sectors mandates, keeping critical data within the country. The framework requires clear classification of data, which directly influences where your information can be legally stored and processed. We assist in architecting your workflows to ensure local onshore requirements are met.
How do sector-specific regulators impact our compliance strategy?
Different sectors (e.g. healthcare or finance, etc.) may have additional layers of oversight, such as the Department of Health (DoH) or the Central Bank of the UAE. The UAE IA framework serves as the national baseline, and achieving it frequently fulfills the core requirements of these specific sector regulators, reinforcing your operational legitimacy.
Does using a cloud provider eliminate our compliance scope?
Partnering with local UAE cloud providers simplifies your scope by offloading some infrastructure security responsibilities, but it does not erase your accountability. You must still secure the environment where your data is managed and maintain strict corporate security policies governing access and usage.
What happens if our systems fail to meet the standard initially?
We view compliance as a process, not a pass/fail test. If vulnerabilities are found during our gap assessment, we don’t just hand you a list of errors. We provide clear remediation guidance and guide your IT/CyberSecurity team to implement the necessary fixes before any regulatory submission.
Eminence Consultancy
Eminence Consultancy (EMC) is a UAE-based firm with experience providing end-to-end assessment, audit, certification, and testing services that keep organizations compliant with the highest quality, security and regulatory standards.
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Al Jazeera Tower, Hamdan Street,
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates