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The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and Najran University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and integrating efforts in statistics, research, and statistical studies. The MoU was signed during a visit by a GASTAT delegation to Najran Region, where the delegation also met with H.R.H. the Governor of Najran Region and several officials from relevant entities.
The MoU was signed by GASTAT President, Fahad Aldossari, and Najran University President ‏Prof. Abdulrahman Alkhedhairi‏. It seeks to enhance cooperation between the two parties through the exchange of expertise and knowledge transfer, the establishment of a general framework for joint activities and tasks, and the development of institutional capabilities, in support of shared goals and interests.
The cooperation covers the exchange of technical and knowledge-based expertise in areas of mutual interest, joint research, studies, and publications, and enabling staff from both sides to participate in professional development programs, seminars, scientific conferences, and workshops. It also includes support for innovation, the development of joint initiatives, and the application of best practices in research and statistical studies. In addition, the MoU provides cooperative training opportunities for Najran University graduates in line with GASTAT policies, as well as collaboration in raising awareness of statistical work and data analysis.
This MoU reflects GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to expand its partnerships with public and private sector entities, contributing to the advancement of statistical work and the achievement of national objectives.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) is participating alongside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in celebrating Gulf Statistics Day, held annually on 24 December. This year’s celebration comes under the theme “Unified Data for Shared Vision”, reflecting the commitment of GCC statistical ecosystems to advancing statistical work and enhancing its role in supporting comprehensive development plans and achieving the objectives of national visions across the Council’s member states.
This year’s celebration continues the GCC countries’ efforts to build advanced statistical data ecosystems that provide accurate and harmonized statistics, enhancing the effectiveness of public policies, and supporting decision-making to meet sustainable development objectives. Gulf Statistics Day serves as an annual occasion to highlight the importance of the statistical sector and its pivotal role in shaping the developmental future of the GCC countries, as well as to raise public awareness of the value of statistical data as a key element in development, growth, and progress.
In this context, the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, emphasized that Gulf Statistics Day underscores the GCC countries’ commitment to enhancing statistical integration. He noted that harmonizing statistical data and unifying production methodologies constitute a fundamental pillar for achieving a shared vision based on a strong economy and sustainable development, in partnership with GCC statistical ecosystems, alongside the development of national transformation plans and modern methodologies for data production.
It is noteworthy that during its 141st session, held in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, on November 24, 2016, the GCC Ministerial Council approved the designation of an annual Gulf Statistics Day. The initiative aims to strengthen community partnerships with statistical authorities, highlight the vital role of statistics in supporting sustainable development, and underscore the strategic role of the Gulf data system in shaping policies and guiding developmental decision-making across the region.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Construction Cost Index (CCI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for November 2025. According to the publication, CCI recorded an increase of 1.0% compared to the same month of the previous year, driven by a rise of 1.0% in construction costs for the residential sector and an increase of 1.0% for the non-residential sector.
Meanwhile, CCI survey results showed that prices remained stable in November 2025 compared to October 2025.
It is noteworthy that the CCI results publication is part of the ongoing efforts by GASTAT to develop statistical products for vital sectors, provide a reliable and effective reference, and offer accurate estimates to support the decision-making of contractors, real estate developers, and relevant authorities. This also contributes to outlining a clear roadmap for residential and non-residential construction projects in the building and construction sector.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), achieved a new milestone by continuing its advancement in the Statistical Performance Indicator (SPI) issued by the World Bank since the data update 2020. Saudi Arabia’s score rose to 83.3% in 2024, compared with 81.5% in 2023, maintaining its 1st place ranking in the Arab region and advancing three positions among G20 countries, moving up 11th place from the 14th place ranking as published last year. Saudi Arabia further advanced four global places, ranking 51st place out of 188 countries. This accomplishment stems from the Kingdom’s ongoing statistical development, its adoption of a digital transformation approach within the national statistical ecosystem, and its efforts in capacity-building, promoting innovation, strengthening transparency, and facilitating the monitoring of progress toward SDGs.
The World Bank had announced on its official website the results of the SPI assessment 2024, which evaluated five main pillars comprising 51 indicators covering: data use, data services, data products, data sources, and data infrastructure. Saudi Arabia ranked 6th among G20 countries, scoring 93.2% in the second pillar related to data services. It was also ranked 7th among G20 countries in the fourth pillar concerning data sources and advanced to 17th place globally, compared to 36th place as published last year. Saudi Arabia further achieved advanced results by being placed within the top 20% of countries in three pillars: Data services, Data sources, and Data infrastructure.
For his part, GASTAT President, Fahad Al-Dossari, extended his congratulations to the wise leadership on this international achievement, expressing his appreciation for the support and attention GASTAT continues to receive. Affirming that this sustained support has contributed to enhancing the quality and efficiency of statistical sector operations and outputs, as well as its significant development and alignment with global advancements and rapid changes in this field, reflecting the advancement of the Saudi statistical ecosystem.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT continues its efforts to implement comprehensive statistical transformation, aimed at developing the infrastructure for field and digital surveys and enhancing integration with various governmental, private, and non-profit entities. In achieving this transformation, GASTAT relies on innovation and the use of advanced technologies in data collection and analysis, contributing to improving the quality of statistical outputs and enabling decision-makers to access accurate data that supports the achievement of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 targets. Furthermore, GASTAT continues its pursuit of building national capabilities and adopting the best global practices and methodologies to ensure the sustainability of statistical development and to keep pace with the rapid global changes in the field of statistics.