Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism on 1 December 2025 called on all tourism service providers to register on the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)’s National Data Governance Platform, an official step aimed at reinforcing compliance with the Kingdom’s Personal Data Protection Law and its implementing regulations, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Context and Background
The directive, issued in cooperation with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)—the national body responsible for data policy, governance, and AI—aligns with Article (2) of the regulations governing the National Register of Controllers within the Kingdom. By establishing a unified national registry, SDAIA is strengthening oversight of how entities collect, process, and safeguard personal data, with the tourism sector identified as a priority due to its scale, diversity of services, and direct engagement with millions of visitors and residents.
The move builds on ongoing efforts to enhance regulatory clarity and operational readiness across Saudi Arabia’s service economy. The National Data Governance Platform is positioned as a central channel through which organizations can access guidance and tools to meet statutory obligations under the Personal Data Protection Law. This framework supports responsible data use, transparency, and accountability—principles that are increasingly critical for international travelers and investors.
Key Details
According to official information, the platform provides a suite of services tailored to help entities demonstrate and maintain compliance. These include a compliance self-assessment tool, notifications for personal data leaks, privacy impact assessments, and a channel for receiving and addressing complaints related to data processing activities. Together, these tools enable organizations to assess risks, document safeguards, and respond swiftly to incidents in line with SDAIA’s requirements.
The Ministry of Tourism emphasized that the call applies to the full spectrum of tourism providers, including hospitality facilities and travel and tourism services. This covers hotels and resorts, furnished accommodation, tour operators, destination management companies, travel agencies, and online booking platforms operating in the Kingdom. The ministry noted that registration is obligatory and that failure to register constitutes a violation subject to the provisions of Article (36) of the Personal Data Protection Law.
Implications and Impact
The registration drive underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to robust data governance at a time of accelerating tourism growth and digital adoption. For international visitors, consistent privacy standards and clear redress mechanisms reinforce trust in the Kingdom’s hospitality ecosystem—from reservation and payment processes to on-site guest services and loyalty programs. For operators, a unified registry and common compliance tools reduce ambiguity, streamline reporting, and help align internal policies with national requirements.
More broadly, the initiative supports a resilient, innovation-friendly environment. Standardized privacy impact assessments encourage privacy-by-design in new tourism technologies, while leak notification protocols enable timely coordination across providers and regulators. As travel businesses increasingly rely on data-driven services—from personalization and smart check-in to integrated mobility—strong governance helps safeguard individuals’ rights and enhances sector-wide cybersecurity. The coordinated approach between the Ministry of Tourism and SDAIA also signals continuity and predictability for global partners, investors, and technology providers assessing opportunities in the Kingdom.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The call to register on the National Data Governance Platform directly advances Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 priorities to build a world-class tourism destination supported by digital government and high-performance regulation. By embedding consistent data protection practices across hospitality and travel services, the Kingdom is strengthening consumer confidence, enabling secure service innovation, and reinforcing the competitiveness of its visitor economy. This step complements broader national efforts to foster a thriving digital infrastructure and position Saudi Arabia as a reliable, future-ready hub for international tourism and investment.