Links to official Saudi websites end with gov.sa

All links to official websites of government agencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia end with .gov.sa

Government websites use the HTTPS protocol for encryption and security.

Secure websites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia use the HTTPS protocol for encryption.

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20250519510

Freedom of Information Policy

Purpose of the Policy

The FOI Policy aims to establish a structured framework that guarantees individuals’ right to access or obtain public information related to CST’s activities, promotes the principles of transparency and the free exchange of information, and ensures CST’s compliance with the regulations and standards of national data management, governance, and personal data protection.


Scope of Application

This Policy applies to all requests for public (non-protected) information held by CST, regardless of its source, format, or nature.

The provisions of the FOI Policy do not apply to protected information, which includes the following categories:

  • Information whose disclosure could harm the national security, policies, interests, or rights of the State.
  • Military and security information.
  • Documents or information obtained by CST under an agreement with another country that are classified as Top Secret, Secret, or Restricted in accordance with applicable regulations.
  • Investigations, inquiries, enforcement actions, inspections, and surveillance activities related to any crime or violation.
  • Information containing recommendations, proposals, or consultations related to draft legislation or government decisions that have not yet been issued. This exclusion does not apply to public consultations.
  • Information of a commercial, industrial, financial, or economic nature, the disclosure of which could result in gaining an unlawful profit or avoiding a loss.
  • Scientific or technical research, as well as any rights involving intellectual property, if the disclosure of such information would infringe upon the associated moral rights.
  • Information related to tenders, bids, or competitions, where disclosure could compromise the fairness of competition.
  • Information, and any equivalent materials, that are classified as “Highly Confidential”, “Confidential”, “Restricted,” or “Personal,” in accordance with the relevant regulations, or that require following a specific legal procedure to access or obtain.
  • Information excluded under any national laws governing FOI.

Key Principles of the FOI Policy

The key principles of FOI define the core foundations it seeks to establish, including the following:

  1. Transparency: Each individual has the right to know information related to activities of public authorities to enhance a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
  2. Necessity and Proportionality: Any restriction on access to or obtainment of protected information received, produced, or handled by CST must be duly justified.
  3. In Principle, Information Is Open for Disclosure: Each individual has the right to view unprotected public information. The applicant may not need to have a certain quality or interest in this information to obtain it, nor will it expose the person to any legal accountability related to this right.
  4. Equality: All requests to view or obtain public information shall be addressed on the basis of equality and non-discrimination between individuals.

Rights of Individuals to Access or Obtain Public Information

  1. The right to access and obtain any (unprotected) public information held by CST.
  2. The right to be informed about the reason for denial of the request to access or obtain the required information by CST.
  3. The right to appeal any decision denying a request to access or obtain the required information by CST.

Main Steps for Accessing or Obtaining Information

Main requirements for requests to access or obtain public information:

  1. To obtain the approved Information Access Form, please contact: DMO@cst.gov.sa
  2. The request shall clearly indicate that it is for the purpose of accessing or obtaining public information.

Main Steps for Submitting a Request to Access or Obtain Public Information:

  • First: Requests are submitted by completing and sending an electronic form to CST.
  • Second: Upon receiving the request to access or obtain public information, CST shall take one of the following actions:
  1. Approval: If CST approves a request to access or obtain information in whole or in part.
  2. Denial: If CST denies a request to access or obtain information, a written or electronic decision of rejection shall be issued and shall include the following details:
    • Whether the request is denied in whole or in part;
    • The grounds for denial, if applicable;
    • A statement of the right to appeal such denial, and how to exercise this right.
  3. Extension: If CST is unable to process the request within the specified timeframe, it may reasonably extend the response period as per the size and nature of the requested information; CST shall thereafter provide the applicant with the following information:
    • Notice of extension and new date when the request is expected to be completed;
    • Grounds for delay;
    • A statement of the right to appeal such extension, and how to exercise this right.
  4. Notice: If the required information is available on CST’s website or falls outside its jurisdiction, CST shall notify the applicant, in writing or via electronic means, of the following information:
    • Type of notice (for example: the required data is available on CST’s website, or does not fall within its competence);
    • A statement of the right to appeal this notice and how to exercise this right.
  • Third: If the applicant wishes to appeal a decision of denial by CST, they may submit a written or electronic notice of appeal to CST’s office within a period not exceeding ten (10) business days from the date of receiving the decision of CST.