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The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) held a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Numbers – The Social Dimension of Data,” with the participation of: Dr. Maimouna Al Khalil, Secretary General – Family Affairs Council; Dr. Fatimah Al Waef, General Supervisory for Social Statistics – GASTAT; Dr. Abir Al-Harbi, Vice Head – National Observatory for Women; Dr. Hanadi Al-Hokair, Director General of the General Department of Women’s Empowerment – Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development; Dr. Amani Albaqshi, Senior Advisor – Ministry of Economy and Planning; Dominique M. Kanoubana, Statistician – UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States; Dr. Yusra Tashkandi, Associate Professor, Faculty Member, and Chair of the Department of Statistics & Operations Research – College of Sciences; and Lulu Almuqbil, Senior Data Analyst – GASTAT on Wednesday evening, February 11, 2026.
The panel discussion was part of Road to Riyadh series of events organized by GASTAT, ahead of Saudi Arabia’s hosting the 6th UNWDF in Riyadh in November. It explored the human and social dimensions of statistical data, highlighting the role of Saudi women and Saudi Arabia's experience in empowering them across various sectors through multiple initiatives that have strengthened their participation. It also covered additional topics, including local and global strategies supporting women’s empowerment, and the importance of statistical data in understanding social and economic realities to assist decision-makers and government entities in developing plans aligned with national objectives.
This panel discussion underscores GASTAT's commitment to raising statistical awareness on the social dimensions of data and reinforcing the role of statistics as a strategic tool for informed decision-making, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a vibrant society and a thriving, data- and knowledge-driven economy.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) will organize a panel discussion on Wednesday evening, 11 February 2026, titled “Beyond Numbers - The Social Dimensions of Data”. The panel discussion is part of a series of panel discussions previously held under Road to Riyadh events, launched in preparation for hosting the 6th UNWDF in Riyadh in November.

In addition, it represents a significant milestone in highlighting the growing role of Saudi women in the fields of statistics and innovation, and in strengthening inclusivity within the national statistical ecosystem. The panel discussion will showcase national and international experiences in empowering women and youth in the statistical data sector, highlight leadership initiatives that have supported women’s participation in statistical fields, and discuss global and local strategies for empowering women across various sectors.
It is noteworthy that the panel discussion will bring together a distinguished group of experts, academics, specialists, and officials from leading local and international institutions, centers, and universities. It aims to raise awareness of the human and social dimensions of statistical data and to foster the role of statistics as a tool for identifying societal transformations and supporting more inclusive, responsive decision-making in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has announced that it will keep collecting data for the 2026 statistical surveys, which are designed to provide useful information to support decision-makers and policymakers create effective economic and social plans.
The data collection phase includes several methods, such as self-reporting, telephone interviews, and field visits. It targets establishments in both the public and private sectors, as well as households and individuals.
In the same context, GASTAT announced the launch of a self-reporting service for several statistical surveys and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of all data collected from targeted groups, which are used exclusively for statistical purposes. It also noted that self-reporting aligns with the objectives of digital transformation and Saudi Vision 2030.
In addition, GASTAT called on all members of society, including establishments, households, and individuals, to fulfill their national responsibility by responding to its call to participate in completing statistical survey data.
GASTAT also provided several communication channels to respond to inquiries, including the unified phone number (199009), the customer support email (info@stats.gov.sa), and its official accounts on social media platforms.
 

GASTAT President Fahad Aldossari received, at GASTAT headquarters, a delegation from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), headed by Ms. Lucinda Eggleton and Ms. Alison Bailey, as part of the British side’s annual visit program. During the meeting, both sides discussed aspects of cooperation in the statistical fields.
In the same context, Fahad Aldossari reviewed during the meeting GASTAT’s efforts in digital transformation and the development of statistical methodologies in line with the latest international best practices, as well as its main statistical products, the innovation mechanism in data collection and analysis, and the integration of data sources to support decision-makers efficiently and effectively.
The visit included a tour of the Innovation Lab and the Statistical Surveys Operations Center, during which the delegation was briefed on the latest technical initiatives, the mechanism for monitoring indicators, and the integrated management of statistical operations. Technical sessions were also held during which the joint work plan for 2026 was discussed, and the priorities of cooperation between the two sides were identified.
This visit comes within the framework of activating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two sides, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership, which contributes to enhancing statistical capacities, exchanging expertise, developing statistical work, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.