Open Data Guidance

Introduction

This guide aims to clarify the use of open data in different formats provided by the Open Data Platform and introduce supporting software as well as the User Application Programming Interface (API). Riyadh Municipality has been keen to provide open data in a variety of formats to maximize the use of open data according to global best practices.

Below is an explanation of each format provided by the Opendata platform:

more details about the API Manual by clicking on Open Data API Guidance

The Updated Guide to the Freedom of Information Process and Frequently Asked Questions:

Process Name: Request for Access to Public Information

Objective: This process aims to receive, process, and respond to requests for access to public information.

Mechanism for preparing and submitting the request, waiting for the response, and appeal:

Creating a Request for Access to Public Information: 
Submit a request to access public information that belongs to Riyadh Municipality. The request must include the applicant's contact information such as (national address, mobile number, and email).

The requests shall be submitted through one of the following channels:

• In writing by delivering a letter at the Municipality's site.

• Electronically through Data Request Service on the Municipality's website or Data Management Office’s email (DMO@alriyadh.gov.sa).

Processing the Data Access Request: 
The Data Management Office processes the request within a period of no more than 30 days, taking one of the following decisions:

1. Approval: If the request for access is approved wholly or partially, the applicant shall be electronically notified about the applicable fees. The requested information shall be provided within no more than 10 business days of receiving the payment.

2. Rejection: If the information access request is rejected, the applicant shall be electronically notified, provided it includes the following information:

         - Setting whether the rejection is partial or complete, and reasons of rejection, (the information is available on the Municipality's website, not                  within the Municipality's jurisdiction, protected information, or outside policy scope).

       -  Clarifying the right to appeal and the means of exercising this right.

3. Extension: If the information access request cannot be processed on time, a notice of extending the response time that is convenient with the volume and nature of the requested information shall be sent, along with providing the applicant with the following information:

        - The expected date for finalizing the request and reasons for delay.

        - The right to appeal against the extension and the means of exercising this right.

Appealing Against Data Access Request Rejection: 
The applicant may submit a written or electronic notice of appeal to Data Management Office within no more than 10 business days of receiving the rejection notice. A Complaint Committee at the Data Management Office shall review the appeal and take the proper decision. The applicant shall be notified of the review fees and the Committee shall take on of the following decisions:

• Approving the Appeal: If the appeal is approved, and consequently approving the information access request or obtaining the information totally or partially, the approval shall be electronically sent along with the applicable fees after deducting the review fees. The information shall be made available to the individual within no more than 10 business days of receiving the payment.

• Rejection of the appeal: If the appeal is rejected, the applicant shall be electronically notified, including the reasons for rejection

Response Review Mechanism:

1. Responses shall be sent to the applicant via the Riyadh Municipality Open Data Platform or the Data Management Office email.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “Freedom of Information” mean? It is the non-protected public information processed by Riyadh Municipality, regardless of the source, form, or nature. Open data falls under public information. The process of providing public data to individuals against a fee is called "Freedom of Information."

2. How can I submit a request to obtain information? Requests are electronically submitted by filling in the "Data Request" form on the homepage under the heading "Open Data."

3. What are the rights of individuals to access or obtain public information?

4. The right to view and obtain any non-protected information available at the Municipality.

5. The right to know the reason of rejecting the access or obtaining the requested information.

6. The right to appeal against the decision of rejecting access or obtaining the requested information.

7. How long does it take to respond to an information request? If the Data Management Office approves the request within 30 business days, the applicant shall be notified about the applicable fees. The information shall be made available within 10 business days of receiving the payment.  

8. Would the applicant be notified in the event of rejecting his request? If the request to access or obtain information is rejected, the applicant shall be electronically notified and the response shall include the following information:

9. Whether the rejection is partial or total.

10. Reasons of rejection, if possible.

11. The right to appeal against the rejection and the means to exercise this right.

12. Can I Appeal against the Rejection Decision? If an individual desires to appeal against a rejection decision, he can submit a written or electronic appeal within no more than 10 business days of receiving the decision of the public entity. The Appeal Committee at the Data Management Office shall consider the appeal, take the appropriate decision, notify the individual with the review fees – to be refunded in the event the committee approved the request – and the appeal decision