News

GASTAT President Fahad Aldossari opened the high-level workshop entitled “Big Data Policies”, organized by the International Monetary Fund in Riyadh on Monday, 19/01/2026. The workshop explored ways to leverage big data in support of macroeconomic statistics and enhance the quality of government decision-making.
The workshop aims to enhance high-level dialogue among senior officials from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on integrating big data with official statistics and developing regional cooperation in innovative solutions. It also seeks to build institutional capacities in the use of data sources to support economic and development planning, as well as decision-makers and policy-makers.
During his participation, Aldossari reviewed the Kingdom’s key achievements in the field of data and statistics, highlighting the National Strategy for Statistical Development and the General Population and Housing Census 2022, which received wide recognition at both regional and international levels. He also referred to the Kingdom’s progress in several international statistical indicators in accordance with approved international classifications, as well as GASTAT’s efforts to enhance the technical infrastructure, adopt advanced analytical tools, and expand the scope of local and international partnerships, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, affirming the role and importance of big data in developing national statistical systems.
Aldossari concluded his participation by referring to the Kingdom’s ongoing preparations to host the prominent global event, the 6th United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF), in November 2026, and the launch of the Road to Riyadh series of events. He highlighted the forums, seminars, workshops, and in-person and virtual dialogue sessions held during the past period and scheduled for the coming months, which aim to showcase the Kingdom’s readiness for hosting the forum, keep pace with rapidly evolving global developments in statistical work, and strengthen its strategic partnerships at both the regional and international levels. 
It is worth noting that GASTAT hosted members and representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) who participated in the workshop to brief them on the Kingdom’s latest statistical developments, including initiatives and programs implemented throughout 2025.
 

GASTAT President Fahad Aldossari received, at GASTAT headquarters, a delegation from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), headed by Ms. Lucinda Eggleton and Ms. Alison Bailey, as part of the British side’s annual visit program. During the meeting, both sides discussed aspects of cooperation in the statistical fields.
In the same context, Fahad Aldossari reviewed during the meeting GASTAT’s efforts in digital transformation and the development of statistical methodologies in line with the latest international best practices, as well as its main statistical products, the innovation mechanism in data collection and analysis, and the integration of data sources to support decision-makers efficiently and effectively.
The visit included a tour of the Innovation Lab and the Statistical Surveys Operations Center, during which the delegation was briefed on the latest technical initiatives, the mechanism for monitoring indicators, and the integrated management of statistical operations. Technical sessions were also held during which the joint work plan for 2026 was discussed, and the priorities of cooperation between the two sides were identified.
This visit comes within the framework of activating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two sides, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership, which contributes to enhancing statistical capacities, exchanging expertise, developing statistical work, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), in collaboration with the UN Statistics Division, PARIS21, and Open Data Watch, organized a virtual panel discussion on Commit to Data, with the participation of a distinguished group of international leaders and experts in statistics, data, and development.
The panel discussion was held as part of Road to Riyadh events, a preparatory pathway for the 6th UNWDF 2026, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia in November 2026. It aims to foster international partnerships, develop comprehensive and reliable data ecosystems, and translate commitments into sustainable development impact.
In his opening remarks, Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, emphasized that committing to data is a key pillar for strengthening statistical governance, integrating statistical data, and supporting decision-making, while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. He noted that hosting this panel discussion reflects GASTAT’s commitment to fostering multilateral collaboration in the data field and enhancing the role of statistics in addressing development challenges.
The panel discussion brought together Shantanu Mukherjee, Acting Director of the UN Statistics Division; Johannes Jütting, Executive Head of PARIS21; Shaida Badiee, Managing Director of Open Data Watch; Amelia Greaves, Senior Program Manager of the Equality Insights Program at the International Women’s Development Agency; Cyrus Darpoh, Senior Administrative Officer at the Ghana Statistical Service; Samuel Annim, Director of the African Centre for Statistics at the UN; Zehra Selçuk, Director General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC); Haitham Alghulaiga, Director General of International Partnerships at GASTAT; and Ian Rutherford from the UN Statistics Division.
Similarly, GASTAT showcased the strategic framework for Road to Riyadh events, highlighting the forums, seminars, workshops, and both in-person and virtual panel discussions held over the past period and planned for the coming months. These efforts aim to highlight Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host the Forum and demonstrate how its statistical work keeps pace with rapidly evolving global developments.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today released the Short-Term Business Statistics publication for November 2025. According to the publication’s findings, the Operating Revenue Index for short-term businesses in the Kingdom recorded a 5.0% increase in November 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. This increase is primarily attributed to growth in several key economic activities. Manufacturing recorded a 6.5% rise, while wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair activities grew by 9.5%. The construction sector also increased by 7.4%. In addition, financial and insurance activities, as well as information and communication activities, rose by 14.4% and 8.6%, respectively.
On the other hand, the Employee Compensation Index within the Short-Term Business Statistics recorded a year-on-year increase of 13.6%. This growth was driven by an 18.8% rise in manufacturing activities, a 4.7% increase in construction, and a 10.5% increase in wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair activities. In addition, mining and quarrying activities grew by 15.0%, while financial and insurance activities increased by 9.5%.
It is noteworthy that the Short-Term Business Statistics product is among the most prominent newly released economic statistical products issued by GASTAT. This product aims to measure the short-term performance of various economic sectors through monthly indicators that track developments and growth rates across different activities. The product covers all the economic activities of establishments operating within the business sector across Saudi Arabia.