Saudi Arabia has strengthened its global digital governance role as the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) joined the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA), a leading international forum for privacy and data protection authorities.
The move marks a major milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to align its regulatory ecosystem with international best practices in data privacy and digital trust.
The Global Privacy Assembly is a prominent international platform that brings together privacy regulators and data protection authorities from across the globe to collaborate on emerging privacy challenges, develop policy frameworks, and shape standards governing the use of personal information in an increasingly data-driven world.
SDAIA’s accession gives Saudi Arabia a stronger voice in these global deliberations and reflects the Kingdom’s growing influence in the international governance of data and artificial intelligence.
SDAIA said that the membership reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to adopting robust personal data protection standards while enhancing cross-border cooperation on privacy regulation.
As the authority responsible for managing the Kingdom’s national data agenda, SDAIA also oversees implementation of Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), which has become the cornerstone of the country’s privacy framework.
Through GPA participation, SDAIA will now contribute directly to shaping international policy discussions on data protection, cybersecurity resilience, and ethical data governance.
The development comes during Saudi Arabia’s ‘Year of Artificial Intelligence 2026,’ a period in which the Kingdom is accelerating efforts to establish itself as a global leader in AI regulation and responsible innovation.
The GPA membership complements Saudi Vision 2030 goals by supporting the creation of a modern regulatory environment that balances technological advancement with the protection of individual rights.
Saudi Arabia has in recent years expanded its international engagement in emerging technology governance. SDAIA has become increasingly active in global AI and digital policy forums, reflecting Riyadh’s ambition to position itself as a rule-shaper in the future architecture of digital governance.
