Regulationsby GlyphSaudi PDPL
In force Saudi Arabia · In force Sep 14, 2023 · no upcoming deadlines
Deadlines
One-year grace period endsGrace period for controllers to comply ends; PDPL fully enforceable.
PDPL in forcePDPL and its implementing regulations take effect.
Summaries for reference, not legal advice. Check the official text.
What it does
Saudi Arabia's comprehensive data protection law with implementing regulations and separate transfer regulations: legal bases, data subject rights, breach notification to SDAIA within 72 hours, DPO and registration requirements, and restrictions on transfers outside the Kingdom.
- Who it applies to
- Any processing of personal data of individuals in Saudi Arabia by entities inside or outside the Kingdom, including data of deceased persons.
- Penalties
- Disclosure/publication of sensitive data with intent to harm: up to 2 years' imprisonment and/or fine up to SAR 3 million; other violations: warning or fine up to SAR 5 million, which may be doubled for repeat violations.
- Enforced by
- Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) / National Data Management Office
- Official name
- Personal Data Protection Law (Royal Decree M/19 of 9/2/1443H, as amended by Royal Decree M/148 of 5/9/1444H)
- Citation
- Royal Decree M/19 (1443H); amended by Royal Decree M/148 (1444H)
- Topics
- Privacy, Data residency, Breach notification
Research notes
SDAIA consulted on amendments to the implementing regulations (closed 27 May 2025); adoption not verified.
Related
Bahrain PDPLBahrain's general data protection law. It sets lawful bases for processing, stricter rules for sensitive data, individual rights, transfer limits and registration duties, and creates the Personal Data Protection Authority. It carries both administrative and criminal penalties.In effect since Aug 1, 2019Egypt PDPLEgypt's data protection law covers personal data processed electronically. It sets consent and lawful processing rules, strict rules for sensitive data and cross-border transfers, and a licensing and permit system run by the Personal Data Protection Center. The Executive Regulations were only issued in November 2025, which starts a one-year window to comply.Next: Nov 2 One-year compliance window ends · in 6 days
Israel Privacy Protection Law Amendment 13Major overhaul of Israel's privacy law: broadens definitions (personal and highly sensitive information), narrows database registration, requires privacy protection officers for certain entities, and gives the Privacy Protection Authority powers to impose large administrative fines and orders, plus statutory damages.In effect since Aug 14, 2025
Kenya Data Protection ActKenya's GDPR-inspired data protection law establishing the ODPC, mandatory registration of data controllers and processors, data subject rights, 72-hour breach notification to the Commissioner, DPIAs, and conditions on cross-border transfers (with some data localisation for strategic public interest processing).In effect since Nov 25, 2019
Nigeria NDPANigeria's primary data protection statute, establishing the NDPC, lawful bases, data subject rights, 72-hour breach notification, and special duties for data controllers and processors of major importance (registration, DPO, compliance audits). The GAID 2025 supersedes the NDPR 2019 and its Implementation Framework with detailed rules on audits, DPIAs, transfers and more.In effect since Jun 12, 2023Rwanda DPP LawRwanda's data protection law, modelled on the GDPR. Controllers and processors must register with the supervisory authority, report breaches within 72 hours, and store personal data in Rwanda unless they hold a certificate allowing storage abroad. Cross-border transfers need authorisation or another listed ground.In effect since Oct 15, 2021
South Africa Cybercrimes ActCreates cybercrime offences such as unlawful access, interception, interference with data and systems, cyber fraud, extortion, and malicious communications including harmful intimate images. It also sets rules for search, seizure and cross-border cooperation. The duty for electronic communications service providers and financial institutions to report cybercrime (section 54) has not yet commenced.In effect since Dec 1, 2021South Africa POPIASouth Africa's comprehensive data protection law built on eight conditions for lawful processing, with Information Officer registration, security compromise notification to the Regulator and data subjects, and restrictions on direct marketing and cross-border transfers. Protects juristic persons as well as individuals.In effect since Jul 1, 2020
Questions about Saudi PDPL
- What are the Saudi PDPL compliance deadlines?
- Sep 14, 2023: PDPL in force. Sep 14, 2024: One-year grace period ends.
- When does Saudi PDPL take effect?
- Saudi PDPL took effect on Sep 14, 2023.
- Who does Saudi PDPL apply to?
- Any processing of personal data of individuals in Saudi Arabia by entities inside or outside the Kingdom, including data of deceased persons.
- What are the penalties under Saudi PDPL?
- Disclosure/publication of sensitive data with intent to harm: up to 2 years' imprisonment and/or fine up to SAR 3 million; other violations: warning or fine up to SAR 5 million, which may be doubled for repeat violations.