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To develop the statistical departments The coordination committee is holding its third meeting with 17 governmental entities The third meeting of the coordination committee was held on Wednesday 21/2/1440H corresponding 31/10/2018 at the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) head office to facilitate the exchange of data and information with various government agencies.  The official spokesman of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the coordination teams discussed several topics, including the program of developing the statistical departments which aims at establishing organizational rules and fundamentals to found statistical departments in the governmental entities. Furthermore, it aims to build an official statistical system and to make the statistics, information, and indicators basic parts of the governmental work to enhance the quality of statistical work in Saudi Arabia. The mechanism of classifying government statistical units was also discussed in the meeting. Moreover, the committee reviewed the statistical works carried out during the last period.  On the other hand, Almofarrej said that the coordination committee of the General Authority for Statistics includes a number of representatives including the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency , General Authority for Investment, Ministry of Health,  Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saudi Customs, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Ministry of Labor and Social Development, National Information Center, Ministry of Economy and Planning, and Saudi Post.  It is worth mentioning that the coordination committee was formed permanently to coordinate the statistical work between the General Authority for Statistics and related entities, in accordance with the Ministers Cabinet resolution number (11) dated 13/1/1437 H of the authority organization, which aimed at activating and organizing the statistical work through the establishment of a comprehensive, accurate and unified statistical system, in addition to the follow-up of its implementation. It also develops the plans and programs necessary for fulfilling statistical needs; in order to serve the developmental plans, scientific research, and other activities.

The index includes housing, commercial and agricultural sectors GASTAT: Real-Estate Prices Index Decreased During Q3, 2018 The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the report of Real Estate Price index for the third quarter, 2018 on the official website of the Authority www.stats.gov.sa       The real-estate price index has recorded a decline by (1.6%), compared to the previous quarter Q2 2018, where the indicator of the real estate price index reached (82.3) in the third quarter of 2018, compared to (83.6) in the second quarter of 2018. This decline can be attributed to the decrease in the main sectors composing the indicator: the housing sector (2.1%), the commercial sector (0.5%), and the agricultural sector (0.1%) compared to the second quarter of the current year. At the level of the housing sector, the third quarter of 2018 witnessed a decline in residential lands by (2.1%), compared to the previous quarter, where the villas, apartments and houses decreased by (1.4%), (2.0%), and (0.3%) respectively. On the other hand, residential buildings increased by (0.2%). Regarding the commercial sector, commercial plots decreased by (0.5%), compared to the previous quarter.  However, the agricultural sector witnessed a decrease by (0.1%) in agricultural lands. Additionally, the index is based on the data records about real-estate’s transactions available at the Ministry of Justice, and it is an important tool to support economic and statistical decision makers regarding the changes of property prices and future forecasts during different periods of time.  The index has three main sectors consisting of several types of real estate: housing sector which includes the following (plot of land, building, villa, apartment and house), commercial sector includes (plot of land, building, exhibition/ shop or commercial center), and the agricultural sector with only one category which is the agricultural land. It is worth mentioning that the real estate price index aims at finding accurate real estate statistical indicators that measure real estate market in Saudi Arabia according to universally recognized scientific norms and standards, and filling the gap of data in real estate sector. It is considered an essential tool to support entities which make economic decisions in this field, and to contribute to a development process in the real estate sector in order to achieve the vision of 2030.

During the Second UN World Data Forum Al Tekhaifi: Saudi Arabia seeks to be one of the first countries in the world to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through building statistical indicators and creating development policies The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) concluded its participation in the second United Nations Data Forum hosted by the United Arab Emirates from 22 - 24 October 2018, under the patronage of H.H. Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai. The forum was held with the participation of a group of leaders, decision-makers and more than 2500 experts and specialists in the field of data from more than 120 countries in the world. H.E. Dr Fahad Al Tekhaifi, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, congratulated the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority in the United Arab Emirates on the success of hosting this international statistical event. He praised the achievement of the session’s goals through the wide participation of the countries, organizations, government systems, and research and academic society. Al Tekhaifi stressed that the participation of GASTAT in the UN World Data Forum of 2018 – which is held for the first time in the Gulf region in Dubai – comes within GASTAT plan to benefit from the best international practices in the data field, communicate with the international organizations and strengthen the partnerships with them. In addition, the topics of the forum are one the important topics for all statistics systems especially in view of the transformation in the region from depending on gas and oil to an economy based on diversity for a sustainable development. The three-day forum discussed the exploitation of the information revolution for a sustainable development.   Moreover, the forum discussed improving the use of data and statistics to achieve change towards a better future for human societies in line with the Sustainable development goals 2030.  GASTAT president pointed that Saudi Arabia presented its first voluntary national report at the high-level political forum concerned with the sustainable development last July at the UN headquarters in New York despite it being voluntary, believing in the importance of pioneering in sustainable development for the national, regional and global transformation.  Saudi Arabia has made rapid progress in achieving the goals of sustainable development, which confirms the keenness of the leadership on this, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. Saudi Arabia as a member of the United Nations General Assembly seeks to be one of the first countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Since the adoption of the goals, Saudi Arabia developed work mechanisms to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals are aligned with the 2030 Saudi Vision as well as other national strategies and programs. Saudi Arabia developed a clear governance for the responsibilities and roles assigned to all relevant government sectors. GASTAT is considered the official body for building the indicators of sustainable development in Saudi Arabia. Al Tekhaifi explained through his participation in one of the forum sessions that Saudi Arabia dealt with the sustainable development as goals and indicators in an effective way through three parallel tracks (Legislative, coordination, and technical).  In the legislative track, a Royal Decree was issued assigning His Excellency the Minister of economy and Planning, the Chairman of the Board of Directors in GASTAT, to follow-up the profile of sustainable development goals beyond 2015. In addition, the Ministers cabinet approved the organization of GASTAT as the only official reference to implement the statistical work in all fields, as well as the entity responsible of producing statistical data and information at the national and international level. In the coordination track, a number of Statistics’ coordination committees have been formed with the participation of relevant government entities in different social, economic and environmental fields. In the technical track, GASTAT works with the participation of government entities on the national statistical data program “Masdar” which is a program that aims to to build a comprehensive national statistical database in which all statistical data from various internal and external sources are gathered to produce the categories, indicators and analyses needed by data users and analysts inside and outside the GASTAT to use it as a statistical reference to support decision making and the development of various development plans. It is worth mentioning that the UN World Data Forum is a global platform for official statistics, and a collaborative environment for research and development of this area, using working models of global task forces for a number of statistical projects, in partnership with technology companies, data providers and academia in order to invest the digital data as inputs in the production of a reliable statistics, and make it available to serve the community in various fields.

More than 10,000 Employees Provide Services in the Two Holy Mosques for the Guests of Allah GASTAT: More than 278 thousand prayers,107 thousand circumambulations of the Kaaba every hour and 42 scientific study and research to support the development On Saturday, 7th of Dhul Hijja 1439H. ,In the Hajj statistical calendar, GASTAT released the number of prayers and Kaaba circumambulations in the Holy Mosque of Makkah by hour. The number of prayers in the Holy Mosque of Makkah exceeded 278,000 in every hour, whereas the number of circumambulations of Kaaba exceeded 107,000 in every hour. In the Hajj season, these people are served by more than 10,000 employees from the General Presidency for Two Holy Mosques Affairs around the clock. The employees are supported by 54,501 machinery and equipment to provide cooled Zamzam water in locations near prayers, Hajj and Umrah performers inside the two holy mosques and the holy places. In addition, 2000 tons of Zamzam water is pumped in the Holy Mosque of Makkah, 300 tons in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on a daily basis. Moreover, the General Presidency for Two Holy Mosques Affairs prepares 25,000 (Zamzam thermoses), which are filled daily and around the clock to facilitate the prayers and pilgrims drinking process. Furthermore, the Presidency provides multiple types of carts for people with special needs for free. It provided more than 13,650 carts, including 700 electric carts. The various work teams in the presidency provide comfort for pilgrims to perform their tasks easily and supervises the performance of the imams (leaders in prayers) and Muazzins who call to prayers. 20 Muazzins call for prayers, and 10 imams lead prayers alternately. Their speeches are organized, recorded in tapes and CDs, and indexed. In addition, the work progress is monitored inside the organization and its units to ensure that the regulations and procedures are adopted in a comprehensive manner, and to contribute to the guidance and counselling as well as providing Tawaf services (circumambulations of Kaaba) for men and women, where there are more than 123 guides in the areas of the Holy Mosque. The Presidency takes care of the mosque areas, provide the Holy Quran, translate and transmit the meanings of the Holy Quran into the languages of: (English, French, Urdu and Malay), and work on the safety of the people visiting the mosque as well as the people who serves the visitors. In addition, it supervises the cleanliness of the two holy mosques and their care around the clock, guards the doors of the Two Holy mosques and organises its opening, follows up the manufacturing stages of the Kaaba covering by supervising the King Abdulaziz organization of Kaaba covering, contributes to the safety and comfort of the Holy Mosque visitors in cooperation with the security authorities and the departments working in the Holy Mosques. Moreover, the presidency monitors the crowded places and follows up the observations concerning the crowds in all sites of the Holy mosque. On the other hand, The Institute of Hajj and Umrah Research provides (42) research and scientific studies in order to develop an integrated and sustainable system for Hajj, Umrah and visiting. The institute tasks focus on conducting scientific studies and research that aims at facilitating the performance of rituals and providing better services to pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosque. This is done through studying the current conditions, collecting detailed data and information about various aspects of Hajj and Umrah and visiting, the needs and requirements of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors and the services and facilities provided to them, in order to obtain a clear picture of the prevailing situation, and then to develop its pros and overcome the disadvantages. The most prominent research and studies that the institute works on this year (1439H.) are: an analytical study for the periods of the procedural stages that the pilgrim faces since his/her arrival to the air-port until arriving to his/her residence, simulation of the Tawaaf System, demographic statistics on pilgrims and Hajj performers for the year 1439H., interactive touch screen technology in awareness and guidance during Hajj, the role of the public relations’ publications in health education for pilgrims of different nationalities, The role of the Saudi embassies in educating guests in the Holy Mosque for the year 1439H, evaluating the health environment of the prayers in the Holy Mosque (1439H), various means of transportation between the holy, the monitoring of the religious guidance locations in the Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque and its role in the religious awareness of the Umrah pilgrims, the media inspection of the awareness publications provided to the pilgrims and its impact on their religious and behavioural awareness, and the role of embassies in raising the awareness of the guests with the lawful behaviours. The Hajj statistical Calendar (1439H), issued by GASTAT, contains details of these statistics, according to the entities, and can be found on its official website www.stats.gov.sa

With total operating revenues of 162 billion SAR GASTAT Releases the Results of the Finance and Insurance Survey 2017 The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of " Finance and Insurance Survey (2017) " , which conducted annually by the Authority, on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . This survey is an important source for presenting and analyzing the economic data of finance and insurance establishments, such as employees, compensations paid to them, other expenses, revenues and capital formations. The survey results showed that the number of establishments engaged in the finance and insurance activity increased by 1.14% in 2017, compared to the previous year 2016.  However, the total number of establishments engaged in the finance and insurance activities amounted to 6,664 establishments distributed among 14 sub-activities. The sub-activities include banking and holding companies, financial leasing, other loan- granting forms, insurance, financial market management, securities contracts, insurance agents and brokers, money management as well as other activities. Furthermore, finance and insurance survey results revealed that the total number of employees in this sector reached 113,728 employees, where 82,308 of them are Saudi employees and 31,420 are Non-Saudi employees. Therefore, the number of Saudi employees in finance and insurance establishments increased by 3.32% during 2017 compared to the previous year 2016. According to the finance and insurance survey results, the total amount paid to finance and insurance establishment's employees for wages, benefits and allowances made up 22 billion and 920 million SAR during 2017. Additionally, the results of the survey indicated that the operating revenues of the establishments engaged in the finance and insurance activity increased during 2017 by 10.3%, compared to the last year 2016.  It should be noted that the total number of revenues reached about 162 billion SAR, while the total number of operating expenses of these establishments was approximately 47 billion and 312 million SAR in the year of 2017. The finance and insurance survey was conducted based on an evident methodology according to the international standards. The methodology is to study the establishments that carry out their main operations in finance and insurance field in private and public sectors. It is worth mentioning that the finance and insurance survey is important in providing detailed data on finance and insurance activity at the level of Saudi Arabia. These data contribute to measuring the participation of this activity in the economic development process, in addition to providing the basic data necessary for preparing and composing national accounts.

The Advisor of the Custodian of the Two Holly Mosques Honors GASTAT as One of the Success Partners The Advisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince of Makkah Region, Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has honored the General Authority for Statistic (GASTAT) as one of the (success partners) for the Hajj campaign " Pilgrimage is Cult and Civilizational Behavior 11", under the slogan " Hajj is a message of peace "headed by, Mr. Fahd Al-Fuhaid GASTAT deputy of operations and methodologies.  This was during the inauguration of His Highness the Hajj campaign in Jeddah Emirate, with the participation of 30 entities representing the public and private sectors. Additionally, the Hajj campaign "Pilgrimage is Cult and Civilizational Behavior 11" works on the implementation of its plan in the current season in order to provide peace among pilgrims through four stages. It is worth mentioning that GASTA works during Hajj Season on the enumeration process of pilgrims coming from inside Saudi Arabia through many statistical centers located over Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah ports, in order to provide statistical data that contribute in supporting decision and policy makers to support development plans.

More than 130 statistical products to support studies and research in the academic sector GASTAT concludes its awareness week in Al-Jawf region The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) stated that more than 130 statistical products are available for university students, faculty members, and researchers in the economic, social, environmental, cultural, humanitarian, demographic, and agricultural fields. These products will be available on GASTAT official website www.stats.gov.sa with open access, so that they may support the research activity in the Saudi academic sector.   During a lecture that was held on Thursday, Muharram 24, 1440H in Al-Jawf university, GASTAT spokesman, Taiseer Almofarrej said that GASTAT gave researchers, university students, and faculty members an attention by considering them clients who receive services for the purpose of supporting academic activity, as this activity is considered an important component of the statistical sector.  Almofarrej added, the university student has a significant role in raising awareness and interacting positively with statistics which represents the main concern of researchers and academics. Furthermore, the university student can disseminate knowledge among households and society in general, especially when speaking about his/her role in supporting statistical works that target households, as providing accurate and comprehensive data by the household head is an important step of the statistical process that supports developmental plans and programs.   Meeting the university students and faculty members was the last event in the awareness week of GASTAT in Al-Jawf region which was held during the period 20-24 Muharram, 1440H (30 September- 4 October 2018).  It is worth mentioning that this awareness week is one of the many statistical awareness programs that GASTAT conducts to raise awareness among all society classes. However, during this week, Al-Jawf university hosted the event of (We share you your academic journey) which targets university students, faculty members, and all university staff. This event presents GASTAT statistical products and services, and explains how to use them to conduct academic studies and research.  On the other hand, more than 560 students representing 70 elementary and intermediate schools visited the “Smart statistician” exhibition which was held in Skaka. The exhibition was organized by GASTAT in cooperation with the General Administration of Education in Al-Jawf region. It aims at clarifying the role of statistics in the life of students, in addition to explaining the statistical concepts and raising the level of students’ awareness. Moreover, it presents the statistical process steps and stages in a simple and scientific way, and enhances the student’s realization of the statistician role. However, the exhibition demonstrates the impact of data accuracy (data provided by the household head) on development, as the student is considered an effective method in raising households’ awareness. The awareness week also included an interactive lecture that was held in Domat Al-Jandal governorate and attended by more than 200 students from different schools.  It is noteworthy that GASTAT, in cooperation with different departments of education, works hardly to educate students with the impact of statistics on development, in addition to the impact of student- either school students or university students- on raising his/her household awareness to provide GASTAT with required data and information over the year.

Targeting 190,000 households and 40,000 Establishments GASTAT Conducts 9 Field Surveys that Continue Until the Beginning Of  Rabi’ Al-Thani 1440H. The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) called upon all citizens and residents, as individuals or in corporations, to cooperate with the statisticians working in the field in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who their statistical work will continue until the beginning of Rabi’ Al-Thani 1440H. GASTAT asserted that all information and data will be treated as an information basis which is reliable and can be used by development decision-makers in all relevant government entities that will serve the interest of citizens and residents. GASTAT spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej said that about 3437 statisticians are conducting 9 social and economic field surveys during this period and until the beginning of Rabi’ Al-Thani 1440H.  These surveys target about 190,000 households and 40,000 establishments in all (13) administrative regions, including cities and governorate. The results of these surveys are one of the most important pillars when taking decisions that are relevant. The households will be visited in the areas designated to conduct the Household Heath Survey, Food and Drugs Survey, Non-profit Sector Survey (Household), Labor Force Survey, Umrah Survey, estimate of Makkah pilgrims survey, Household Culture and Entertainment Survey, Use of Time Survey and household Economic Survey.    He added that the Household Health Survey for the fourth quarter of 2018 aims to provide data to help health planners to develop, update and follow up the implementation of some health policies and strategies. In addition, it provides data enabling decision makers and health policy makers to conduct regional and international comparisons to develop the health field in Saudi Arabia to Standards, as well as creating a database that can be used as a reliable basis in providing local, regional and international organizations with health information and indicators. Furthermore, it provides accurate data to help monitor the implementation of and assess the impact of certain health programs, such as, programs related to chronic diseases, lifestyles and child mortality, as well as provide accurate data that help identify the disadvantaged groups, and thus contribute to targeting these categories with relevant strategic health initiatives and programs.   In the field of economic statistical surveys, the official spokesman of GASTAT said that the surveys will be conducted on the non-profit sector (households and establishments) in order to identify the size of this sector in reality and its contribution to the Saudi National Product. In addition, it measures the contribution of the community members in volunteer work, and aims at measuring the perceptions of the community members for the role of voluntary organizations and their final outputs in supporting development plans, and supporting decision makers and planners in the process of maximizing the outputs of the non-profit activity helping in achieving the Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision seeking to increase the contribution of the charitable sector to the GDP and to increase the number of volunteers. The Food and Drug Survey aims at identifying data on the quality of medicines in houses, in addition to providing data on the storage and disposal of medicines, as well as the extraction of health indicators of the drugs to meet the local, regional and international requirements in this field. All these field surveys aims at providing accurate and detailed data that helps to know the growth rates of the economic and social activities in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Almofarrej clarified that the general statistics system issued by the ministers’ cabinet, states that all data and information provided by any citizen, resident, or establishment are kept and dealt with confidentiality. He added that the people’s cooperation with statisticians would guarantee the success of these works, and using them in supporting economic and social development accordingly.  It is worth mentioning that GASTAT carries out a large number of field surveys throughout the year, following the international standards adopted in the selection of the sample for these statistical works. It is required that the sample is representative of the society studied and include its characteristics, so that the results are circulated as official statistics. GASTAT immediately publish the surveys after the completion through its official website www.stats.gov.sa

Based on the second-quarter National Account Indicators Report 2018 GASTAT: GDP rose by 17.76% at current prices     On Sunday 20 Muhrim 1440H / 30 September 2018, GASTAT released National Accounts Indicators Report for the 2nd quarter of 2018 on its official website www.stats.gov.sa The report showed an increase of 17.76% in Saudi Arabia’s GDP at current prices during the 2nd quarter of 2018 compared with the same period last year. The contribution of oil sector to GDP soared to 44.02% at current prices and 1.33% at constant prices compared with the same period in 2017. Government sector’s contribution to GDP at current prices hit 18.01% and 4.01% at constant prices compared with the second quarter of 2017.  During the second quarter of 2018, private sector recorded an increase of 3.95% at current prices and 1.79% at constant prices, report added. National Accounts Indicators Bulletin is issued by GASTAT on a quarterly basis and includes tables of GDP by economic activities and regulatory sectors at current and constant prices as well as the contribution of the regulatory sectors and the economic activities, government consumption expenditure, private consumption expenditure, capital formation, exports and imports.

To prepare 189 health indicators and to establish a national monitor for health indicators Collaboration between Ministry of Health, GASTAT, and Saudi Health Council to Provide Health Database for Development Support With the aim of improving health indicators, Ministry of Health, GASTAT, and Saudi Health Council are working together to provide 189 health indicators through field and register-based statistical works, supporting the establishment of the national monitor for health indicators, preparing and publishing statistical health reports, meeting  international, regional and local requirements of health indicators specially those related to World Health Organization (WHO) or to the Sustainable Development Indicators. More importantly, providing a health database that can be used by policy and decision makers and can also support researchers and those who are interested in the social field in general and in health in particular. In addition, official spokesman of GASTAT, Tayseer AL-Moferraj, clarified that the integrated work between the three entities comes from the joint responsibility for health data and information in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, GASTAT is the official statistical entity and regulator responsible for statistical works at the national level. Also, it is responsible for collecting data and information from the administrative records available at public entities and private establishments. Not to mention its responsibility in classifying and analyzing data as well as extracting its indicators. Moreover, GASTAT found a complete and a comprehensive combination of national statistical database of various fields in addition to centralized information system that is automatically linked with all public entities. On the other hand, Ministry of Health is the responsible entity for providing, assessing and evaluating health care services in Saudi Arabia. It also collects vital and health data about health activities, prepares related reports and makes, conducts and analyzes studies and scientific researches. At the same time, Saudi Health Council is in charge with studying and evaluating the level of health services. It is also concerned with establishing the national monitor for health, identifying the requirements of health sector, taking the necessary recommendations about distributing all types of health services in Saudi Arabia as well as improving the quality of health services.  AL-Moferraj added that the joint work which started with a number of meetings for the technical teams from the three entities has included cooperation, coordination, and provision of statistical and technical support to improve the national monitor for health, exchange data and health indicators that serve the production of national statistics and statistical database by linking the related entities through the Global Safety Network (GSN). Additionally, the joint work will also support the requirements of statistical field works as well as provide and improve data and statistical indicators given by the related entities and set for the statistical data program “Masdar”.  On the other hand, Tayseer AL-Moferraj clarified that the 189 health indicators that are going to be prepared and produced will contain new indicators as well, all of which are within Saudi Arabia’s commitment to publish health indicators related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), such as: adults between (15-60 years old) mortality rate, under-five children mortality rate, infants mortality rate, newborn mortality rate, tuberculosis mortality rate, total fertility rate, new cases of vaccine-targeted diseases, cancer incidence rate, rate of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, prevalence of anemia among children, pollution level in cities, prevalence of hypertension among adults (18 years and above), diabetes among adults (18 years and above),  salt intake for adults (18 years and above), lack of physical activity among adults (18 years and above) ( including teenagers), request for health care due to pneumonia, the coverage rate for each vaccine included in the nationally approved immunization schedule, easy access to health service (which means the percentage of individuals who live 5 Km away from a health facility), total expenditure on health (as a percent) of GDP, and other indicators that can be utilized for health planning.  It is worth mentioning that GASTAT has released the report of Household Health Survey 2017 results last July. It includs more than 85 indicators of health and social phenomena as well as household health in Saudi Arabia; in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. The above-mentioned report which was published on GASTAT website contains a number of indicators related to the health status in Saudi Arabia in addition to childhood and motherhood indicators and other indicators about the community’s healthy lifestyle. The report also includes data about smoking phenomena, accidents injuries, studies related to marriage, family planning, fertility and children mortality.

in order to transfer international practices and benefit from statistical experiences Saudi Arabia and South Korea sign a joint work agreement to develop statistical work in both countries On Thursday Muharram 3, 1440-H, corresponding to September 13, 2018, in the Saudi capital Riyadh,  the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in  Saudi Arabia and Korea's statistics in the Republic of South Korea signed a joint work agreement related to the development of statistical aspects in order to activate the memorandum of understanding between the two countries for cooperation in the field of statistics that took place in the  Korean capital “Seoul” last year and adopted by the Council of Ministers on 25/08 / 1439H corresponding to 10/5/2018.  Additionally, the agreement was signed by the President of GASTAT Dr. Fahad S. Altekhaifi from the Saudi side , and by the official commissioner deputy of the Korean statistics  , Mr.Sungwook Choi from the Korean side. GASTAT official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that under these agreements, the Authority will benefit from best international  practices in developing technical mechanisms  necessary to collect and publish statistics according to international standards,  identify statistical databases basics in various fields of statistics and exchange of experiences related to the requirements necessary to establish a central information system that is automatically linked with all public entities. It is noteworthy that this is what GASTAT is currently working on, through the National Statistical Data Program “Masdar” which operates according to three main dimensions: First,  a statistical dimension that addresses the numerous sources of data and statistical indicators and their inconsistencies, their multiple classifications, as well as their collection in a traditional way. Second,  availability and dissemination dimension that addresses the limited access to information in their time series and overcome some of the difficulties faced by data users and researchers to reach them. Third, the technical dimension, as “Masdar” is considered a safe and comprehensive technical solution that addresses the enormity of statistical data and the absence of central data repositories, to serve as a national statistical data bank and provide a variety of analytical tools that meet the needs of all analysts, researchers or decision makers. Almofarrej also added that the agreement  with the South Korean side included defining joint work mechanisms in exchange of experiences and benefiting from experts in the fields of establishing statistical departments in governmental entities as well as in the fields of statistical awareness programs, which will have a positive impact on the Authority, as it is currently working with a number of governmental entities in the Kingdom with a goal to activate the statistical sector. Furthermore, he pointed out that  the Korean experience in the statistical field is considered  one of the most  distinct experiences internationally, and is the Saudi experience which characterized  by  the achievement of "statistical transformation. The South Korean delegation, during their visit to GASTAT, reviewed the work mechanisms  that were carried out by the Authority during the last three years in the program of statistical transformation that was  featured by integration with other governmental  entities to maximize the use of data in supporting of decision-making and policy-making.  Moreover, The Korean delegation reviewed work mechanisms  in raising data quality level that operated by the Authority through an administrative and technical  system in order to reach the highest level of data quality. On the other hand,  the head of  the Korean delegation expressed his deep gratitude to the Saudi side for the hospitality and  generosity after concluding the visit of the Korean delegation, which lasted two days with a number of meetings and workshops. He  also stressed the deep relations between the two countries, which span more than half a century as well as how Saudi and South Korea's relations have  significantly developed in all fields especially in the economic field.

Expressing His Gratitude to All Private and Governmental Entities Which Contributed in Showing the Efforts of the Kingdom in Serving the Pilgrims The President of GaStat Congratulates the Leadership on the Success of the Hajj Season for This Year On behalf of GaStat employees and on his own behalf, Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tukhaifi congratulates The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz AL-Saud,  and HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al-Saud Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia, May Allah protect them, on the success of the hajj season for the current year 1439 H. Assuring that the directions of the King and the Crown Prince to provide all amenities for the pilgrims were the fundamental for the GaStat and all private and governmental entities to implement their programs to serve the pilgrims. Moreover, he has indicated that the concern of the leadership, May Allah protect them, was the reason behind the all successes  that have been achieved during the hajj season of this year, where all sectors have worked closely to achieve the expectations of the leadership in reality.   Moreover, the president of GaStat,  has extended his congratulations to HRH Prince Khalid ALFaisal Bin Abdulaziz , the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Governor of Makkah Province and the Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, for his effective role in following-up the implementations of the Hajj’s plans up to date and for his concern to ensure comfort for pilgrims by providing all the means that could help them to perform the rituals easily. In addition, Dr. AL-Tukhaifi congratulates HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif Bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior and the Chairman of the High Hajj Committee, on the success of  the 1439 hajj season as well as his own implementation plans, with Allah’s help.  Moreover, He has praised the great role that has been played by the employees of the Ministry of Interior from all security sectors for the success of the hajj for this year. As usual, they were distinguished with their dedication in showing the honor of serving the pilgrims. Dr.AL-Tukhifi also wishes all the best and success for them and for everyone. Additionally, the president of GaStat has announced the success of the hajj statistical plan for this year, with Allah’s help, and with the early preparation and teamwork spirit of GaStat employees , where they have worked closely with all governmental and security entities to implement the hajj statistical program. They were also able to provide a comprehensive and accurate statistical outputs to support all decision makers and hajj development policies makers through the detailed statistical bulletin for hajj statistics, which includes 40 statistical outputs. Also, by publishing the statistics of the efforts of Saudi Arabia in serving pilgrims through “the statistical calendar for 1439H hajj season” which has been published for the second year respectively through GaStat. The president of GaStat has expressed his gratitude to all governmental entities which provided their data to GaStat, in advance, to be used to show the efforts of the Kingdom by numbers and a scientific and accurate statistical method. It is worth mentioning that the GASTAT has  announced on the evening of the day of 'Arafa the results of hajj statistics for the current  year 1439H, where the total number of pilgrims reached (2.371.675) pilgrims, including (1,758.722) pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom, while the number of pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom made up of (612.953) pilgrims.

The Detailed Bulletin for Hajj Statistics Will Be Issued on Eid day with (40) Statistical Outputs GASTAT: The Final Announcement of Pilgrims’ Total Number in 1439 H is after the Sunset of the Day of Arafah As it continues publishing up-to-date statistics every six hours, GASTAT announced that the enumeration of pilgrims for the hajj season of this year 1439 H, which is through the ports of Makkah, will stop at 6:30 along with the sunset of (the day of Arafah) on Monday, the ninth of Dhu AL-Hijjah. Moreover, the time of the final announcement of the total number of pilgrims will be few hours later on the same day. However, the time of publishing the detailed bulletin of Hajj statistics 1439H will be on Tuesday (Eid day) at  11 A.M.  The vice president of the statistical works Mr.Abdullah AL-Batil assured that the hajj statistical bulletin which will be published on Eid day includes (40) main statistical outputs to support the planning of serving pilgrims and the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques. AL-Batil illustrated that the bulletin includes accurate and comprehensive data and information about the numbers of pilgrims according to the ways and dates of arrival. It also includes a number of main tables and charts such as: the number of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia by gender and way of arrival, the arrival of Saudi pilgrims by way of arrival, Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia classified according to gender and nationality, the Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside classified by way of arrival, comparing the number of Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside according to their nationalities, the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside to the city of Makkah according to the vehicle type and the date of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and way of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and the date of arrival, comparing the number of pilgrims from outside according to the way of arrival. These data will be available with more than one template including the statistical hajj map which facilitates the access to any information that is related to hajj statistics. On the other hand, the vice president of statistical works assured that the program of hajj statistics which is implemented by GASTAT aims to provide accurate and detailed statistics, data, and information about the number of pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia to help and support the concerned entities of Saudi Arabia in the future planning programs for the purpose of ensuring the necessary services for pilgrims and visitors of the holy mosque, including all social, health, security, food, and transportation services. That is through using time series of accurate data about the numbers of pilgrims, estimating the necessary labor force to serve the pilgrims and maintain their safety and comfort during the hajj season every year, examining the equipment and the main utilities in the city of Makkah and its Holy places with taking that into consideration when preparing the necessary plans, applying the necessary annual traffic plans including the plan of the mass movement of pilgrims (Tasaeed and Nafrah), in addition to supporting the researchers and other beneficiaries who are interested in this field, evaluating the activities and the events arranged by the concerned entities of serving pilgrims, and identifying the change in the way of arrival. About the inclusiveness of the enumeration process and whether it includes buses and vehicles drivers, Mr.Abdullah AL-Batil clarified that the enumeration unit of Hajj statistics is the pilgrim. Which means that the procedure of the enumeration of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia is restricted to pilgrims who were enumerated at the Hajj statistical centers that are located in the entry ports of the city of Makkah, the driver will be enumerated in case he was a pilgrim. The enumeration procedure includes all Saudi and Non-Saudi individuals (males and females) arriving from inside Saudi Arabia to the city of Makkah with Hajj intention. However, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia will be enumerated by the General Department of Passports at the entry ports of Saudi Arabia. GASTAT will be provided with their numbers to be added to the total number of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia.

Hajj statistics updates every (6 hours) via an interactive map on the site GaStat operates an advanced technical system in the implementation of "Hajj statistics" The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) is currently implementing a comprehensive technical system, with more than 470 statistical researchers working in six main entrances to Makkah and three support centers in Medinah, Jeddah and Al Tai’f. The system is connected to a secure electronic network for simultaneous and immediate data flow to the main centers.  Moreover, the GaStat updates the interactive statistical map of  Hajj  every six hours through its official website www.stats.gov.sa   Mr. Khalid Al-Dalqan, Information Technology Under Secretary at GaStat, said that GaStat is working continuously to develop the methodologies and programs needed to collect, process, analyze and disseminate data to achieve comprehensiveness, reliability and timeliness in data dissemination through the use of modern technology that contributes to reducing the time and place factors which may delay data processing speed and accuracy as well as the speed of extraction and data dissemination during Hajj.  GaStat has applied a modern method of collecting field data using the latest technology and software by using electronic forms on tablets when counting pilgrims, which allow quick access to daily data and total results of the number of pilgrims classified according to their nationalities, centers and times of arrival. He added that all statistical researchers in Mekkah have been trained to use modern technology and devices effectively to implement the Hajj statistics program using tablets connected with the main servers in Riyadh in addition to the link to backup servers in all statistical centers that work offline if needed.  Moreover, Al-Dalqan said that the Authority has allocated a technical support team working around the clock ( in order to train all employees categories to use Hajj systems, know  how to extract daily reports, follow up the productivity of field work groups and solve all technical problems that may face the work groups during data collection), Furthermore, it has dedicated other work teams for the preparation  distributed to all main and support statistical centers. GaStat provided analysis and design teams as well as a team to develop data collection systems, including the tablet  system used to collect field data that includes a digital form to count pilgrims containing all data on the results of pilgrims enumeration numbers arriving in Makkah connected to the coordinates of the information gathering site. These devices work via a remote control systems that allow the tracking devices to provide remote technical support.    On the other hand, Information Technology Under Secretary at the GaStat pointed out that the Hajj statistics platform of the technical system was added to Hajj  of this year for the main center and the main counting centers. This allows the specialists to review the pilgrims statistics of this year updated in comparison to the historical data at the level of arrival centers of pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom,  their nationalities, arrival time and types of vehicles, in addition to the statistics of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom as well as the pilgrims of Mekkah. It is worth mentioning that GaStat has standardized the definitions and terminology used in Hajj statistics, where the pilgrim is the counting unit. The process of counting pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom is limited to the persons wearing Ihram who are already been counted at the centers of Hajj statistics at the entrances to Makkah. The counting includes All Saudi and non-Saudi individuals, males and females, coming from different regions of the Kingdom to Makkah for the purpose of performing Hajj, with the addition of the total number of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom counted by the General Directorate of Passports at the points of entry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

To know the statistics details of pilgrims arriving to Makkah every (6) hours GASTAT launches the “Hajj statistical map” to publish data and facilitate information access The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) launched the “ Hajj statistical map” on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . This map is considered one of the most important references that clarifies the details of pilgrims’ statistics data, and facilitates information access to media, researchers, and governmental entities, so that they can use them in details and with the most advanced methods of “geo-spatial” data publishing. The map can be viewed via different multimedia.   Taiseer Almofarrej, GASTAT spokesman, said that the process of letting people view Hajj statistics data complements GASTAT efforts in publishing statistical data. Everyone can view the numbers of pilgrims arriving to Makkah through all ports in an updated way (every six hours), starting from Saturday the 7th of Dhu-Al-Hijjah until the end of pilgrims’ enumeration on Monday the 9th of Dhu-Al-Hijjah at 7 P.M. This map will be an interactive statistical reference for Hajj statistics.  Almofarrej indicated that the Hajj statistical map has two tracks; the first is the news track through which hajj statistics can be accessed in an updated way (every six hours) via the map. The numbers of pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia, and the numbers of pilgrims coming from inside Saudi Arabia (Saudis and Non-Saudis) can be accessed too. Moreover, this track includes the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia by type of vehicle, the number of licenses given to pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia, and the traffic map in the holy places area.  However, the second track, as stated by GASTAT spokesman, is a statistical reference track. Starting from Tuesday, the tenth of Dhu-Al-Hijjah, the interactive map will be one of the Hajj statistics’ detailed bulletin templates through which all governmental entities, researchers, media, and all those who are interested can get the numbers of pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia, the statistical distributions of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia at the level of enumeration centers, number of Saudi and Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia, number of Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia by groups of countries, estimating the numbers of pilgrims in Makkah, number of labor forces serving pilgrims by gender and sector, and the numbers and types of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia during the period (from 1st  to 9th  of Dhu-Al-Hijjah). The interactive map will provide details of gender and nationality by entry, in addition to the time series of pilgrims during the past ten years.   It is worth mentioning that GASTAT is working on diversifying the methods of getting data in a detailed and immediate way through all available means. It has also launched the “statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season” in which it published the services provided by Saudi Arabia to pilgrims.

GASTAT: The total number of pilgrims in 1439H Hajj season reached (2.371.675) pilgrims On Monday, the ninth of Dhu-Al-Hijjah, the General Authority for Statistics announced the results of 1439H Hajj statistics. The total number of pilgrims reached (2.371.675) pilgrims, (1.758.722) of whom came from outside Saudi Arabia, whereas (612.953) came from inside Saudi Arabia.  However, the total number of male pilgrims reached (1.327.127) pilgrims, while female pilgrims reached (1.044.548) pilgrims.  With respect to the pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia, GCC pilgrims reached (34.140) pilgrims with (1.9) %, but the number of pilgrims from Arab countries apart from GCC pilgrims reached (395.410) pilgrims with (22.5) %, whereas the number of pilgrims from Asian countries apart from Arab countries reached (1.049.496) pilgrims with (59.7) %. In addition, the number of pilgrims from African countries apart from Arab countries reached (166.083) pilgrims with (9.5) %. However, the number of pilgrims from European countries reached (88.601) pilgrims with (5.0) %, whereas the number of pilgrims from North America, South America, and Australia reached (24.992) pilgrims with (1.4) %. Moreover, (1.656.936) pilgrims who came from outside Saudi Arabia arrived through air ports, and (85.623) of whom arrived through land ports. However, (16.163) pilgrims arrived through sea ports.  Additionally, the pilgrims’ arrival to Saudi Arabia was at different periods of time. (557.282) of pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia at the beginning of hajj until the 18th of Dhu AL-Qidah, and (744.903) of pilgrims arrived between 19-29 of Dhu AL-Qidah. Moreover, (456.537) of pilgrims continued to arrive to Saudi Arabia during the time period from 1 to 8 of Dhu AL-Hijjah. Regarding the pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia whose numbers reached (612.953) pilgrims this year, the total number of pilgrims arriving from the cities and governorates of Saudi Arabia reached (239.962), (372.991) of whom are from the city of Makkah including the temporary residents during the hajj season, (401.217) are Non-Saudi pilgrims, and (211.736) are Saudi pilgrims. GASTAT has enumerated the pilgrims arriving to Makkah from inside Saudi Arabia (Saudis and Non-Saudis) through the hajj statistics centers located in the entrances of Makkah. In addition, the percentage of pilgrims arriving to Makkah from inside Saudi Arabia through Jeddah/Makkah road reached (38.2) %, (29.4) % arrived through AL-Shrae’a/Makkah road, and (17.8) % arrived through Makkah/Medina road. Moreover, (14.6) % arrived through the other three roads which are the South/Makkah road, Taif/Makkah road, and the old Jeddah/Makkah road. GASTAT illustrated in its results of hajj statistics of this year that the seventh, eighth and ninth days of Dhu AL-Hijjah have witnessed an arrival reached (86.8) % out of the total number of pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia reached (32.289) vehicles. As for the number of the labor force of entities that provided their services to pilgrims from all sectors, the numbers of governmental entities’ labor force reached more than 287.300 persons representing some governmental and private entities which participated in providing more than 215 main services and sub-services. Supervision and follow-up services were provided by 7310 male and female supervisors from 6 entities. However, public services were provided by 192.254 employees from 19 different entities, whereas health services were provided by 32.579 employees from 3 entities. Furthermore, the number of the labor force in transportation and post services, as well as logistic services (shipping, post and supply) that Saudi Arabia provides to pilgrims reached 47.765 employees working in seven entities, while ICT services were provided by 7.411 employees from 4 different entities.  On the other hand, his excellency the president of GASTAT, Dr.Fahad Altekhaifi thanked all the governmental security entities that supported GASTAT to implement its task in the hajj statistics of this year. He also praised the work of more than 450 statistical researchers who completed their assigned tasks for the hajj of this year after working 24/7 starting from the beginning of this month until the sunset of the day of Arafah.  Dr.Altekhaifi assured that all the details related to hajj statistics of the year 1439H have been published along with this announcement through the statistical hajj map and the detailed bulletin for hajj statistics which include more than (40) statistical outputs on GASTAT official website www.stats.gov.sa to provide accurate and detailed statistics, data and information about the number of pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia to help and support the concerned entities in their future planning programs for the purpose of ensuring the necessary services for pilgrims., including all social, health, security, food and transportation services by using time series of accurate data about the number of pilgrims, estimating the necessary labor force to serve the pilgrims and maintain their safety and comfort during the hajj season every year, examining the equipment and the main utilities in the city of Holy Makkah and its Holy places with taking that into consideration when preparing the necessary plans, in addition to supporting the researchers and beneficiaries who are interested in this field, evaluating the activities and the events arranged by the concerned entities of serving the pilgrims, and identifying the change in the way of arrival. The statistical map and bulletin includes accurate and comprehensive data and information about the number of pilgrims according to the ways and dates of arrival. It also includes a number of main tables and charts such as: the number of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia according to gender and the way of arrival, the arrival of the Saudi pilgrims according to the way of arrival and nationality, comparing the number of the Non-Saudi pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia in the years 1438H and 1439H by nationality, the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia to the city of Makkah by vehicle type and the date of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and the way of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and the date of arrival, and comparing the numbers of pilgrims coming from outside in the years 1438H and 1439Haccording to the way of arrival. By the end of the Hajj statistical works, GASTAT wishes that God accepts the pilgrims’ hajj and wishes success to all governmental and security entities and to other entities in Saudi Arabia to serve distinguished services and come out with a safe and distinct hajj season.

15.927 “Mobile” cell towers in Makkah, Medina and the Holy Places in addition to 460 sale points for mobile SIM cards ‘’GASTAT’’: More Than 7.400 Employees to Provide Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Services for Hajj Season of This Year On Friday 6th of Dhu Al-hijjah, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) published the related data of ICT services provided by Saudi Arabia to pilgrims within the statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season. The statistical calendar showed that the total number of employees providing ICT services this year reached 7.411 employees who work 24/7 in order to deliver adequate and improved services. Moreover, these services are supervised by the Communications and Information Technology Commission in accordance with authorized service providers. On the other hand, the number of branch offices of telecom services reached 69 offices in Makkah this year, and the total number of 2G, 3G and 4G cell towers was 15.972 towers and that is to ensure and extend the coverage of mobile network and data in Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat, Medina and at the Holy Mosque. Additionally, telecom and internet services are available at all air, land and sea ports as well as all roads to serve pilgrims at anytime and anywhere. The percentage of increase in the number of 4G cell towers was at 42.90% at the Holy Mosque, 24.40% in Makkah, 106.00% at the holy places, and 24.50% in Medina. More importantly, the percentage of increase of 4G network capacity at the peak hours for this season reached 80.00% at the Holy Mosque, 84.00% in Makkah, 182.00% at the holy places, and 36.30% in Medina.   It is worth mentioning that within the developmental works of serving pilgrims, the number of base stations ‘’cell towers’’ increased to nearly 3000 cell towers in Makkah and Medina compared to last year. Concerned bodies have also worked on providing wireless internet services by using Wi-Fi technology where the access points of this year reached 3000 points. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has launched ‘’Smart Hajj’’ application this year on ‘’Saudi’’ portal to provide digital services. Moreover, the ministry has also made a list of the distinguished interactive apps in order to identify Hajj rituals and to help pilgrims to benefit from technology when moving between the holy places. Also, the ministry has put a number of guidelines, health apps and some government applications that may help pilgrims and Umrah performers in Makkah and Medina.  On the other hand, the Communications and Information Technology Commission branch in Makkah periodically checks the sound and internet indicators, ensures their effectiveness, scans the frequency bands of mobile networks at the Two Holy Mosques as well as the connected highways between Makkah, Jeddah and Medina to ensure the quality of mobile services. It also deals with any harmful interference that may affect the performance of the network and allows the use of frequencies of each mobile service provider to increase the capacity of the network and improve the level of services provided to pilgrims in Makkah, Medina and the holy places. Saudi Arabia's telecommunications companies have more than 460 sales points available at the holy places to provide SIM cards, data SIM cards and recharge cards, as well as providing technical support centres with various languages to serve the pilgrims. GASTAT has included this data and its details in the statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season, which was set in order to publish all the statistics related to Hajj services provided by governmental entities to pilgrims, on its official website www.stats.gov.sa .

13.909 flights, and more than 600.000 bus trips “statistics” : More than 47.700 employees providing the services of transport, post, shipping, and supply to pilgrims On Thursday, the 5th of Dhu-Al-Hijjah 1439 H, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has clarified within the statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season published on its official website that the number of labor force in the transportation and post services, as well as the logistic services (shipping, post, and supplies) provided by Saudi Arabia to pilgrims reached 47.765 employees who work in seven sectors specialized in the services of land and air transport, in addition to the services of shipping, post, and supplies. On the level of air transport, which is supervised by the Civil Aviation Authority, the total number of international and domestic flights prepared for transferring pilgrims reached 13.909 flights. In Jeddah, the number of international and domestic flights from and to King Abdulaziz International Airport reached 7.255 flights, whereas as Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina registered 6.654 international and domestic flights. On the other hand, more than 1.369 employees in Jeddah airport and more than 809 employees in Medina airport started to work twenty four seven since the beginning of Dhu-Al-Qida  in order to provide pilgrims who arrive by plane  with all services they need. Their work will last until the mid of next Muharram. The airport services include: maintaining the safety of passengers, organizing the planes movement, observing the performance of electrical and technical systems at airports, ensuring the arrival of luggage, and keeping the airport facilities clean. It is worth mentioning that the terminal of pilgrims in King Abdulaziz International Airport receives about 50.000 pilgrims daily.   The terminals of Hajj and Umrah can receive 3800 arrivals per hour, and 3500 departures. However, the waiting areas can take up to 7000 passengers in the arrival terminal, and 12.000 passengers in the areas outside the terminal. The new terminal can take more than 91,000 arrivals and 84.000 departures per day. Those terminals can operate 312 flights which means 13 flights per hour.    In terms of sea transport, which is supervised by the General Ports Authority, more than 300 employees work at Jeddah Islamic Port to facilitate for the arrival of pilgrims, reduce the period of their checkout procedures, and equip facilities that serve and receive pilgrims from the first moment of their arrival to the port until they leave. The port started to receive pilgrims coming by sea from the mid of Dhu al-Qida and lasts until the fourth of Dhu al-Hijjah where 17 trips were scheduled on three ferries. The arrival terminal may receive more than 800 pilgrims per hour. As for the transport by buses, there are 600.000 bus trips to transfer pilgrims in the holly places by using 18.700 buses during the days of Hajj. There are also more than 43.786 employees, supervisors, and drivers to control the process of transferring pilgrims by buses from the General Cars Syndicate and the Higher Commission for Controlling Pilgrims Transportation which work on setting a system that ensures determining the responsibility of the safety of cars that are used to transfer pilgrims, insuring all buses, making sure that all buses have undergone technical and safety check in the motor vehicles periodic inspection stations, making field visits to the sites of pilgrims transportation companies to check the buses that passed the periodic inspection , operating the buses and violations registration system, in addition to all data of buses including the type of bus, license number, body number, and the bus brand.  Furthermore, they also work on following-up the operation of buses at airports, ports, and road rest areas, direction and Tafweej centres, and support centres.  They also follow-up the pilgrims transfer between Makkah, Jeddah, and Medina, in addition to observing the buses malfunctions, and following accidents- once they occur, coordinating with the concerned entities to check the procedures, making sure that all signs guiding to Hajj cities are available and that there is a driver for each bus, and coordinate with those who are responsible for guiding buses.  As for the track of transporting pilgrims by train, Makkah Development Authority has prepared the train to transfer more than two million pilgrims through more than one thousand trips within seven days. It also prepared nine stations distributed among Arafah, Mina, and Muzdalifah, with 60 entrance and exit gates.  In terms of the logistic services (express post, shipping, warehousing, and supplies) provided to pilgrims, more than 535 employees from the Saudi Post are working in 96 post offices in Makkah, Medina, and the holly places, equipped with 60 cars and 50 motorcycles. They work all day and night during the Hajj season. Post services include: pilgrims’ postal parcels that reduces carrying heavy weights by pilgrims when they transfer.  The services provided to pilgrims also include the service of selling ponds of “Hadi” and “Adhahi” during Hajj, in cooperation with the Saudi project to benefit from Hadi and Adhahi through the sale points in all Saudi Arabia’ post offices, or in the temporary locations of sale in Makkah, Medina, and the holly places. However, the total number of postal parcels that have been sent and received during the previous Hajj season reached 54.804 parcels.   For more information about the details of services provided by Saudi Arabia to pilgrims, please visit the statistical calendar of 1439H Hajj season on the official website of GASTAT www.stats.gov.sa

Including 25 hospitals, 153 health care centers, and  959 ambulance and medical teams “Statistics”:  More Than 32,500 Employees Provide Medical and Health Services to Pilgrims in 1439 H  Hajj Season On Wednesday, the 4th of  Dhu- Al hijjah 1439 H, The General Authority  for Statistics  (GASTAT) announced within the  statistical calendar  of 1439 H Hajj season,  published on  its official website www.stats.gov.sa ,  that the number of workforce provide health and ambulance services for pilgrims this season amounted to more than 31.571 capita (including 9.216 women) of the Ministry of Health,  Saudi Red Crescent Authority  and Saudi Food and Drug Authority members, as well as the workforce that  provide health services of security and military sectors members.  As well, the total number of medical and ambulance teams  in holy places during  Hajj season is more than 959 medical and ambulance teams providing their services to the pilgrims. Furthermore, GASTAT has pointed out through its daily bulletin in the statistical calendar of  1439 H Hajj season that Saudi Arabia harnessed its all financial and human potential in the field of health, curative, preventive and emergency services, such as free specialized health services enhanced by the Ministry of Health with more than 29.495 specialized medical staffs include:  doctors, pharmacists, nurses, technicians and administrators . Moreover,  the health services provided  to pilgrims include the following: open-heart surgery, cardiac catheterization, dialysis including both hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD), digestive endoscopies, in addition to  birth deliveries and other specialized medical services needed by pilgrim patients, where the number of operating hospitals totaled 25 hospitals in Makkah and holy places.  It is noteworthy that the number of health centers reached 153 centers that equipped  with all  health, medical and ambulatory potential, in addition to, 106 field teams in holy places as well as inside and outside Makkah, 100 small ambulances operating as mobile intensive care units in order to handle field ambulatory emergencies and 80  highly-equipped big  ambulances. Ministry of Health hospitals, since the beginning of Dhul-Qa'dah till the first of Dhul-Hijjah, in terms of services provided to the pilgrims,  have conducted 142 cardiac catheterization procedures, 9 open-heart surgeries, 761 dialysis ( hemodialysis HD ) ,39  endoscopy procedures, in addition to other 568 surgeries during the same period. Moreover, The Saudi Red Crescent Authority  has allocated 127 temporary and permanent rescue centers, 361 ambulances, 20 bicycles, and more than 1861 people for the emergency teams and workforce within the area of  Makka, Medina and Holy places,  to provide all emergency and medical services to pilgrims.  In addition to, all health and ambulance staff works in Makkah 24 hours a day,  until Sunday, 15 Dhu Hijjah, where the concerned entities have developed integrated programs and plans which include:  providing all needs and possibilities to handle emergencies and disasters, and providing medical, preventive, therapeutic as well as ambulatory services to pilgrims, Umrah  performers and Makkak as well as Prophet's Mosque visitors. These services are provided efficiently, effectively  and according to a unified methodology,  with latest methods of medical and ambulance care as well as  with qualified cadre with practical and scientific training, to achieve the health security of holy places and  the Two Holy Mosques visitors,  access roads, and air as well as sea ports. It should be recalled that these services are not limited to ground service through ambulances, but also including the Saudi Air Ambulance, motorcycles, rapid response specialized team, field teams in in the Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque as well as surrounding squares depending on available human resources, in addition to a constellation of volunteers (males and females). On the other hand, The Saudi Food and Drug Authority(SFDA)  handling supervisory  tasks on (food, drugs and medical equipment as well as products) with pilgrims and Hajj missions as well as supporting supervisory entities responsible for the inspection of facilities that provide meals to pilgrims in Makkah, Medina and the holy places. It is worth mentioning that SFDA provides seven major services including:  inspection of food, drugs and medical equipment as well as products coming through ports, health surveillance of food facilities located in the scope of Holy  Makkah Municipality and Al Medina Regional Municipality, health inspection of  sacrifices slaughtered in slaughterhouse in Mina place  , conducting field studies of food safety,  raising awareness during Hajj season of  the safety of food, drugs and medical equipment as well as products, in addition to inspection of transportation means entering Makkah and holy placess.    For more information related to statistical services provided by Saudi Arabia to the pilgrims, GASTAT has provided plenty of details in Hajj statistical calendar 1439 H, published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa