Qatar and Saudi Arabia further align digital and data partnerships

Most recently, the two Gulf States entered into an agreement establishing legal and procedural mechanisms for the secure exchange of personal data between each country’s competent authorities, with a focus on national security and law enforcement collaboration.

Although the agreement was initially signed in September 2024, it officially entered into force following Qatar’s issuance of Decree No. 30 of 2025 on 14 April 2025.

The framework emphasises compliance with each country’s data protection laws and introduces structured protocols for consent, breach notification, and data destruction. While the agreement is particularly relevant to travel and transport authorities, it also has broader implications for public trust in digital services and regional interoperability.

From a commercial perspective, the agreement may encourage more integrated digital services between Qatar and KSA, while also raising the bar for compliance. Entities operating in affected sectors will need to review their data handling practices, update cross-border data processing agreements, and ensure their cybersecurity and incident response plans meet the agreement’s requirements. It is expected that Qatar’s Ministry of Interior and other supervisory authorities will issue ongoing guidance.

This development builds on a separate memorandum of understanding signed in April 2024 between Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and KSA’s Digital Government Authority. That MOU laid the groundwork for collaboration on digital government initiatives, including knowledge-sharing, joint projects, and capacity building.

Together, these bilateral efforts reflect a growing alignment between Qatar and KSA on digital policy and governance. They are particularly relevant to public sector agencies undergoing digital transformation, as well as legal, compliance, and technology professionals advising on cross-border data initiatives. The agreements also signal potential opportunities for public-private partnerships in digital services and infrastructure.

By formalising cooperation in these areas, Qatar and KSA are positioning themselves to deliver scalable, secure, and interoperable digital solutions across the region.

Co-written by Mariam Salam of Pinsent Masons.