Saudi Arabia — AI Regulations

12 MAR 2026 · Other

Saudi Arabia designates 2026 as year of AI

Riyadh, March 10, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global hub for data and artificial intelligence under Vision 2030, driven by the support of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). The momentum was underscored by the Cabinet's approval today to designate 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence in the Kingdom. Since its establishment in 2019, SDAIA has led the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence, which focuses on six pillars:

✓ ✓ OfficialCulturespa.gov.sa ↗

21 FEB 2026 · Other

Saudi Press Agency source on AI governance

Official source record dated 21 February 2026 for Saudi Arabia concerning Saudi Arabia joins Saudi Arabia Joins Global Partnership on AI. See the linked spa.gov.sa source for the authoritative text, procedural context, and implementation details.

✓ ✓ OfficialTrade & Investmentspa.gov.sa ↗

17 FEB 2026 · Law / Act

Saudi Data and AI Authority rules governing issuance of accreditation certificates for controllers and processors

SDAIA issued rules governing the issuance of Accreditation Certificates for Controllers and Processors, establishing a framework where an Accreditation Certificate serves as formal evidence of compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law.

✓ ✓ OfficialLicensing & Authorisationsdaia.gov.sa ↗

03 FEB 2026 · Other

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia deepen strategic cooperation with new deals

Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’ın Suudi Arabistan temaslarının ardından Türkiye ile Suudi Arabistan arasında ortak bildiri yayımlandı.

✓ ✓ OfficialTrade & Investment ·Defense & Securityiletisim.gov.tr ↗

30 JAN 2026 · National Strategy

SDAIA launches national data, AI curriculum

Primary source (arabnews.com) dated 30 January 2026 in SA. See linked source for full text.

National Strategyarabnews.com ↗

21 JAN 2026 · National Strategy

Saudi Communications Minister discusses expanding cooperation on AI policy and technological innovation with White House advisors

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha met with David Sacks, Senior Advisor to the White House on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Assets, during the Kingdom’s participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos. The meeting focused on advancing Saudi–U.S. cooperation in AI policy and technological innovation, in support of both countries’ ambitions to lead in advanced technologies. The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States in priority technology ar

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategymcit.gov.sa ↗

14 JAN 2026 · Other

Saudi minister, senior US official discuss expanding AI partnership

They reviewed ways to further enhance joint work on technology initiatives with economic impact, empower national talent, and support the technology-innovation

Generative AIzawya.com ↗

01 JAN 2026 · National Strategy

Saudi Arabia unveils world's largest government data centre in $2.7 billion digital push

Riyadh, January 02, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Arabia has joined the global race for massive data centers with the launch of the Hexagon Data Center in Riyadh, representing the world’s largest government data center, classified as Tier IV. The Hexagon Data Center aims to leverage advanced technologies to support the Kingdom’s developmental sectors, as data has become the primary driver of modern developmental change. These efforts are guided by the strategy of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) and Saudi Vision 2030, ensuring the Kingdom remains at the forefront of countries harnessing cutting-ed

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategyspa.gov.sa ↗

29 DEC 2025 · Other

Tahqaq link verification service

On 29 December 2025, the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) launched the Tahqaq service to enable individuals to verify the reliability of links before visiting them and to engage safely and proactively online. The NCA stated that the service allows the scanning of circulated links and helps reduce risks arising from suspicious links that may lead to unauthorised access to data. The Tahqaq service also provides cybersecurity guidance to users to reduce emerging cyber risks and strengthen ...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategynca.gov.sa ↗

28 DEC 2025 · Executive Order

Non-CNI Private Sector Entities Cybersecurity Controls (NCNICC - 1:2025)

On 28 December 2025, the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) adopted the Non-CNI Private Sector Entities Cybersecurity Controls (NCNICC – 1:2025). The controls apply to private sector entities that are not operators of critical national infrastructure and are used as a mandatory reference for cybersecurity compliance within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The document sets objectives, scope of work, applicability, implementation, compliance, and periodic update and review. It establishes mini...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategynca.gov.sa ↗

25 DEC 2025 · Executive Order

Data governance framework in General Rules for Secondary Use of Data

On 25 December 2025, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) adopted the General Rules for Secondary Use of Data. They establish a data governance framework across government and private entities, defining scope, objectives, and mechanisms governing data-sharing requests, including controls for data classification levels and confidentiality of government data. The rules set out procedures for submitting, assessing, approving, or rejecting data-sharing requests through the Data Marketplace pla...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategysdaia.gov.sa ↗

25 DEC 2025 · Executive Order

Data protection regulation in General Rules for Secondary Use of Data

On 25 December 2025, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) adopted the General Rules for Secondary Use of Data. They establish data protection regulations governing the secondary use of data for purposes other than those initially specified at the time of data collection. The general rules require compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law and its Implementing Regulations. They apply to data-sharing requests between government entities, from government entities to private entities for...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategysdaia.gov.sa ↗

25 DEC 2025 · Executive Order

National Cryptographic Standards (NCS-2:2025)

On 25 December 2025, the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) closed the public consultation the updated National Cryptographic Standards (NCS-2:2025). The National Cryptographic Standards (NCS-2:2025) define minimum cryptographic requirements for components such as cryptographic primitives, cryptographic schemes, commonly used cryptographic protocols, public key infrastructure, and key lifecycle management, differentiating between moderate and advanced levels of encryption. The Standards s...

National Strategynca.gov.sa ↗

15 DEC 2025 · Other

China and Saudi Arabia pledge deeper hi-tech cooperation

✓ ✓ OfficialGenerative AIfmprc.gov.cn ↗

19 NOV 2025 · Other

United States-Saudi Arabia strategic Artificial Intelligence partnership

On 19 November 2025, the United States Department of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed the strategic Artificial Intelligence (AI) partnership. The partnership is a government-to-government framework to support advanced semiconductor supply, AI application development, cloud and AI infrastructure services, and high-value technology investments across sectors, including health, education, energy, mining, and transport. The partnership introduces com...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategystate.gov ↗

19 NOV 2025 · Other

US approves sale of 70,000 AI chips to UAE and Saudi Arabia

Primary source (commerce.gov) dated 19 November 2025 in SA. See linked source for full text.

✓ ✓ OfficialCybersecurity ·Defense & National Securitycommerce.gov ↗

19 NOV 2025 · Other

US and Saudi Arabia sign strategic AI partnership

On the occasion of the signing by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and The Honorable Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mr. Marco Rubio, of the Strategic Artificial Intelligence (AI) Partnership between the two countries, His Highness and Secretary Rubio affirmed that the signing of the Strategic AI Partnership is a historic step that establishes a new milestone in the strategic relationship between the two countries. It reflects the firm commitment of both sides to advance innovation an

✓ ✓ OfficialLogistics & Infrastructurestate.gov ↗

01 NOV 2025 · Executive Order

SDAIA licensing rules for personal data processing, auditing, and certification issuance

On 11 January 2025, the Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) closes its consultation on a proposed regulatory framework to introduce licenses to conduct activities involving personal data processing, auditing, and certification issuance in Saudi Arabia. The framework specifies the requirements, procedures, and responsibilities for obtaining licenses to carry out these activities to ensure compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law.

National Strategyistitlaa.ncc.gov.sa ↗

18 OCT 2025 · Other

Saudi Arabia’s GO Telecom launches AI hub in Islamabad to boost digital cooperation

Primary source (arabnews.com) dated 18 October 2025 in SA. See linked source for full text.

Logistics & Infrastructurearabnews.com ↗

26 SEP 2025 · Other

South Korea and Saudi Arabia to expand cooperation in shipbuilding, automotive, AI industries

This photo shows Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaking at Saudi Arabia's national day celebration event held in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Generative AI ·Data Privacy & Protectionkoreatimes.co.kr ↗

20 SEP 2025 · Other

Somalia and Saudi Arabia agree to cooperate on AI and space technology regulation

Riyadh (HOL) — Somalia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to develop a framework for cooperation on regulating artificial intelligence (AI) and space technology.

Data Privacy & Protection ·Cybersecurityhiiraan.com ↗

31 AUG 2025 · Executive Order

Communications, Space and Technology Commission solutions under Regulatory Technologies (RegTech) Project

On 31 August 2025, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) announced the launch of five solutions under its Regulatory Technologies (RegTech) project at a side event held in conjunction with the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR25). The first solution, RegTrust, is a blockchain and artificial intelligence platform designed to connect stakeholders, strengthen the reliability of public messaging channels, cut unwanted messages by up to 95%, and increase compliance to 98%. T...

National Strategygsr25.sa ↗

03 AUG 2025 · Working Paper

SDAIA releases report on agentic AI and national applications

Primary source (sdaia.gov.sa) dated 3 August 2025 in SA. See linked source for full text.

✓ ✓ OfficialAgentic Ai ·Data Privacy & Protection ·Cybersecuritysdaia.gov.sa ↗

23 JUL 2025 · Executive Order

National Cybersecurity Authority cybersecurity risk management framework

On 23 July 2025, the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) released the National Cybersecurity Risk Management Framework. The framework applies to government bodies, government-affiliated entities, private sector organisations in critical infrastructure, and all other entities designated by the competent authority. It includes methods for identifying, assessing, and mitigating cyber risks while delineating responsibilities and procedures. The framework includes structured phases for risk ide...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategynca.gov.sa ↗

22 JUL 2025 · Other

Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority Artificial Intelligence Index

On 22 July 2025, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) launched the “National AI Index” to assess government readiness for adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The index is structured around three main pillars, seven core dimensions, and 23 subcategories to enable a comprehensive evaluation of institutional AI adoption maturity. It is designed to monitor progress, provide recommendations, and facilitate the alignment of government efforts with national pr...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategysdaia.gov.sa ↗

20 JUL 2025 · Other

Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority: technical sandbox for the national platform Tawakkalna

On 20 July 2025, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) launched the technical sandbox for the national platform Tawakkalna and commenced accepting applications from the first group of private sector companies. The sandbox enables companies to test digital services with real users in a secure technical environment, facilitating integration between public and private entities under a flexible and regulated framework. The initiative supports the expansion of Tawakkalna’s f...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategysdaia.gov.sa ↗

27 MAY 2025 · Executive Order

Data protection regulation in amendment to Implementing Regulation of Personal Data Protection Law

On 27 May 2025, the Saudi Arabian Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA) closes its consultation for a proposed amendment to the Implementing Regulation of the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). The amendments would revise controller obligations, modify definitions, and adjust procedural requirements. Changes would include the removal of the definitions for "direct marketing" and "personal data breach". Furthermore, the proposed amendments would introduce new requirements fo...

National Strategyistitlaa.ncc.gov.sa ↗

27 MAY 2025 · Executive Order

Business registration requirement for data controllers in amendment to Implementing Regulation of Personal Data Protection Law

On 27 May 2025, the Saudi Arabian Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA) closes its consultation for a proposed amendment to the Implementing Regulation of the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). In particular, the amendment would require controllers to register in the National Register of Controllers through the Competent Authority’s platform if they met certain conditions, such as being a public entity, primarily engaging in Personal Data processing, transferring data outsi...

National Strategyistitlaa.ncc.gov.sa ↗

14 MAY 2025 · Law / Act

Global AI Hub Law

On 14 May 2025, Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) closes the public consultation on the draft Global AI Hub Law. The draft law proposes a legislative framework intended to attract foreign investment in sovereign data centres and artificial intelligence (AI) services. It sets out three hosting regulation models, namely private, extended, and virtual centres, designed to accommodate foreign governments, international technology companies, and foreign investor...

National Strategyistitlaa.ncc.gov.sa ↗

13 MAY 2025 · Other

Saudi Arabia commits $600 billion investment in US, covering AI

STRENGTHENING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY: Today in Saudi Arabia, President Donald J. Trump announced Saudi Arabia’s $600-billion commitment to invest in the United States, building economic ties that will endure for generations to come. The first deals under the announcement strengthen our energy security, defense industry, technology leadership, and access to global infrastructure and critical minerals.

✓ ✓ OfficialDefense & National Securitywhitehouse.gov ↗

12 MAY 2025 · Other

Saudi Press Agency source on AI governance

Official source record dated 12 May 2025 for Saudi Arabia concerning Saudi Crown Prince launches new company to develop AI technologies. See the linked spa.gov.sa source for the authoritative text, procedural context, and implementation details.

✓ ✓ OfficialGenerative AIspa.gov.sa ↗

29 APR 2025 · International Agreement

BRICS+ sign declaration on AI governance

Declaração da Presidência da Reunião de Ministros das Relações Exteriores/Relações Internacionais dos Países Membros do BRICS [*]

✓ ✓ OfficialData Privacy & Protection ·Cybersecuritygov.br ↗

23 APR 2025 · Executive Order

Saudi Data and AI Authority General Rules for Secondary Use of Data

On 23 April 2025, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) closes its consultation for the General Rules for Secondary Use of Data. The rules would establish a framework to regulate data-sharing between government and private entities for purposes such as research, development, innovation, and achieving public interest objectives, where the use of data differs from the original collection purpose. The rules would set definitions, introduce principles for responsible data use, privacy protectio...

National Strategyistitlaa.ncc.gov.sa ↗

14 APR 2025 · Law / Act

Saudi Arabia Communications, Space, and Technology Commission opens consultation on draft Global AI Hub Law

Primary source (istitlaa.ncc.gov.sa) dated 14 April 2025 in SA. See linked source for full text.

✓ ✓ OfficialData Privacy & Protection ·Cybersecurityistitlaa.ncc.gov.sa ↗

08 MAR 2025 · Other

Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority inquiry into agentic AI

On 3 August 2025, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) released a report detailing the dimensions, technological developments, and applications of Agentic Artificial Intelligence (Agentic AI) at global and national levels. The report outlines its core capabilities, perception, reasoning, learning, action-taking, communication, and autonomous operation, and its integration in sectors including healthcare, education, and energy. The report examined the historical evoluti...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategysdaia.gov.sa ↗

25 FEB 2025 · Other

Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority risk assessment guideline for cross-border personal data transfers

In February 2025, the Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) published its "Risk Assessment Guideline for Transferring Personal Data Outside the Kingdom", providing a framework for entities to assess risks associated with disclosing personal data to foreign entities. The guideline outlines four phases: preparation, assessing negative impacts and potential risks of personal data processing, conducting a risk assessment for data transfer or disclosure, and identifying factors relate...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategysdaia.gov.sa ↗

18 DEC 2024 · Other

Saudi Arabia-Uzbekistan Digital Partnership Agreement

On 18 December 2024, the Ministers of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan signed a digital partnership agreement. The agreement aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of communications and modern technologies. It focuses on economic development through digital transformation, sharing knowledge and expertise in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, 5G and 6G technologies, cloud computing, data centers, and technical entrepreneurship....

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategymcit.gov.sa ↗

16 DEC 2024 · Other

Riyadh Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, Global Digital ID and Online Safety

On 16 December 2024, the Riyadh Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, Global Digital ID and Online Safety was adopted. The declaration delineates a global framework for the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI), digital identity (ID), and online safety. The declaration emphasises the role of AI in supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering innovation, and ensuring equitable access to digital opportunities. The declaration also addresses potential ri...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategymcit.gov.sa ↗

09 DEC 2024 · Other

SDAIA AI Adoption Framework

On 12 September 2024, the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) published the AI Adoption Framework. The framework provides a strategic roadmap for the integration of artificial intelligence across a range of sectors in Saudi Arabia, including critical steps and best practices. It outlines a number of steps, such as defining priorities, establishing an AI unit, and assessing readiness. The objective of AI units is to align AI projects with the organisational goals of the company in question, to e...

✓ ✓ OfficialNational Strategysdaia.gov.sa ↗

19 NOV 2024 · National Strategy

Saudi ICT minister highlights nation's leadership in AI during G20 Summit

Primary source (arabnews.com) dated 19 November 2024 in SA. See linked source for full text.

National Strategyarabnews.com ↗