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Today, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organized a panel discussion titled “International Statistical Standards and the Role of GCC Statistical Offices in Development and Implementation” as part of “Road to Riyadh”. The discussion coincided with the Kingdom hosting the 13th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The discussion was attended by the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari; CEO of the National Center for Statistics and Information in Oman, Dr. Khalifa Al-Barwani; CEO of the Information and eGovernment Authority in Bahrain, Mohammed Al-Qaed; Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center in the UAE, Hanan Ahli, and Director of the National Center for Statistics in Qatar, Ahmed Al-Obaidly. The dialogue was moderated by Intisar Wahaibi, Director General of GCC Statistical Centre.
 It is noteworthy that this discussion is part of the “Road to Riyadh” organized by the GASTAT, as part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th UNWDF in Riyadh in November 2026. It aims to promote knowledge exchange, highlight developments in the statistical sector at both regional and international levels, and showcase the Kingdom’s advancements in statistics as it keeps pace with rapidly evolving global trends.
 

13th meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work was held at the headquarters of GASTAT in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The meeting was attended by Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center in the UAE, Hanan Ahli ; CEO of the Information and eGovernment Authority in Bahrain, Mohammed Al-Qaed; President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari; CEO of the National Center for Statistics and Information in Oman, Dr. Khalifa Al-Barwani; Director of the National Center for Statistics in Qatar, Ahmed Al-Obaidly;  Director General of the Central Statistical Bureau in Kuwait, Wafaa Al-Yahya and Director General of GCC Statistical Centre, Intisar Al-Wahaibi.
For his part, the President of GASTAT welcomed, during the opening discussion, the heads of (GCC NSOs), expressing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the role played by the GCC-STAT in coordinating efforts and strengthening Gulf integration in the statistical domain. He emphasized the importance of unifying statistical efforts across the GCC and enhancing joint work mechanisms to keep pace with international developments. He also affirmed GASTAT’s commitment to continuing its collaboration with GCC statistical offices to achieve an integrated statistical system aligned with the development visions and programs of the GCC countries. He noted that statistical integration among GCC member states is a fundamental pillar for advancing economic and social development and in enhancing the region’s presence in international reports and indices.

The meeting discussed the most notable statistical developments shared among GCC countries and reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation and integration in various statistical domains in support of decision-makers and the requirements of sustainable development. The meeting also addressed the progress of implementing joint GCC statistical initiatives and projects, assessing accomplishments during the past period, in addition to discussing the strategic plan for joint GCC statistical work for the period 2026–2030.
The meeting concluded with the issuance of several recommendations aimed at strengthening the exchange of expertise and best practices among member states and advancing the statistical infrastructure across the GCC. The recommendations also called for expanding joint programs to build national capacities in the statistical field, thereby supporting continued development and achieving statistical integration at the GCC level.
These regular meetings form a key element of the GCC countries’ ongoing efforts to strengthen the framework of joint statistical work, improve its tools, support development strategies, elevate the region’s standing in the global statistical domain, and reinforce a long-term collaborative approach among national statistical offices.
 

Represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Saudi Arabia will host the 13th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh. It will bring together heads and directors of GCC statistical offices, GCC-STAT, as well as several experts and specialists in the statistics field.
This meeting is part of the ongoing GCC’s efforts to strengthen statistical cooperation and develop national systems in line with international standards. It serves as a key platform for discussing ways to harmonize statistical policies and exchange expertise among national offices, contributing to informed decision-making and the formulation of development policies.
Alongside the meeting, a panel discussion titled “International Statistical Standards and the Role of GCC Statistical Offices in Development and Implementation” will take place as part of “Road to Riyadh” organized by GASTAT in preparation for hosting the 6th UNWDF from November 9-12, 2026. They aim to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange among data and statistical transformation specialists at both regional and international levels, while showcasing the latest global practices and trends in this vital sector. These events also serve as a platform to highlight the Kingdom’s leadership in statistical work and its significant advancements in the field, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) results for Q3 of 2025. Real GDP grew by 4.8% compared with the same period in 2024. This increase is attributed to growth across all major economic activities, with oil activities rising by 8.3%, non-oil activities by 4.3%, and government activities by 1.4% year-on-year, according to the results. 
They also showed that seasonally adjusted real GDP grew by 1.4% compared with Q2 of 2025. Oil activities recorded a 3.3% increase, non-oil activities grew by 0.6%, and government activities expanded by 1.1% quarter-on-quarter.
It is worth noting that most economic activities achieved positive annual growth rates. Petroleum refining activities recorded the highest growth during Q3 2025, reaching 11.9% year-on-year and 3.9% quarter-on-quarter.