Open Data

Open Data Definition

Datasets of machine-readable public information that are freely available for individuals, public or private institutions to use and share without restrictions.

Objective

ODP aims to provide the public with open unprotected data. The open data is a subset of public information according to the classification levels described in the Data Classification Policy which is one of the policies issued by the National Data Management Office that is considered to be one of the basic legislative unit for the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence.

Key Principles for Open Data

1st Principle: Data should be made available by default

This principle ensures that the UNI's data is made available to the public through disclosure as well as enabling its access or utilization, unless the nature of the data calls for non-disclosure to protect its privacy and confidentiality.

2nd Principle: Making Open and Machine Readable Data

Data are made available in machine-readable form to be processed automatically, so that it could be saved in common file formats (such as CSV, XLS, JSON, or XML).

3rd Principle: Data Freshness

The latest version of Open Data Sets is published regularly and made available to the audience when it exits. Even the data collected by the UNI are also published as quickly as possible once they are collected; priority is given to data that become less valuable over time.

4th Principle: Inclusiveness

Open data sets shall be as comprehensive and detailed as possible and shall reflect recorded data in a manner that does not interfere with the protection policy of personal data. Moreover, the metadata that explain and explore primary/raw data must be included alongside with explanations or equations explaining how to extract or calculate such data.

5th Principle: Non-Discriminatory

Data sets must be made available to everyone without discrimination nor registration, thereby anyone can access open published data at any time without having to verify identity or justify the access.

6th Principle: Free of Charge

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

7th Principle: Open Data Licensing in the Kingdom

Open data are subject to a license that draws the systemic basis lines for the use of open data, as well as the conditions, obligations and restrictions placed on the user. As a result, the utilization of open data shall indicate the user's acceptance of the license terms.

8th Principle: Developing a Governance Model and Engagement of All

Open data enables access and engagement of all; that in turn promotes the UNI's inclusive transparency and accountability and supports decision-making and service delivery.

9th Principle: Comprehensive Development and Innovation

The UNI is supposed to play an active role in promoting the reuse of open data and providing the necessary supporting resources and expertise. Additionally, it shall work integratively with the concerned parties to empower the future generation of innovators in regard to the genre of open data, and to encourage all individuals, institutions and general public to be engaged in unlocking open data capabilities