The tourism sector in the Middle East is flourishing, with countries across the region investing heavily to draw international travellers to their shores.
Many Middle Eastern countries are desperate diversify from their oil wealth, and tourism is a focus sector for their governments.
United Kingdom (UK) tourists have increasingly been visiting the Middle East in recent years and the numbers have been projected to keep rising.
However, this undoubtedly raises digital privacy and security concerns, and UK tourists must perform due diligence to protect their data.
Read on as we recommend what UK travellers need to do to keep their data safe whenever they visit nations in the Middle East.
Understanding Data Protection Regulations in the Middle East
The Middle East boasts some of the most exciting emerging technologies, and they need comprehensive data privacy laws to guide proceedings.
Kuwait recently updated its data privacy framework for telecommunications and IT service providers – Resolution No 26 of 2024.
This regulation mandates explicit consent for data collection, detailed explanations of data usage and immediate notifications of data breaches to the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA).
Those laws are similar to the data rules guiding Saudi Arabia. It designed a new Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), pegging it to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Saudi companies must get explicit consent before collecting customer data and follow strict security rules. They are also required to report any breaches within 72 hours to the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA).
Anyone travelling from the UK to the Middle East needs to understand how these laws work in every country across the region.
Problem Areas Abound for UK Travellers
Most Middle East nations still forbid many popular western activities, so visitors need to research what they can and cannot do before travelling.
For UK citizens hoping to gamble in the Middle East, most of the region frowns on the practice. However, the landscape is slowly changing.
The United Arab Emirates recently established a regulator framework for gambling, while several other nations allow overseas operators to function within their borders.
Kuwait has been a little slower to jump on the bandwagon, but attitudes are shifting. There are several online casinos in Kuwait which allow players to access their favourite games.
The casinos, which are licensed and regulated in other jurisdictions, must comply with some of the most stringent ethics designed to protect user data.
They are also regularly audited to ensure they follow the highest security and transparency standards, and that each of their games are fair.
Players can check whether any online casino is licensed. They generally display their licences at the bottom of the home page on the website.
Use Secure Networks & Secure Your Devices
When travelling from the UK to the Middle East, you should always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.
A VPN makes it harder for cybercriminals to intercept your data. However, UK tourists must also be careful with the VPN they choose as some log your activity.
Never conduct sensitive transactions or access confidential accounts over public networks. Use mobile data or a personal hotspot for these actions.
Before leaving the UK for any country in the Middle East, it is also imperative to ensure all your digital gadgets are updated with the latest security and anti-virus software.
Set strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable. Most people use birthdays, names and nicknames for passwords, but persistent cybercriminals can work them out.
Make sure you turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts to add extra security. With 2FA on, cybercriminals will need more than just your basic details to access your files and accounts.
Always download apps from trusted sources such as Google PlayStore and Apple Store. Avoid installing unfamiliar apps – they can compromise your device’s security.
Checking your bank and credit card statements regularly for any transactions you did not initiate is also advisable so you can report suspicious activity immediately to your bank.
