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General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Physical Activity Statistics publication in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2025, which showed that 59.1% of the Kingdom’s population (18 years and above) engage in physical activity for (150 minutes or more) per week. The prevalence among males was 66.5%, while among females it was 43.1%. According to the publication, the age group (18–29) years had the highest participation in physical activity at 71.2%, whereas individuals (80 years and above) had the lowest participation, not exceeding 3.5%
In the same context, transport-related physical activity, including walking or cycling, ranked first among adults engaging in physical activity at 57.1%, followed by work-related physical activity at 43.9%, while non-work-related physical activity ranked last at 37.8%. The report also covered the daily time spent by adults (18 years and above) sitting or lying down, excluding sleep.
The results also showed that 19.0% of children and adolescents (5–17 years) engage in physical activity for (60 minutes or more) daily, with 23.3% of males and 14.4% of females meeting this threshold. Regarding the time spent by children and adolescents in sedentary or non-physical activities, the results indicated that 34.6% spend one to two hours daily sitting or engaging in sedentary non-physical activities, such as watching television or using electronic devices, excluding school time.
It is worth noting that the estimates in the Physical Activity Statistics publication are based on self-reported data from individuals or their caregivers. The publication presents physical activity indicators through self-reporting by the Kingdom’s adult population (18 years and above) and children and adolescents (5–17 years). The accuracy of the data relies on the results of the National Health Survey, the Women and Child Health Survey for 2025, along with population estimates from GASTAT for 2025.

On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, inaugurated today the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations, organized by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) at the Conference Center of the University of Jeddah. The event brought together a distinguished group of experts, specialists, representatives of scientific associations, and academics and researchers in the fields of statistics and data-related sciences.
Upon His Highness’s arrival, the national anthem was played, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an. Then, the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossary, delivered a speech emphasizing the vital role of statistics in the national development journey. He noted that the forum serves as a distinguished scientific platform for the exchange of experiences and best practices between academic and professional institutions, contributing to the advancement of research and academic programs, statistical methodologies, and the promotion of statistical innovation through the use of modern technologies and strategic partnerships.
In his speech, Aldossary announced the launch of the “Road to Riyadh” program, which represents the preparatory phase for the Kingdom’s hosting of the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum 2026, scheduled to be held in Riyadh in November 2026. The program aims to raise global awareness of the Kingdom’s pioneering role in the field of statistics and to highlight its efforts in leading digital transformation and developing the statistical ecosystem to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030 toward building a knowledge-based, data-driven economy.

The program will span a full year leading up to the forum and will include workshops, events, and local, regional, and international panel sessions, with the participation of leading experts, institutions, and statistical bodies from around the world. It will also continue beyond the conclusion of the forum to ensure the sustainability of its outcomes, maximize its impact, and solidify its achievements in the long term.
At the conclusion of his speech, Aldossary also announced the launch of the second cycle of the Innovation Lab projects, following the positive results achieved in the first cycle. He emphasized the lab’s role in enabling researchers and specialists to develop innovative statistical projects and solutions that align with the ongoing developments in the statistical community, meet the requirements of Saudi Vision 2030, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also invited researchers and statisticians to apply and participate in this new cycle.
His Highness witnessed the signing of six memoranda of cooperation between GASTAT and the following institutions: King Abdulaziz University, Taif University, King Khalid University, Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, the Islamic University of Madinah, and the Saudi Statistical Association.
These cooperation agreements aim to strengthen collaboration, enhance coordination, and integrate efforts within the scope of all parties’ expertise. They also establish an institutional framework for shared activities and tasks, and support the development of institutional capacities in areas of mutual interest. On this occasion, His Highness received a commemorative gift.
This forum comes as part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to foster integration with universities and statistical associations, expand strategic and research partnerships, and consolidate the Kingdom’s advanced position in the fields of data, statistics, and indicators. It also reaffirms the Kingdom’s role as a regional and international statistical reference, contributing to measuring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and supporting the realization of Saudi Vision 2030.
Following the opening ceremony, the forum’s sessions commenced with a main panel discussion titled “The Role of Universities in Shaping the Future of Statistical Innovation.” The session highlighted the role of universities in developing innovative statistical methodologies, building national capacities, and aligning educational outcomes with sustainable development needs.
The program also featured a series of panel sessions that addressed key topics, including the role of statistics in community development, modern methodologies for improving data quality, ethics in statistical work and data privacy, and best practices of statistical offices in providing data to users.
It is worth noting that the first edition of the forum, organized by GASTAT in 2024, witnessed notable attendance, significant scientific and research contributions, and recommendations that yielded tangible results in the field of statistical work. This year’s edition coincides with the World Statistics Day 2025, observed on October 20 under the theme “Statistics for Sustainable Opportunities.” The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joins the global community in celebrating this occasion, which is held every five years, reaffirming the importance of official statistics in supporting development and informed decision-making.

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the launch of the 2nd cycle of Innovation Lab projects, a strategic step aimed at consolidating the role of innovation in developing statistical work in the Kingdom. This follows the success of the 1st cycle, which resulted in a number of pioneering projects that contributed to the advancement of national statistical methodologies and products.
The Innovation Lab serves as an advanced interactive platform that brings together the Authority, researchers, and experts from various academic, governmental, and private sectors. It provides an opportunity for specialists, postgraduate students, and research centers to present innovative statistical projects and solutions that address existing challenges and anticipate future needs by developing advanced methodologies and producing data and indicators that enhance the accuracy of economic and social analysis. GASTAT explained that the launch of the 2nd cycle continues a pioneering journey initiated by the 1st cycle, whose outcomes had a positive impact on the quality of national data and its production methods. It also enhanced GASTAT’s ability to keep pace with rapidly changing economic and social environments at the local, regional, and global levels, in line with international best practices and global statistical standards.
Additionally, GASTAT confirmed that the 2nd cycle will feature expanded participation and a wider range of collaborative fields, creating opportunities for further partnerships with researchers and specialists. It will enable them to develop practical solutions that support decision-makers and align with the Kingdom’s strategic directions under Saudi Vision 2030. GASTAT also emphasized that these projects will play a key role in advancing statistical methodologies and improving the quality of products and services, thereby contributing to strengthening the Kingdom’s position on the global statistical map. Furthermore, GASTAT indicated that the launch of the 2nd cycle represents a qualitative leap in the journey of statistical innovation and a practical step toward fostering a culture of community participation in developing statistical work. This ensures the sustainability and reliability of data quality and enhances the Kingdom’s capacity for evidence-based decision-making.
In conclusion, GASTAT invites those interested in applying for the proposed projects to review all details and participation procedures through the electronic portal (Statistical Innovation Platform) by visiting the following link: https://www.stats.gov.sa/innovation-platform. GASTAT also welcomes all inquiries and requests for information, which can be directed to its representatives via the unified statistical phone number (199009), by email to info@stats.gov.sa, or via the Innovation Lab email at innovationlab@stats.gov.sa.
 

 The opening activities of the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations, organized by GASTAT, commenced at the Conference Center of the University of Jeddah. The event began with the main panel discussion titled “Universities’ Contribution to Shaping the Future of Statistical Innovation,” featuring speakers Dr. Obaid bin Ali Al-modaf, President of the University of Jeddah. The session witnessed a wide attendance of academics and specialized experts representing academic and professional institutions.
The session discussed the vital role of universities as a key driver in developing innovative statistical methodologies and building national capacities in the field of statistics. It also emphasized the importance of integration between universities and statistical offices to enhance research and development, and to utilize modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing in statistical education.
In addition, the session highlighted successful experiences that connected educational programs with practical applications in statistical work, thereby creating opportunities for knowledge generation and the development of statistical tools that respond to societal needs.
The speakers emphasized that universities serve as a strategic partner in shaping the future of statistics by preparing qualified human resources and producing applied research directly aligned with labor market needs.
The discussions focused on the importance of fostering a culture of institutional innovation within academic programs, contributing to the enhancement of educational outcomes and strengthening the Kingdom’s ability to meet its rapidly evolving developmental requirements.
It is worth noting that this session is part of a series of panel discussions to be held throughout the forum, with the participation of a distinguished group of experts and specialists, in addition to the presentation of scientific and research papers. The forum aims to strengthen partnerships between the statistical and academic sectors and to leverage modern technologies in developing statistical methodologies.