The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, known as SDAIA, has opened registration for a Personal Data Protection Track within the Data Regulatory Sandbox.

The initiative is designed to help private-sector entities develop products and services involving personal data processing while testing their compliance with Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law and its Implementing Regulations.

Registration is being conducted through the National Data Governance Platform, allowing eligible companies to test their products and services under regulatory supervision. The initiative is intended to help businesses identify and address regulatory requirements at an early stage of product development rather than waiting until after a service has been fully launched. Registration will remain open for two months.

The track is aimed at licensed private entities operating in Saudi Arabia whose products or services involve the processing of personal data. Applicants must also be registered in the National Personal Data Protection Register through the National Data Governance Platform in order to qualify for participation.

The regulatory sandbox approach gives participating companies an opportunity to test innovative solutions while operating under regulatory oversight. This can help businesses better understand requirements related to the collection, processing and use of personal information while ensuring that the rights of data subjects remain protected.

The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to strengthen national data governance and support responsible innovation in artificial intelligence and digital services. By encouraging companies to consider privacy and compliance requirements from the earliest stages of development, the programme aims to support innovation without compromising personal data protection.

SDAIA has invited eligible private entities to take advantage of the registration period and submit their applications through the National Data Governance Platform. The initiative is expected to contribute to stronger data-protection practices among businesses and encourage the development of digital products that incorporate privacy, compliance and responsible data use as fundamental elements from the beginning.