Purpose

This document serves as a guide to help individuals understand the process of requesting and accessing information from STA under the Freedom of Information (FOI) policy, in line within the FOI Policies and standards published by NDMO-SDAIA and STA’s commitment to transparency.

What Information Can Be Requested, and What Information is Excluded?

This policy applies to all requests for public information – unprotected – held by STA, regardless of source, format, or nature.

Certain information is excluded from this policy and cannot be accessed by individuals, including but not limited to:

  1. Information that, if disclosed, would harm national security, governmental policy, or the rights of the state.
  2. Military or security-related information.
  3. Documents obtained through agreements with other countries that are classified as protected.
  4. Information pertaining to inquiries, investigations, enforcement actions, or surveillance related to criminal activities or violations.
  5. Information that includes recommendations or consultations about pending legislation or government decisions.
  6. Commercial, financial, industrial, or economic information where disclosure could unfairly influence market behavior or result in financial harm.
  7. Scientific or technological research and intellectual property that, if disclosed, could infringe upon the rights of the creators or owners.
  8. Information related to competitive processes, such as bids or auctions, where disclosure would compromise fairness.
  9. Any confidential or personal data protected by law, or information requiring specific legal procedures to access.

Key Principles of Freedom of Information

STA is committed to the following principles regarding freedom of information:

  1. First Principle: Transparency
    Individuals have the right to access information related to the activities of public entities to foster transparency, integrity, and accountability.
  2. Second Principle: Accountability and Reasonable Justification
    Any limitations on access to protected information must be justified clearly, explicitly, and in accordance with legal standards.
  3. Third Principle: Public Information Disclosure
    Individuals have the right to access public information that is unprotected, without needing to demonstrate a particular interest or legal standing.
  4. Fourth Principle: Equality
    All requests for access to information will be treated fairly and equally, without discrimination.

Rights of Individuals to Access Public Information

  1. Individuals have the right to access public, unprotected information held by STA.
  2. Individuals have the right to be informed of the reason if their request for access to information is denied.
  3. Individuals have the right to appeal a decision to refuse access to information, with clear instructions on how to file an appeal.

This policy reflects STA’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and the responsible management of public information. Should you have any questions or wish to make a request, please contact us through dgo@sta.gov.sa.

Guidelines for requesting public information

What are the Steps and Procedures to Request Access to Public Information

Preparing Your Request

  1. Identify Required Information
    1- Clearly specify the information you need, such as document names, relevant timeframes or type of information.
    2- Review public resources and publications to ensure the information is not already available (on STA website or Open Data Page).
  1. Complete the FOI Request Form
    1- Use the official (Contact | Saudi Tourism Authority) provided by STA, in written and electronic formats.
    2- Select Data Sharing request from the form.
    3- Include accurate personal details (full name, contact information) and a detailed description of the requested information.
  2.  Attach Supporting Documents
    1- If necessary, attach identification documents or additional materials to verify your identity or provide context for your request.

Submitting Your Request

Submission Channels

Requests can be submitted via:

  1. STA’s official website (Contact | Saudi Tourism Authority).
  2. Email to the designated FOI team (dgo@sta.gov.sa)..

Response Timeframe and Clarifications

STA is committed to the following principles regarding freedom of information:

  1. Response Timeframe
    STA will respond within 30 business days, either accepting, rejecting, or requesting clarification.
  2. Request for Clarification
    If STA needs further details, you will be notified and given time to respond. The response timeline will be paused until clarification is received.
 

Reviewing Response Process
 

  1. Approved: The fees for processing requests to access or obtain public information will be determined based on factors such as the type of data, its volume, the effort required, and the time spent, in accordance with the Data Revenue Framework from the National Data Management Office. The requester will be notified of the fees, and upon payment, the information will be provided.
  2. Partial Approval or Referral: Information may be partially provided or referred to a different entity.
  3. Rejected: You will receive an explanation for the rejection and guidance on appeal rights.

Format of Delivery

Approved information will be delivered as digital files, or via direct access, based on your preference.

Appeals Process

 

  1. Grounds for Appeal
    1- Dissatisfaction with a response or a rejected request.
    2- Appeals must be filed within 30 business days.
  1. Submission
    Submit appeals to STA’s Data Governance Office electronically.

Contact Information

For further inquiries or support, please contact: Email: (dgo@sta.gov.sa).