Open Data Guidance

Open Data Guide
This guide aims to explain how to use open data through the various formats available on the Open Data Platform. It also introduces supporting software and provides guidance on using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
Riyadh Municipality is committed to providing open data in multiple and diverse formats to maximize its value and usability, in line with international best practices.
Open data should be provided in standardized, consistent, machine-readable, and non-proprietary formats, including, but not limited to, CSV, JSON, XML, and Excel. Dataset files must also be accompanied by relevant documentation describing the format and providing instructions on how the data can be used.
You can access the API User Guide through the following link.
Data Governance
Data produced, received, or processed by government and private entities is considered one of the most important national assets. It contributes to improving performance and productivity and facilitates the delivery of public services.
Accordingly, the Kingdom seeks to adopt international best practices in data management and governance, including the principles and standards of the Data Management Association (DAMA). These practices aim to maximize the value of data in strategic decision-making, future planning, and achieving the highest levels of accountability and transparency.
Countries around the world are also seeking to unlock the value of data as an economic resource that supports innovation, contributes to economic transformation, and strengthens national competitiveness.
At the national level, government entities collect and process vast amounts of data that can be used to support economic growth and position the Kingdom as a leader among data-driven economies.
Under Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is moving towards a new era that enhances the performance of government entities, increases their transparency and accountability, encourages economic diversification, and promotes the use of data-driven services. This will enable the Kingdom to play an effective role in a global economy built on trust and international partnerships.
In this context, the National Data Management Office, in its capacity as the national regulatory and reference authority for data management and governance, has developed a national data governance framework.
The framework establishes controls for data management, data governance, and personal data protection. It aims to strengthen data regulation by adopting effective international best practices for handling data across government entities.
Through these controls, the Office also seeks to coordinate and regulate initiatives and projects related to data management, data governance, and personal data protection within government entities.
Objectives of the National Data Governance Policies
1. Support and strengthen the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve Saudi Vision 2030 and other national strategies.
2. Promote a culture of data sharing and enhance integration among government entities.
3. Enable government entities to develop their policies, implement their plans, and conduct future foresight.
4. Protect data and preserve its privacy.
5. Strengthen the concept and practices of open data among public entities to encourage research and innovation and support economic growth.
Open Data Policy
Objective:
To regulate the mechanism for making available and publishing selected datasets produced by public entities that are not classified under any level of confidentiality, with the aim of encouraging research and innovation and supporting economic growth.
Scope:
All public, non-protected data produced by public entities, regardless of its format, source, or nature.
Open data is considered part of freedom of information.
Link: Open Data Policy
Core Principles of Open Data
1. Open by Default:
All data should be made available unless its nature requires that it not be disclosed.
2. Open Format and Machine Readability:
Data should be made available and published in machine-readable formats that allow it to be processed automatically.
3. Data Timeliness:
The latest versions of open datasets should be published regularly and made available to everyone. Priority should be given to data whose value decreases over time.
4. Comprehensiveness:
Open data should be comprehensive and include as much detail as possible, provided that this does not conflict with personal data protection principles.
5. Non-Discrimination:
Data should be available to everyone without discrimination and without requiring registration, identity verification, or justification for access.
6. Free of Charge:
Open data should be made available to everyone free of charge.
7. Inclusive Development and Innovation:
The reuse of open data should be promoted, the necessary resources should be provided, and the next generation of open-data innovators should be empowered. Everyone should also be involved in unlocking the potential of open data.
8. Governance Model Development and Stakeholder Participation:
Everyone should be enabled to access information, participate, support decision-making processes, and contribute to service delivery.
9. Open Data Licensing:
Open data is subject to a licence that defines the legal basis for its use, along with the conditions and restrictions imposed on users.

Identifying Data Suitable for Publication
There are three main steps for identifying data that can be published:
Step One: Identifying Public Data and Information
• Classify data in accordance with the approved policy and identify all data classified as “Public.”
• Identify the potential benefits and possible applications of each dataset.
Step Two: Assessing Value
• Examine the usefulness and value of the data.
• Ensure that the data is complete, accurate, and up to date.
• Assess its accessibility and the potential risks associated with publishing it.

Step Three: Identifying Potential Stakeholders
Identify the stakeholders who may benefit from the data, whether they are entities or individuals.
Stages of the Open Data Lifecycle
1. Planning: Develop the plan, assess the objectives, and prepare the necessary foundations.
2. Identification: Select the appropriate data for publication.
3. Publication: Publish open datasets on the National Open Data Platform using commonly used formats.
4. Updating: Ensure that the data is updated regularly.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Measure the extent to which the data is used and the value it provides to beneficiaries.
Roles and Responsibilities at the Municipality Level
1. Data Management Office
The Data Management Office is responsible for the strategic role related to open data within the Municipality.
Responsibilities
• Develop the strategic plan for open data.
• Oversee open data activities.
• Ensure compliance with the Open Data Policy.
• Coordinate with the relevant national office.
• Approve the Open Data Plan.
• Assign roles related to open data.
• Approve the annual open data report.

2. Data Access Officer
Responsibilities
• Plan open data activities.
• Collect open data requests.
• Promote education and awareness regarding open data.
• Develop the Open Data Programme and the roadmap for implementing it within the Municipality.
• Manage and monitor activities and procedures related to open data.
• Prepare reports on open data key performance indicators.
• Manage and update the open data inventory.
• Provide recommendations for improvement.
• Coordinate with Business Data Representatives and Business Data Specialists in different departments to receive their contributions to open data.
3. Business Data Representative
Responsibilities
• Review the Open Data Plan and ensure that the proposed data is suitable for publication.
• Determine open data priorities.
• Review and approve datasets.
• Ensure that the department contributes to publishing and continuously updating open data.
4. Business Data Specialist
Responsibilities
• Identify, monitor, and update open datasets.
• Prepare open datasets for publication.

Enhanced Guide to the Freedom of Information Process and Frequently Asked Questions
Process Name: Request for Access to Public Information
Objective
This process aims to receive, process, and respond to requests for access to public information.
Process for Preparing and Submitting a Request, Awaiting a Response, and Filing an Appeal
Creating a Request for Access to Public Information
A request may be submitted to access public information held by Riyadh Region Municipality. The request must include the applicant’s contact details, such as:
• National address
• Mobile number
• Email address
The request may be submitted through one of the following channels:
• In writing: By sending and delivering an official letter to the Municipality’s premises.
• Electronically: Through the Data Request service on the Municipality’s website or by emailing the Data Management Office at DMO@alriyadh.gov.sa.
Processing a Request for Access to Information
The request will be processed by the Data Management Office within a period not exceeding 30 days. One of the following decisions will be made:
Approval
If the request for access to or receipt of information is approved, either fully or partially, an electronic approval notice must be sent to the applicant, including details of the applicable fees.
The information must be made available to the applicant within a period not exceeding 10 business days from the date the payment is received.
Rejection
If the request for access to or receipt of information is rejected, an electronic rejection notice must be sent. The notice must include the following information:
• Whether the request was rejected fully or partially.
• The reason for the rejection, such as:
o The information is already available on the Riyadh Region Municipality website.
o The information does not fall within the Municipality’s jurisdiction.
o The information is protected.
o The information falls outside the scope of the policy.
• An explanation of the applicant’s right to appeal the decision and the procedure for submitting an appeal.
Extension
If the request cannot be processed within the specified period, the applicant will be notified that the response period has been extended for a duration proportionate to the volume and nature of the requested information.
The applicant must be provided with the following information:
• The expected date of completion and the reasons for the delay.
• The right to appeal the extension and the procedure for submitting the appeal.
Appealing the Rejection of a Request for Access to Information
The applicant may submit a written or electronic appeal to the Data Management Office within a period not exceeding 10 business days from the date the rejection notice is received.
The Appeals Committee at the Data Management Office will review the request, make the appropriate decision, and notify the applicant of any applicable review fees.
One of the following decisions will be made:
Approval of the Appeal
If the appeal is approved, and the request for access to or receipt of information is consequently approved either fully or partially, an electronic approval notice will be sent to the applicant.
The notice will include the applicable fees after deducting the appeal review fee. The information must be made available to the applicant within a period not exceeding 10 business days from the date the payment is received.
Rejection of the Appeal
If the appeal is rejected, an electronic rejection notice will be sent to the applicant, including the reasons for the decision.

Response Review Mechanism
Responses are delivered to beneficiaries through Riyadh Municipality’s Open Data Platform or via the Data Management Office’s email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Freedom of Information mean?
Freedom of Information refers to unprotected public information processed by Riyadh Region Municipality, regardless of its source, format, or nature. Open data falls within the category of public information.
The process of providing public information to individuals in return for a fee is referred to as Freedom of Information.
How can I submit a request for information?
Requests can be submitted electronically by completing the Data Request form available on the homepage under Request / Make Open Data Available.
What rights do individuals have regarding access to or receipt of public information?
• The right to access and obtain any unprotected information held by the Municipality.
• The right to know the reason for refusing access to or provision of the requested information.
• The right to appeal a decision rejecting a request to access or obtain the requested information.
How long does it take to receive a response to an information request?
If the Data Management Office at Riyadh Region Municipality approves the request within 30 business days, the applicant will be notified of the applicable fees.
The information must then be made available within a period not exceeding 10 business days from the date the payment is received.
Will applicants be notified if their request is rejected?
If a request to access or obtain information is rejected, the applicant will be notified electronically. The response will include the following:
• Whether the request has been rejected fully or partially.
• The reasons for the rejection, where possible.
• The applicant’s right to appeal the rejection and the procedure for submitting an appeal.
Can I appeal a rejection decision?
An individual who wishes to appeal the rejection of a request may submit a written or electronic appeal within a period not exceeding 10 business days from the date the public entity’s decision is received.
The Appeals Committee at the Data Management Office will review the request, make the appropriate decision, and notify the individual of the applicable review fee. The fee will be refunded if the Committee approves the request. The individual will also be notified of the appeal decision.