Definitions

Open Data: A specific set of publicly available information – machine-readable – made available to the public free of charge and without restrictions, which any individual or public or private entity can use or share.

Goal

The purpose of the Open Data Policy is to make open data and information (unprotected) available to all beneficiaries. Open data is a subset of general information according to the classification levels shown in (Data Classification Policy). It is one of the policies issued by the National Data Management Office – Legislative Arm of the Saudi Data and AI Authority.

Open Data Principles

Principle 1: The original of available data ensures that university data is made available to all through disclosure, enabling access, or use unless its nature requires it not to be disclosed, or to protect its privacy or confidentiality.

The Second Principle: Open formats and machine-readability are provided in a machine-readable format that allows for automated processing – where it is saved in common file formats such as: (CSV, or XLS, or JSON, or .XML)

The Third Principle: Fresh data is regularly published with the latest versions of open datasets as soon as they are available. The university-collected data is also published as quickly as possible once collected, where possible, and priority is given to data that decreases in value over time.

Principle Four: Inclusivity must be open datasets encompass comprehensive and include as much detail as possible, and reflect the recorded data that does not conflict with data protection policies. It should also include descriptive data that clarifies and explains the original data, with explanations or equations that illustrate how the data is extracted or calculated.

Principle Five: Non-discrimination Must make datasets available to everyone without discrimination or the need for registration – anyone can access open published data at any time without the need for verification or justification for accessing it.

The Sixth Principle: Data must be made available to all freely without financial compensation.

Principle Seven: Open data licensing in the Kingdom is subject to licensing that defines the legal basis for the use of open data, as well as the conditions, obligations, and restrictions imposed on users. The use of open data constitutes acceptance of the terms of the license.

Principle Eight: Developing a governance model and engaging all parties enables open data to be accessible and shared by everyone, enhancing the transparency and accountability of the University and supporting decision-making and service delivery.

Principle Nine: Comprehensive Development and Innovation should play an effective role in promoting the reuse of open data and providing the necessary resources and expertise, and the University should work in an integrated manner with the relevant parties to enable the next generation of innovators in the field of open data and engage individuals, institutions and the public in unleashing the potential of open data.