Category Archives: Data Protection Law

As digital transformation accelerates across sectors, cybersecurity has become a national priority for Saudi Arabia. Anchored by Vision 2030, the Kingdom has taken substantial legislative, regulatory, and institutional steps to build a secure and resilient digital environment. These efforts reflect the growing recognition that cyber threats, whether targeting critical infrastructure, personal data, or digital services, pose serious risks to national security and economic stability.

National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA)

Established in 2017, the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) remains the central regulator for cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia. It leads the development and implementation of national cybersecurity strategies, frameworks, and compliance obligations. The NCA mandates compliance with sector-specific and national cybersecurity controls, including the Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC), which are compulsory for public entities and operators of critical infrastructure, including those in energy, finance, health, transport, and telecom sectors.

Recent NCA circulars and updates continue to emphasise cybersecurity maturity assessments, third-party risk management, cloud security controls, and incident response protocols.

Cybercrime Law (Royal Decree No. M/17)

The Cybercrime Law, issued under Royal Decree No. M/17 (2007) remains a foundational statute. It criminalises a wide range of offences, including unauthorised system access, data breaches, identity theft, electronic fraud, and the creation or dissemination of malicious software. Although drafted before the current digital boom, it remains in effect rigorously. The government is currently reviewing potential amendments to further modernise the law in light of emerging threats, such as ransomware, AI-driven cyberattacks, and deepfake technology.

Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL)

The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), enacted in 2021 under Royal Decree M/19 and fully enforced as of September 2023, represents a significant step forward in aligning with global standards, such as the GDPR. The PDPL mandates data controllers to:

• Obtain explicit consent before data collection
• Implement robust technical and organisational security measures
• Notify breaches within specified timeframes
• Ensure cross-border data transfers comply with local rules

Enforcement is overseen by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and its executive arm, the National Data Management Office (NDMO). As of early 2025, SDAIA has issued several supplementary regulations to guide businesses on practical compliance.

Capacity Building and Workforce Development

Saudi Arabia continues to invest in cybersecurity human capital through initiatives such as:

• CyberIC Programme – focused on professional development and national capacity building
• Saudi Cybersecurity Federation – supporting competitions, education, and skills training
• Public-private partnerships with global tech firms for training and infrastructure modernisation

These efforts aim to cultivate a strong domestic talent pool capable of defending against sophisticated cyber threats.

Regional and International Cooperation

Saudi Arabia is an active participant in global and regional cybersecurity frameworks. It collaborates with:

• The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on regional incident response coordination
• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on standardisation and cybersecurity rankings
• Bilateral agreements with major nations to enable knowledge-sharing and joint readiness

Such collaboration strengthens the Kingdom’s global cybersecurity posture and supports harmonisation with international standards.

Business Obligations and Compliance Imperatives

For companies operating in Saudi Arabia, cybersecurity is a regulatory and strategic requirement. Organisations must:

• Comply with NCA-mandated controls (such as ECC)
• Ensure PDPL-compliant data handling and breach reporting
• Conduct regular security risk assessments and third-party audits
• Train staff on cyber hygiene and incident response

Non-compliance can result in significant fines, reputational harm, and operational disruption. As cyber threats become more complex and targeted, proactive compliance is now central to corporate governance and enterprise risk management.

Saudi Arabia has made considerable progress in establishing a comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystem. Through strong legal frameworks, institutional oversight, national skills development, and international cooperation, the Kingdom is better positioned than ever to address current and emerging cyber threats. As the digital economy expands, maintaining trust, resilience, and security in cyberspace will remain fundamental to national prosperity and stability.

Saudi Arabia has embarked on a significant journey towards strengthening its regulatory framework with the introduction of the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). As the Kingdom seeks to position itself as a global leader in digital transformation and innovation, the PDPL marks a pivotal step in ensuring data privacy and security. This article explores the implications of this law for international businesses operating in or with Saudi Arabia, offering insights into compliance requirements, challenges, and opportunities.

The PDPL came into effect on 14 September 2023, and has been fully enforceable from 14 September 2024. The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) oversees the implementation of the law and has issued detailed guidelines and updated Implementing Regulations to support compliance efforts. These regulations clarify key rights of data subjects, such as the right to be informed about the purpose of data collection, the ability to access, correct, delete personal data, and revoke consent. They also address obligations for businesses, ensuring transparency and accountability in handling personal data.

The PDPL mirrors global standards such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) but incorporates unique local nuances. It applies to any entity—domestic or international—processing personal data related to individuals residing in Saudi Arabia. Key provisions focus on obtaining explicit consent for data processing, limiting data collection to what is strictly necessary for specified purposes, and restricting cross-border data transfers. Such transfers require regulatory approval to ensure adequate protection levels in the destination country. Non-compliance can result in significant fines and reputational damage, underscoring the importance of adherence.

International businesses must familiarise themselves with the nuances of the PDPL and its interplay with other Saudi laws. For instance, the PDPL’s cross-border data transfer restrictions may affect businesses reliant on global data networks. Organisations may need to establish local data centres or implement stringent localisation measures to comply with cross-border restrictions. This can incur significant costs, particularly for smaller firms. Companies already compliant with GDPR or other international standards may find the PDPL’s additional requirements, such as local approval for data transfers, demanding.

Adhering to the PDPL demonstrates a commitment to data protection, fostering trust among Saudi consumers and partners. This can enhance market positioning and brand loyalty. Implementing robust data governance practices under the PDPL can lead to operational efficiencies, better risk management, and improved decision-making. Compliance can pave the way for partnerships with Saudi entities that prioritise robust data security standards, opening doors to new business opportunities.

The impact of the PDPL varies across industries. Technology and e-commerce companies must ensure secure handling of sensitive customer data, including payment details and behavioural insights. Healthcare providers face heightened responsibilities for patient confidentiality due to the increasing digitisation of health records. Banks and financial institutions must align their practices with the PDPL while navigating cross-border data flows for transactions and analytics.

To navigate the complexities of the PDPL, international businesses should identify and map data flows involving Saudi residents to assess compliance gaps. Establishing policies and procedures addressing the PDPL’s requirements, including consent mechanisms, data security measures, and individual rights management, is essential. Staff training and awareness are critical in fostering a culture of accountability. Collaborating with local legal counsel and technical advisors ensures comprehensive compliance, particularly for complex areas like cross-border transfers. Staying informed about amendments and additional guidance from SDAIA is crucial to maintaining ongoing compliance.

The updated Implementing Regulations, effective from 14 September 2024, further emphasise the importance of individual rights. Data subjects now have explicit rights to access, correct, and delete their personal data, as well as revoke consent for processing. These regulations also provide clarity on obligations for organisations, enhancing transparency and accountability in their data-handling practices. For international businesses, these updates are an opportunity to align operations with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritises digital transformation and economic diversification.

The PDPL represents a paradigm shift in how data protection is perceived and enforced in Saudi Arabia. For international businesses, it is not merely a compliance obligation but an opportunity to align with the Kingdom’s broader goals. By proactively adapting to the PDPL’s requirements, businesses can secure their foothold in a dynamic and rapidly evolving market.

While the PDPL introduces challenges, it also sets the stage for a more secure and trustworthy digital economy. International businesses that embrace this change will not only mitigate risks but also unlock significant opportunities in one of the world’s most promising markets.