If you work in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector, data protection isn’t optional—it’s a mandate. The Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security (ADHICS) Standard sets the benchmark for securing patient information and digital healthcare systems. But here’s the thing: understanding ADHICS isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building trust with your patients, preventing cyber threats, and future-proofing your organization. Whether you’re a hospital IT manager, private clinic owner, or digital health vendor, you need to get familiar with ADHICS policy requirements. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know—what’s required, how to implement it, and how it affects your day-to-day operations.
What is ADHICS?
ADHICS stands for Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Standard. It was introduced by the Department of Health (DoH) Abu Dhabi to establish a consistent, mandatory cybersecurity framework for all entities handling personal health information (PHI).
This framework applies to:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Pharmacies
- Laboratories
- Healthcare IT service providers
The goal? Protect electronic health records (EHRs), systems, networks, and patient privacy.
Why ADHICS Matters in 2025
Cyberattacks on healthcare systems are rising—and so are regulatory expectations. As of 2025, Abu Dhabi has doubled down on cybersecurity mandates to ensure:
- Patient safety through uninterrupted access to accurate medical data
- Operational resilience during cyber threats or breaches
- Data privacy in line with UAE federal laws
- International alignment with ISO/IEC 27001 and other global frameworks
ADHICS also supports interoperability with platforms like Malaffi and Riayati, ensuring safe data sharing across the UAE.
Core Policy Domains in ADHICS
The standard is structured around four key domains:
- Cybersecurity: Firewalls, antivirus, secure access control
- Information Security: Policies around passwords, encryption, backups
- Physical Security: Building access, surveillance, hardware protection
- Privacy: Consent management, data minimization, patient rights
Each domain has detailed controls and practices you must implement based on your organization’s size and risk profile.
Mandatory Security Controls
Here’s what you’re required to do under ADHICS:
- Access controls: Limit system access to authorized personnel
- Data encryption: Protect PHI in transit and at rest
- Audit trails: Maintain logs of system activities
- Network protection: Deploy firewalls and intrusion prevention systems
- Business continuity: Implement disaster recovery and backup systems
These controls are non-negotiable for all covered entities.
ADHICS Policy Requirements: Roles and Responsibilities
Compliance starts with knowing who’s responsible for what:
- CISO or Security Officer: Oversees security policies and compliance
- IT Team: Implements and maintains technical controls
- Healthcare Staff: Trained to follow safe data handling procedures
- Vendors: Must sign agreements that bind them to ADHICS standards
Everyone in your organization plays a role.
Data Classification and Handling Rules
ADHICS requires organizations to categorize data into:
- Public: Non-sensitive information
- Internal: Operational content
- Confidential: Most PHI falls here
- Restricted: Highly sensitive clinical or personal data
Each category demands a different level of protection. For instance, restricted data must be encrypted, stored securely, and accessed on a need-to-know basis.
ADHICS Policy Requirements: Incident Response Mandates
Cyber incidents happen—even to compliant organizations. That’s why ADHICS mandates:
- A formal Incident Response Plan (IRP)
- Real-time breach detection and alerting
- Reporting serious breaches to the DoH within defined timeframes
- Post-incident reviews to improve controls
Being prepared can prevent minor threats from becoming disasters.
ADHICS Risk Management Requirements
You’re expected to actively identify and mitigate risks. This means:
- Conducting regular risk assessments
- Updating your risk register
- Prioritizing mitigation plans for high-risk systems
- Testing your security measures annually
Proactive risk management is the backbone of ADHICS compliance.
ADHICS Policy Compliance and Auditing
The DoH conducts audits to verify your compliance. You should:
- Maintain documentation of your policies and processes
- Keep logs and evidence of system activities
- Perform internal audits regularly
- Engage certified third-party assessors if needed
Failing an audit can result in warnings, fines, or even suspension of your license.
Practical Tips for Implementing ADHICS Policy Requirements
Not sure where to begin? Start here:
- Perform a gap analysis against ADHICS V2.0
- Assign a compliance champion within your organization
- Use templates from the DoH compliance toolkit
- Train all staff regularly on cybersecurity best practices
- Update your incident response and disaster recovery plans
Build compliance into your daily workflows—not just during audits.
ADHICS is more than a checkbox exercise—it’s a strategic framework that protects patient trust and ensures your healthcare facility is future-ready. By aligning with ADHICS policy requirements, you’re doing more than just complying—you’re actively contributing to a safer, more resilient healthcare ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.
Stay updated, stay secure, and stay compliant. Make ADHICS part of your healthcare culture.
FAQs
1. Who needs to follow ADHICS policy requirements?
All licensed healthcare providers and vendors handling patient data in Abu Dhabi must comply.
2. What happens if we fail an ADHICS audit?
The Department of Health may issue warnings, enforce penalties, or suspend your license.
3. Are ADHICS policy requirements aligned with global standards?
Yes, it aligns with ISO 27001, NIST, and other international cybersecurity frameworks.
4. How often should risk assessments be done?
At least once a year or after any major system change.
5. Can we outsource compliance tasks?
Yes, but you’re still accountable. Vendors must sign contracts committing to ADHICS compliance.