Live · primary-sourcedSaudi ArabiaLast verified 14 Aug 2026 ✓
Jurisdiction dossier
Saudi Arabia: AI regulation & deadlines
First statutory AI training exception in the GCC (in force 12 Aug 2026, per Art.61: 180 days from Official Gazette publication, Umm Al-Qura issue 5144 of 13 Feb 2026). Art.26(4) permits reproduction of an original work for AI product/algorithm development without author authorization or compensation, on three conditions: lawful publication, lawful acquisition of the original copy, and copying limited to the purpose. No restrictive AI obligations on deployers/providers. Implementing Regulation (Executive Regulation of the Copyright System) now published in Umm Al-Qura ahead of entry into force. 1 obligation tracked — 1 in force.
◆Binding — Binding sectoralFlagship law: Royal Decree No. M/169 — Copyright Law (AI Training Exemption Art.26)
First statutory AI training exception in the GCC (in force 12 Aug 2026, per Art.61: 180 days from Official Gazette publication, Umm Al-Qura issue 5144 of 13 Feb 2026). Art.26(4) permits reproduction of an original work for AI product/algorithm development without author authorization or compensation, on three conditions: lawful publication, lawful acquisition of the original copy, and copying limited to the purpose. No restrictive AI obligations on deployers/providers. Implementing Regulation (Executive Regulation of the Copyright System) now published in Umm Al-Qura ahead of entry into force.
Binds Developers of AI products and algorithms reproducing copyrighted works in Saudi Arabia (grants a statutory permission, conditioned on lawful publication of the work, lawful acquisition of the original copy, and copying limited to the purpose). Art.26(4) permits reproduction of an original work for developing AI products and algorithms without author authorization or compensation, subject to three statutory conditions: the work was lawfully published, the original copy was lawfully obtained, and copying stays within what the purpose requires. Legal permission, not a compliance obligation — relevant to enterprise data-sourcing strategy.
LEGAL PERMISSION — not a compliance obligation. Royal Decree No. M/169 (Copyright Law) Art.26(4) permits reproduction of an original work for AI product and algorithm development without author consent or compensation, on three statutory conditions (lawful publication; lawful acquisition of the original copy; copying limited to the purpose). IN FORCE since 12 Aug 2026. Art.61: the Law enters into force 180 days after publication in the Official Gazette (Umm Al-Qura issue 5144, 13 Feb 2026) = 12 Aug 2026. Art.60 Implementing Regulation (اللائحة التنفيذية لنظام حقوق المؤلف, 98 articles / 13 chapters) has now been published in Umm Al-Qura (https://www.uqn.gov.sa/decisions-and-regulations/4001498), ahead of the Law's 12 Aug 2026 entry into force, which has now occurred.
Stated maximum penalty — N/A — permissive exemption (no penalty attaches to a user acting within Art.26(4); the Law's general infringement ceiling is SAR 1,000,000 and/or 1 year, doubled on repeat offence)
When does Royal Decree No. M/169 — Copyright Law (AI Training Exemption Art.26) take effect in Saudi Arabia?
Royal Decree No. M/169 — Copyright Law (AI Training Exemption Art.26) is already in force, with obligations live since August 12, 2026. First statutory AI training exception in the GCC (in force 12 Aug 2026, per Art.61: 180 days from Official Gazette publication, Umm Al-Qura issue 5144 of 13 Feb 2026). Art.26(4) permits reproduction of an original work for AI product/algorithm development without author authorization or compensation, on three conditions: lawful publication, lawful acquisition of the original copy, and copying limited to the purpose. No restrictive AI obligations on deployers/providers. Implementing Regulation (Executive Regulation of the Copyright System) now published in Umm Al-Qura ahead of entry into force.
Who must comply with AI rules in Saudi Arabia?
Current obligations bind, among others, Developers of AI products and algorithms reproducing copyrighted works in Saudi Arabia (grants a statutory permission, conditioned on lawful publication of the work, lawful acquisition of the original copy, and copying limited to the purpose). Scope and thresholds vary per instrument — see each row's source for the legal text.
What are the penalties for AI non-compliance in Saudi Arabia?
Stated statutory maxima include: SA Copyright Law (Royal Decree M/169) — N/A — permissive exemption (no penalty attaches to a user acting within Art.26(4); the Law's general infringement ceiling is SAR 1,000,000 and/or 1 year, doubled on repeat offence). These are the maximum amounts in the instruments; actual enforcement is at the regulator's discretion.
Not legal advice. Each obligation links to its primary source and carries the date it was last checked; verify the legal text before relying on it.