Saudi Arabia: Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority closes consultation on draft Responsible Artificial Intelligence Policy including organisational requirement

On 3 May 2026, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) closes the consultation on the draft Responsible Artificial Intelligence Policy including organisational requirement. The draft Policy applies to all government bodies, the private sector, the non-profit sector, and individuals who develop, use, or publish applications or solutions based on AI technologies in Saudi Arabia. The draft Policy would require entities to establish internal governance structures for AI systems. Entities would be required to appoint one or more protection representatives to monitor systems and apply safety guardrails, designate an AI system evaluator responsible for compliance and periodic reviews, and establish an AI office responsible for monitoring compliance and reporting to the Authority. Entities would also be required to maintain documentation of the AI system lifecycle, implement training programmes for developers and employees, establish internal mechanisms to monitor and document operational incidents, and develop protection mechanisms for children against potential harms resulting from AI technologies.