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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 opened the high-level workshop entitled “Big Data Policies”, organized by the International Monetary Fund in Riyadh on Monday, 19/01/2026. The workshop explored ways to leverage big data in support of macroeconomic statistics and enhance the quality of government decision-making.
The workshop aims to enhance high-level dialogue among senior officials from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on integrating big data with official statistics and developing regional cooperation in innovative solutions. It also seeks to build institutional capacities in the use of data sources to support economic and development planning, as well as decision-makers and policy-makers.
During his participation, Aldossari reviewed the Kingdom’s key achievements in the field of data and statistics, highlighting the National Strategy for Statistical Development and the General Population and Housing Census 2022, which received wide recognition at both regional and international levels. He also referred to the Kingdom’s progress in several international statistical indicators in accordance with approved international classifications, as well as GASTAT’s efforts to enhance the technical infrastructure, adopt advanced analytical tools, and expand the scope of local and international partnerships, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, affirming the role and importance of big data in developing national statistical systems.
Aldossari concluded his participation by referring to the Kingdom’s ongoing preparations to host the prominent global event, the 6th United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF), in November 2026, and the launch of the Road to Riyadh series of events. He highlighted the forums, seminars, workshops, and in-person and virtual dialogue sessions held during the past period and scheduled for the coming months, which aim to showcase the Kingdom’s readiness for hosting the forum, keep pace with rapidly evolving global developments in statistical work, and strengthen its strategic partnerships at both the regional and international levels. 
It is worth noting that GASTAT hosted members and representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) who participated in the workshop to brief them on the Kingdom’s latest statistical developments, including initiatives and programs implemented throughout 2025.