To ensure the secure, efficient transmission and exchange of information electronically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has created a National Public Key Infrastructure, named the National Center for Digital Certification (NCDC). NCDC is created by an act of law and its mandate is stipulated in the Saudi Electronic Transactions Act. NCDC provides trust services to secure the exchange of information between key stakeholders. Participants include:
• Government
• Citizens
• Business

The NCDC operates as a closed business system model. It utilizes Digital Certificates issued by Certification Authorities (CAs) meeting rules established by the NCDC’s governing body the National Policy Authority (NPA). NCDC Digital Certificates support Authentication, Digital Signature, Encryption and non-repudiation services for access and processing of electronic information, documents and transactions.

The NCDC owns and operates the Root Certification Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Approved Certification Authorities (CAs) shall be issuers of NCDC Digital Certificates to Subscribers, Relying parties and Registration Authorities through CSPs. Together all of these components and participants form the “Saudi National PKI.”

A new service delivery model has been created whereby a shared National PKI Center has been created. The National Center for Digital Certification - Shared Services Center (NCDC-SSC) will host CAs and manage  operations for  CA’s joining the Saudi National PKI.