Lamia Matta was quoted regarding GSK's internal probe of bribery allegations in the UAE and the local data protection and privilege laws of which GSK must be aware. Matta said that while the UAE in general has less strict data privacy laws than some EU jurisdictions, the Gulf state -- and Dubai in particular -- has "free zones" where specific laws, including localized data protection regulations, apply. One free zone, Dubai International Financial Center, has its own data protection commissioner; another zone, Dubai Healthcare City, has its own information privacy regime, which sets out specific policies for the collection, use, disclosure, and transfer of personal patient data. "As a result, GSK lawyers conducting the investigation will need to consult with local counsel to ensure that they are not in violation of the data protection laws applicable in the 'Free Zones' from which they may intend to collect information," Matta said.