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The General Authority for Statistics and SDAIA signed a MoU to enhance cooperation between the two parties, in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GASTAT, His Excellency the President of SDAIA, Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, and His Excellency the Director of the National Information Center, Dr. Essam bin Abdullah Al-Waqeet. The agreement was signed at the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy and Planning in Riyadh by His Excellency Dr. Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, President of GASTAT, and His Excellency Dr. Mashari bin Ibrahim Al-Mashari, Deputy Director of the National Information Center. The memorandum of understanding stems from the belief of the two parties in the importance of government integration in order to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The memorandum aims to exchange expertise to support the competitive position of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of data, and raise the levels of harmony between statistical and record data in order to support policies and research in various development fields. The memorandum also aims to reach a knowledge-based economy and society through joint coordination in order to raise the quality and quantity of indicators, statistics and data related to developmental aspects, and to support decision-making based on scientific methodologies and accurate data based on evidence.  The memorandum of understanding also contributes to the formation of a comprehensive system of databases and statistical information in accordance with international standards. It also emphasizes on raising the level of cooperation in awareness-raising programs, organizing courses and workshops between the two parties, in addition to exchanging knowledge, expertise and skills, and training employees.

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued on its official website www.stats.gov.sa today, 22 December 2022, the international trade publication of Saudi Arabia for October 2022. The value of merchandise exports in Saudi Arabia during October 2022 reached (121 billion riyals) one hundred and twenty-one billion riyals, compared to (106 billion riyals) one hundred and six billion riyals in October 2021, with an increase of (15 billion riyals) fifteen billion riyals, a percentage of (14.2%), according to the data contained in this publication. The value of oil exports during October 2022 reached (96 billion riyals) ninety-six billion riyals, compared to (82 billion riyals) eighty-two billion riyals during October 2021, with an increase of (14 billion riyals) fourteen billion riyals, a percentage of (17.1%). The value of non-oil exports (including re-exports) during October 2022 reached (25 billion riyals) twenty-five billion riyals, compared to (24 billion riyals) twenty-four billion riyals during October 2021, with an increase of (1 billion riyals) one billion riyals, a percentage of (4.2%), the publication results noted. The value of merchandise imports in Saudi Arabia during October 2022 reached (67 billion riyals) sixty-seven billion riyals, compared to (46 billion riyals) forty-six billion riyals during October 2021, with an increase of (21 billion riyals) twenty-one billion riyals, a percentage of (45.7%). General Authority for Statistics is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all the statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and research, and analyzes data and information, in addition to documenting and archiving all works of information and statistical data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Data are written, classified, and analyzed; their indicators are also extracted as well.

On Thursday November 24, 2022, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the International Trade Publication in Saudi Arabia for the month of September 2022, on its official website www.stats.gov.sa The publication results indicated an increase in the value of merchandise exports in Saudi Arabia during September 2022, where it reached (125 billion riyals), compared to (95 billion riyals) during September 2021, an increase of (30 billion riyals), by 30.9%. According to the publication results, the value of oil exports during September 2022 reached (100 billion riyals), compared to (70 billion riyals) during September 2021, with an increase of (30 billion riyals), a percentage of 43.4%. The value of non-oil exports (including re-exports) during September 2022 reached (24 billion riyals), compared to (25 billion riyals) during September 2021, with a decrease of (1 billion riyals), a percentage of 3.4%, according to the publication. The value of merchandise imports in Saudi Arabia during September 2022 reached (60 billion riyals), compared to (47 billion riyals) during September 2021, with an increase of (13 billion riyals), a percentage of 26.9%. On the other hand, the publication results indicated an increase in non-oil merchandise exports in Saudi Arabia by 13.1% during the third quarter of 2022. According to the publication results, the value of merchandise exports in Saudi Arabia during the third quarter of 2022 amounted to (400 billion riyals), compared to (274 billion riyals) during the third quarter of 2021, with an increase of (126 billion riyals), by 46.1%. The publication results stated that the value of oil exports during the third quarter of 2022 amounted to (321 billion riyals), compared to (204 billion riyals) during the third quarter of 2021, with an increase of (117 billion riyals), by 57.3%. According to the publication results, the value of non-oil exports (including re-exports) during the third quarter of 2022 amounted to (78 billion riyals), compared to (69 billion riyals) during the third quarter of 2021, with a decrease of (9 billion riyals), by 13.1%. The value of merchandise imports during the third quarter of 2022 reached (181 billion riyals), compared to (145 billion riyals) during the third quarter of 2021, with an increase of (36 billion riyals), a percentage of 25.1%. It is noteworthy that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all the statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and researches, analyzes data and information, in addition to documenting and archiving all works of information and statistical data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Data are written, classified, and analyzed; their indicators are extracted as well. .

General Authority for Statistics has released on its official website www.stats.gov.sa the results of air and water traffic statistics publications at Saudi Arabia’s airports and ports during 2021. Total number of domestic and international flights (arriving and departing) in all airports in Saudi Arabia during 2021 reached nearly 497 thousand flights, with an increase by 43% compared to 2020, through which about 49 million passengers were transported, with an increase of 30% compared to 2020. The share of Saudi airlines was about 40 million passengers with an increase of 81.6% of total passengers, based on the publication of air traffic statistics. The number of arriving and departing international flights in 2021 went up by 20% compared to 2020. The number of arriving and departing domestic flights increased by 53% compared to 2020, according to the publication’s results. The number of passengers transported by arriving and departing domestic flights in 2021 increased by 45% compared to 2020. The number of passengers transported by arriving and departing international flights recorded an increase of 4% compared to 2020. Air freight traffic recorded an increase of 53% in 2021, compared to 2020, the publication noted. On the other hand, ship traffic in Saudi ports rose by 7% in 2021 compared to 2020, according to the water traffic statistics publication. Total number of passengers traveling through ports in Saudi Arabia increased by 33% compared to 2020 due to the increase in Jazan Port by 71% of total number of passengers traveling through all Saudi Arabi’s ports. Total volume of goods unloaded at all ports in Saudi Arabia reached 119.8 million tons in 2021. Total capacity of all Saudi ports was 601 million tons, whereas the percentage of goods unloaded at commercial ports in 2021 dropped by 18% compared to 2020. It is worth noting that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all the statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and research, analyzes data and information, and documents and archives all work of information and statistical data covering all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Data are written, classified, and analyzed; their indicators are extracted as well.

On Monday October 31, 2022, General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released on its official website www.stats.gov.sa  the report of flash estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates for the third quarter of 2022. According to the estimates, real GDP increased by 8.6% during the third quarter of 2022 compared to the same period of last year 2021. The publication results indicated that the real GDP of oil activities achieved a positive growth of 14.5% during the third quarter of 2022, compared to the same period of last year 2021. Moreover, real GDP of non-oil activities recorded an increase by 5.9% compared the same period of last year. The publication results showed that the seasonally adjusted real GDP increased by 1.3% during the third quarter of 2022, compared to the second quarter of 2022. It is worth noting that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all the statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and researches, analyzes data and information, in addition to documenting and archiving all works of information and statistical data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Data are written, classified, and analyzed; their indicators are extracted as well.

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released on Wednesday, 19 October 2022 the results of the Real Estate Price Index for Q3 of 2022, and published it on its official website www.stats.gov.sa  The Publication’s results indicated a 1.5% increase in the general real estate price index for Q3 of 2022, compared to the same quarter of the previous year 2021, mainly due to the increase in residential real estate prices of +2.5%.   According to the Publication’s results, the increase in residential land prices largely affected the increase in real estate prices in Q3 of 2022, compared to Q2 of 2021. Residential sector recorded a 2.5% increase affected by a 2.6% increase in the residential land plots prices, on an annual basis in Q3 of 2022, due to its high relative importance in the general index. Among other residential real estate prices, the prices of villas and apartments increased by 0.2% and 1.0% respectively, whereas houses decreased by 0.7%.  However, the prices of residential buildings stabilized and did not record any significant changes. Commercial sector recorded a 0.4% decrease, due to the decrease in the prices of commercial lands plots by -0.4%. The prices of galleries also decreased by 1.5%, while the prices of commercial centers increased by 0.2%. On the other hand, the commercial buildings prices stabilized and did not record any significant changes. Agriculture sector decreased by 0.6% affected by the decrease in agriculture land prices by -0.6%. It is worth noting that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all the statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and researches, analyzes data and information, in addition to documenting and archiving all works of information and statistical data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Data are written, classified, and analyzed; their indicators are extracted as well.

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP) and the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the use of data in the development of economic policies. The MOU establishes a framework for data and knowledge sharing between the two partners, as well as sharing enhanced statistical, scientific, and economic analysis. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Eng. Ammar Nagadi, the Vice Minister of Economy and Planning, and Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT. Commenting on the MOU, His Excellency Faisal Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning and Chairman of GASTAT said “Both the Ministry and GASTAT are committed to supporting the public and private sector in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. A deep understanding of our data is key to ensure we are pulling the right levers to drive the Kingdom’s economic diversification journey and facilitating economic growth for all.” Alibrahim added “This agreement is a key milestone in our strong, and essential, partnership. It will enable us to publish a range of statistics, indicators, and products to support and empower policy and decision makers as well as assist the public in understanding policy priorities.” Dr. Fahad Aldosari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, said: “This agreement consolidates the framework of cooperation between the Ministry and GASTAT and ensures we are delivering access to high-quality and reliable data on which future decisions for developing procedures and policies that will help us achieve the ambitions of the Saudi Vision 2030”. The MOU comes as part of the efforts of MEP and GASTAT to support the development of statistical work and provide a new statistical dimension in the Kingdom, by benefiting from scientific and knowledge expertise in a way that contributes to achieving the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.

On Thursday September 29, 2022, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the Labor Market Publication for the second quarter of 2022, on its official website www.stats.gov.sa According to the Publication results, the Saudi unemployment rate has decreased to 9.7% in the second quarter of 2022, compared to 10.1% in the first quarter of 2022. The total unemployment rate (for Saudis and non-Saudis) has decreased to 5.8% in the second quarter, compared to 6.0% in the first quarter of 2022. The unemployment rate for Saudi females has also decreased in the second quarter of 2022, reaching 19.3% compared to 20.2% in the previous quarter, and the unemployment rate for Saudi males has decreased in the second quarter of 2022, reaching 4.7% compared to 5.1% in the previous quarter. The labor force indicators in the second quarter of 2022 showed an increase in the total labor force participation rate (for Saudis and non-Saudis) as it has reached 60.8% compared to 60.4% in the first quarter of 2022.The Saudi labor force participation rate has also increased in the second quarter of 2022, reaching 51.8% compared to 50.1% in the previous quarter. The Labor Market Publication results for the second quarter of 2022 indicated an increase in the labor force participation rate for Saudi females in the second quarter of 2022, reaching 35.6% compared to 33.6% in the previous quarter. The labor force participation rate for Saudi males has also increased in the second quarter of 2022, reaching 67.5% compared to 66.0% in the previous quarter. GASTAT indicated that the Labor Market Publication's results depend on a household survey conducted by GASTAT that falls under the classification of (social statistics). In this survey, the information is collected through a sample representing households from the administrative regions in Saudi Arabia, and an electronic questionnaire containing a number of questions. This survey provides estimates and indicators related to the labor force of the working-age population of the age group (15 years and over) who settle in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also provides an estimate of the population (inside and outside the labor force), as well as calculating the most important labor market indicators, such as the unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, and others.

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued on its official website www.stats.gov.sa today, Wednesday, September 21, 2022, the International Trade Publication in Saudi Arabia for July 2022. According to the publication, the value of merchandise exports in Saudi Arabia during July 2022 reached (141 billion riyals) one hundred forty-one billion riyals, compared to (89 billion riyals) eighty-nine billion riyals in July 2021, with an increase of (52 billion riyals) fifty-two billion riyals, a percentage of 58.8%. The publication results indicated that the value of oil exports during July 2022 reached (114 billion riyals) one hundred fourteen billion riyals, compared to (67 billion riyals) sixty-seven billion riyals during July 2021, with an increase of (47 billion riyals) forty-seven billion riyals, a percentage of 68.9%. According to the publication's results, the value of non-oil exports (including re-exports) during July 2022 reached (27 billion riyals) twenty-seven billion riyals, compared to (21 billion riyals) twenty-one billion riyals during July 2021, with an increase of (6 billion riyals) six billion riyals, a percentage of 26.4%. The value of merchandise imports in Saudi Arabia during July 2022 reached (55 billion riyals) fifty-five billion riyals, compared to (47 billion riyals) forty-seven billion riyals during July 2021, with an increase of (8 billion riyals) eight billion riyals, a percentage of 18.3%. GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all the statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and researches, analyzes data and information, and documents and archives all works of information and statistical data covering all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Data are written, classified, and analyzed; their indicators are extracted as well.

GASTAT issued today, Wednesday, Muharram 12, 1444 AH, corresponding to August 10, 2022, the results of the Industrial Production Index (IPI) in June 2022, and published it on its official website www.stats.gov.sa  The publication results revealed the increase of IPI in June 2022 by 20.8% compared to June 2021. This was due to the increase in mining, quarrying and manufacturing activities. The results of the monthly publication showed an increase in the index of mining and quarrying activity in June 2022 by 19.2% compared to the same month of the previous year 2021. In June 2022, the manufacturing activity index increased by 29.3% compared to June 2021, and the electricity and gas supply activity decreased by 1.2% compared to the same month of the previous year in 2021. According to the publication results, the general index of industrial production in June 2022 increased by 1.0% compared to May 2022, affected by the increase in mining and quarrying activity, which appeared to be high by 1.0%. The electricity and gas supplies activity increased by 9.3%, while the manufacturing activity stabilized at the same level of production compared to the previous month. GASTAT issues a number of Industry-related statistical products, including the Industrial Production Index (IPI), which is an economic indicator that reflects relative changes and evolution in the volume of industrial production quantities based on the data of the industrial production survey. It is implemented monthly and targets industrial establishments operating in the targeted activities, which are mining and quarrying, manufacturing, and electricity and gas supply.

GASTAT revealed on Monday, Muharram 3, 1444, corresponding to August 1, 2022, the results of the real estate price index for the second quarter of 2022, and published it on its official website www.stats.gov.sa The publication results indicated a 0.7% increase in the general real estate price index for the second quarter of 2022, compared to the same quarter of the previous year 2021, mainly due to increase in residential real estate prices of +1.9%. According to the publication results, the increase in residential land prices largely affected the increase in real estate prices in the second quarter of 2022, compared to the second quarter of 2021. The residential sector recorded a 1.9% increase affected by a 0.2% increase in the residential land plots prices, on an annual basis in the second quarter of 2022, due to its high relative importance in the general index. Among other residential real estate prices, the prices of villas, apartments, and houses decreased by 1.1%, 1.1% and 0.9% respectively.  However, the prices of residential buildings stabilized and did not record any significant changes. The commercial sector recorded a 1.5% decrease, impacted by the decrease in the prices of commercial lands plots by 1.5%.  The prices of galleries also decreased by 1.1%, while the prices of commercial centers increased by 0.1%. On the other hand, the commercial buildings prices stabilized and did not record any significant changes. The agriculture sector decreased by 0.6% affected by the decrease in agriculture land prices by -0.6%. GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all the statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and researches, analyzes data and information, in addition to documenting and archiving all works of information and statistical data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Data are written, classified, and analyzed; their indicators are extracted as well.

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued on its official website www.stats.gov.sa today, Monday, Dhu al-Hijjah 26, 1443 AH, corresponding to July 25, 2022 AD, the International Trade Publication in Saudi Arabia for May 2022. Accordioning to the data contained in this publication, the value of merchandise exports in Saudi Arabia during May 2022 reached (144 billion riyals) one hundred and forty-four billion riyals, compared to (79 billion riyals) seventy-nine billion riyals May 2021, with an increase of (65 billion riyals) sixty-five billion riyals, a percentage of 83.4%. The publication results indicated that the value of oil exports during May 2022 reached (116 billion riyals) one hundred and sixteen billion riyals, compared to (57 billion riyals) fifty-seven billion riyals during May 2021, with an increase of (59 billion riyals) fifty-nine billion riyals, a percentage of 105.5%. According to the publication results, the value of non-oil exports (including re-exports) during May 2022 reached (28 billion riyals) twenty-eight billion riyals, compared to (22 billion riyals) twenty-two billion riyals during May 2021, with an increase of (6 billion riyals) six billion riyals, a percentage of 26.7%. The value of merchandise imports in Saudi Arabia during May 2022 reached (54 billion riyals) fifty-four billion riyals, compared to (44 billion riyals) forty-four billion riyals during May 2021, with an increase of (10 billion riyals) ten billion riyals, a percentage of 21.8%. GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all the statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and researches, analyzes data and information, in addition to documenting and archiving all works of information and statistical data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Data are written, classified, and analyzed; their indicators are extracted as well.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued through its official website www.stats.gov.sa today, Sunday 25/12/1443 AH corresponding to 07/24/2022 AD, the Publication of the Household Sports Practice Survey for the year 2021 AD. According to the publication results, the percentage of adults who practice physical activity (15 years and over) increased for at least 150 minutes per week during the year 2021 at the level of all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reach 29.7% compared to only 20% during the year 2019. This increase indicates the high awareness of society towards the practice of sports and physical activity, and indicates the provision of the basic capabilities required to help increase the time of exercise to raise the quality of life for the Kingdom’s population, which represents one of the axes of the Saudi Vision 2030. The indicator of practicing physical activity for at least 30 minutes per week is one of the indicators of the Quality of Life Program of the Vision Program, and it aims to promote the practice of sports activities in the community. The publication results showed that 48.2% of the Kingdom’s population practice physical activity for at least 30 minutes per week, an increase of 3.2 points compared to 2019, where the percentage was 45%. The results also showed a significant difference between the percentages of males and females who practiced physical activity for at least 30 minutes per week, as the percentage of males was 54.8%, and the percentage of females was only 38.3%. On the other hand, the World Health Organization recommends practicing physical activity, and confirms that individuals should practice moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week, high-intensity physical activity for at least 75 minutes per week, or a combination of both. According to the publication results, the percentage of the population who practice physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 29.7%, an increase of 9.7 percentage points compared to 2019. The percentage of males who practice physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week was 36.1%, while the percentage of females was 20.3%. It is noteworthy that the publication results revealed a disparity between the regions of the Kingdom in terms of the percentages of adults who practice physical activity for at least 30 minutes per week, as the lowest percentage was 41.6% in Hail Region, while the highest percentage was 51.2% in the Eastern Region. The lowest percentage of adults who practice physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week was 24.3% in Al-Jouf Region, while the highest percentage was 32.9% in the Eastern Region. The publication results also showed that there is a gap between males and females who practice physical activity in different regions, where the lowest difference between males and females who practice physical activity for at least 30 minutes per week was in Hail Region which reached 12.6%, while the highest difference between males and females was in Tabuk Region which reached 20.1%. The results showed that the lowest difference between males and females who practice physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week was in Qassim Region with a percentage of 13.1%, and the highest difference was in the Northern Border Region, where it reached 18.9%.

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued, through its official website www.stats.gov.sa today, Thursday, 24 Dhu al-Qa’dah 1443, corresponding to June 23, 2022, Saudi Arabia's International Trade Publication for April 2022.   The value of the Saudi Arabia's merchandise exports during April 2022 amounted to (137,119 million) one hundred thirty-seven billion one hundred nineteen million Riyals, compared to (69,252 million) sixty-nine billion two hundred fifty-two million Riyals during April 2021, with an increase of (67,867 million) sixty-seven billion eight hundred sixty-seven million Riyals, by (98.0%), according to the data of the publication. The value of oil exports during April 2022 was (109,750 million) one hundred nine billion seven hundred fifty million Riyals, compared to (49,214 million) forty-nine billion two hundred fourteen million Riyals during April 2021, with an increase of (60,536 million) sixty billion five hundred thirty-six million riyals, by (123.0%) , the results indicated. The value of non-oil exports during April 2022 registered (27,370 million) twenty seven billion three hundred seventy million Riyals, compared to (20,038 million) twenty billion thirty-eight million Riyals during April 2021, with an increase of (7.331 million) seven billion three hundred thirty-one million riyals, by  (36.6%), according to the results. While the value of the Saudi Arabia's merchandise imports during April 2022 amounted to (55,274 million) fifty-five billion two hundred seventy-four million Riyals, compared to (49,703 million) forty-nine billion seven hundred three million Riyals during April 2021, with an increase of (5,572 million), five one billion five hundred seventy two million Riyals, by  (11.2%).

His Excellency the Minister of Economy and Planning, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Statistics, His Excellency – Faisal Al-Ibrahim – has launched the data collection phase for the Saudi Census 2022. The date of Monday evening, 8th Shawwal 1443 H, which corresponds to May 9th, 2022, was approved by Royal Decree last September as the census day for the General Population and Housing Census for 1443 H. His Excellency expressed his sincere gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, for their kind guidance and their unlimited support for the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) to implement the Census. In his speech during the ceremony, which was held in Riyadh today, His Excellency praised the great efforts made by various government agencies in the Saudi Census 2022, contributing in various roles during its preparatory phases, and appreciating what their support and contribution in the coming phases. His Excellency Al-Ibrahim, referred to the transformation in the Kingdom under ‘Vision 2030’, pointing out that GASTAT provides accurate and reliable statistical data as a basic pillar for planning, development, creating economic and social policies, and developing plans for various sectors to achieve the Vision’s objectives and create a better future. He stressed that GASTAT conforms to the highest international standards and uses the latest techniques to issue statistical data, by integrating various administrative records, big data and statistical census information to provide accurate data. His Excellency explained that the Saudi Census 2022 is the first digital census in the history of the Kingdom, using a self-enumeration feature which allows heads of households to conveniently fill the census questionnaire on their own without the need for the census interviewer’s visit. In addition to self-enumeration, 30,000 census interviewers will visit households to collect information, all while upholding the highest levels of confidentiality. His Excellency also praised the wide participation of Saudi women in the Saudi Census 2022, whether through their leadership positions or by contributing in the field operation, stressing that it was an extension of the Kingdom’s approach to empowering women and increasing their contribution to the national economy. His Excellency Faisal Al-Ibrahim urged the Kingdom’s residents and citizens to participate in the census by completing its questionnaire through the various available options, considering it as a national duty, a societal responsibility, and an opportunity to build a better future for the Kingdom. The President of GASTAT, Dr. Konrad Pesendorfer clarified that the Saudi Census 2022 is the beginning of a new era of statistical knowledge in the Kingdom, describing it as an innovative digital census, and indicating that it will provide detailed information to help planners and policymakers. Dr. Pesendorfer pointed out that GASTAT is helping with the Kingdom’s developments by investing in its human capabilities, as well as following a new business model of producing high quality statistics by integrating data from multiple sources. The census project is a good example of implementing this new business model as big data sources like satellite images were used in the preparation of the census, just as well as administrative data before collecting data directly from households. He explained that the Authority had improved the quality of data of major statistical products and information provided to decision makers, exemplifying GDP figures that were available earlier than they used to be. He addressed several Saudi leaders who had worked on preparing for the Census, through a video in which they talked about the efforts made during the census operations and the roles they played. GASTAT prepared the Census project based on the best international practices as implemented in countries of the G20 and in member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), through collaboration with experts from the United Nations (UN) and various government agencies. The Authority is always keen to ensure the quality of data, by setting quality control procedures, as data is validated and processed during the data collection phase by a specialized quality control team, which communicates with a random sample of census participants to ensure the accuracy of the information. After completing the data collection phase, data analyzing will start to ensure its quality and accuracy, after which the preliminary results will be published before the end of 2022, and made available to decision-makers and researchers in the public and private sectors. This will be a record time to complete the analysis and data dissemination, while some countries take more than a full year to complete the analysis and publication process.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced that it has successfully completed the works of address canvassing phase in Saudi Census 2022, which has started on January 26, 2022 and ended on March 10, 2022.  “Address Canvassing” is considered an important preparatory phase and a fundamental step in the census. In this phase, all occupied and unoccupied housing units are enumerated, numbered and linked with the head of household’s identity. Preliminary data on the numbers of households’ members are collected as well through more than 14 thousand field enumerators in order to guarantee that the census is covering all housing units during the actual enumeration phase which will be implemented in early summer this year.   In the same context, GASTAT expresses its thanks and gratitude for all citizens and residents who cooperated with field enumerators during this phase. It also appreciated the efforts of all workers in the census project who have performed their tasks and duties professionally.  GASTAT stated that best international standards and practices are applied throughout the Saudi Census 2022 to assure the achievement of census goals. Modern technologies are applied for the first time in implementing the census works, including the use of satellite images to make sure that census is covering all housing units in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, field enumerators are provided with tablets to guarantee the automation of data collection process, and raise the accuracy and rapidness of work.  Furthermore, GASTAT clarified that the actual enumeration phase in Saudi Census 2022 will start around May 10th, where citizens and residents can participate in the census by choosing the self-enumeration option which allows the completion of census questionnaire electronically, or through a field enumerator visit.  GASTAT confirmed that the participation in Saudi Census is a huge opportunity for all Saudi Arabia’s population either citizens or residents, as this contributes to achieving Saudi Vision 2030, and preparing for a better future for everyone in our beloved country.  It is worth mentioning that the Ministers Cabinet has approved the reference night of the General Census of Population and Housing (1443 H/ 2022) to be on Monday May 9, 2022.

The General Authority for Statistics won the Practical and Institutional Excellence Award in Spending Efficiency within the initiatives pillar to classify periodic monthly reports submitted to the Government Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority.  The award was given in recognition of the outstanding efforts made by GASTAT in improving the quality of statistical projects, infrastructure planning, programs, initiatives and operations of the financial budget. In addition to achieving measurement indicators and standards in policies, plans and strategies relevant to the impact of expenditure, completing the applicable statutory procedures and continuously improving them, and adopting international best practices along with related technical applications in the statistical field through the formation of a working team in GASTAT under the name of “Spending Efficiency Team”. The team is in charge to prepare monthly periodic reports and to follow up on the relevant mechanisms and standards.  It also organizes the study of spending on projects, programs and initiatives in the statistical field and related financial aspects over the medium and long term, and their alignment with the financial sustainable goals for the coming years. In the presence of the Vice President Operations, Mr. Mohammad Al-Rasheed and the Spending Efficiency Team, Mr. Ahmed Al-Arini, Director General of Financial Affairs received the award on behalf of GASTAT. He thanked the Government Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority for its encouragement in such initiatives and programs that significantly contribute to achieving the future aspirations of Vision 2030. GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all the statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and researches, analyzes data and information, in addition to documenting and archiving all works of information and statistical data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Data are written, classified, and analyzed; their indicators are extracted as well.

The General Authority for Statistics announced the activation of the field researcher identity verification service in the Saudi Census 2022 on “Tawakkalna”, within the list of the field researcher’s digital documents. This comes in cooperation with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in the context of enhancing integration between government entities and strengthening efforts towards enabling digital transformation, which is one of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.  By launching this service, the General Authority for Statistics aims to raise the level of transparency and reliability among citizens and residents, and to give the greatest degree of reassurance to the heads of households during the field researcher’s visit in the address canvassing phase, in addition to the actual census phase which will be launched on May 9, 2022, corresponding to Shawwal 8, 1443 H, in order to ensure the facilitation of field work for the "Saudi Census 2022" program. Citizens and residents will have the right to view the identification card of the field researcher through the researcher's digital documents on "Tawakkalna". The address canvassing phase will be concluded on March 3. The actual census phase of the general population and housing census for the year 1443 H/2022 will begin on Monday evening, Shawwal 8, 1443 H, corresponding to May 9, 2022, which is the reference night of the census.