New copyright rules and a compulsory licensing regime for Arabic translations create opportunities for AI developers in the Kingdom, but further guidance may be needed on scope and operation.
By Sy Damle, Brian A. Meenagh, Ksenia Koroleva, and Faisal Imam*
Link to Key Points: Key Points:
- AI developers relying on the training exception must satisfy detailed conditions governing data use, record-keeping, and commercial exploitation.
- The Regulations introduce a compulsory licensing regime for Arabic translations, potentially increasing the availability of lawfully translated content.
- Important questions remain about how several provisions will apply in practice, including in respect of AI models and generated outputs.
On 31 July 2026, Saudi Arabia published the Implementing Regulations of the Copyright Law in the official gazette (Umm Al-Qura). Issued under Royal Decree No. (M/169), the Regulations supplement the updated Copyright Law, which entered into force on 12 August 2026. Notably, they set out a detailed framework governing the use of copyrighted works in AI development in the Kingdom. The Regulations took effect upon publication.
The authors would like to thank Norah AlKhalaf and Sitah AlJoaid for their contribution to this Article.
* Admitted to practice in England and Wales only.