Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL)

Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL): Overview for International Consulting Services

Introduced in 2022, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) is a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to govern the handling of personal data within the country. The law seeks to uphold individual privacy rights and ensure responsible data management practices across all sectors.

The PDPL applies to all organizations—public and private—that collect, process, or store personal data belonging to individuals residing in Saudi Arabia. It sets out clear guidelines regarding the rights of data subjects, responsibilities of data controllers and processors, and the mechanisms for regulatory enforcement.

Key objectives of the PDPL include:

Safeguarding the privacy and personal data of individuals in KSA.
Regulating how personal data is collected, processed, and stored.
Promoting transparency and accountability in data handling practices.
Strengthening the security and confidentiality of personal data.
Establishing a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee compliance and enforcement.

For international businesses and consulting firms operating in or engaging with clients in Saudi Arabia, understanding and aligning with the PDPL is essential to maintaining legal compliance and upholding best practices in data protection.

Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation of your organisation’s existing data management practices, followed by the implementation of targeted measures to ensure compliance with PDPL requirements. Leveraging our global expertise in data privacy and information security, we deliver customized solutions designed to meet the specific regulatory and operational needs of each client.

Our Methodology

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization's context, including its core business operations, data processing activities, and current data protection framework.

Conduct a thorough gap analysis to assess compliance with PDPL requirements, identifying both strengths and areas requiring improvement.

Develop a detailed remediation roadmap to address compliance gaps, including the formulation and consolidation of relevant policies and procedures.

Provide support in drafting essential documentation, such as data privacy policies, data processing agreements, and related governance materials.

Assist in the implementation of data protection measures by offering expert guidance and tailored training sessions for key personnel.

For detailed insights into the specific requirements of the PDPL, please consult the most recent version of the regulation issued by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).