Scope Identification & SAMA Applicability Check
We determine your business relationship with Saudi-based institutions and assess if SAMA applies to your operations.
SAMA Compliance
Ensuring Cybersecurity Alignment with the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority Framework
What It Is and Why It’s Important
The SAMA Cybersecurity Framework, introduced by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, is a comprehensive set of guidelines that ensures financial institutions in the Kingdom and surrounding GCC regions (including UAE-based cross-border firms) maintain a high level of cybersecurity maturity.
Although it is a Saudi standard, many UAE-based financial institutions, fintech providers, and investment firms that operate across the GCC or engage with Saudi banks are expected to align with or demonstrate understanding of SAMA standards. This includes banks, insurance companies, and even third-party service providers.
The framework enforces risk-based governance, secure operations, incident response preparedness, and vendor risk controls—essential pillars for maintaining operational resilience in high-risk sectors like finance.
Common Mistakes Organizations Make
- Assuming SAMA doesn’t apply to non-Saudi entities, despite cross-border service obligations
- Treating SAMA like a document checklist, rather than an operational framework
- Overlooking third-party/vendor risk controls as mandated by SAMA
- Failing to create a dedicated cybersecurity governance model
- Insufficient documentation and audit evidence during regulatory inspections
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How Intracyber Helps You Stay Compliant
At Intracyber, we understand both the letter and the spirit of the SAMA framework. Our approach ensures that even UAE-based organizations offering services to Saudi clients are well-prepared:
- We map your current cybersecurity posture against all 4 maturity levels defined by SAMA
- Provide a detailed roadmap to help close gaps and elevate maturity
- Help implement required security governance and controls, especially in high-impact areas like data classification, access control, and cyber incident response
- Guide you in designing a SAMA-aligned cyber governance function, board reporting structure, and risk management documentation
- Ensure readiness for audits and regulatory reviews from both local and GCC regulators
Our Approach & Methodology
Maturity Assessment
We assess your security controls across the 5 domains and 29 sub-domains of the SAMA framework.
Gap Analysis & Roadmap Development
Highlight non-compliance areas and create a prioritized action plan with defined ownership and timelines.
Control Implementation
Assist in implementing technical and administrative controls across infrastructure, applications, and vendors.
Governance Model Design
Create a board-level governance model, incident response protocols, and risk register tailored to SAMA expectations.
Training & Awareness
Deliver board and team-level training to ensure cultural alignment and operational awareness of the framework.
Audit Readiness
Prepare documentation, dashboards, and evidence portfolios for internal or regulator-led audits.
Real-World Relevance
A fintech client in Dubai servicing Saudi banks was flagged for not adhering to basic SAMA cybersecurity controls. Intracyber stepped in, mapped their environment, implemented missing policies, ran simulations, and ensured they passed a SAMA readiness review within 60 days—securing the client’s cross-border contract renewal.
Optional Extras: Tips, Stats, and Insights
- Tip: Start by aligning with the “Level 3” maturity level—it balances effort with a solid compliance foundation.
- Insight: The SAMA framework is now being adopted informally by non-financial firms in Saudi and the GCC for its robustness.
- Stat: Organizations that follow structured maturity models like SAMA reduce breach recovery costs by 35% on average (IBM Security Report, 2023).
Key Takeaways
SAMA compliance isn’t just about entering the Saudi market—it’s about building a mature cybersecurity ecosystem that can withstand financial, regulatory, and operational shocks. Intracyber empowers UAE and GCC businesses to embed security as a business enabler, not a blocker.