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It links data to a geographical location to analyze and extract reports GaStat Launches an “Interactive Map" to Present Statistical Data for the Services in Saudi Arabia As part of its efforts to support decision makers and policy makers and enable their customers to use statistical data and access them based on their needs, GaStat  has launched the "Interactive Map" on its official website www.stats.gov.sa  for the Services Guide that was recently released by the Authority, which is the unified reference for the services available in different regions of the Kingdom’s cities and villages. The interactive map is a technical tool that reviews statistical data by linking the statistical data to the geographical location to show the spread of the services on an interactive map for the Kingdom. This will add extra features and enable the user to make logical questions as well as spatial analysis on the services database. It also enables the user to reach the statistical data of the geographical location clearly for the different distribution of the services at the Kingdom’s level. Moreover, the interactive map provides basic data for planners, policy makers and decision makers based on the names in the administrative regions. It depends on the data classification in five major groups that include: health services, education services, higher education services, public services, statistical reports of services. The map can review the details of each service according to the service provider, which allows the user to perform a search by specifying the names that contain a specific service within a specific search, or to identify the nearest populated area on the map. It also displays the distribution of services according to the type of service or the administrative areas. Additionally, it includes a "service calculator" which is a tool for making logical queries on the database. The “services calculator” enables a logical search of all the elements of the database and it reviews the results on the map to understand the form of geomagnetic distributions of any search and the possibility to extract the results on an Excel file. The interactive map provides the totals, components and distributions of the services in Saudi Arabia at the level of its administrative regions, illustrated by graphs and geographical maps. It also offers an application designed to release statistical reports for various services at the level of the administrative region, governorate, municipality or populated area based on the needs of the user and with the possibility to print a report for the search results.

Including Aseer Region, Al baha, Jazan and Najran The General Authority for Statistics Starts the Second Phase of Updating the Guidebook for the Populated Areas, in Preparation for the 2020 Population Census In preparation for the population and houses census project (2020- 1441 AH) GaStat started to work according to a series of steps and in coordination with a number of government agencies on the technical arrangements of the implementation “for updating the populated areas guidebook”. It is considered the first field steps proceeding the census 2020 project. These steps are according to a timetable that includes all the stages of updating the guidebook for the populated names for different regions of the Kingdom and it includes: Aseer Region, Al baha Region, Jazan Region and Najran Region. In addition, there will be a number of stages that covers all the Kingdom regions during this year 2018. This project aims to update the guidebook for the populated areas in the field and to process its data by observing all the changes occurred in the guidebook. Moreover, during the updating process, the number of dwellings and establishments in the populated areas are considered and distributed to statistical work areas, also linking the populated areas to the national address, identifying the populated areas on maps and making any necessary divisions.  As well as counting the rugged areas, Badia areas and areas requiring prior coordination. On the other hand, the General authority for statistics (GaStat) has recently held the first specialized workshops to discuss the census form (2020) within a series of workshops related to the form. And that was with the participation of some experts and specialists from the GaStat, and a number of relevant government agencies. The project of population and housing census (2020- 1441 AH) aims to collect and publish the demographic, social and economic data of the population to provide the requirements of the government of basic data on population and housing to build the development plans, also the needs of researchers and planners, and to provide a new framework for all of the specialized statistical researches that are conducted based on the sample method. Additionally, finding a broad base of data and using it as a reliable source to conduct studies and researches required by the development programs, providing the data and indicators of population periodically to measure the population characteristics changes over the time, making local, regional and international comparisons, and to review, evaluate the population estimates in the future.

In order to develop the statistical sector and to follow up sustainable development goals Saudi Arabia Ends its Participation in the Works of the United Nations Statistical Commission (49th Round)   Saudi Arabia Ends its Participation in the Works of the United Nations Statistical Commission (49th Round). It started last Tuesday until yesterday evening at the United Nations headquarters which is in New York City . In addition, the delegation headed by his Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, president of the General Authority for Statistics. He indicated that the participation was an extension of the authority strategy for international participation. Also, to benefit from the best statistical practices because it reflected on the development of the statistical sector in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, he added that the kingdom of Saudi Arabia reviewed number of development axes for the statistical sector. During the works of 49th round, there was several presentations and interventions from co-sponsor delegation over four days. AL-Tekhaifi showed the statistical transformative experience was one of the axes where the authority addressed the road map and the dimensions on which it relied. Which is focusing on the importance of the client, quality and the development of the statistical sector. He mentioned that the KSA experience concerned the participants, and the progress of the statistical surveys reflect the affectivity and the importance of the listening to the clients from government entities and data users. Where the average of the surveys perversely were not over than eleven surveys in one year, but now in 2017 there are more than forty-two field surveys. In order to meet the requirements of the government entities and data users accordance with the regional and international requirements. At the level of the international statistical classification, the president of authority indicated that the authority focused on developed the statistical sector in KSA in several trends, Such as unified the use of international statistical classifications in the statistical surveys and administrative registers of ministries, government entities and privet sectors. Moreover, its first steps were unified the use of international industrial classification for economic activities in administrative registers (ISIC4), for all sectors and entities in the country. While, sector workshops were hold and meet bilaterally to define and to raise awareness of the classification. Also, to explain the mechanism of the application, and the importance of the study of the technical fields for all entities that related to. In order to ensure the access to the identical results based on one axis for the guide. Furthermore, the authority will continued the same approach for the rest of international classifications. Where, the same approach of national classification of occupation is applied recently (ISCO-08). The work of (49) round dealt with the household surveys, while authority confirmed that the household surveys is an important and main source for the different social statistics. That's because they are an active element for all the statistical systems, which based on provide several social indicators. It also considers as an important element to provide the related data of monitor progress in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development, under multitude requirements and challenges which faced by the available data.  GaStat Have focused on conducting a share amount of survey on household in that matter. In 2017 Among all the Surveys 17 of them was a household survey, and planning on doing 20 Household survey this year. The Authority is paying a great importance in register data, and has launched a numerous number of partnerships, initiatives and projects to link all the concerned institutions in the direction to come up with data that provides a lot of statistical indicators, also reducing the need for field survey. United Nation Statistical Commission agenda included a number of topics, surrounding the open data. The participant delegators have indicated a number of steps taken by The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on activating the Open data, to establish a high-level national committee for open data, at a ministerial level, led by The General Authority of Statics. To supervise the work regarding open data in Saudi Arabia, and strengthening coordination and partnership between the parties concerned. In addition to that, the project of Saudi Statistical Portal, which the authority is working on with a number of governmental institution, that offers statistical information’s in an up-to-date and easy-to-use way. Also, applying the best technical tools to access the information quicker and better, and applying the standards of data disaggregation as an open data, by international standards. As well as developing the digital content of the portal (e-content). And Increasing the level of e-reediness, In addition, further development of legislative and regulatory framework. The portal wouldn’t be only for the Authority, it would allow the all the institution, Authority’s and Government Institutions, to display their statistics in the same modern way, and working on strengthening the content with open data. The portal will support the social participation; it will allow visitors to publish their articles. The delegators have declared that this project consist of processing the basic data of GaStat, in addition to the other governmental data and the privet sector, to serve as convertible data which could be interactive graphics. GaStat has represented Saudi Arabia in this field lately as a member of the International Labour Organization of Big data and Official States-UN, whose membership includes 22 countries and 9 international authorities’. On the other hand, GaStat have presented, through their participation, about their current experience in National Statistical Data(MASDAR) for conducting data and statistical indicators from the concerned authorities, and work with them to provide, publish and exchange data and national statistical indicators through Databases and specify electronic portals. Which support making decision in Saudi Arabia, also it’s a solid Informational bank to support Saudi Arabia 2030 Vision and National Transformation Programme 2020. GaStat have declared through the presentation that the goal of this programme is to build a comprehensive national statistical database which have all the statistical data from all the inner and outer sources to produce tabulations, indicators and analysis where the users and analysts need those data in or out of the Authority for statistical references to support decision, and making all of the development plans. On the margins of the round the participant Saudi delegates met with a number of statistical commissions relevant to housing, social and economic statistics, as well as the South Korean delegates to discuss the road map of reinstate the agreement between the two countries. It started at the United Nations headquarters which is in New York City, on the last Tuesday until yesterday evening. In addition, the delegation headed by his Excellency Fahad Ibn Sliman AL-Tekhaifi who is the president of the general authority for statistics. He indicated that the participation was an extension of the authority strategy for international participation. Also, to benefit from the best statistical practices because it reflected on the development of the statistical sector in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, he added that the kingdom of Saudi Arabia reviewed number of development axes for the statistical sector. During the work of (49) round there was several presentations and interventions from co-sponsor delegation over four days. AL-Tekhaifi showed the statistical transformative experience was one of the axes where the authority addressed the road map and the dimensions on which it relied. Which is focusing on the importance of the client, quality and the development of the statistical sector. He mentioned that the KSA experience concerned the participants, and the progress of the statistical surveys reflect the affectivity and the importance of the listening to the clients from government entities and data users. Where the average of the surveys perversely were not over than eleven surveys in one year, but now in 2017 there are more than forty-two field surveys. In order to meet the requirements of the government entities and data users accordance with the regional and international requirements. At the level of the international statistical classification, the president of authority indicated that the authority focused on developed the statistical sector in KSA in several trends, Such as unified the use of international statistical classifications in the statistical surveys and administrative registers of ministries, government entities and privet sectors. Moreover, its first steps were unified the use of international industrial classification for economic activities in administrative registers (ISIC4), for all sectors and entities in the country. While, sector workshops were hold and meet bilaterally to define and to raise awareness of the classification. Also, to explain the mechanism of the application, and the importance of the study of the technical fields for all entities that related to. In order to ensure the access to the identical results based on one axis for the guide. Furthermore, the authority will continued the same approach for the rest of international classifications. Where, the same approach of national classification of occupation is applied recently (ISCO-08). The work of (49) round dealt with the household surveys, while authority confirmed that the household surveys is an important and main source for the different social statistics. That's because they are an active element for all the statistical systems, which based on provide several social indicators. It also considers as an important element to provide the related data of monitor progress in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development, under multitude requirements and challenges which faced by the available data. GaStat Have focused on conducting a share amount of survey on household in that matter. In 2017 Among all the Surveys 17 of them was a household survey, and planning on doing 20 Household survey this year. The Authority is paying a great importance in register data, and has launched a numerous number of partnerships, initiatives and projects to link all the concerned institutions in the direction to come up with data that provides a lot of statistical indicators, also reducing the need for field survey. United Nation Statistical Commission agenda included a number of topics, surrounding the open data. The participant delegators have indicated a number of steps taken by The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on activating the Open data, to establish a high-level national committee for open data, at a ministerial level, led by The General Authority of Statics. To supervise the work regarding open data in Saudi Arabia, and strengthening coordination and partnership between the parties concerned. In addition to that, the project of Saudi Statistical Portal, which the authority is working on with a number of governmental institution, that offers statistical information’s in an up-to-date and easy-to-use way. Also, applying the best technical tools to access the information quicker and better, and applying the standards of data disaggregation as an open data, by international standards. As well as developing the digital content of the portal (e-content). And Increasing the level of e-reediness, In addition, further development of legislative and regulatory framework. The portal wouldn’t be only for the Authority, it would allow the all the institution, Authority’s and Government Institutions, to display their statistics in the same modern way, and working on strengthening the content with open data. The portal will support the social participation; it will allow visitors to publish their articles. The delegators have declared that this project consist of processing the basic data of GaStat, in addition to the other governmental data and the privet sector, to serve as convertible data which could be interactive graphics. GaStat has represented Saudi Arabia in this field lately as a member of the International Labour Organization of Big data and Official States-UN, whose membership includes 22 countries and 9 international authorities’. On the other hand, GaStat have presented, through their participation, about their current experience in National Statistical Data(MASDAR) for conducting data and statistical indicators from the concerned authorities, and work with them to provide, publish and exchange data and national statistical indicators through Databases and specify electronic portals. Which support making decision in Saudi Arabia, also it’s a solid Informational bank to support Saudi Arabia 2030 Vision and National Transformation Programme 2020. GaStat have declared through the presentation that the goal of this programme is to build a comprehensive national statistical database which have all the statistical data from all the inner and outer sources to produce tabulations, indicators and analysis where the users and analysts need those data in or out of the Authority for statistical references to support decision, and making all of the development plans. On the margins of the round the participant Saudi delegates met with a number of statistical commissions relevant to housing, social and economic statistics, as well as the South Korean delegates to discuss the road map of reinstate the agreement between the two countries.

With Participation of Ektefaa Charity Association in Jeddah GaStat Tends to Activate the Role of ‘’Women’’ in the Statistical Fieldwork GaStat tends to strengthen the statistical fieldwork with trained field staff of female statisticians in various regions of the Kingdom in order to facilitate the way of providing information to families without a male head, emphasizing the role of women as one of the active forces in the statistical sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Where the official spokesman of GaStat, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, confirmed that GaStat has completed the preparation of training programs for female statisticians and field work experience.       GaStat cooperated with Ektefaa women's charity association in Jeddah to supervise the process of statisticians’ qualifying and training and to participate in the household related surveys in Jeddah, Riyadh, Hofuf, and Jazan as they have previously worked in this filed. The women’ fieldwork experience is considered one of the programs that prepares them for 2020 population census and other statistical surveys. Almofarrej added that this opportunity will contribute in facilitating data collection from families headed by a woman. Moreover, it will contribute in opening up new areas of women work and increase the women's participation in development to achieve the vision of KSA.          In addition to Ektefaa Association in Jeddah, which supervised the program, it is worth mentioning that a number of associations have participated in this experience, including (Ensan) charity committee for orphans Care in Riyadh, Al-bir society in Al-Ahsa, and Al-bir society in Jazan. Ektefaa Charity association, which is one of the specialized charities in the field of surveying and information collecting and documenting, has provided GaStat with a study on their previous experience on conducting a field survey. The study clarifies the importance of females’ engagement in the implementation of field surveys concerning household affairs. GaStat will evaluate this experience and sit a road map to activate the role of women in the field works that target households.

Aiming to raise statistical awareness among students by using a scientific and attractive way GaStat starts receiving students in “ The smart statistitician” exhibition in cooperation with “Scitech” Khobar As part of its plan to raise statistical awareness among all society categories including school students, GaStat organizes the exhibition of “ The smart statistitician” in cooperation with Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Centre for Science and Technology “ Scitech” in Al Khobar city. The exhibition events are held in the centre during the period 9-20 Jumada the second 1439 H corresponding 25th of February- 8th of March 2018.  The exhibition which targets the students of intermediate schools, aims at showing how important is statistics in the life of students by using a scientific and attractive way. It also aims at identifying the most distinct concepts associated with statistics, in addition to raising the level of statistical awareness among students. Furthermore, this exhibition enhances the students’ recognition of the role of statistical entities and field statisticians, and the role of provided data accuracy on development as students are considered effective tools in conveying what they learn to their households.  The exhibition starts receiving the students by a demo video, so the students can get new scientific information in an attractive and entertaining way. The video will introduce statistics, the difference between statistics and mathematics, the General Authority for Statistics’ role, the role of students and households in GaStat work, and the way statistical research are implemented by simulating this experience and making students act like statisticians in their household visits.  The exhibition, which opens at 9 AM and closes at 1 PM (week days), includes many competitions such as the competition of the regions and numbers which aims at providing information about the population numbers in each region. There is also the competition of statistical symbols which teaches students about the importance of population and housing census and all statistical surveys in general.

General Authority for Statistics Releases the Sixteenth “Services Guide 2017” and View Its Results in an Interactive Map on Its Website More than 5,800 tables covering the information of more than 16,000 populated areas General Authority for Statistics issues the sixteenth “Services Guide 2017” and view its results in an interactive map on its website On Monday 10/6/1439H - 26/2/2018, GaStat issued the sixteenth Services Guide of cities and villages’ statistics on its official website. This guide is considered an official unified reference for all services of governmental and private entities in the different Saudi regions with all their cities and villages. The guides of the thirteen regions contain data and information for 16.263 populated areas (city – village), including geographical information and data, educational and health serveries, and data related to the availability of administrative, social, and agricultural services as well as public services. This guide contains (5810) detailed tables.  Moreover, this guide, which was prepared by 27 entities, is one of the most important statistical references for the data of cities and villages. It is issued by GaStat every three years in order to provide a unified and official reliable data and information at a high level of accuracy. These data and information are about all available services of cities and villages. So that it can be a unified reference for all government ministries, institution and organization, researchers, students, and media. The guide of each administrative region includes geographical data and information on the level of populated areas (city, village) and their services such as the services of public and privet education with their three stages, Quranic schools services, higher education services, technical, industrial, agricultural, and health education services, scientific, vocational, and commercial institutes services, institutes for persons with disabilities services, elderly and kindergarten schools services.  Furthermore, there are other services such as health services which include hospitals, health-care centers, public and privet clinics, Saudi Arabian red crescent services, data of administrative centers (governorate, municipality), traffic, police, and civil defense centers, departments of civil affairs, passport, Awqaf (religious affairs department), labor offices, committee for the propagation of virtue and prohibition of vice, writings of justice, courts, municipalities, social security offices, social development centers, ministry of agriculture and its brunches,  agricultural development funds, real estate’s  development fund, industrial development fund, lending bank, and the branches of ministries and authorities .In addition to the public services which include electricity, water, telecommunications, post offices, travel and tourism agencies, and banking services. GaStat declared today that the data reference year is the fiscal year of 1436 H/1437 H (2016). However, the public education services guide results show that the total number of public and private primary schools in all thirteen regions is (14.688) schools, with (1.457.326) male students and (1.469.797) female Students.  As for the intermediate schools, the total number in all thirteen regions is (8.607) schools, with (694.612) male students and (657.043) female students. Whereas the total number of public and private high schools in all thirteen regions is (5.713) schools, with (647.292) male students and (633.821) female students. The results of the services guide also show that there are (39) public and private universities in all thirteen regions of Saudi Arabia iincluding (688.644) male students, (752.356) female students, (41.954) male faculty members, and (34.037) female faculty members. However, the number of public and private colleges at the regional level has reached (112) colleges, (119,251) male students, (35,233) female students, (6,588) male faculty members, and (2,250) female lecturers.       According to the results of the guide of the health services, the total number of private and public hospitals has reached (469) hospitals, with (69.450) beds. Whereas the total number of government’s health care centers and private clinics has reached (4.808) centers in the Kingdom. Moreover, the total number of doctors in all government and private hospitals, government’s health care centers, and private clinics has reached (53.230) males and (25.917) females. Furthermore, the number of nursing staff has reached (30.849) males, and (131.896) females in the Kingdom. As for the total number of Red Crescent and Ambulance Centers, it has reached (397), with (4.850) paramedics, and (871) ambulance cars. On the other hand, GaStat through its official website provides data of Services Guide through interactive map to keep up with the latest technology in the statistical field with a set of tools, functions, methods of research and logical analyses on the databases. As well as use Geographic Information Systems techniques in linking the statistical statement with the geographical coordinates of the site on the map to benefit from the spatial dimension as an element of the statistical statement in different searches and analyzes processes. It's worth noting that the Guide of Government Services Statistics for cities and villages of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia released every three years based on the royal decree no. 3/w/26301 of 30/11/1401H states that the GaStat must arrange to release the Services Guide in cities and villages of the Kingdome of Saudi Arabia which contributes to the processes of planning and establishing future visions for development services to benefit the citizens in all Kingdom’s regions.

The Prince of the Eastern Province, Prince Ahmad Bin Fahad Values the Role of GaStat in Providing Updated Data and Statistics to All Government Entities His Royal Highness the deputy prince of Eastern Province, prince Ahmad bin Fahad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz welcomed his excellency the President of the General Authority for Statistics, Dr. Fahad bin Salman Altukhifi and his delegation at his office in the principality court today Sunday. His Highness reviewed the latest data of the Eastern Province within the Services Guide 2017, released by the Authority through its website. Additionally, he stressed that this high-level movement comes from the support and follow- up by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may Allah protect them. Furthermore, it aims to push forward the Comprehensive Economic Development, as well as it spurs all government bodies including GaStat to work positively with the requirements of the stage. Also, he appreciated the role of GaStat in providing updated data and statistics to all government entities that support decision and policy makers. His excellency the President of GaStat, Dr. Fahad Altukhifi clarified that the Eastern Region is witnessing a development on various levels led by his Highness the prince of the province and his deputy that lead us to follow these steps in the General Authority for Statistics, reflecting the numbers which are important indicators for the development across all governorates and regions. Moreover, he pointed out that the Services Guide 2017 published by the Authority through its website, includes statistics of services for the kingdom’s cities and villages. As well as it considers a unified official reference to the services of all governmental and non-governmental bodies available at different regions of the kingdom at the level of its cities and villages. Where it contributes to the processes of planning and establishing future visions for development services to benefit the citizens in all kingdom’s regions. The Guide, in which 27 governmental entities contributed to its preparation to be as a source of information for data, aims to provide geographic database for each populated area that has an accredited service, database on educational services, health services, social and development services, beside public services, administrative services, financial and banking services, as well as providing database for the most important service facilities at the level of kingdom’s regions.

50 Students Participate at the General Authority for Statistics “Cooperative Training Program" this semester The General Authority for Statistics has implemented the “cooperative training program’’ with the participation of 50 students from educational institutions during this semester for many majors including economics, statistics, accounting, media, mathematics, information technology, administration and law. The program provides the trainees with the opportunity to apply for a number of academic courses that students have taken within their educational institutions in the labor market. within a period of time to be counted in the academic graduation program. The training program, which runs from hours to four months, aims to help students gain the practical skills and efficiency in their fields of study in their university, allowing them to develop many of their practical experiences that may differ in nature from those gain over during periods of study. The training period helps colleges and universities to evaluate the academic preparation of their students through the report of their Cooperative Training Program, statements and job evaluation reports given by the direct supervisor to the trainee at the General Authority for Statistics. The "Cooperative Training" program aims to attract outstanding students from the newly graduated for the General Authority for Statistics. The program also aims to strengthen the relations between the General Authority for Statistics and the educational institutions in the public and private sectors. The General Authority for Statistics aims to do a couple of programs and projects to activate the academic sector considering it one of the four basic components of the statistical sector besides the Authority and the statistical units in government agencies and the private sector. These programs goal is to participate with fields that are related to the statistical work and the future plan for statistics in the kingdom and its transformation program. And also to cooperate with universities to evaluate or develop the products of the statistical work. The Authority has given a couple of programs to the Saudi universities during the last period.

After joining the program of international comparisons and experts of tourism satellite accounts, and to confirm its role in the international statistics map “Saudi Statistics” is a member in the Global Work Group on big data for official statistics After being a board member in the international comparison program and the international experts team for developing tourism satellite accounts 2017, Saudi Arabia, represented in the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat), has become a member in the Global Work Group (GWG) on big data for official statistics which pertains to the United Nations. This group includes 22 countries and 9 international authorities. Saudi Arabia has decided to be a member in this group to reflect the positive role of GaStat in the UN different statistical programs. It also wants to show its progress in the field of big data. GaStat is represented in this group by three statistical and technical leaders who are considered experts in big data; dr. Mohammed Alahmed, vice president of statistical innovation and customer service, Mr. Khalid Aldalqan, deputy of information technology, and Dr. Aseel Almansour, director-general of statistical innovation department. Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, GaStat president, asserted that Saudi Arabia has decided to be a member in the global work group on big data for official statistics to confirm the effective role of Saudi Arabia in the international statistics map. This membership will reflect the results of the Saudi statistical sector’s strategic transformation which Saudi Arabia is really concerned about and support for its role in enhancing the national development decisions. He added, joining this group will enhance the role of Saudi Arabia in the field of big data internationally. The participation of GaStat in this group is represented through capacity building and raising awareness about the importance of big data, in addition to joining the global platform for data, services, and applications. Altekhaifi indicated that the participation of those three national leaders among an elite of worldwide data and statistics experts under the umbrella of the United Nations Statistical Commission is considered an opportunity to benefit from the group works’ outputs. It will contribute in developing the use of big data in Saudi Arabia as these data are one of the very important recent sources of information, in addition to the field surveys and register data. Moreover, it will have an essential role in addressing issues pertaining to methodology, quality, technology, data access, legislation, privacy, and management. It will also pave the way for collaborations with the most distinct statistical organizations such as the international institutions, data producers, and big data experts. This might increase the quality of statistical products provided by GaStat to support decision and policy makers. Furthermore, the group works and results will collaborate in raising the level of information exchange about the big data projects in the statistical community. It is worth mentioning that the creation of the Global Working Group (GWG) on Big Data for Official Statistics was agreed at the 45th session of the UN statistical commission which was held last November. The group work aims at investigating the benefits and challenges of Big Data, including the potential for monitoring and reporting on the sustainable development goals. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the Global Work Group includes 21 representatives and some international organizations: Eurostat, GCC-Stat, ITU, OECD, UNECE, UNESCAP, UNSD, UN Global Pulse, World Bank

The Indicator Covers Three Main Sectors (Housing, Commercial, Agricultural) GaStat Releases Real-Estate Prices Index for the 4th Quarter 2017 The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) released on Sunday, 11 Jumada Al-Awal 1439H corresponding to January 28, 2018, its quarterly indicator for the General Index of the Real Estate Prices Q4  2017 in Saudi Arabia and published it on its official website www.stats.gov.sa.com . Furthermore, the indicator 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 indicator covers three main sectors consisting of several types of real estate: housing sector which includes the followings (plot of land, building, villa, apartment and house), commercial sector includes (plot of land, building, exhibition, commercial center or shop), agricultural sector with one category which is the agricultural land. On the other hand, the indicator recorded a decline amounted to (3.2%) compared to the same quarter last year (Q4 2016). The indicator attributed this decline to the decrease of the main sectors composing it: the housing sector (2.2%), the commercial sector (5.7%) and the agricultural sector (0.6%). Moreover, the indicator edged down (0.3%) compared to the previous quarter (Q3 2017) reaching (84.6%) in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to (84.9%) for the previous quarter. This decline is attributable to the main sectors composing it where they witnessed varying degrees of decline: (0.2%) for the housing sector, (0.7%) for the commercial sector and (0.1%) for the agricultural sector. It is worth mentioning that the release of the Index of Real Estate Prices for Q4 2017 came along with the introductory meeting of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this meeting was within the Authority's plan to raise the statistical awareness of all its customers in which a number of meetings were held previously to discuss Real Estate Price Index in Riyadh and Dammam last year.

It Shows the Housing Characteristics of Dwellings Occupied with Saudi Households Housing Survey 2017 Findings Now Released by GaStat The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) released on Thursday, 8 Jumada Al-Awal 1439H (25 January 2018)  the findings of the Housing Survey 2017, through its official website www.stats.gov.sa.com. This survey was implemented during the period (17/7 - 22/8) / 1438H) corresponding to (14/4 - 18/5/2017). Furthermore, it was prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and it shows the housing characteristics of dwellings occupied with Saudi households. On other hand, Housing Surveys are one of the most important data sources necessary for development planning in the economic and social fields in general and for housing initiatives in particular, both at the national and local levels. Moreover, Housing Surveys aim to: provide data about the dwellings occupied with households at the administrative level of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, study the influence of the surrounding environment and the housing characteristics, create database for housing in order to provide the requirements of the government and the needs of the planners and researchers from the main data about the housing characteristics required by the development plans, provide data and indicators on housing periodically to measure changes in housing characteristics over time and to make local, regional and international comparisons and measure the improvements and the growth in the housing fields by type of dwelling, age of dwelling occupied with the household. In addition, (owned) dwellings and occupied with Saudi households amounted to (49.91%) according to the Housing Survey 2017 findings. (Owned) dwellings that were built by using non-reinforced concreate (clay, stone, bricks, slabs) are excluded from this, in which their rate recorded a decrease down from (13.38%) in 2016 to nearly (10%) in 2017.  Furthermore, (rented) dwellings and occupied with Saudi households represent (38%), and (1.69%) for dwellings provided by employer. It is worth mentioning that findings of this survey did not show the individuals’ ownership of dwellings rate but it discusses the housing characteristics such as: type of tenure of the household’s dwelling included in the field survey. Additionally, villas occupied with Saudi households accounted for (29.44%) of the total number of dwellings occupied with Saudi households, the percentage of apartments occupied with Saudi households was (43.67%) and (7.73%) was for floors in villas occupied with Saudi households. On the other hand, the findings showed that the predominant material used in the construction of dwellings occupied with Saudi households was the reinforced concreate by (87.95%). Dwellings occupied with Saudi households, in which (brick) was used in its construction accounted for (11.88%). In terms of household energy, the findings showed that the percentage of dwellings occupied with Saudi households that depend on the public water network as a source of water recorded (74.28%) of the total number of dwellings occupied with Saudi households, and (99.8%) of dwellings depend on the electricity public network as its main source. In addition, (7.88%) was for dwellings occupied with Saudi households for less than (5) years, (25.38%) was for dwellings occupied with Saudi households between (5 and less than 10 years), and dwellings occupied with Saudi households between (10 to 20 years) accounted for (30.09%). Moreover, GaStat indicate that census surveys conducted every ten years depend on the comprehensive inventory of all dwellings. However, housing surveys depend on the sampling method of selected households chosen in a scientific manner. The survey form includes accurate details to support housing initiatives in which it allows the possibility of studying housing characteristics in a more comprehensive and detailed manner. The findings reveal the housing characteristics of the dwellings occupied with Saudi households at the administrative regions of the Kingdom. Many indicators can be extracted through this survey, such as: dwelling type, approximate age of the dwelling, building material, flooring material, type of possession, source of water, drinking water, source of electricity for the dwelling and other housing indicators related to the dwelling.

A specialized survey, measuring the spread of disability, contains all disability statistics details GaStat: (2.9%) of Saudi population have disability with (extreme) difficulty To get real statistical indicators that reflect the disability spread rates in Saudi and the disability categories in terms of difficulty degrees and spread among society people to be a reference for developing policies, making decisions, providing proper services for persons with disability, and fulfilling the needs of planners, researchers, and those who are interested in disability studies,  the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) has issued a report containing the results of “ persons with disability survey 2017”. When defining disability and classifying its difficulty degrees, GaStat has relied on the elaborated definition of Washington Group on Disability Statistics which contains all difficulty degrees of disability: mild, severe, and extreme. The survey results indicated that (2.9%) of Saudi population have disability with extreme difficulty.     According to the survey results, Riyadh region has registered a disability rate of (25.13%) which is the highest rate of disabled persons compared to the other Saudi regions. However, Najran region registered the lowest rate of disability with (0.87%). The survey results have also showed that the most spread difficulty among disabled Saudi population who only have one difficulty is the visual impairment. Persons with disability who suffer from visual impairment have registered (46.02%) among all Saudi disabled population with different degrees: mild (67.8%), severe (28.5%), and extreme (3.7%). As for the most spread difficulties among Saudi disabled population who suffer from multiple difficulties, physical difficulties have registered the highest rate with (29.13%) with different degrees: mild (54.07%), severe (29.22%), and extreme (16.71%).     It is worth mentioning that persons with disability survey includes many tables that are already published on the website. More than 40 detailed tables that include a large number of statistical data such as disability rates with its different degrees and categories, disabled population structure regarding their age and type, educational status, and occupational status.

The overall unemployment rate among the population is 5.8%, while the rate for Saudi citizens is 12.8%.
General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) spokesman: Unemployment rates are calculated according to international standards and are published through GASTAT’s official website and social media platforms.
In response to recent discussions regarding the unemployment rate among Saudi citizens, the accuracy of the published figure, and various interpretations attempting to estimate the unemployment rate, the official spokesman of GASTAT, Mr. Taiseer Al-Mufarrej, clarified that GASTAT has published the Labor Market Report for the third quarter of 2017 through its official website. The report provides comprehensive indicators on the labor market in the Kingdom based on two main sources. The first is actual estimates derived from the Labor Force Survey conducted quarterly by GASTAT. The second is administrative data obtained from relevant agencies including The Ministry of Labor and Social Development, the Ministry of Civil Service, the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), the Human Resources Development Fund, and the National Information Center (NIC).
The report, along with the main press release issued by GASTAT at the time, included both the overall unemployment rate for the total population and the unemployment rate specific to Saudi citizens. The results of the report for the third quarter of 2017 showed that the overall unemployment rate among the population was 5.8%, which represents a decrease compared to 6.0% in the second quarter. The unemployment rate for Saudi citizens remained unchanged at 12.8% in both the second and third quarters.
Regarding the incorrect interpretations of the unemployment rate that were observed, Al-Mufarrej stated that these interpretations revolve around two main issues. The first involves misreadings and assumptions regarding the actual unemployment rate and how it is calculated. In this regard, he emphasized that GASTAT adopts internationally recognized methodologies that are followed by global statistical organizations, in the same manner as other official statistical agencies around the world, in estimating unemployment rates. GASTAT publishes detailed breakdowns by gender, nationality, and administrative region. Therefore, any alternative method of estimating unemployment that does not follow these established standards is incorrect and should not be considered.
The second issue observed is the failure to distinguish between the overall unemployment rate for the total population and the unemployment rate specific to Saudi citizens. GASTAT has consistently published both figures since the initial launch of the Labor Force Survey, which later evolved into the Labor Market Report. Each rate reflects a distinct measurement. The overall rate represents the total population, including non-citizens, while the Saudi-specific rate excludes non-Saudis. It is also important to note that international organizations, when comparing unemployment levels between countries, rely on the overall unemployment rate that includes the total population.
Al-Mufarrej further confirmed that GASTAT provides various communication channels to respond to inquiries from interested parties and media professionals before publishing any interpretation, information, or clarification related to statistical indicators or data. He stressed that the lack of accuracy in some of the information circulated by the public or media may result from relying solely on news headlines without referring to the source or the full statistical report. This report is published in multiple formats on GASTAT’s official website and contains all the necessary details, data, survey methodologies, and international standards used in its preparation.

 

Within the Results of the Labor Market Bulletin for the Third Quarter of 2017 The General Authority for Statistics: Stability in the Unemployment Rate of the Saudi Population at (12.8%) and a Decline in the Total Unemployment Rate to Reach (5.8%) The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa  the Labor Market Bulletin for the third quarter of 2017, which provides comprehensive data and indicators on the labor market in the Kingdom from the estimates of the labor force survey conducted by the Authority on a quarterly basis, in addition to the labor market data from the administrative records of the relevant entities (Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Service, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund and National Information Center). The results of the bulletin for the third quarter of 2017 showed stability in the unemployment rate of the Saudi population at its previous level during the second quarter of 2017, where it stabilized at (12.8%), (7.4%) for males and (32.7%) for females, and a decline in the total unemployment rate (15 years and above) compared to the second quarter of 2017, where it reached (5.8%) in this quarter (3.2%) for males and (21.1%) for females. The total number of workers from the data of administrative records in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached (13,758,064) indivisuals, the total number of Saudis jobseekrs from the records of administrative reached (1,231,549) individuals, (190,822) are males and (1,040,727) are females. The highest percentage of Saudis jobseekers in the age group (25-29) was represented by 31.3%. Moreover, the results showed that nearly half of the Saudi jobseekers hold Bachelor degrees and their percentages reached (45.8%). According to the administrative records of the relevant entities, the total number of work visas issued reached 509,180. (22.3%) for the public sector, (37.8%) for the domestic sector and (39.9%) for the private sector. The bulletin included a large number of detailed data on workers according to the regulations they are subject to, and according to the nationality, gender, age, administrative region and educational level, as well as data on job seekers, average monthly wage, working hours and domestic workers. On the other hand, the official spokesman of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Mr.Tayseer Al-Mafarj, clarified that there is a difference between job seekers and unemployed. The "unemployed" according to the Labor Force Survey are the individuals (15 years and above) who were jobless during the period of the time reference (the survey period): the previous week of the household visit and have been looking for a job seriously during the four weeks prior to the household visit (they have at least taken one way to look for a job). This includes those who did not search for work during the four weeks prior to the household visit because they were waiting for a job or starting their own business in the coming period, where they had already been looking for work before the time reference period and at the same time they were able to work and were ready to join it (If available), during the week preceding the household visit. Additionally, the definition of job seekers is the Saudi individuals (males or females) enrolled in the job search programs of the Ministry of Civil Service (Jdarah or Saed) and the Human Resources Development Fund (Hafiz). And they register their personal data, qualifications, practical experiences and CVs through an electronic system. It is worth to mention that job seekers in the administrative records are not subject to the internationally recognized standards and conditions of unemployment approved by the ILO and therefore are not considered to be unemployed. Hence, not every job seeker is considered unemployed, he may be looking for work and is working in another job, this is the case in job seekers in government entities who are working, for example, in the private sector.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Held an Introductory Workshop and Issued the Unified Guide Government Entities Start to Implement the National Guide for Economic Activities (ISIC4) in the Middle of the Current Month The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) explained that it has completed the preparations for enabling the government entities related to economic activities to implement the "National Classification for Economic Activities", the classification was taken from the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities, the forth version (ISIC4), and was issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Council. And it is considered as an approved Classification for Economic Activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia starting next Monday 14 Rabi Thani, 1 January 2018. The official spokesman of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Tayseer Al-Mafraj, confirmed that the Authority has held several workshops for the relevant entities during the past period of time and prepared a unified guide and an electronic room for operations and communication in preparation for the start of the adoption of the National Classification for Economic Activities that can be defined as the way in which counting units can be collected according to a serial order and defined by homogeneous groups with a view to creating a general framework for comparison of statistical data at the local, regional and international levels. He also pointed out that the data of economic activity can be divided according to the guide prepared for this to specific levels in a manner similar to the characteristics of economic activities classified in one rank.  The official spokesman added that the implementation of the Unified Classification for the Economic Activities aims at creating a general framework for comparing statistical data at the local, regional and international levels, and providing a set of statistical data classified according to the economic activity. In addition, the implementation of the Unified Classification for Economic Activities contributes to the organization and restructuring of all sectors, supports the project of electronic connectivity between different entities, improves the quality of administrative records data of the relevant entities, and provides a comprehensive framework of economic activities to facilitate the handling of descriptive formulas automatically. It should be noted that the original version of the Classification was adopted in 1948. Most countries have applied this Classification as their national classification to become an important tool for comparing statistical data on economic activities at the international level. The first version (ISIC_1) of the International Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities was issued in 1958, the second version (ISIC_2) was issued in 1968 and the third version (ISIC_3) was issued in 1990. Finally, in 2006, the United Nations Economic and Social Council adopted the Fourth Amendment to the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC4). The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) uses the Classification in all its economic and social products, and follows up the updates on the classification and recently it has been authorized to enable the government entities to apply it as an approved Classification for Economic Activities in the Kingdom.

GaStat president Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi word in the third anniversary of the custodian of the two holly mosques accession to the throne, 3rd of Rabee the second 1439H When the king is present, there will be national prestige and achievements process “King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud” is a distinct sentence in the book of abode. His period of rule will be eternalized forever. This period represents a growth journey that will never stop. Three years of king Salman’s rule, a vision was drawn for the future. However, his policy of toughness gave the country a dignity with more wisdom and farsightedness, while determination helped in increasing the country’s achievements.  In the third anniversary of the custodian of the two holly mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s accession to the throne, the country’s agenda became full of achievements. Since king Salman’s period of rule has started, each day represents a whole year during which a future is drawn through establishing security, accomplishments, development, justice, honor, prestige and wisdom. These features led the country to be the most effective geographical area in the world map. They also gave it a historical metalepsis with many events in a non-stop epoch. In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, praise be to Allah for having such government which governs the country with Quran and Sunnah. Thanks God for belonging to such country that has a dominance in many levels because of its leading role towards security, peace, and stability. The kingdom wise attitudes toward the international and regional issues are still contributing in addressing many political, economic, social, and security affairs.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, each citizen should be proud of being engaged in everything. This engagement story has started earlier since the periods of rule of king Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and his sons (Saud, Faisal, Khalid, Fahad, and Abdullah) may all of them rest in peace. Presently, the story continues in the period of king Salman’s rule and hopefully will never stop.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, every developmental sector has the right to announce its outstanding developments and achievements which could not be accomplished without the government support and efforts. This support aims at making the development a result of each project, a desire for all efforts, and an integration between all sectors in order to reach a brighter future, as the language of figures and statistics in all sectors is the language of facts and achievements.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, our boarders become unattackable and our security is guaranteed, that is because of the top priority given to citizens’ security by our leadership.  Our courage champions are working hard on our security sacrificing their own lives. In addition, our armies are always there when their brothers and neighbors need them. These all show how the sons of “Salman” are united to keep the country boarders secured and prevent intimidation.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, we are proud of serving the two holly mosques. Under his leadership- may God support him-, all countries of the world are impressed of the services provided by Saudi citizens when receiving and serving the guests of Allah, as all public and private entities are working hard to have the honor of serving pilgrims, Omrah performers, and visitors. A clear evidence for that is the services and projects that were provided in the last three seasons of Hajj.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, we are all witnessing the new steps followed to build a modern country with young spirits. Since king Salman’s period of rule has started, the young spirit has appeared in all executive and administrative entities and sectors. That is to show how the country is young and capable of reform and develop, so that all individuals can live prosperous lives under the umbrella of security and development.   In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, we ( here in the General Authority for Statistics) are renewing the commitment intending to achieve the country’s expectations and objectives while keeping on supporting the development, as what the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia is witnessing nowadays is considered a transformation not only locally but also regionally and internationally. We will work hard to make the country in a very high position anywhere and everywhere.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, we congratulate the custodian of the two holly mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his crown prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (May God protect them all), with all our prayers to always keep this country secured, safe, and stable, and to protect our country and leaders. May the custodian of the two holly mosques live longer and May Allah reward him well.

Congratulating The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince, On the occasion of announcing the largest expenditure budget in the history of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi: Growth budget, development and transparency trends, and emphasis on the accuracy of the objectives On his behalf and on behalf of all members of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and all the statistical sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi congratulates The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz AL-Saud and his Crown Prince HRH Prince Mohmmad Bin Salman ALSaud, On the occasion of announcing the budget for the fiscal year 1439/1440 H as the largest expenditure budget in the history of Saudi Arabia. This achievement was a result of the directives of the wise leadership of this country to reduce the budget deficit for the current fiscal year by more than (25%) compared to the previous fiscal year despite the high expenditure. Dr. Altekhaifi stressed that the contents of the speech of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the budget declaration came to confirm the continuation of the development and improvement towards achieving the vision of the Kingdom (2030) to increase the size of the national economy and keep its growth. As well as, the continuation to diversify the economic base and income sources to enhance the ability to adapt to the developments and overcome the challenges and to ensure that the private sector can play a greater role in the development. Moreover, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in the budget declaration, stressed on the need to ensure that the burden on citizens will be minimized, he also stressed on dealing with the potential effects as well as supporting the private sector, identifying the objectives to reduce the budget deficit for next year to be less than (8%) of GDP despite the large and expanding budget and the continuation to reduce the dependence on oil. He also emphasized on the continuation to fight corruption and maintain the public money to pursue a bright future for the country. In addition, Dr. Altekhaifi added that this speech confirms the keenness of the wise leadership to ensure that prosperity will prevail in all regions of the Kingdom and that was confirmed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques also that this budget will continue to be disbursed to various development sectors in all regions of the Kingdom at high rates. The Custodian of the two Holy Mosques concluded his speech ensuring that he had kept in mind that he would continue to work towards comprehensive and balanced development to all regions of the Kingdom and that there is no difference between these regions. The president of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) stressed that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' directive to all officials to raise the level of performance, develop government services, enhance the efficiency of expenditure and transparency to meet the aspirations and obtain the satisfaction of citizens for the services provided to them is a road map to be used by all government entities and in all areas of development. On the other hand, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi said that all the important changes in the structure and mechanisms of the Saudi budget are considered strong cornerstones for the future on the intermediate and long terms. The budget included anticipations about the economy performance on the intermediate term “five years” which assured how clear and accurate are the objectives that the country works on to achieve a financial balance in 2023.  The announcement of these anticipations will be a fundamental base in managing the economic growth in all developmental fields. It will also enhance the transparency and disclosure values, which are values adopted by Saudi Arabia as strategic values in achieving the financial balance program as they comply with the announced objectives of the 2030 Saudi vision. Moreover, the announcement of the developmental funds and the investment fund collaborations in the capital and investment expenditure which exceeded the budget capital expenditure in the past years, in addition to the continuity and increase of the capital expenditure will have a strong impact on the economic development. Altekhaifi indicated that the 2018 budget statement is a result of the new political and economic policies which rely on strong bases both economically and administratively. It also asserts that we are going through the right path toward the future which started to be obvious through the wise economic management that the economic and development affairs council represents. The economic reforms that started with the announcement of the ambitious vision pushed the country towards a change through implementing a financial and economic policies system to improve the efficiency of the government expenditure, and found new non-oil income sources to create a kind of financial balance as a strategic objective on the intermediate term. This will be reflected on the economy of the country and will improve the citizen’s living standard.  GASTAT president added that the announced investments will affect the development positively, as it will enhance the economic growth, collaborate in improving the main services provided to citizens, and motivate the private sector which gets an unlimited support as it is considered a fundamental partner and a main axis in the development process. Furthermore, the high-yield investments that affect development in general and human resources in particular will contribute in increasing the Saudi citizen living standards.  He also mentioned that the budget with all its components will guarantee achieving an effective contribution to improve the efficiency of the government expenditure on one hand, and the quality, accuracy, and transparency of the financial accounts on the other hand. However, moving from cash basis accounting to accrual basis accounting will collaborate in increasing the financial efficiency which will be reflected on the projects outputs that the citizen get benefited from. GASTAT president concluded with prayers to this country “May God keep this country secured and prosperous”

On Tuesday the 3rd of Rabe’a first 1439H corresponding 21st of November 2017, the general authority for statistics (GaStat) has issued the cost of living index’ monthly report for the month of October. The report has been published on the official website of the authority www.stats.gov.sa ,  as the cost of living index has registered a decline by 0.2% in October 2107 compared to last month (September 2017).  The monthly report which was issued by GaStat clarified that the cost of living index in Saudi Arabia has recorded (137.5) in October 2017 which is a decline by 0.2% compared to September 2017 during which it recorded (137.8).       The report attributed this monthly decline of the indicator to the declines of the six main sections that compose the cost of living index which are: transportation section by (1.0%), House Furnishing, equipment, and maintenance section by (0.4%), food and beverages section by (0.3%), restaurants and hotels section by (0.2%), clothes and shoes section by (0.1%), and the sections of housing, water, electricity, gas, and the other kinds of fuel by (0.1%).       On the other hand, three main sections of the indicator have registered an increase which are: health section by (0.4%), culture and leisure section by (0.3%), and telecommunication section by (0.2%).       However, the sections of tobacco, education, commodity and services have not registered any worth mentioning change.

As the First Country in the Middle East.. with the Aim of Working to Improve the Statistics of Tourism  The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat): The Kingdom is enhancing its statistical position at an international level with the membership of the international expert group The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enhanced its statistical position at an international level after the joining of GaStat and the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage to the membership of the international expert group that is concerned with the Tourism Satellite Account of 2017, to be the first country in the Middle East that has been nominated to accomplish the Tourism Satellite Account according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) standards. UNWTO has also nominated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to execute the capacity building program. This initiative ensures an effective execution for information systems and tourism in all countries in the Middle East. Therefore, the Kingdom will represent these countries in managing the project, it is also considered as a mediator to transfer the knowledge and the experience of the organization to the Middle East countries. Moreover, the international experts group will work on preparing a guide to standardize and enhance the statistics of tourism and strengthen the support for the statistics within the United Nation system.  Additionally, the statistics committee and the Tourism Satellite Account will handle the coordination with international authorities and institutions to lead the statistics, set its standards within the United Nation system and support the member countries to enhance their national regulations for the tourism statistics and Tourism Satellite Account.  The president of GaStat Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman ALTekhaifi assured that the authority will work in partnership with the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage to maximize the benefit from this membership at all levels. He added that choosing two entities from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for membership of the international experts group, which is considered with the Tourism Satellite Account 2017, is an extension of the Kingdom's role in improving all the statistical fields and it shows what the statistical sector finds from the wise leadership (May God support them) for its unlimited support. In addition, it is also a result of  joint efforts and integration between GaStat and the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage in the field of tourism statistics. It is noteworthy to mention that the two authorities (Statistics and Tourism) have signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of information, statistics and the regulations of the governmental decision support. The signing was under the sponsorship of HRH the governor of Riyadh city, prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz AL-Saud, last March of this year within the events of the tourism investment and travel forum in Riyadh city.

Within the joint committee meetings events on the occasion of completing 55 years in the capital city Seoul  Saudi Arabia and South Korea Signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Statistics    Saudi Arabia and South Korea signed on Friday 7th of Safar 1439 H (27th of October 2017) in Seoul the capital city of South Korea a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the field of statistics. It aims to establish a cooperation between the two countries in the field of statistics by exchanging administrative and technical experiences that are related to the work of official statistical entities. Moreover, the signing ceremony was held within the “Saudi-Korean” joint committee meetings events on the 26 and 27 of this October. These events were held in the capital city of Korea on the occasion of completing 55 years of relationship between The Kingdom and Korea. The memorandum was signed by his excellency the president of GaStat Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tukhaifi from the Saudi side and by the official commissioner of the Korean statistics Mrs. Hwang Soo Kyeong from the Korean side. A number of the two countries officials have attended the ceremony. In addition, his excellency the president of GaStat Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tukhaifi expressed in his speech for this occasion his thanks to the Korean side for the warm reception and gracious hospitality that the Saudi delegation had. He also assured on the deep cooperative relationship between the two countries since 55 years ago until now in a noticeable improvement. He said" we are here today and more than half century of relationship between our countries have passed where the relations have improved remarkably in different fields, in which the economic interests have gathered the experts of the two countries on the tables of the commercial cooperation. Additionally, the special political relationships between the two countries have attributed in the advancement towards cooperation fields that are more distinguished. Since the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Korea have agreed on establishing diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on 16th of October 1962 until this day, the two countries are keeping a strong cooperative relationship as partners and they represent a special model for the West-East convergence”. Dr.AL-Tukhifi added that signing the statistical memorandum between the two countries came along with the new Saudi Vision 2030 where it opens wider horizons for cooperation. The statistical partnership is a qualitative partnership to transfer successful experiences and effective cooperation in the fields of statistical data and information which is considered the strongest cornerstone towards future. It is noteworthy to mention that the statistical memorandum between Saudi Arabia and south Korea includes points for cooperative work in developing technical mechanisms necessary for collecting and publishing statistics according to international standards, determining the fundamentals of statistical databases in different statistical fields, exchanging experiences concerning the necessary requirements for establishing an information central system that is linked automatically with all public entities [and their activation mechanisms], developing statistical work in governmental entities in addition to developing government statistical plans, policies, and mechanisms, exchanging statistical awareness programs and organizing joint seminars and workshops which discuss cooperation issues.