Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding film, gaming, and digital content sectors make it an increasingly significant rights market.

In January 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers approved a new Copyright Law, replacing the framework established under Royal Decree No. M/41 in 2003 and amended in 2018.

The reform is a direct expression of Vision 2030’s ambition to build creative and technology industries capable of attracting foreign investment and sustaining economic diversification. For publishing professionals with interests in the region, it warrants close attention.

What Has Changed

The law introduces four headline reforms. Neighbouring rights – protecting performers, sound recording producers, and broadcasters – receive clearer and more structured treatment, shoring up the economic foundations of content creation.

Enforcement mechanisms are significantly enhanced, with sharper investigative powers targeting digital infringement, including unauthorised reproduction and streaming.

Stiffer penalties accompany these tools, though the law maintains calibrated exceptions for research, education, and technological development.

Most consequentially for the industry, the law introduces targeted exceptions for AI development – permitting defined uses that support algorithm training while preserving rights holders’ interests.

The AI Question

This provision arrives in a context already shaped by regulatory activity. SAIP published guidelines in June 2025 clarifying that fully autonomous AI outputs – works generated without human creative intervention – do not qualify for copyright protection under Saudi law.

The new law now embeds these principles into statute.

The View From The Beach

The official text has not yet been published. Announced themes may be refined. Publishers and rights holders operating in Saudi Arabia – or licensing into the market – should treat this as a staging period: review existing licensing agreements, audit AI-related content uses, and monitor SAIP’s forthcoming guidance.

Why It Matters for Publishing

Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding film, gaming, and digital content sectors make it an increasingly significant rights market. A more robust and internationally aligned copyright framework reduces risk for cross-border licensing and co-publishing ventures. The direction is clear, even if the detail is not yet.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.