Overview
Risk Assessment Guideline for Transferring Personal Data Outside the Kingdom – Introduction provides practical direction to Controllers and other entities subject to the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) on how to assess and manage risks associated with cross-border personal data transfers. Issued by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), the guideline supports the lawful implementation of PDPL transfer provisions by explaining preparatory steps, evaluation criteria, and risk mitigation considerations when transferring or disclosing personal data outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It complements the PDPL, its Implementing Regulations, and the Regulation on Personal Data Transfer Outside the Kingdom by introducing a structured risk-based approach and a supporting assessment tool made available through the Competent Authority’s platform.
SDAIA's Official 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.
Introduction
Given the critical role of issuing guidelines in facilitating the application of the Personal Data Protection Law (the Law), this guideline is designed to assist entities subject to the Law and support the effective implementation of its provisions. The guideline is prepared by the Saudi Data & AI Authority ("Competent Authority") with the aim of explaining the practical steps to assess the risks of transferring or disclosing personal data to entities outside the Kingdom ("Conducting Risk Assessments for Data Transfer and Disclosure). The assessment identifies preparatory steps and concepts, focusing on key measures to evaluate potential risks and negative impacts associated with the processing of personal data.
The terms and phrases contained in this guideline shall have the meanings specified before each of them in the Personal Data Protection Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/19) dated 9/2/1443H, its amendments, and its Implementing Regulations.
Entities can utilize the supporting tool designed to assess the risks associated with personal data transfer. This tool is available on the platform of the Competent Authority and is intended to assist entities in completing this procedure.
Plain-Language 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.
Purpose of the Guideline
This guideline exists to support the effective application of the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) by translating legal transfer obligations into practical, operational steps. It helps entities understand how to evaluate risks before transferring or disclosing personal data outside the Kingdom, ensuring that transfer decisions are informed, documented, and aligned with PDPL requirements.
Issuing Authority and Regulatory Context
The guideline is issued by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in its role as the Competent Authority responsible for supervising PDPL implementation. It operates alongside the Law, its Implementing Regulations, and the Regulation on Personal Data Transfer Outside the Kingdom, and should be read as supporting guidance rather than a standalone legal instrument.
Scope of Risk Assessments
Preparatory Steps and Key Concepts
Evaluation of Risks and Impacts
Use of Defined Legal Terms
All terms and phrases used within the guideline carry the same meanings as those defined in the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and its Implementing Regulations. This ensures legal consistency and avoids reinterpretation or expansion beyond the statutory framework.
