1. Scope of Policy Application

This policy applies to all public, non-protected open data produced or handled by Jouf University.

The provisions of this policy do not apply to the following exceptions:

• Data classified as Highly Confidential, Confidential, or Restricted, or data containing personal, security-related, or legally protected information in accordance with national laws, such as the Personal Data Protection Law.
• Data that may impact national security, international relations, or individual privacy.
• Data that is exclusively used within the university or requires legal authorization for disclosure.

2. Core Principles for Open Data

Principle 1: Data is by Default Accessible

This principle ensures that the university’s public data is made available to everyone through disclosure, accessibility, or usability—unless its nature requires non-disclosure, protection of privacy, or confidentiality.

Principle 2: Open Format and Machine Readability

• Data shall be made available in machine-readable formats—stored in commonly used file types (e.g., CSV, JSON, XML, RDF, XLS) to facilitate analysis and reuse.
• Publishing data in closed or non-standard formats is not permitted unless no suitable alternative is available.

Principle 3: Data Timeliness

• The latest version of open datasets shall be published regularly and made available to all once it becomes accessible.
• Aggregated data should be published as soon as possible after collection, especially when its value diminishes over time.
• Open data must be periodically updated according to a set schedule (semiannually or at least annually) to ensure its accuracy and reliability.

Principle 4: Comprehensiveness

• Open datasets should be as comprehensive as possible, reflecting recorded data in detail without violating the Personal Data Protection Policy.
• Datasets must include metadata that describes and explains the raw data, along with formulas or explanations on how the data was derived or calculated.
• When possible, data should be made available in both Arabic and English.

Principle 5: Non-Discrimination

Open datasets must be equally accessible to everyone without the need for registration.
Anyone should be able to access published open data at any time, without identity verification or justification for access.

Principle 6: Free Access

Open data must be made available free of charge, with no financial cost to users.

Principle 7: Open Data Licensing

Open data is subject to a license that defines the legal basis for its use, as well as the associated conditions, obligations, and restrictions. Use of the open data implies acceptance of the terms of the license.

Principle 8: Governance Model Development and Inclusive Engagement

• Open data enables broad access and participation, reinforcing the university’s transparency, accountability, and support for decision-making and service delivery.
• Encourages community engagement and innovation by providing communication channels for users to propose improvements to published data.
• Enables users to report data errors or request additional datasets via the open data platform.

Principle 9: Inclusive Development and Innovation

Jouf University is committed to actively promoting the reuse of open data, providing the necessary resources and expertise to support it. The university works to enhance integration among stakeholders—within and outside the university—to empower the next generation of open data innovators. It strives to engage individuals, institutions, and strategic partners in exploring the potential of open data and maximizing its impact to support knowledge and economic development, contributing to the establishment of an innovation- and knowledge-driven society.