GaStat president Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi word in the third anniversary of the custodian of the two holly mosques accession to the throne, 3rd of Rabee the second 1439H When the king is present, there will be national prestige and achievements process “King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud” is a distinct sentence in the book of abode. His period of rule will be eternalized forever. This period represents a growth journey that will never stop. Three years of king Salman’s rule, a vision was drawn for the future. However, his policy of toughness gave the country a dignity with more wisdom and farsightedness, while determination helped in increasing the country’s achievements.  In the third anniversary of the custodian of the two holly mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s accession to the throne, the country’s agenda became full of achievements. Since king Salman’s period of rule has started, each day represents a whole year during which a future is drawn through establishing security, accomplishments, development, justice, honor, prestige and wisdom. These features led the country to be the most effective geographical area in the world map. They also gave it a historical metalepsis with many events in a non-stop epoch. In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, praise be to Allah for having such government which governs the country with Quran and Sunnah. Thanks God for belonging to such country that has a dominance in many levels because of its leading role towards security, peace, and stability. The kingdom wise attitudes toward the international and regional issues are still contributing in addressing many political, economic, social, and security affairs.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, each citizen should be proud of being engaged in everything. This engagement story has started earlier since the periods of rule of king Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and his sons (Saud, Faisal, Khalid, Fahad, and Abdullah) may all of them rest in peace. Presently, the story continues in the period of king Salman’s rule and hopefully will never stop.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, every developmental sector has the right to announce its outstanding developments and achievements which could not be accomplished without the government support and efforts. This support aims at making the development a result of each project, a desire for all efforts, and an integration between all sectors in order to reach a brighter future, as the language of figures and statistics in all sectors is the language of facts and achievements.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, our boarders become unattackable and our security is guaranteed, that is because of the top priority given to citizens’ security by our leadership.  Our courage champions are working hard on our security sacrificing their own lives. In addition, our armies are always there when their brothers and neighbors need them. These all show how the sons of “Salman” are united to keep the country boarders secured and prevent intimidation.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, we are proud of serving the two holly mosques. Under his leadership- may God support him-, all countries of the world are impressed of the services provided by Saudi citizens when receiving and serving the guests of Allah, as all public and private entities are working hard to have the honor of serving pilgrims, Omrah performers, and visitors. A clear evidence for that is the services and projects that were provided in the last three seasons of Hajj.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, we are all witnessing the new steps followed to build a modern country with young spirits. Since king Salman’s period of rule has started, the young spirit has appeared in all executive and administrative entities and sectors. That is to show how the country is young and capable of reform and develop, so that all individuals can live prosperous lives under the umbrella of security and development.   In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, we ( here in the General Authority for Statistics) are renewing the commitment intending to achieve the country’s expectations and objectives while keeping on supporting the development, as what the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia is witnessing nowadays is considered a transformation not only locally but also regionally and internationally. We will work hard to make the country in a very high position anywhere and everywhere.  In the third anniversary of the king’s accession to throne, we congratulate the custodian of the two holly mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his crown prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (May God protect them all), with all our prayers to always keep this country secured, safe, and stable, and to protect our country and leaders. May the custodian of the two holly mosques live longer and May Allah reward him well.

Congratulating The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince, On the occasion of announcing the largest expenditure budget in the history of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi: Growth budget, development and transparency trends, and emphasis on the accuracy of the objectives On his behalf and on behalf of all members of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and all the statistical sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi congratulates The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz AL-Saud and his Crown Prince HRH Prince Mohmmad Bin Salman ALSaud, On the occasion of announcing the budget for the fiscal year 1439/1440 H as the largest expenditure budget in the history of Saudi Arabia. This achievement was a result of the directives of the wise leadership of this country to reduce the budget deficit for the current fiscal year by more than (25%) compared to the previous fiscal year despite the high expenditure. Dr. Altekhaifi stressed that the contents of the speech of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the budget declaration came to confirm the continuation of the development and improvement towards achieving the vision of the Kingdom (2030) to increase the size of the national economy and keep its growth. As well as, the continuation to diversify the economic base and income sources to enhance the ability to adapt to the developments and overcome the challenges and to ensure that the private sector can play a greater role in the development. Moreover, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in the budget declaration, stressed on the need to ensure that the burden on citizens will be minimized, he also stressed on dealing with the potential effects as well as supporting the private sector, identifying the objectives to reduce the budget deficit for next year to be less than (8%) of GDP despite the large and expanding budget and the continuation to reduce the dependence on oil. He also emphasized on the continuation to fight corruption and maintain the public money to pursue a bright future for the country. In addition, Dr. Altekhaifi added that this speech confirms the keenness of the wise leadership to ensure that prosperity will prevail in all regions of the Kingdom and that was confirmed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques also that this budget will continue to be disbursed to various development sectors in all regions of the Kingdom at high rates. The Custodian of the two Holy Mosques concluded his speech ensuring that he had kept in mind that he would continue to work towards comprehensive and balanced development to all regions of the Kingdom and that there is no difference between these regions. The president of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) stressed that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' directive to all officials to raise the level of performance, develop government services, enhance the efficiency of expenditure and transparency to meet the aspirations and obtain the satisfaction of citizens for the services provided to them is a road map to be used by all government entities and in all areas of development. On the other hand, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi said that all the important changes in the structure and mechanisms of the Saudi budget are considered strong cornerstones for the future on the intermediate and long terms. The budget included anticipations about the economy performance on the intermediate term “five years” which assured how clear and accurate are the objectives that the country works on to achieve a financial balance in 2023.  The announcement of these anticipations will be a fundamental base in managing the economic growth in all developmental fields. It will also enhance the transparency and disclosure values, which are values adopted by Saudi Arabia as strategic values in achieving the financial balance program as they comply with the announced objectives of the 2030 Saudi vision. Moreover, the announcement of the developmental funds and the investment fund collaborations in the capital and investment expenditure which exceeded the budget capital expenditure in the past years, in addition to the continuity and increase of the capital expenditure will have a strong impact on the economic development. Altekhaifi indicated that the 2018 budget statement is a result of the new political and economic policies which rely on strong bases both economically and administratively. It also asserts that we are going through the right path toward the future which started to be obvious through the wise economic management that the economic and development affairs council represents. The economic reforms that started with the announcement of the ambitious vision pushed the country towards a change through implementing a financial and economic policies system to improve the efficiency of the government expenditure, and found new non-oil income sources to create a kind of financial balance as a strategic objective on the intermediate term. This will be reflected on the economy of the country and will improve the citizen’s living standard.  GASTAT president added that the announced investments will affect the development positively, as it will enhance the economic growth, collaborate in improving the main services provided to citizens, and motivate the private sector which gets an unlimited support as it is considered a fundamental partner and a main axis in the development process. Furthermore, the high-yield investments that affect development in general and human resources in particular will contribute in increasing the Saudi citizen living standards.  He also mentioned that the budget with all its components will guarantee achieving an effective contribution to improve the efficiency of the government expenditure on one hand, and the quality, accuracy, and transparency of the financial accounts on the other hand. However, moving from cash basis accounting to accrual basis accounting will collaborate in increasing the financial efficiency which will be reflected on the projects outputs that the citizen get benefited from. GASTAT president concluded with prayers to this country “May God keep this country secured and prosperous”

On Tuesday the 3rd of Rabe’a first 1439H corresponding 21st of November 2017, the general authority for statistics (GaStat) has issued the cost of living index’ monthly report for the month of October. The report has been published on the official website of the authority www.stats.gov.sa ,  as the cost of living index has registered a decline by 0.2% in October 2107 compared to last month (September 2017).  The monthly report which was issued by GaStat clarified that the cost of living index in Saudi Arabia has recorded (137.5) in October 2017 which is a decline by 0.2% compared to September 2017 during which it recorded (137.8).       The report attributed this monthly decline of the indicator to the declines of the six main sections that compose the cost of living index which are: transportation section by (1.0%), House Furnishing, equipment, and maintenance section by (0.4%), food and beverages section by (0.3%), restaurants and hotels section by (0.2%), clothes and shoes section by (0.1%), and the sections of housing, water, electricity, gas, and the other kinds of fuel by (0.1%).       On the other hand, three main sections of the indicator have registered an increase which are: health section by (0.4%), culture and leisure section by (0.3%), and telecommunication section by (0.2%).       However, the sections of tobacco, education, commodity and services have not registered any worth mentioning change.

As the First Country in the Middle East.. with the Aim of Working to Improve the Statistics of Tourism  The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat): The Kingdom is enhancing its statistical position at an international level with the membership of the international expert group The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enhanced its statistical position at an international level after the joining of GaStat and the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage to the membership of the international expert group that is concerned with the Tourism Satellite Account of 2017, to be the first country in the Middle East that has been nominated to accomplish the Tourism Satellite Account according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) standards. UNWTO has also nominated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to execute the capacity building program. This initiative ensures an effective execution for information systems and tourism in all countries in the Middle East. Therefore, the Kingdom will represent these countries in managing the project, it is also considered as a mediator to transfer the knowledge and the experience of the organization to the Middle East countries. Moreover, the international experts group will work on preparing a guide to standardize and enhance the statistics of tourism and strengthen the support for the statistics within the United Nation system.  Additionally, the statistics committee and the Tourism Satellite Account will handle the coordination with international authorities and institutions to lead the statistics, set its standards within the United Nation system and support the member countries to enhance their national regulations for the tourism statistics and Tourism Satellite Account.  The president of GaStat Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman ALTekhaifi assured that the authority will work in partnership with the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage to maximize the benefit from this membership at all levels. He added that choosing two entities from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for membership of the international experts group, which is considered with the Tourism Satellite Account 2017, is an extension of the Kingdom's role in improving all the statistical fields and it shows what the statistical sector finds from the wise leadership (May God support them) for its unlimited support. In addition, it is also a result of  joint efforts and integration between GaStat and the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage in the field of tourism statistics. It is noteworthy to mention that the two authorities (Statistics and Tourism) have signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of information, statistics and the regulations of the governmental decision support. The signing was under the sponsorship of HRH the governor of Riyadh city, prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz AL-Saud, last March of this year within the events of the tourism investment and travel forum in Riyadh city.

Within the joint committee meetings events on the occasion of completing 55 years in the capital city Seoul  Saudi Arabia and South Korea Signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Statistics    Saudi Arabia and South Korea signed on Friday 7th of Safar 1439 H (27th of October 2017) in Seoul the capital city of South Korea a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the field of statistics. It aims to establish a cooperation between the two countries in the field of statistics by exchanging administrative and technical experiences that are related to the work of official statistical entities. Moreover, the signing ceremony was held within the “Saudi-Korean” joint committee meetings events on the 26 and 27 of this October. These events were held in the capital city of Korea on the occasion of completing 55 years of relationship between The Kingdom and Korea. The memorandum was signed by his excellency the president of GaStat Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tukhaifi from the Saudi side and by the official commissioner of the Korean statistics Mrs. Hwang Soo Kyeong from the Korean side. A number of the two countries officials have attended the ceremony. In addition, his excellency the president of GaStat Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tukhaifi expressed in his speech for this occasion his thanks to the Korean side for the warm reception and gracious hospitality that the Saudi delegation had. He also assured on the deep cooperative relationship between the two countries since 55 years ago until now in a noticeable improvement. He said" we are here today and more than half century of relationship between our countries have passed where the relations have improved remarkably in different fields, in which the economic interests have gathered the experts of the two countries on the tables of the commercial cooperation. Additionally, the special political relationships between the two countries have attributed in the advancement towards cooperation fields that are more distinguished. Since the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Korea have agreed on establishing diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on 16th of October 1962 until this day, the two countries are keeping a strong cooperative relationship as partners and they represent a special model for the West-East convergence”. Dr.AL-Tukhifi added that signing the statistical memorandum between the two countries came along with the new Saudi Vision 2030 where it opens wider horizons for cooperation. The statistical partnership is a qualitative partnership to transfer successful experiences and effective cooperation in the fields of statistical data and information which is considered the strongest cornerstone towards future. It is noteworthy to mention that the statistical memorandum between Saudi Arabia and south Korea includes points for cooperative work in developing technical mechanisms necessary for collecting and publishing statistics according to international standards, determining the fundamentals of statistical databases in different statistical fields, exchanging experiences concerning the necessary requirements for establishing an information central system that is linked automatically with all public entities [and their activation mechanisms], developing statistical work in governmental entities in addition to developing government statistical plans, policies, and mechanisms, exchanging statistical awareness programs and organizing joint seminars and workshops which discuss cooperation issues.

Department of Statistics (formerly the General Authority for Statistics currently) members of the Committee of Economy and Energy Shura Council presented its strategic plan in the transition to an independent body, it came after a discussion of the Council's annual report to the Department of Statistics in the past general. Put some members of the Saudi Shura Council at their session yesterday, a number of views on the Department of Statistics report in the past year, comes at a time when the Department of Statistics turned into a public body for the census, a decision of the Council of Ministers about five weeks ago. In this regard, an informed source revealed «Middle East» yesterday that the General Administration of Statistics in Saudi Arabia will achieve its objectives through the provision of statistics and data and information and high-quality indicators, as all categories of beneficiaries of government agencies and enterprises and private individuals to various statistical areas (demographic, social, economic and environmental and cultural), so take advantage of them in the planning of development work. He said the same source, that the members of the Committee of Economy and Energy Shura Council, briefed on the strategic plan for the benefit of former public statistics, which will be applied in the transition to an independent body, where this plan is based on two major dimensions, namely: the beneficiary of the government agencies, private facilities, and members of service , in addition to high quality. The source said: «These two dimensions that contained five axes of development is the strategy based on the beneficiaries service, and statistical products and services of surveys and research, and methodology of statistical work and procedures, and the development of technical infrastructure for the development of statistical work, and the culture of the organization and capacity building, and restructuring and governance work». He pointed to the same source, to ensure that all the focus of a lot of projects and initiatives in accordance with the time schedule of expected Ontsem in a qualitative leap for statistical work in Saudi Arabia. , The Commission asked for the economy and energy Shura Council, during yesterday's session, the Department of Statistics to expedite the transition to Algiomkana Statistical System, to complete the basic structure of the Standard Rules Spatial Information National, and requiring all government agencies to provide information and data for the project automated link system information, on the bases technical and schedule required by the project. It also demanded the development of budgets for projects, statistical surveys and the transition to Algiomkana statistical system, in order to provide sufficient flexibility to spend it to be completed in the time required. During the session, Mohammed al-Mutairi student, information about the project to shift Algiomkana Statistical System, and hoped to provide this information to evaluate the project and support the necessary recommendations. He called Dr. Saeed Sheikh Department of Statistics to develop its website, providing information on the raw data, researchers can use the form and interested. While Dr. Mohammed Al Naji said during his speech that the Department of Statistics is still using an older scientific techniques, while Dr. Mansour Alkredes stressed the importance of a survey of the workforce in Saudi Arabia every three months, adding that the workforce have statistics of special importance require monitored on a quarterly Yearly dynamic response to changing realities. He suggested Dr. Abdullah Al-Harbi, establishment of a national data bank and information, and cooperation with the statistics departments at universities to build partnerships and specialized rehabilitation of the cadres of interest, and to cooperate with the Shura Council to find a center for public opinion polls and trends. Saudi Shura Council session saw yesterday, to approve the proposal to add two paragraphs fourth and fifth articles of the health system, introduced from Dr. Mona Al-Mushayt and decided Shura Council approval of some «model contract public construction» prepared in light of those amendments and recycled to the Shura Council for consideration in accordance with amendments introduced by the Government on a number of competitions and the government procurement system and project materials to article 17 of the system board. These developments come after an extraordinary economic steps, which decided the Saudi Council of Ministers about five weeks ago, converting Department of Statistics to the general body of the census, and in this regard, said the engineer will be launched after ninety days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette », pointing out that the decision inception keen Adel Faqih, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning said that «introduction of the new organization of the General Authority for Statistics wise leadership to support statistical track, and translates what looks to him and rulers of the quest towards the further development of service facilities, especially what has to do with the affairs of statistics, data and information, and that to cope with change and successive development in all economic fields, especially after the establishment of the Council of Economic Affairs and Development. He noted architect jurist as given to the Department of Statistics and Information before converted to body care cream and high-Care of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the Crown Prince and Crown Crown, to play its role in the provision of statistical data which contribute to strengthening the country's economy and development in various fields. The Minister of Economy and Planning, Saudi Arabia, that the issuance of this decision was an extension of a lot of decisions, orders and directives of the High precious to support and enhance many of the sectors of government turning to independent bodies proved right those decisions and effectiveness in view of the data that touched and experienced Staff of those sectors and the beneficiaries of its services. He Engineer Faqih hoped to be in the issuance of this wise decision motivation and incentive to tender wealthy achieve what the new body to aspire in their plans and programs and keep pace with the size of the aspirations of the beneficiaries of their services, adding that «this organization, which consists of 28 articles provision in Article II that arise General body called the General Authority for Statistics and enjoy public legal personality and financial and administrative independence, and organizationally linked with the Minister of Economy and Planning ». And that the new regulation provides for the formation of the Governing Council of the Commission headed by the Minister of Economy and Planning, and the membership of the Chairman of the Authority, and a number of members who represent some of the relevant government agencies and a representative of the Council of Saudi Chambers, and two representatives of specialists work of the Commission. According to Faqih that the purpose of the establishment of the Authority is to organize and activate the statistical work in Saudi Arabia, through the preparation of a comprehensive, accurate and unified national statistical system and follow up on its implementation, and the development of plans and programs necessary to meet the statistical needs, service development plans, scientific research and various activities. The Minister of Economy and Planning of Saudi that the new organization stressed that «the General Administration of Statistics» responsible for statistics in Saudi Arabia, is the only official statistical reference for the implementation of statistical work system and technical supervisor and regulator to him, a jurisdiction that conducts surveys, as it is the research and studies and dissemination of the results of the different areas statistical, and it is in relation to the conditions of the community and its activities. Engineer jurist considered that the Council of Ministers to ensure that the decision of the Board of Directors shall review the general statistics of the state system, and suggest what would need to be in, and submit it according to regular procedures

GaStat: Real Estate Index Decreased by (6.3%) compared to the previous year and stabilized compared to Second Quarter On Tuesday Safar 4th, 1439 (October 24th,2017), GaStat issued its quarterly indicator of the real estate price general index in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the third quarter (2017) and published it through its official website www.stats.gov.sa . This indicator is based on available registry data of the Ministry of Justice regarding real estate transactions. This indicator is an essential tool that supports entities which make economic and statistical decisions regarding the real estate price movements and future forecasts during different periods of time. The indicator includes three main sectors consisting of many real estate types: residential sector (piece of land, building, villa, apartment, and house), commercial sector (piece of land, building, shop, gallery and commercial centre), and agricultural sector which only includes agricultural land. The index of real estate prices for the third quarter 2017 recorded a relative stability compared to the previous quarter (second quarter 2017), reaching (84.9) in the third quarter 2017. The report attributed the stability of the real estate price index for the third quarter of 2017 to the varying percentage of change in the main sectors composing the indicator. The commercial sector witnessed a decline by (1.0%), the residential sector witnesses an increase by (0.2%), while the agricultural sector was stable without any relative change. The indicator recorded a decline of (6.3%) compared to the same quarter of the previous year (third quarter 2017). The report attributed this decline to the decline in the main sectors composing the indicator: the residential sector (7.9%), the commercial sector (10.9%) and the agricultural sector (1.0%).

Labor Market Bulletin Includes 67 Statistical indicators GaStat: The Saudi unemployment rate is 12.8% in the 2nd Quarter (2017)  The General authority for Statistics (GaStat) published the Labor Market Bulletin for the second quarter of 2017 on Sunday Muharram 11th,1439H (Corresponding to October 1st,2017) which provides comprehensive data and indicators on the labor market in the Kingdom from April 1st to June 30th, 2017 (Corresponding to Rajab 15th to Shawwal 6th, 1438H) to support decision and policy makers regarding labor force. It also contributes in building a database on the labor market in the Kingdom that can be used to prepare and plan future social and economic development programs. The quarterly bulletin includes 67 statistical indicators which contain data and indicators from the Labor Force Survey estimates and labor market data from the administrative records of the relevant entities (Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Service, General Organization for Social Insurance(GOSI), Human Resources Development Fund and National Information Center) applying international standards in this area. The results of the bulletin for the second quarter of 2017 indicated that the total number of employees from the data of administrative records in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached (13,841,158) individuals compared to (13,889,137) for the first quarter of 2017.   According to the results of the bulletin also from the data of administrative records in the government agencies for the second quarter of 2017, the total number of Saudis seeking work reached (1,075,933) individuals, (216,352) of them are males and (859,581) are females. The results also showed that the highest percentage of Saudis seeking employment was among the age group (25-29), which is (34.2%). Also according to the results of the administrative records data, nearly half of the Saudi job seekers hold university degrees reaching (50.5%). The results of the bulletin showed that the unemployment rate in Saudi Arabia for the Saudi population (15 years and over) from the Labor Force Survey estimates for the second quarter 2017 reached (12.8%), (7.4%) are males and (33.1%) are females. And the unemployment rate in the Kingdom for the total population (15 years and over) is (6.0%), (3.3%) are males and (22.9%) are females. The results also showed that (11.6%) of the unemployed Saudis had previously worked, and (32.9%) of unemployed Saudis who had previously worked left their jobs due to dismissal from the employer. The survey results also showed that (9.6%) of unemployed Saudis have already been trained. Regarding the economic activity rate of total population (15 years and over) it reached (54.2%), divided between males (78.2%) and females (18.7%). In its bulletin, GaStat also explained that the economic activity rate for total Saudi population (15 years and over) reached (40.3%). The bulletin included a large number of detailed data on workers according to the regulations they are subject to, nationality, sex, age, administrative region and educational level, as well as data for job seekers, average monthly wages, working hours and domestic workers. For more details, you can view the bulletin through Gastat’s official website: www.stats.gov.sa

UN International Comparison Program board of directors holds second meeting Dr. Altekhaifi: KSA's distinctive work at statistics leads to council membership and participation in recurring meetings Saudi Arabia has participated at the second meeting of the board of directors of the International Comparison Program (ICP), which was held at Washington D.C. early this week.  His Excellency, president of the General Authority for Statistics, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, confirmed that the program’s work and results will help shape policies for global comparison to support statistical products of the participating countries. It will also enable the General Authority for Statistics to access the best global practices for statistics for the purpose of improving and developing the statistical work. Also, it will raise the quality of the data, which will reflect positively on the decisions for development that rely mainly on statistics. On the other hand, his excellency Dr. Altekhaifi pointed out that the board of directors, which has 11 countries including Saudi Arabia, which represents west Asia, has looked into the progress made when implementing the 2017 cycle in the participating areas. The council also specified a list of research topics including, implementing a rolling survey approach and building Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) time series, integrating ICP and Consumer Price Index (CPI) activities, Streamlining the process of establishing product lists and the use of importance indicators, improving the availability and quality of input data for rents, government services, and construction, streamline the use of productivity adjustments for government services, fine tuning global linking procedures, quality assurance of resulting PPPs and measures of reliability and other topics related to statistical work. Dr. Altekhaifi added that the ICP selecting of Saudi Arabia for the membership at the 2017-2019 cycle came as a result of the positive role of the General Authority for Statistics in different statistical programs organized by the UN. It also confirmed the kingdom’s effective role on the global map of statistics. Moreover, it reflects the results of the strategic transformation of the kingdom’s Statistic sector, which the leadership cares for and supports due to its role in aiding the national development decisions.  The ICP, which is under the supervision of the World Bank, is a partnership program for statistics on a global level. It is based on a statistical system that is connected with economic analysis. It uses statistical methods to derive the necessary data to calculate the PPP for about 200 countries and economies worldwide. It will facilitate the use of PPP as currency converters. That will allow for the comparison of the total economic indicators and the economic situations of countries worldwide. It is noteworthy to mention that the ICP board of directors is compiled of executives, chairpersons, and leading experts in 11 statistical devices participating in the program. They are distributed according to the regional areas: Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands, Latin America, the Caribbean, West Asia, Commonwealth of Independence States, European Union, non-European Union States, members of the organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, representatives of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, UN Statistics Division, and the Inter-Agency Coordination Group.

GaStat Enumerates Pilgrims Every Year Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve nearly 24 million pilgrims in 10 years According to the official statistics of the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat), the total number of pilgrims that Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve during the last ten years has reached 23,935,354 pilgrims. The last Hajj season (1437H) recorded the lowest number of pilgrims during the last ten years as it reached 1,862,909 pilgrims. While the year (1433H) recorded the highest number of pilgrims during the last ten years as it reached 3,161,573 pilgrims. The official spokesman of Gastat, Mr.Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the task of pilgrims enumeration every years is one of the tasks that Gastat has the honor of. It started since 1390H since Gastat was called (the Central Department of statistics), in order to provide accurate information that helps all state agencies in planning and development of everything related to serving Hajj visitors. This mission continued during all these years to witness developments and enhancements in the enumeration techniques every year to be more accurate and comprehensive. Mr. Almofarrej added that the Hajj statistics program aims at the completion of all future planning programs to ensure providing the necessary services needed by the guest of Makkah, whether social, health, security, food, or transportation services. This is done through using a time series of accurate data about the number of pilgrims, in addition to the estimation of labor forces needed for providing the necessary services for pilgrims during Hajj season every year. The data and number of pilgrims is also used by relevant systems who studies the preparations and main facilities in Makkah city and holy places, and take it into consideration when preparing the necessary plans. In addition, accurate data and information about Hajj statistics is provided to researchers, students, and individuals who are interested in this field. The data is also used in the evaluation of activities and events made by relevant entities who serve pilgrims, in addition to identify the method of arrival of domestic and international pilgrims. The official spokesman stressed that GaStat will be announcing the number of pilgrims periodically starting from the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah. GaStat will also announce the final and official number of pilgrims on the evening of the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah through the Hajj statistics bulletin. The Bulletin will include detailed results about: number of domestic pilgrims, international pilgrims, pilgrims by gender, pilgrims by nationality, pilgrims by arrival destination, number of cars carrying pilgrims by type, and other detailed data. It is worth mentioning that the number of pilgrims in the last ten years exceeded 3 Million pilgrims in one time, and it exceeded 6 Million pilgrims 6 times. The number was lower than 2 Million in 3 Hajj seasons, and last year was the lowest according to the following table:

In cooperation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority GaStat starts to visit more than 57,000 households next Thursday The General Authority of Statistics (GaStat) will start next Thursday, 19 Shawwal 1438H (13 June 2017), to visit more than 57,000 households in all regions of the Kingdom in coopereation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority to conduct 3 household surveys: the survey of ICT’s access and use for households and individuals, sports survey for households, and the labour force survey for the third quarter. GaStat calls upon all citizens and residents to cooperate with the statisticians working in the field in 13 regions of the Kingdom including their cities and provinces. The work of than 450 field researcher will continue until 25 Dhu al-Qa’dah 1438 H (17 august 2017). GaStat official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the household sport survey is one of the requirements of the Saudi Vision 2030 in cooperation with the General Sport Authority. It aims to provide recent indicators about the extent of playing sports for households. Through its results, stakeholders will learn about the reasons for playing sports or not and they will get updated statistics about the relationship of households with sports. It will also provide a comprehensive picture on the size of community participation in sports and physical activity. In addition, it will provide data on the ratio of sports practitioners within the household who practice sports on a regular basis, at least once a week. It also provides data on the percentage of sports practitioners in public facilities, clubs or sports centres, and the number of times a person is engaged in sports during the week, and the reasons why a person may not exercise. Mr. Almofarrej added that this survey coincides with the Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of this year which aims to provide detailed data about national labour force, measure the rates of employment and unemployment, provide data on employed and unemployed individuals, identifying the average monthly wages of the workers, provide data on the average weekly actual working hours by occupation, and economic activity of workers, and data on formal and informal workers. The results will be published in the Labour Market Bulletin, which was recently launched by GaStat. Regarding the survey of ICT’s access and use for individuals and households, GaStat’s official spokesman said that in cooperation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission aims at providing updated data and indicators on the extent of household and individual’s access to information and communication technologies. It includes: the availability of communication and information technology devices, the extent of using mail services by households and household access to ICTs. The survey will also provide individual data including: the extent to which information technologies are used for individuals, age groups, educational and occupational status, difficulties, places of use and reasons for not using ICTs. On the other hand, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej confirmed that the GaStat has been keen to involve all relevant parties from data producers and users in developing its statistical products from creation to publishing through integrated partnership. A training program was recently held for the supervisors of these surveys, in which the Communications and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority has participated. GaStat has confirmed that all information will be treated as an information basis which is reliable and can be used by development decision-makers in all relevant government entities that will serve the interest of citizens and residents. Gastat also has mentioned that al statistical researchers carry official badges and they are officially authorized to collect data to be kept confidential in accordance with the general statistics system issued by the Council of Ministers. GaStat also made available on its official website www.stats.gov.sa the opportunity for students and interested individuals to view field search forms on which the data will be collected. All households and establishments may inquire through the toll free number 8001240440 about this work or other coming work.

Administrative-based Census and Centralized Data System Included Cabinet Okays Statistical Cooperation with Netherlands and Korea As part of its continuous support for statistical sector in Saudi Arabia, the Cabinet has approved in its sessions held on Ramadan 3rd and 17th respectively, the mandate to the Minister of Economy and Planning or his nominee for holding discussions with the Dutch and Korean sides on statistical development, and to sign memorandums of understanding (MoU) with them in this regard. His Excellency President of the General Authority for Statistics (GAStat) Dr. Fahad Sulaiman Altekhaifi hailed the decision stressing:  “The statistics sector in Saudi Arabia receives ongoing support from our leaders at all levels; establishing the importance of statistics in development. These agreements aim to develop our statistical endeavors based on the world’s best practices in the field. Also, our discussions with the Dutch side will address developing modern mechanisms to implement register-based census in compliance with the internationally recognized standards, including a defined statistical approach to run censuses, document data, and to store them in statistical archives. Also, this includes developing the necessary technical tools to create a comprehensive system from census databases, and leverage them in statistical surveys and studies, those implemented by GAStat, public or private agencies. The bilateral cooperation between KSA and Netherlands enhances sharing statistical awareness programs to ensure community participation and to share success stories, to boost the exchange of expertise between both countries, and to take part in statistics-related training courses, conferences, forums, seminars and workshops." As far as cooperation with Korea is concerned, GAStat President noted: “It features the development of technical mechanisms to collect and publish statistics in accordance with the internationally recognized standards, to identify basics needed to create a comprehensive system using various statistical databases and to share expertise as to the requirements to build a centralized data center, which will automatically be connected to all public agencies. Also, this is meant to secure the tools needed to activate these centers, and to develop public policies and mechanisms to provide statistics-based technical and advisory services to both public and private entities. It should be noted that GAStat has undertaken a series of preparatory steps with several local and international organizations towards finalizing the preparations for the (1440H – 2020) census, which will be the first register-based census using administrative records (civil registration number, national ID number, resident ID number), as well as the national home address. Unlike earlier censuses, this census features a comprehensive electronic connectivity with a number of stakeholders, including the National Information Center, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Housing, the Saudi Post, as well as various sectors in concern with the citizen, resident and housing data.

In Collaboration with 19 Government Entities to Develop the Statistical Sector GaStat Discusses the General Statistics system draft Within the framework of activating the statistical sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) held a workshop on Wednesday, 28 Sha’ban 1438H corresponding to 24 May 2017 with 19 government entities and specialized consultation bodies. The workshop was held to discuss the draft of the general statistics system in preparation for its submission to GaStat’s board of directors then for the concerned entities for approval. H.E. Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi, GaStat President, expressed his gratitude to the workshop participants and asserted that developing the statistical sector is a joint responsibility between relevant entities. He also added that the aim of this workshop is to ensure that the proposed system draft meets all requirements which maximizes its benefit. Furthermore, he explained that the proposed system draft is comprehensive and keeps up with the latest developments in statistical systems in order to activate statistical work and deepen its impact on planning and enhancing statistical awareness. It also regulates the relationship between GaStat, as a supervisor and organizer of the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia, and all constituents of the statistical sector which includes beside GaStat; statistical administrative units in all government entities, private sector and academic sector. GaStat’s President also confirmed that the current system provides a solid structure for statistical work with the amendments that have been made over the past years. The regulation which was issued by the Council of Ministers Decision No. 11 issued in Muharram 13th, 1437H enhanced and completed the process of developing statistical work. The regulation included a number of subjects that covered a group of regulatory provisions and the most important of these subjects: emphasizing that the Authority has a public juridical personality, and a financial and administrative independence, it is the entity in charge of statistical affairs, the only official reference to implement statistical work, and it’s the only technical supervisor and regulator of statistical work, it is managed by a board of directors which by the regulation has the powers and authority on the statistical sector and its components in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The regulation gave the Authority the task of establishing a permanent coordinating committee. It also gave it the responsibility of establishing a central system for information which is connecting electronically with all concerned entities. In addition to implementing statistical work, the regulation also assigned other tasks to the Authority which include: applying recognised international standards which include statistical work methodology, survey design and implementation, conducting research and studies, analyse data and information, all information and data documentation work, collecting statistical data and information that covers all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its different sources and classify it and section it, either from surveys and censuses or from administrative records in public entities and private establishments, analyse this data and extract its indicators, prepare evidences and national statistical classifications according to international standards, using it and developing whenever needed, prepare statistical bulletins and reports of surveys and research and publish it. The regulation also gave the Authority the right to provide statistical services, conduct surveys, prepare statistical research and studies, provide data from its databases to establishments and business sector in a commercial manner and shall benefit from its financial revenues in financing statistical and information services provided. In addition, it is responsible of transmitting knowledge and provide recommendations to public entities to develop all information system and statistical work methodology to achieve a comprehensive, accurate and unified statistical system and to develop public awareness of the importance of statistics, and to monitor and follow up all published data on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the competent regional and international bodies and coordination with the concerned entities. This regulation reflects the leadership's keenness to develop the main infrastructure of all development decisions considering that the statistical products and services given by GaStat is a solid base to support all national development decisions and support policymakers with information that is considered as the compass of development work, which makes this regulation an added value at the development level  on one hand and the activation of the national strategy for statistical development on the other.

Based on ministry of justice registry data GaStat launches real estate index indicator On Monday 27th of  Rajab 1438 H corresponding to 24th of  April 2017, GaStat launched the Saudi real estate index indicator. This indicator is based on available registry data of the ministry of justice which are about real estate transactions . GaStat described this indicator as an essential tool that supports entities which make economic and statistical decisions  associated with real estate price movements and future expectations during different periods of time. The indicator includes three main sectors composed of many real estate classes: residential sector ( piece of land, building, villa, apartment, and house) , commercial sector (piece of land, building, shop, and commercial center), and agricultural sector ( agricultural lands).  Real estate price index indicator showed a decrease in the Saudi real estate prices during the first quarter of 2017. The indicator registered a decrease of (2.3%) compared to the previous quarter (fourth quarter of 2016). Whereas it registered a decrease of (9.9%) during the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same quarter of last year. The report attributed the decrease in the first quarter of 2017 (compared to the previous quarter) to the decrease in all composing sectors: commercial sector (1.8%), residential sector (2.6%), and agricultural sector (0.3%).  On the other hand,  the decrease in the first quarter of 2017 (compared to the same quarter of 2016) is attributed  to the decrease in all composing sectors: commercial sector (11.7%), residential sector (9.5%), and agricultural sector (1.3%).  GaStat indicated in a workshop ,held in " Restatex " exhibition in Riyadh city, that : as an official  reference of statistics and an organizer of the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia, one of Gastat tasks is following up the price movement of real estate composing units and recording the values of their transactions all over Saudi Arabia. In addition to monitoring their changes from time to time through the new statistical product " real estate price index" which relies on the data provided by ministry of justice. This represents the integration and cooperation between the different government entities which aim at moving sustainable development forward.  GaStat also stated that the new statistical product aims at founding distinct real estate statistical indicators that measure the Saudi real estate market performance and fill the gap of data in this sector. It is considered an essential tool that supports entities which make economic decisions in this field. This product's data benefit those who are interested in the economic and statistical analysis of real estate prices and the future expectations during different periods of time. GaStat has issued a complete bulletin about this index and its details.

In a Step Towards qualitative statistical work to measure the economic and social impacts on the household Gastat launches an annual household survey until 2020 The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) started last week to visit 24,000 households in all regions of the Kingdom to conduct a survey aimed at households to build economic and social indicators. GaStat called upon all citizens and residents to cooperate with statisticians working in the field in the different 13 regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including their cities and governorates. The visits of more than 355 statisticians to households will continue until 8 Sha'ban 1438H corresponding to 4 May 2017. HE Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi, President of GaStat, explained that this survey is an extension of the tools of supporting decision-makers in developing the study of the economic and social status of households periodically to support the national transformation program by providing economic indicators and readings for households on a yearly basis. In addition, it will track and evaluate the changes in the social and economic indicators of households and their consumption behavior until 2020. His Excellency also explained that the Household Economy Survey is one of the new products that have been designed in cooperation with some government entities in line with international practices in such surveys to meet the needs of general economic changes. Therefore, the survey covers eight main aspects: household list data, education data, labor data, data on housing characteristics, income and expenditure data, living conditions data, household economic activity data, and future household outlook data. This survey is a complementary to other surveys implemented by Gastat. He also added that the results of the survey will be published in next August. On the other hand, GaStat met with a number of Household Economy Survey beneficiary government entities:" Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labor and Social Development" when launching field work, in order to introduce the survey and its expected results, describing it as one of the most important national surveys. GaStat stressed that all data are treated as an information base for decision-makers in all relevant government agencies, which benefit citizens and residents. Gastat also notes that all statistical researchers hold official badges and are officially authorized to collect data to be stored and kept confidentially in accordance with general statistics system issued by the Council of Ministers. GaStat also made available through its official website www.stats.gov.sa the opportunity to access the field research forms on which the data will be collected. All households and establishments can contact the toll free number 8001240440 for any inquiries about this work or any other inquiries. It should be noted that the General Authority for Statistics follows the international standards approved in the selection of the sample for all its statistical work as part of the statistical society, which is selected according to the of statistical sampling methods and is required to be representative of the society being studied and include the characteristics of the community until the results are published as official statistics and published through its website.

According to the human development report issued by a UN program with a remarkable progress Saudi Arabia is “the second country on the Arab world level and the thirty eighth internationally” within the very high-level human development countries Saudi Arabia registered the second rank on the Arab world level and the thirty eighth internationally within the very high-level human development countries according to the human development report issued by the UN developmental program 2016. Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, GaStat president, clarified that Saudi Arabia has reached that remarkable progress which was reflected in the human development report issued by the UN developmental program 2016. He added, Saudi Arabia was classified within the countries that have the highest levels of human development.  His Excellency assured that the report is one of the annual reports issued by the UN developmental program since 1990. In addition to the main topics it discusses and resolves annually, the program includes many statistical tables of various indicators, the most important of which is a table that contains the human development guide classified by the level of human development all over the world. This guide is considered a standard that summarizes all achievements in the field of development through three main dimensions: individual health life, knowledge acquisition, and the proper living standard.  He indicated that this improvement in the Saudi level of human development is continuous one. During the past three years, Saudi Arabia registered the (39th) rank last year, the (55th) rank in 2010, and the (77th) rank in 2005. This progress is attributed to the noticeable improvement in all elements of the human development guide which are represented in the expected age of birth, the expected average of studying years which means the expected number of studying years that a child is expected to spend since he/she starts going to school, supposing that the rates of this process by age groups remain stable during all times. The guide elements also include the gross national income per capita which is calculated by the purchase power rate in Dollar.  It is worth mentioning that the human development report divides the world into four groups by value of human development guide’s indicator. Countries with low-level human development have a value of (0R550), whereas countries with intermediate-level human development, their value ranges between (0R550) and (0R699). However, countries with high-level human development have a guide value that ranges between (0R700) and (0R799), and countries with a very high-level of human development have a value of (0R800) or more. The Saudi indicator mentioned in the 2016 report registered (0R847).  Dr. Fahad stressed that this report reflects the level of human development that Saudi Arabia witnesses in many fields. It shows the exerted efforts on many levels. These efforts were achieved as a response to the continuous directions of the custodian of the two holly mosques, his crown prince, and his deputy crown prince. It also reflects the goals upon which the 2030 Saudi vision is made, the vision that represents a promising document that aims at achieving the sustainable development and coping with all rapid developmental changes internationally.

Based on 3 Strategic Pillars Riyadh Announces 14 Recommendations at the Conclusion of the First GCC Statistical Forum The First GCC Statistical Forum held in Riyadh concluded by announcing 14 recommendations, co-drafted by decision and policy makers, academia, private sector, in addition to the leaders of the statistical data and information authorities, systems and centers in the GCC countries and international and regional organizations. The participants in the Forum, organized by the General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia and the GCC Statistical Center, stressed the importance, moving forward, of strengthening and increasing the effectiveness of the ongoing efforts in the various related fields, based on three strategic pillars (Partnerships, Development and Harmonization, and Resources). The participants also agreed on the importance of holding the Forum on a regular basis ever two years, to monitor progress and achievements in the areas of joint work and collaboration, and discuss the latest developments in the demand for and the production and dissemination of official statistics. The next forum will take place, in Muscat, in March 2019. This announcement came along with the Forum participants’ acknowledgment of the extra burden put on the national statistical authorities, centers and systems by the ever increasing and evolving demand for better quality statistics. The recommendations on the Partnerships Pillar stressed the need to (i) Strengthen the cooperation and dialogue mechanisms between statistics users and producers at the national level, so that the needs of users are met and the priorities are set in a better way; (ii) Enhance coordination and cooperation between producers of statistics in countries, to share knowledge and best practice, avoid duplication of efforts, and increase the quality of official statistics; (iii) Improve coordination and cooperation at the regional and international levels, to keep pace with and ensure contribution to and benefit from relevant developments, and to exchange expertise and experiences; (iv) Explore the potential of public private partnerships in statistics, to increase the frequency of data and develop new data sources; and (v) Foster collaboration and partnerships with the academic community in the GCC region, to serve a wide array of objectives including improving statistical literacy, adding value to statistical production, increasing the correct use of data, and strengthening training and capacity development.    In terms of the Development and Harmonization Pillar, the participants recommended to (i) Improve the quality and comparability of official statistics, to meet the needs of users; (ii) Incorporate contemporary international statistical standards and classifications; (iii) Enhance the use of administrative registers to produce official statistics; (iv) Take full advantage of modern statistical tools and technologies; and (v) Promote the correct use of statistics and statistical awareness and culture in society. Finally, regarding the Sources Pillar, the participants’ recommendations included to (i) Operate statistical agencies in an efficient, cost-effective and results-based manner; (ii) Attract and keep qualified GCC nationals in the statistical work; (iii) Increase the effectiveness and coverage of capacity development programs; and (iv) Explore alternative sources of funding and cost sharing outside the framework of official statistics including with the private sector. For the recommendations of the first Gulf Statistical Forum | Press here

27 Scientific and Awareness-raising  Booths in the Exhibition accompanying the First GCC Statistical Forum The Forum events which  will be held in Riyadh under the theme " enhancing statistical collaborations to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region", under the patronage of the custodian of the Two Holly Mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and organized by the general authority for statistics and the GCC statistical center on 21-23 Jumada second 1438 H corresponding to 20-22nd of March 2017, will be accompanied by an exhibition that contains 27 scientific and awareness raising booths, in collaboration with the GCC countries and the GCC statistical center, in addition to a number of establishments specialized in statistical and informational technology. Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, the official spokesman of the General Authority for Statistics, stressed that the Forum welcomes visitors such as , specialists, academia, students and government entities leaders to know more about statistical methodologies in different fields; economic, social, energy and natural resources, open data, statistical awareness and sustainable development. The forum which will gather 40 speakers from the gulf region and other countries, data producers and users, and people from the academic sector, focuses on main axes which are: statistical data and information request resulted from the national developmental tracks, sustainable development agenda and international economic issues, discussing the provision of statistical products and services to support the national developmental tracks and sustainable development in the GCC region, in addition to discussing the statistical collaborations between data producers and users to support the economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region. The events of the Forum will start with 4 sessions within two days, the sessions will start with discussing the first axe which is about statistical data and information request: the request from an international prospective and focusing on the international issues and their impact on policies and reforms all over the world in general and in the gulf region in particular. In addition to data needs and gaps, it will also discuss request from a national and regional perspective, a general session titles" producing and publishing statistics: the strategic motives of the national statistical entities' works", followed by  a general session about the third axe which is associated with collaborations " next steps: towards sustainable mechanisms and framework for cooperation between users and producers". Along with the forum activities, 6 workshops will be held: the first will discuss measuring the progress in achieving sustainable development goals, the second is about enhancing statistical knowledge. As for the third, it will be about the statistical media. In the fourth workshop, the participants will get to know the mechanisms of statistics development by using information and communication technologies. However, the fifth will discuss data revolution which will present cooperation between Arab countries to get benefited from data revolution in enhancing the production and publishing of statistics. After that, two presentations will be presented by one of the GCC countries and the GCC statistical center about the preparations and challenges. Regarding the last workshop, it will discuss the collaborations between the public and private sectors in the field of statistics.

STC Business technical sponsor for the Gulf Statistical Forum Under the Royal hospice of  the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - and with the organization of the General Authority for Statistics and GCC Statistical Center, STC Business will participate, as an activities technical sponsor, in the Gulf Statistical Forum, which will be held under the theme "Enhancing Statistical partnerships to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC countries.", at the Marriott Hotel in Riyadh during the period from March 20th to 22nd, 2017. The Forum will bring together 40 GCC and international speakers to discuss strengthening the statistical partnerships in view of supporting economic and development policies. They will discuss several key issues which are: requirement for data and statistical information ensuing from national development trends, the agenda for sustainable development and emerging global economic issues, provision of statistical products and services to support national development trends, and sustainable development in the GCC countries, in addition to conducting research on enhancing the statistical partnerships between users and producers of data to support the economic policies in the GCC countries. STC Business  pavilion accompanying the forum, will display a group of communication services and information technology solutions, with an explanation of the most important advantages and benefits that contribute to the success of statistical work and support digital transformation in the domestic and the Gulf region. This sponsorship comes within STC Business endeavor to support and meet the requirements and needs of their customers in both public and private sectors, through a variety of connectivity products based on mobile and fixed networks technology, providing integrated digital solutions, cloud computing , and managed services. STC Business Unit provides solutions and services, telecommunications and information technology in a way that meets the government and companies demands and requirements. This is carried out through the most advanced data centers distributed around the Kingdom. These centers are connected through a network of optical fibers whose length attains more than 147, 000 kilometers, and  are supported with a mobile network covering 96% of the populated areas in KSA, and uses technologies of the Second and Third Generation, while 96% of the network uses the Fourth Generation technology known as LTE. These national networks are linked to the world through a number of cross-border land and sea cables and an Internet gate which is the largest in the MENA region, where its communication capacity attains 1.5 Terabit / sec. and passes 12 Beta Bytes of data per day.

8 days until the beginning of the 1st GCC statistical forum events After 8 days, the 1st GCC statistical forum events will begin in Riyadh under the theme " enhancing statistical collaborations to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region". The forum will be under the patronage of the custodian of the two holly mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and organized by the general authority for statistics and the GCC statistical center on 21-23 Jumada second 1438 H corresponding to 20-22nd of March 2017.  The forum, in which there will be 40 speakers from the gulf region and other countries, other people who are specialized in statistics such as data producers and users, and people from the academic sector, focuses on main axes which are: statistical data and information request resulted from the national developmental tracks, sustainable development agenda and international economic issues, discussing the provision of statistical products and services to support the national developmental tracks and sustainable development in the GCC region, in addition to discussing the statistical collaborations between data producers and users to support the economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region.  The first day will witness the opening event. Many political personalities will attend such as ministers, GCC general secretariat leaders, ambassadors, statistical organizations heads, international and regional organizations representatives, statistical sector specialists, media, and other participants.  The forum events will begin with 4 sessions on the first two days. On these sessions, the first axe will be discussed from an international perspective which is about statistical data and information request. Also, the sessions will discuss the international issues and their impact on the policies and reforms all over the world and on the gulf region in particular. Data needs and gaps will be taken into consideration too. Data request will be discussed also from a national and regional perspective. There will be a general session titled " statistics production and publication: the strategic motives of the national statistical organizations works". It will be followed by another general session that discusses the third axe which is about collaborations " next steps: towards sustainable framework and mechanisms for cooperation and dialogue between users and producers". Along with the forum events, there will be 6 seminars; the first will discuss measuring the progress in achieving the sustainable development goals, the second is about enhancing the statistical knowledge. Whereas the third will focus on statistical media, and the fourth is about the mechanisms od statistical development by using information and telecommunication technologies. On the fifth seminar, data revolution will be discussed, it will present the cooperation between Arab countries to benefit from data revolution in enhancing statistics production and publication. After that, there will be two presentations about the preparations and challenges, they will be presented by one of the GCC countries and the GCC statistical center. As for the last seminar, collaborations between the public and private sectors in the field of statistics will be discussed.

Gathering 40 gulf and international speakers, discussion sessions and workshops  For the first time… the launching of the GCC Statistical Forum in Riyadh.. the end of this month Sabir Al Harbi: the patronage of King Salman confirms his interest in reinforcing GCC joint work Hessa AlJanahi: the meeting of data producers and users will contribute in building sustainable frameworks and mechanisms for cooperation The Director General of the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat), Mr. Sabir bin Said Al Harbi, affirmed that the patronage of the Custodian of the Two holy Mosques of the first statistical forum which will be held later this month confirms his interest in reinforcing GCC joint work, enabling the cooperation in the development and economy files, and linking and coordinating between GCC countries in all fields. Mr. Al Harbi stressed on the importance of the forum which will be held for the first time, gathering 40 gulf and international speakers with data producers, data users, and the academic sector. They will discuss many main axes like: the request of statistical data and information that results from the national- developmental tracks, sustainable development agenda, and international economic issues. They will also discuss the provision of statistical data and services to support the national- developmental tracks and sustainable development in the GCC region. In addition to discussing the main theme which is enhancing statistical collaboration between data users and producers to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region.  The forum will be under the theme "   enhancing statistical collaborations to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region" under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holly Mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and organized by the general authority for statistics and GCC- Stat. The Director General of GCC-Stat pointed that the forum comes in a time when current global political and economic developments forms a challenge in the Gulf Region, which leads us to guard by precise economic development trends that fit global changes, especially statistical wise. This appears in the importance of the existence of good, reliable, classified and timely data that measures the progress towards achieving economic growth and diversifying its sources. On the other hand, the GCC-Stat consultant, Mrs. Hessa AlJanahi, said that the forum is considered one of the manifestations of GCC governments interest to building sound national statistics derived from strategic motivations that serve the goals of 2030 sustainable development.  Mrs. AlJanahi predicted that the meeting of data producers, data users and relevant sectors will contribute in building sustainable frameworks and mechanisms for cooperation and creating strong collaborations in order to bridge the gap between statistics producers, including, statistical systems and statistics users from government and public entities, academics, researchers, or other users. The forum will start with the opening on the first day. Many politicians will attend such as ministers, GCC secretariat leaders, ambassadors, statistical organizations presidents, national and international organizations representatives, statisticians, media specialists, and other participants.  In the next two days, the sessions will start with discussing the first axe which is about statistical data and information request: the request from an international prospective and focusing on the international issues and their impact on policies and reforms all over the world in general and in the gulf region in particular. In addition to data needs and gaps, it will also discuss request from a national and regional perspective, a general session titles" producing and publishing statistics: the strategic motives of the national statistical entities' works", followed by  a general session about the third axe which is associated with collaborations " next steps: towards sustainable mechanisms and framework for cooperation between users and producers". Along with the forum activities, 6 workshops will be held: the first will discuss measuring the progress in achieving sustainable development goals, the second is about enhancing statistical knowledge. As for the third, it will be about the statistical media. In the fourth workshop, the participants will get to know the mechanisms of statistics development by using information and communication technologies. However, the fifth will discuss data revolution which will present cooperation between Arab countries to get benefited from data revolution in enhancing the production and publishing of statistics. After that, two presentations will be presented by one of the GCC countries and the GCC statistical center about the preparations and challenges. Regarding the last workshop, it will discuss the collaborations between the public and private sectors in the field of statistics. Statistical sector interested individuals can register to attend the forum events by visiting the website through the link: https://www.stats.gov.sa/gccsf/en

Within the activities of the first GCC statistical forum 40 speakers from the gulf and other regions discuss enhancing statistical collaborations to support economic policies and development, next March GCC statistical forum, which will be held in Riyadh from 21st to 23rd of Jumada 2nd corresponding to 20th to 22nd of March 2017, is receiving 40 speakers from the gulf and other regions of the world, in addition to several people who are interested in statistics. They all will be gathering in a forum held for the first time under the theme "   enhancing statistical collaborations to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region" under the patronage of the two holly mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and organized by the general authority for statistics and GCC statistical center.  The forum will gather many people who deal with statistics such as: data producers, data users, and the academic sector. They will discuss many main axes like: the request of statistical data and information that results from the national- developmental tracks, sustainable development agenda, and international economic issues. They will also discuss the provision of statistical data and services to support the national- developmental tracks and sustainable development in the GCC region. In addition to discussing the main theme which is enhancing statistical collaboration between data users and producers to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region.  In details, the opening of this forum will be on the first day. Many politicians will attend such as ministers, GCC secretariat leaders, ambassadors, statistical organizations presidents, national and international organizations representatives, statisticians, media specialists, and other participants.  On the next day, the sessions will start with discussing the first axe which is about statistical data and information request: the request from an international prospective and focusing on the international issues and their impact on policies and reforms all over the world in general and in the gulf region in particular. In addition to data needs and gaps. The session will be headed by Mr. Abdulaziz Alfuraih, vice governorate of the Saudi Arabian monetary fund. Prof. many speakers will start on that day such as: Enrico Guvannini, economic statistics professor in Roma university, Italy, Mr. Paul Schreyer, vice director of statistics in OECD, Mr. Jose Roberto Rosales, deputy director of statistics department in IMF, and dr. Khalfan bin Mohammed Albarwani, vice executive president of banking operations, research, and statistics in Oman central bank.  As for the second session, it will be headed by dr. Johannes Jütting, director of Paris secretariat in the OECD. They will discuss request from a national and regional perspective. The participants in this session include: de. Salem bin Nasser Alqudhai'e, vice minister of economy and planning, Mrs. Faridah Abdulrahim Khanji, director of analysis and assessment department in the office of his highness the president of ministers' cabinet in Bahrain, ambassador. Ashok Nigam, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Khalifah bin Saeed Alabri, assistant general secretary of economic and developmental affairs in the GCC general secretariat. On the third day, the forum works continue with a session titles" producing and publishing statistics: the strategic motives of the national statistical entities' works". This session will be headed by ambassador. Mossa Kolaklikaya, general director of statistical, economic, and social research and training in the Islamic countries (Ankara center). The participants also include: Mr. Taiseer bin Mohammed Almofarrij, from the general authority for statistics in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Mohammed Hassan ahli, executive director of statistics and national data sector in the federal competitiveness and statistics authority, UAE, Mrs. Sawsan Dawood Allawati, general director of the information directory in the national statistics and information center, Oman, and dr. Rashoud bin Mohammed Alkhuraiyef, supervisor of demographic studies center in king Saud university.  After that, a general session about the third axe which is associated with collaborations will begin " next steps: towards sustainable mechanisms and framework for cooperation between users and producers" headed by Mr. Saber bin Saeed Alharbi, the general director of GCC statistical center, with the participation of the forum workshops heads to discuss the workshops results and recommendations according to the forum three axes: data request, producing and publishing data, and collaborations between statistics users and producers. At last, a final session will start to announce the forum recommendations.  Along with the forum activities, 6 workshops will be held: the first will discuss measuring the progress in achieving sustainable development goals, the second is about enhancing statistical knowledge. As for the third, it will be about the statistical media. In the fourth workshop, the participants will get to know the mechanisms of statistics development by using information and communication technologies. However, the fifth will discuss data revolution which will present cooperation between Arab countries to get benefited from data revolution in enhancing the production and publishing of statistics. After that, two presentations will be presented by one of the GCC countries and the GCC statistical center about the preparations and challenges. Regarding the last workshop, it will discuss the collaborations between the public and private sectors in the field of statistics.  At the end of the forum works, a session will be held and headed by dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, GaStat president. In this session, the forum recommendations will be announced regarding enhancing collaborations between statistical data and information producers and users on the national and regional levels. Then, a concluding speech will be delivered by GCC statistical center and the general authority for statistics.

announcing (6) new economic surveys to support development Collaboration between GsStat and the private sector to develop statistical work GaStat revealed new economic surveys to be implemented this year and next year. These surveys aim at fulfilling the development needs, they include: insurance activity survey, direct foreign investment survey, intermediate and small establishments survey, retail activity survey, non-profit sector survey, and tourism survey.  This was mentioned in the second workshop held by GaStat yesterday (Monday) 13th February 2017 in Jeddah. HE dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, GaStat president, said that the private sector is an essential partner in the national development. He added, it integrates all public sectors and institutions in a way that strengthens the national economy. The collaboration between "statistics" and the private sector is part of the developmental movements which aim at achieving the 2030 Saudi vision and representing that with indicators that reflect the progress in the achievement of this vision. The role of GaStat, statistical national commission, and the statistical sector in general became more important now as the need for accurate statistical data, effective indicators, and measurement tools increased. Dr. Fahad indicated that one of the most important stages that GaStat works on these days is meeting the clients' needs whether from the public or private sector. It also works on establishing effective collaborations locally, nationally, and internationally with related parties. In addition to creating indicators necessary for current and future needs. GaStat works with its partners on unifying the information sources, facilitating their access, and providing innovative statistical products with international standards.   On the other hand, Mrs. Kholoud Aldakhail, the national statistical commission chairman, stated that the commission was established under the umbrella of the council of Saudi chambers based on the Saudi chambers board resolution number 13 /88/m issued in 15/6/1437 H as response to the ministry of economy and planning and GaStat request. This reflects GaStat initiative to make the private sector a collaborative sector. She asserted that the role of this committee, which include 23 members who work in the field of statistics, data, and information, is represented in the coordination with Saudi chambers of commerce all over Saudi Arabia. The coordination will be about statistical work activation, data exchange, and proposing methods to enhance the statistical work impacts on the private sector. Furthermore, it deals with elaborating the use of statistics in private sector, deepen relations between GaStat and Saudi chambers of commerce.  The workshop discussed two main themes; the requirements of data users in the private sector as one of the statistical sector components, determining required additional data by activity, and the proposed methods to develop the mechanism of data collection from the private sector institutions. GaStat has presented the economic surveys and the new surveys that will be implemented by them during these two years. They also presented the six tracks based on which the authority work which can be summarized in; a work strategy about the authority clients and partners to fulfill the actual need of statistical products, then developing these products and services and improving the statistical operations and methodologies. Also, raising the level of information technology and digital infrastructure to enable products to start from a strong base that can be adapted with any change. Moreover, focusing on raising statistical awareness, and building capabilities in the statistical field. In addition to structuring all GaStat tasks and departments.  At the end of the workshop, dr. Fahad expressed his thanks to all the participants. He asserted that the workshop outputs will contribute in enhancing the effectiveness of the decisions made by the private sector and its policy makers for the citizen's advantage and society economies which enhance his role in the domestic product growth, and guarantee making proper decisions based on accurate data to facilitate measuring their result and reflections.

Based on ministry of justice registry data GaStat launches real estate index indicator On Monday 18 Rabe'a second 1438 H corresponding 16 January 2017, GaStat launched the Saudi real estate index indicator. This indicator is based on available registry data of the ministry of justice that is about real estate transactions in 2015 and 2016. GaStat described this indicator as an essential tool that supports entities which make economic and statistical decisions  associated with real estate price movements and future expectations during different periods of time. The indicator includes three main sectors composed of many real estate classes: residential sector ( piece of land, building, villa, apartment, and house) , commercial sector (piece of land, building, shop, and commercial center), and agricultural sector ( agricultural lands).  Real estate price index indicator showed a decrease in the Saudi real estate prices in 2016 compared to 2015 and 2014. The indicator registered a decrease of (6.1%) compared to 2015. Whereas it registered a decrease of (8.5%) compared to 2014. During the fourth quarter of 2016, this indicator recorded a decrease of ( 3.5%) compared to the previous quarter. However, it recorded a decrease of (8.7%) compared to the same quarter of 2015.  The report attributed the decrease in the fourth quarter of 2016 (compared to the previous quarter) to the decrease in all composing sectors: commercial sector (4.1%), residential sector (3.4%), and agricultural sector (0.3%).  On the other hand,  the decrease in the fourth quarter of 2016 (compared to the same quarter of 2015) to the decrease in all composing sectors: commercial sector (12.3%), residential sector (7.4%), and agricultural sector (1.1%).  GaStat indicated in a workshop ,held in " Restatex " exhibition in Dhahran city, that : as an official  reference of statistics and an organizer of statistical sector in Saudi Arabia, one of Gastat tasks is follow up the price movement of real estate composing units and record the values of their transactions all over Saudi Arabia. In addition to monitoring their changes from time to time through the new statistical product " real estate price index" which relies on the data provided by ministry of justice. This represents the integration and cooperation between the different government entities which aim at moving sustainable development forward.  GaStat also stated that the new statistical product aims at founding distinct real estate statistical indicators that measure the Saudi real estate market performance and fill the gap of data in this sector. It is considered an essential tool that supports entities which make economic decisions in this field. This product's data benefit those who are interested in the economic and statistical analysis of real estate prices and the future expectations during different periods of time. GaStat has issued a complete bulletin about this index and its details on its website. It is worth mentioning that GaStat has announced 45 new statistical products as a first stage of the new products  which included economic, social, demographic, Umrah , and labor market statistics.  In addition to energy, knowledge, environment, culture, sport, entertainment, safety, and security statistics. Download: Real Estate Price Index Q4 2016 (PDF)

Signed a joint memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development GaStat: We work on developing data of labour market to support decision makers On Monday 20 Rabī‘ al-awwal,1438 corresponding to December 19, 2016 , GaStat signed a memorandum of understanding to develop electronic data exchange and integration and the implementation of a number of joint national initiatives relevant to the data of labour market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The national Labour Market Observatory and the "Labour Market bulletin" are considered the main outputs of this memorandum. Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, GaStat's official spokesman, clarified that the joint work in the field of data exchange with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development is a work in progress, and that the memo signed today by His Excellency Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi, GaStats President, and His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Ahmad Saleh Alhomaidan in the framework of developing joint work, particularly after the merging of  the Labour with Social Development is made to keep pace with the new changes in this field. Emphasizing on the importance of collaboration to provide statistical services  that support decision makers and users by providing statistical data and information that is immediate, comprehensive, reliable and flexible in the best interest of beneficiaries either citizens or residents. Almofarrej stressed that the reinforcement of collaboration between GaStat and the Ministry is based on developing entire statistical products related to labour force, social development, establishments, statistical data exchange and integration and the integration of work at the relevant national observatories. The joint work also includes the unifying of standards, classifications and definitions of labour force, social development and establishments. The memorandum contributes in achieving the goals of the social development national strategy, the Saudi employment strategy, the tenth development plan, the privatization strategy and the national strategy of statistical development.  GaStat's official spokesman also asserted that most important outcomes of this collaboration is: the support of statistical data production and dissemination through surveys and administrative records carried out by GaStat and the Ministry on a regular basis, total coordination regarding labour force statistical data dissemination, facilitate cooperation in the exchange and flow of information, the development of Saudi labour market data system through providing a statistical database that is highly accurate to be used by decision makers, planners, researchers and relevant entities, unify efforts to ensure getting accurate statistical data for the most important indicators of the labour market and social development which contribute in the measurement of the 2030 Saudi Vision and the 2020 national transformation program, meet the requirements of the beneficiary entities, the collaboration in establishing a databases for GaStat which are not-for-profit, associations and charities, cooperative committees and social development centers, the collaboration and coordination to reinforce the specialized observatories currently in place, establish and prepare new statistical products specializes in the labour market and social development issues.  On the other hand, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej clarified that GaStat is currently working in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social development, Ministry of Civil Services, Human resources Development Fund and the General Organization for Social Insurance to develop the labour market data through the production of "Labour Market Bulletin" to be a periodic integrated bulletin that meets the demand for suitable trained and qualified manpower , and the supply side of the population of who are capable of working and willing to search for a job at  certain period of time. The bulletin will be the updated version of the quarterly Labour force Survey results conducted by GaStat.

At the end of the 29th session of "ESCWA" held in Doha  Dr.Altekhaifi: the "Kingdom" has taken effective steps to implement the plan of the 2030 sustainable development goals approved by the United Nations in line with the national development plans The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) has recently ended its 29th ministerial session entitled "Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030 in Arab countries". Where the whole participants came together in order to implement the 2030 sustainable development plan, taking into account the particularities of the regions and its development priorities. The chairman of the Saudi Delegation participating in the Session, GaStat President, H.E. Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi mentioned that the Arab region countries faces multiple challenges in the implementation of the " the plan of the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030" approved by world leaders approximately year ago. These challenges include economical and social, political, developmental challenges. The most prominent of these challenges is the statistical challenges related to building indicators that measures the progress of the(17) goals and its (240) indices according to latest update in (May) 2016. His Excellency explained that one of the most important factors that will help in the implementation of the sustainable goals plan is the state's ability to develop its development plans to adapt with the international plans, provided that they do not violate the Islamic shari'aa law and suits Saudi Arabia. His Excellency assured that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia worked in two tracks to implement the goals of the 2030 sustainable development approved by the United Nations: the first track is developing a governance to track the implementation of plan, and it was assigned to the Ministry of Economy and Planning who will be responsible of the management of this file, follow-up, coordinate with all government entities, assigning government entities to follow-up with the goals within their competence. In addition, GaStat builds these indicators through the expansion of statistical work implementation either through designing new statistical surveys, develop current surveys, or build indicators from the data collected from the records of other government entities. The second track that Saudi Arabia worked on is developing its national development plans (Saudi Vision 2030), and connect it to the global plans(sustainable development plans). The 20130 Saudi vision and its (13) programs such as 2020national transformation program, government entities restructuring, projects managing program and other programs, and its (24) indicators, took into account the compatibility with the goals of sustainable development. On the other hand, Dr. Altekhaifi stressed the Doha announcement in the end session of the 29th meeting of ESCWA to invite all States to provide adequate support to update statistical systems to produce data necessary to measure the progress in achieving the goals of sustainable development. Furthermore, promote dialogue between policy makers and data producers and users to record progress in implementing national and international plans. Finally, support the initiatives of some Arab countries to for the adoption of national strategies for the development of statistics.

As the Chairman of the Saudi Delegation in the ESCWA Ministrial Session Dr. Altekhaifi: the transition towards a knowledge-based society promotes sustainable development in the Kingdom H.E. Dr. Fahad Sulaiman Altekhaifi, GaStat President, assured that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has completed remarkable steps towards achieving the millennium goals of sustainable development and has developed a strategy for total development under the framework of its 2030 Vision. This came during the 29th ministerial session of ESCWA entitled "Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030 in Arab countries", held in Doha,Qatar. HE GaStat President chaired the Saudi delegation participating in this session. He clarified that the Kingdom has made deliberate steps towards achieving the goals of sustainable development, where all conditions are prepared to achieve its goals of growth rates, average income increasing, promote the transition towards a knowledge-based society. This can be made through multiple strategies such as those based on economic diversification, sovereign investment funds, support the private investment initiatives, invest in quality education, research and development, health facilities, public services, and international and regional agreements. He added that the entire government systems in the Kingdom works on increasing the development of national and regional institutions, and enhance coordination efforts, enhance the flexibility of public institutions in developing governance strategies. On Tuesday, The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) held its 29th session for senior officials, in the presence of representatives from member states and non-member states in international and regional organizations and committees. ESCWA is one of the five United Nations' regional commissions, and is a part of its general secretariat. It works under the supervision of economic and social council in order to support the economic and social cooperation between the region countries and promotes the development process in order to achieve regional integration. Its membership compromises of 17 member states which are: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, UAE, Tunisia and Yemen.  The ESCWA ministerial session is held every two years with the participation of the commission member states representatives on the mistrial level and representatives from United Nations' organizations and programs in addition to United Nation member states who are not member of ESCWA.

Within the new bundle of cultural indicators  GaStat: 5,382 photographers work in 2,415 photography studios in Saudi Arabia On Sunday, 12 Rabī‘ al-awwal 1438 corresponding to December 11, 2016, GaStat issued its indicator about the number of photography studios and its workers from 2011 to 2015 in all administrative regions of the Kingdom which has reached 2415 studios with 5382 photographer and workers. The indicator issued by GaStat showed that Makkah region is in the lead by number of photography studios and its workers for the last five years. The number of studios in Makkah region has reached more than 802 in 2015, while Riyadh region is the second largest area after Makkah in the number of operators and photography studios which has reached more than 640 studios with more than 1400 worker in 2015. GaStat's spokesman Taiseer Almofarrej explained that the photography indicator is considered one of the most important cultural indicators, and it measures the changes in number of shops that photograph people, number of photographers, and number of workers annually. The indicator reflects the development in photography activity in different regions of the Kingdom. Almofarrej stressed that GaStat was keen to launch its indicator today to cope with the events of "colors of Saudi Arabia forum" to shed light on this activity. He also added that after the launch of any indicator, GaStat begin its assessment in order to develop the indicator with the collaboration of relevant entities. One of these indicators is the photography as one of the most important cultural indicators, in addition to the fact that photography field is one of the attractive fields to work in especially with the development of photography tools and the increasing demand on photographers, and the impact of images on media, art and culture particularly with the spread of social media. Knowing that the indicator does not include amateur photographers or who works independently as the indicator relies on record data from relevant entities.

For its role in raising statistical awareness within the economic survey GaStat honours Tawuniya H.E. Dr.Fahad Altekhaifi, the President of the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat), expressed his thanks to Tawuniya insurance company for supporting the operations of the economic survey of establishments (2016) that aim to support statistical awareness programs.  H.E. GaStat President stressed that giving the opportunity for the private sector to sponsor specialized surveys and research comes within the framework of enabling the support of statistical awareness, in which Gastat aims to raise the awareness of any research or study targeted groups to the importance of the information provided and its role in supporting relevant development decisions. He added that the private sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia realizes its societal role and offers a number of supporting initiatives to achieve the goals of government agencies. Dr. Altekhaifi explained that in this year, GaStat conducted its periodic economic survey through a series of economic research and surveys in order to provide detailed economic data of all establishments in the private and public sector and non-profit organizations to prepare indicators that help in recognizing the economic activities growth rate. More than 650 statistical researchers collected the data of 33,500 establishments in all regions of the Kingdom in order to obtain detailed economic data related to different aspects of the establishment. Mr. Raed bin Abdullah Al-Tamimi, Tawuniya CEO,  expressed pride in the strategic collaboration with GaStat through his visit to GaStat. He clarified that this sponsorship is part of the initiatives of Tawuniya to support the statistical awareness of the Saudi society because of the importance of its results in the development of the private sector. Mr. Al-Tamimi expressed his thanks to Gastat for giving them the opportunity to contribute in achieving the objectives of economic statistical products that supports the economic projects. Mr. Al-Tamimi added that Tawuniya, as the leading insurance industry in the Kingdom, supports the economic projects especially small and medium enterprises and national authorities to complete the initiatives that have a positive impact on the society and insurance sector. He noted that Tawuniya has a great experience in insurance practices and provides a variety of insurance solutions that meet the needs of all business sectors, drawing attention that this approach is in line with the 2030 Saudi Vision. Al-Tamimi asserted the importance of providing economic information about economic establishments to support decision makers in drawing a clear roadmap that contributes in implementing the goals and plans of the national transformation program. This program supports the role of economic establishments especially small and medium establishments in the GDP at a rate of up to 25% in 2020, which will contribute to reduce the dependence on oil and diversify sources of income.

Participating with 40 countries in the International Association for Official Statistics  (IAOS) conference Dr. Altekhaifi: GaStat works on enhancing the national and international collaborations to raise the data quality and support decision and policy makers GaStat participates in IAOS conference 2016 (round 15) Under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh  Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice chairman of Abu Dhabi executive council. The conference is organized by Statistics Center in Abu Dhabi. The main theme of the IAOS 2016 conference is "The Spirit of Official Statistics: Partnership and Continuous Innovation". The conference activities will conclude on December- 8-2016.  Dr. fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, GaStat president, said that the authority keeps enhancing its experience and raising the data quality through an integrated program for all local, regional, and international collaborations, in addition to following the best international practices in order to provide comprehensive and high-quality statistical data that support policy and decision maker. He revealed that the strategic collaboration program is an essential part of the statistical sector' strategic transformation program in Saudi Arabia. GaStat worked on preparing a transformation map in the statistical work. This map included a number of projects and initiatives that cope with the 2020 national transformation program and 2030 Saudi vision. The statistical transformation project depended on three main dimensions; quality of statistical products, concentrating on clients, and activating the statistical sector. Using these three dimensions, GaStat went through six main tracks represented in reformulating the authority tendencies in a way that achieves the goals and  reflects the clients tendency, reevaluating the products and services provided by the authority, determining the required operating activities to provide products and services according to clients needs, enhancing the technical part in the authority, modifying culture and developing statistical awareness, in addition to assuring the existence of the organizational structure and the governance to make a transformation. Each track has a group of projects and initiatives that are integrated with each other, so that they can contribute in implementing the strategic transformation program. These projects and initiatives aim at activating the statistical part, evaluating the products and services, and developing methodologies, standards, and classifications. This can be achieved after preparing the authority administratively, financially,  technically, and systematically  to pursue in the transformation process. In addition to raising the statistical awareness and culture among all users of data, information, and statistics.  On the other hand, Dr. Fahad asserted that IAOS conference was held in a time, during which all GCC statistical entities work together to achieve the vision of the custodian of the two holly mosques that enhances integration between GCC countries, improves GCC statistical performance, and meets the leaders expectations. All GCC statistical entities work on supporting the integrated work especially the collaboration between them, so that they can deal with all GCC essential issues.   GaStat participation in this conference represents its belief in collaboration and how it develops the statistical work and raises awareness among all producers and users of data. Moreover, it identifies the importance of official statistics and how they support the developmental resolutions in the region.  Altekhaifi clarified that GaStat along with all GCC statistical entities are trying to enhance and develop the concept of official statistics so that they reach an excellent level of efficiency. Furthermore, they enhance the value of official statistics in the information community. They also enhance collaborations, innovation, and national statistical system update.  H.E. expressed his gratitude for the great hospitality of Abu Dhabi in this conference. It is the first country in the region that organizes an IAOS conference, as this conference is held every two years by one of the IAOS members. So, this assured the GCC statistical entities role in the region.  It is worth mentioning that the 15th round of the conference depends on four main aspects, about which all sessions are conducted. The aspects are: enhancing the value of official statistics in the information community, making collaborations to achieve results, innovation and updating national statistical systems, and following the main principals in the statistical work practice.

The application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale on the staff of GaStat H.E. the President of GaStat appreciates the approval of the Cabinet and confirms the continuation of the statistical work to support development decisions H.E. the President of the General Authority for Statistics, Dr. Fahad Bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi,  appreciated the approval of the Cabinet in its meeting on Monday, 30th of Muharram 1438H on the application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale on the staff of GaStat. H.E. expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness the deputy Crown Prince for the support given to all government entities to achieve its objective in national development. It reflects the care of the prudent leadership for developing the infrastructure of all development resolutions, considering the statistical products and services provided by GaStat as a solid bases to support national development decisions, and support decision makers with information that is considered the compass of development work. H.E. stressed that the application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale helps GaStat to adapt to next phase requirements and allows them to attract specialized national talents in the statistical and administrative work in an effort to complete the transformation, which started after the Royal Decree No. (64283), dated 26/12/1436H, approving the transformation from (Central Department of Statistics and Information) into an independent Authority. This transformation helped in enhancing the environment to provide a wider range of statistical information and data and its dissemination to support decision making. Since the Royal Decree issuance,   GaStat worked on the preparation of a transformation road map in statistical work including a number of projects and initiatives that are consistent with the 2020 National transformation Program, and the 2030 Saudi Vision. It is worth mentioning that the modification, on which the cabinet has agreed, was listed as ( the second) item of the cabinet resolution of the General Authority for Statistics organization, number (11) in 13/01/1437 H. The resolution was modified to be as following  " except the authority president, GOSI regulations, pay scales, and modifications are applied on GaStat  staff". The organization included (17) terms covering a group of organizational rules, the most important of which are: stressing on the authority's legal personality, administrative and financial independency, and asserting that it is the only statistics- concerned entity. Moreover, it is the only official reference that supervises and organizes the statistical work. The authority's affairs are managed by a board that  contains (18) entities, (13) of which are government entities including the authority, in addition to the council of Saudi chambers, and two independent statistics specialists. The board is headed by HE minister of economy and planning, and has been given the description of " the dominant authority" which means implementing its resolutions on the level of statistical sector and all its components in Saudi Arabia. The organization has charged the authority with the responsibility of forming a coordination committee that constantly coordinate the statistical work between the authority and the other related entities. The authority will also carry out the responsibility of founding an information central system in the authority  that is automatically linked with  all concerned entities. Furthermore, the organization included many tasks in addition to implementing the statistical works such as: applying the recognized international  standards which include the statistical work methodology, designing and implementing surveys, conducting research and studies, analyzing data and information, documenting data, collecting, recording, classifying, and analyzing statistical data ,which cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia, from its different sources either from surveys, censuses, or administrative records in the public and private establishments. Moreover, the tasks include preparing, using, and updating the national statistical guides and classifications according to international standards, preparing and publishing the surveys and researches' statistical reports and bulletins, providing statistical services, conducting surveys, preparing statistical studies and researches to provide the establishments and business sector with statistical data from its databases. In addition to the tasks of exchanging knowledge, providing the entities with recommendations to improve all information systems and statistical work methodology, so that they can have a unified, accurate, and comprehensive statistical system. The tasks also cover raising awareness about the importance of statistics, recording and following any statistics related to Saudi Arabia published by the national and international authorities, and coordinating with the concerned entities.

GaStat: Wholesale Price Index Increases in September On Tuesday, the 24th  of Muharram 1438 H/ 25th  of October 2016 AD, the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) issued the monthly indicator of Saudi wholesale price index for the month of September. It is now published on its website www.stats.gov.sa . The indicator recorded (163.1) with  0.3% increase in September 2016, compared to last month (August) in which it recorded (162.6).The indicator includes ten main sections; Food and living animals section, beverages and tobacco section, raw materials except fuel, mineral fuel and related products section, Fats and oils section, chemical materials and related products, manufactured commodities classified by material section, transportation equipment and machines section, diverse manufactured commodities section, and other commodities section.The report attributed that increase to the rise of three main sections that constitute this indicator; transportation equipment and machines section with (0.9), Food and living animals section with (0.6%), manufactured commodities classified by material section with (0.1%).On the other hand, six sections have decreased: raw materials except fuel section with (1.4%), diverse manufactured commodities section with (0.4%), beverages and tobacco section with (0.3%), Fats and oils section with (0.3%), chemical materials and related products with (0.1%), other commodities with (0.1%), However, the sections of mineral fuel and related products did not change and remained stable.The authority indicated that the Saudi wholesale index measures the average of change in the prices of commodities and services that are sold in the primary markets. What matters here is the price change only. Therefore, the changes that result from the differences in quality, quantity, shipping method, or any other influencing factor in order to get the net price are excluded. This index is provided to everyone, and conducted all over Saudi Arabia.It is worth mentioning that the wholesale price index is used to record any change in the prices of local or imported commodities. In addition to monitoring the price directions and the  status of markets and costs of living. Furthermore, it is used in preparing the national accounts by protecting the income and national aggregates from the influence of price change.

(6) sections decreased, and (4) rose. "GaStat" : Cost of Living Index remains stable in September 2016 On Monday, the 23th  of Muharram 1438 H/ 24th  of October 2016 AD, the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) issued the monthly indicator of Saudi cost of living index for the month of September. It is now published on its website www.stats.gov.sa .The indicator didn't record any relative change compared to the previous month.The monthly report indicates that the Saudi cost of living index indicator recorded (137.9) in September 2016 without any relative change compared to August 2016. It recorded an increase above (133.9) from September 2015, recording a rise of 3.0% on an annual basis.The report attributed the monthly increase to the rises of four of the main sections that constitute this indicator; clothes and shoes section with (0,7%), food and beverages with (0.3%), telecommunication section with an increase of (0.2%) , and finally, furniture ,appliances, and maintenance with an increases of (0.1%).On the other hand,  six sections have decreased; commodities and services with a decrease of (1.0%), restaurants and hotels with a decrease of (0,7%), literacy and recreation with (0.4%), transportation with a decrease of (0,2%), housing, water, electricity, gas, and other types of fuels with  a decrease of (0.2%), finally, health section with (0.1%).However, the sections of tobacco and education did not change and remained stable.The cost of living index indicator issued monthly by GaStat aims at providing data about the prices of commodities and services that are in the consumer basket. It also aims at providing data about the cost of living indices within a time series. (The consumer basket) refers to the actual group of commodities and services that are recorded during the household expenditure and income survey. The relative distribution of the commodities and services consumption inside the consumer basket is extracted to make it the base stone in the process of indices calculation. The cost of living indices are used to measure any change in the prices of commodities and services that are purchased by consumer. Moreover, it is used as an accurate indicator that measures the economic inflation and recession. It is also used in statistical and economic analyses that are associated with prices movement and anticipations in different times. Data are collected by conducting interviews. The sources addresses are clarified to the interviewers to facilitate their task. The sources distribution in one city must cover all available commodities and services with all levels.

GaStat and Saudi Post Institutions Sign a Memorandum " National Address" Links Data with the Website to Raise Its Quality, and Establishes a Statistics Unified Spatial Reference GaStat starts using the national address map, which is verified by Saudi post institution, to be the base of the statistical data collection operations. It also links the data of national address in the statistical field operations. On Sunday, 22 of Muharram 1438 H, GaStat and Saudi post institution signed a memorandum to enhance the collaboration between the two entities and activate the use of national address as a geographical base of data and statistics in Saudi Arabia, so that it can be used in the 2020 population and housing census. Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Al-Tukhaifi, president of the General Authority for Statistics, said that the collaboration with Saudi post institution is all about producing and using the geospatial data and link them with the statistical data through surveys and administrative records conducted periodically and regularly by GaStat. The main objective is achieving integration between them to provide high quality statistical products that collaborate in supporting policy and decision makers. He added, unifying the efforts between the authority and the institution in the fields of geographical and spatial data collaborates in unifying the data sources by an updated, certified, and unified Saudi map. In its coming field works either for households or establishments, GaStat will provide statistical data and links them with the national address geographically, so that they can collaborate in providing high quality data in all fields. Dr. fahad clarified that this cooperation includes publishing the statistical data in a way of geographical distributions  by using the national address map, and setting unified technical principals between the two entities when dealing with data and raising the statistical awareness. On the other hand, Dr. Osamah bin Mohammed bin Saleh Altaf, Saudi post institution acting president, indicated that the Saudi post is working on the collaboration with GaStat within the Saudi post institution strategy which shows the Saudi post capabilities in the field of geospatial information  and national address for all entities, in addition to providing the statistical data and link them geographically with the unified national address. Dr. Altaf asserted that this agreement is one of the important agreements that the Saudi post made. It is considered a crucial addition in the field of accurate national statistics publishing through the national address digital maps which use the most recent  international techniques. He added, the Saudi post wants to exchange its experience and provide its services after building a national organization of the standard addresses of every Saudi location and building by using the most recent techniques, geographical information systems, and addresses standards and principals. He stressed on the importance of using the national addresses as they are considered a base infrastructure that all government electronic services and commerce rely on, so that citizens and foreigners all over Saudi Arabia get benefited from its programs.

New (Statistical, Creative, and Awareness) Departments to Cope with the Requirements of the New Saudi Vision and National Transformation GaStat Starts Working with the New Structure The General Authority for Statistics starts working with the new organizational structure. A general administration for natural resources and knowledge statistics has been created. It works beside the general administration of economic statistics, the general administration of social statistics, field statistics departments, methodologies departments, creativity departments, and awareness departments. GaStat president, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Al-Tukhaifi said that working with this new organizational structure is a response to the 2030 Saudi vision and 2020 national transformation program. The next phase needs integrated efforts from the statistical sector, so the sector must work in a distinct way as it is the only official sector that is responsible for the production of data, information, and statistics, which reflect the developments in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Fahad clarified that the new structure, which has been authorized since the first day of this Muhharam, is a way that guarantees achieving the authority's strategic goals that are represented in enhancing the efficiency and quality of statistical services and products. Moreover, it makes these services more comprehensive and beneficial. It also helps to raise the satisfaction level of all clients and beneficiaries, gives the authority a positive reputation in the society, promotes the statistical sector level, and builds a strong authority. Al-Tukhaifi added that this new structure is based on the statistical development' national strategy aspects, covering five aspects that guarantee the efficiency of the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia. The first aspect is using the statistical data and information, which aims at improving the use of statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. This would fulfill all the users' needs by providing easy and on time statistical data and information.  There is also the aspect of statistical data and information production, which aims at enhancing the field operations such as censuses, surveys, and researches. Furthermore, it enhances using the most recent standards and classifications in collecting, analyzing, and publishing data. The third aspect is the recent technologies. It aims at using the most recent technologies in all the phases of the statistical and administrative work. It provides a high quality IT infrastructure. The fourth aspect is the communication and awareness, which aims at enhancing the statistical knowledge in society through education and awareness. It introduces those who work in the statistical sector with the concept of communication. The fifth aspect is about governance. Through this aspect, the authority is trying to set the principals that govern the statistical sector. This enhance the idea of "results based management" . It continuously develops the human resources and tries to recruit people with high capabilities. As for the main components of the authority new structure, Dr.Fahad stated that the organizational structure has been made by a teamwork from the authority and some experts outside the authority. This structure was made to develop and improve the statistical work. It also positively collaborate in activating the strategic transformation through which the Saudi statistical work is going. It enhances the role of the entity that supervises and organizes the statistical work by transforming it into an independent authority that has a featured personality and administrative and financial independence. The teamwork worked on determining the tasks, duties, and regulations according to certified instructions that guarantee founding an effective and comprehensive statistical organization. This new organization focused more on the clients and raising the products quality, considering them the main dimensions of work.  The new statistical organization has been built in a way that prevent duality in work and responsibilities. It also intends to make the organizational structure compatible with the authority’s strategy by collecting the harmonized activities in one sectors and administrative units to implement unified tasks. In this structure, Many administrations and departments have been founded to achieve the strategic goals. Regarding the main components of the new organizational structure, the authority president revealed that the statistical and administrative work has been distributed among three main sectors headed by the vice presidents. These sectors include the statistical works sector, which contains general administrations of economic statistics, social statistics, and natural resources and knowledge statistics (new one). In addition to the independency of the statistical field works with a general administration of operations. There is also an administration specialized in methodologies. As for the second sector, the statistical creativity and customer service sector, it is a totally new sector. However, the third sector represents IT and supporting services, as they are the main infrastructure of the authority’s statistical and administrative work. Moreover, the new structure includes a general administration of media and statistical awareness, which manages all the internal and external activities aiming at raising statistical awareness. It also includes a general administration of projects and strategic planning which implements and prepares the authority’s strategies and plans. Furthermore, there is a general administration of support and institutional excellence that manage, prepare, and update all the policies, operations, and procedures. The later also supervises the programs of total quality department and knowledge department.

GCC "Energy Statistics" in Riyadh Dr. Altekhaifi: We aim to unify Data producers' Standards to Serve "GCC" Citizens Media center- Riyadh The Chairman of the GCC Statistical center, the Chairman of the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Fahad Sulaiman Altekhaifi expressed his thanks and gratitude towards the leaders of the GCC countries for supporting all programs and activities of the "GCC Statistical centre", as a result of their role in supporting all decisions related to the development of GCC nations. Dr. Altekhaifi asserted that the results of the Energy Statistics' Second Regional workshop about the final consumption of energy surveys held in Riyadh city meet the needs of the national and regional policy makers of the energy sector. It will also support everything that would develop the energy sector in GCC countries. Dr. Altekhaifi also added that through this workshop, the GCC statistical centre seeks to strengthen the cooperation between energy statistics producers, and unify the efforts in the used technical standards. In addition, it seeks to implement International standards by all data producers in member countries. Dr. Altekhaifi revealed that the most important role of data producers in this meeting is to reinforce the understanding of the international standards related to energy statistics in the statistics system. In addition, it aims to explain the links between energy data groups and discuss  the user's needs by enhancing the data and its publishing. Moreover, it aims to unify the efforts to raise the awareness about the methodologies needed in preparing energy statistic in the region. Furthermore,  it aims to deepen the participants' understanding of international standards that support energy statistics. Also it clarifies the importance of the final consumption surveys' system. In this workshop the participants reviews the national experiences of the member countries and the importance of the energy final consumption surveys. In addition, the participants visits several energy sector related entities in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This workshop continues until  22 March, 2016. It is worth mentioning that The GCC Statistical Centre was established in June 2011 to provide a common official pool of statistics and data for the member states of the GCC. It was also established to support the statistical work of national statistical centers and planning entities in GCC countries.. The Charter was officially endorsed in December 2012 by the GCC Supreme Council (comprised of heads of member states: United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar and State of Kuwait).

Updating the general framework of population and housing paves the way for a new labor force survey "statistics" the accurate information provided by citizens is essential for governmental resolutions and projects Media center- Riyadh Supporting the resolutions of nationalization and reduction of "unemployment",  the General Authority for Statistics ( GaStat ) stresses the importance of information accuracy provided by citizens in the activities of  labor force surveys as these information are essential for the development resolutions and can determine many national programs and projects. During his participation in the first Saudi conference for job creation held in Riyadh, GaStat chairman, dr. Fahad Altukhaifi stated that the citizen is considered the base for  development building , that is through the information that he/she provides during the process of conducting surveys done by GaStat crew. As for the survey of labor force, dr. Fahad confirmed that it is one of the most important household surveys conducted by GaStat . it provides fundamental data about the labor force and its characteristics, which helps in setting the plans to develop the labor market in Saudi Arabia, analyzing and evaluating the economic policies, and helping the decision makers in setting the labor market policies with all the related issues such as unemployment and training. The labor force survey results are very important too as they collaborate in building a data base for the Saudi labor market in order to cope with the interest and anticipations of the labor force statistics nationally, regionally, and internationally. The results also support all tendencies and efforts exerted by the public and private sectors  in the process of nationalization. Moreover, they give an opportunity to collaborate in building a base for these information  that can be beneficial in preparing and planning the future economic and social development programs. The authority conducts this survey every six months , it intends to conduct it every three months in 2016 according to the latest international standards and methodologies. The authority chairman added that providing detailed data about the national and non-national labor force ,classified by their economic, social, and demographic characteristics, is one of the main objectives of the survey, in addition to its role in measuring the averages of economic collaboration, economic support, and employment and unemployment by many variables. It should also provide data about some training programs for job seekers, and be familiar with the vocational structure and the economic activity of employed people by  a number of variables and the average of their salaries. Dr. Altukhaifi thanked all governmental entities who work with GaStat . he assured that the authority is working with all governmental entities which are related to the Saudi labor market ( ministry of labor, human resources development fund, general organization for social insurance, ministry of civil services, and the national information center in the ministry of interior) in order to develop the survey on one hand and benefit from its results on the other hand. The authority is working with them also to unify the efforts so that they can get accurate data of the most important indicators in the Saudi labor market. It is worth mentioning that the labor force survey results depend on the data and information of (33.500) households, distributed among all Saudi administrative regions, as a sample that represents the society. The households are chosen according to international and scientific fundamentals applicable in the population and housing censuses all over the world . GaStat has started preparing for the next survey after updating the general framework of population and housing which depends on the 1431 framework as it is considered the main source from which samples are collected to conduct  future researches.