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The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has announced the release of the Construction Cost Index (CCI) publication in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of its continuous efforts to develop statistical products for key sectors and to provide a reliable and effective reference supported by accurate estimates.
This release is based on a comprehensive analysis of the costs of key construction components, including materials, labor, equipment and machinery rentals, and energy, for both the residential and non-residential sectors.
The publication aims to support decision-making processes for contractors, real estate developers, and relevant stakeholders and to contribute to outlining a clear roadmap for residential and non-residential construction projects within the building and construction sector.
In the same context, the results of CCI Survey for September 2025 showed an annual increase of 0.7% compared to the same month of the previous year.
This increase was mainly driven by higher construction costs in the residential sector, which rose by 0.8%, and in the non-residential sector, which increased by 0.6%.
The results of CCI Publication for September 2025 indicated that the index remained stable monthly compared to August 2025.
Construction costs for both the residential and non-residential sectors recorded relative stability during September 2025.

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.

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.