KSA PDPL » Saudi PDPL Article 43 – PDPL Enforcement Official Gazette

Saudi PDPL Article 43 – PDPL Enforcement Official Gazette

This article is verified from SDAIA
halaprivacy.com
Athif Mohammed
Published: November 10, 2025
Updated: January 11, 2026

Overview

Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (KSA PDPL) Article 43 establishes the formal enforcement date of the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). The Law becomes fully effective 720 days after publication in the Official Gazette. This transition period gives controllers and processors time to operationalize their compliance programs, update internal processes, and align governance structures with PDPL obligations.

Once the enforcement date arrives, all rights, duties, penalties, and oversight mechanisms under the PDPL apply without exception, marking the beginning of full legal accountability across the Kingdom.

SDAIA's Official PDPL Text

The text below reproduces official PDPL law, regulation, or guideline issued by the Saudi Data & AI Authority, verified against the original SDAIA source. No changes or reinterpretation applied.

Article 43

This Law shall come into force after (seven hundred and twenty) days commencing on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Plain-Language PDPL Explanation

The explanation below is provided to help you understand the SDAIA’s legal text and does not replace or override the official PDPL law, regulation, or guideline.

PDPL Enforcement Timeline Final

This provision confirms that the PDPL becomes legally enforceable exactly 720 days after it is published in the Official Gazette. Once this period ends, the Law applies fully to all entities processing personal data within the Kingdom or processing the data of individuals residing in Saudi Arabia.

This means every obligation, penalty, accountability mechanism, and compliance requirement under the PDPL is activated from that enforcement date onward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does Article 43 of the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (KSA PDPL) mainly deal with?

Article 43 explains when the PDPL and its regulations become effective by referencing their publication in the Official Gazette. It focuses on the enforcement timeline, not on compliance requirements themselves.

Does Article 43 say when companies must finish PDPL compliance?

No, it only explains when the law and its implementing instruments take effect. Corporate compliance deadlines come from separate regulations or official announcements.

Why does the PDPL depend on the Official Gazette for enforcement?

Publication in the Gazette confirms the law’s official activation. It ensures all organizations have a clear and consistent enforcement start point.

If a regulation is updated, does it also rely on the Official Gazette?

Yes, updates generally follow the same publication approach. Article 43 reinforces that effectiveness is tied to formal publication.

Does Article 43 give SDAIA authority to change the enforcement date?

The article does not state that. It simply ties the effectiveness to official publication, which follows standard government procedures.

How does Article 43 affect multinational companies operating in Saudi Arabia?

It provides clarity on when PDPL obligations begin applying to them. They must align compliance efforts with the published enforcement timeline.

Does Article 43 say anything about penalties if a company is not compliant by the enforcement date?

No, penalties are covered under other PDPL articles. Article 43 only sets the starting point for enforcement.

Is the Official Gazette the only way PDPL updates are finalized?

For legal effect, yes, publication is required. Other announcements may provide guidance, but the Gazette marks the official start.

If a company misses a regulatory update, is Article 43 relevant?

Indirectly yes, because it underscores that official publication is the authoritative source. Companies should monitor Gazette-issued updates to stay compliant.

Does Article 43 impact internal policy timelines for businesses?

In practice, yes, because organizations typically adjust their internal rollout timelines based on Gazette publication. But the article itself does not prescribe how businesses should implement changes.

Is there a common misconception about Article 43?

Many assume it sets compliance deadlines, but it only defines when the law becomes effective. Compliance timelines come from separate parts of the PDPL ecosystem.

Do small businesses or startups get different timelines under Article 43?

No, the enforcement start date applies to all entities equally. Any differentiated treatment would come from other regulatory provisions, not Article 43.