Open Data

Open Government Data refers to data that anyone can freely access, use, reuse, and distribute without technical, financial, or legal restrictions, provided that the terms and conditions of the applicable Open Data License are observed.

Open data enables public access to and sharing of information, promotes transparency and accountability across public entities, supports informed decision-making, and enhances the delivery of public services.

Open Data Principles

Open by Default

This principle ensures that public sector data is made available to everyone through disclosure, access, or reuse unless there are legitimate reasons to restrict disclosure, such as protecting privacy, confidentiality, or other legally protected interests.

Open Format and Machine Readability

Data should be made available in machine-readable formats that enable automated processing. Common file formats include CSV, XLS, JSON, and XML.

Timeliness

The latest versions of open datasets should be published regularly and made available as soon as they become available. Public entities should release collected data as quickly as possible after collection, giving priority to data whose value decreases over time.

Comprehensiveness

Open datasets should be comprehensive and contain the highest possible level of detail while complying with personal data protection requirements. Metadata should also be provided to explain the data, including definitions, calculations, or methodologies used to derive or calculate the published information.

Non-Discrimination

Open datasets should be available to everyone without discrimination and without requiring registration. Any individual should be able to access published open data at any time without identity verification or providing justification for access.

Free of Charge

Open data should be made available to everyone free of charge.

Open Data License in the Kingdom

Open data is governed by an Open Data License that defines the legal basis for using open data, along with the applicable terms, obligations, and restrictions. Use of open data constitutes acceptance of the license terms.

Inclusive Development and Innovation

Public entities are expected to play an active role in promoting the reuse of open data by providing the necessary resources and expertise. They should collaborate with relevant stakeholders to empower the next generation of innovators in the field of open data and encourage individuals, organizations, and society as a whole to unlock the full potential of open data.

Open data enables public access to information, strengthens transparency and accountability in public entities, supports evidence-based decision-making, and contributes to improving public services.

Terms of Use

• Use the data only in accordance with the terms of the Open Data License .

• Include a copy of the dataset or any derived dataset, together with any related documentation where applicable.

• Preserve all copyright notices and dataset rights notices associated with the data.

• Do not use the data for political purposes, to support unlawful or criminal activities, in racist or discriminatory expressions, to negatively affect culture or equality, or to encourage any conduct that violates the laws, customs, or traditions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.