News

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, participated in the 15th Meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work, held virtually on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The meeting was organized by the GCC Statistical Center, with the participation of the heads of statistical agencies of GCC member states with the aim of strengthening cooperation and coordination and advance joint statistical efforts across the GCC in support of the region’s development.
The meeting discussed several topics on its agenda, most notably a governance framework for enhancing the exchange and transfer of statistical knowledge and expertise among GCC member states. The initiative aims to document national experiences, facilitate knowledge sharing, and strengthen statistical capabilities. Discussions also covered the methodological framework for measuring the total contribution of tourism to the economy, a draft Memorandum of Understanding between the GCC Statistical Center and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and guidelines for providing international organizations with access to microdata, in a manner that promotes statistical cooperation while safeguarding data confidentiality.
The 15th Meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work forms part of ongoing efforts to advance joint GCC statistical work, enhance the efficiency of statistical ecosystems, and strengthen their capacity to keep pace with future development trends.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Road Transport Statistics 2025 publication, which showed that the total number of arriving and departing passengers through land ports exceeded 70.7 million, representing an increase of 7.2% compared to 2024. The number of arriving passengers exceeded 37.0 million, while the number of departing passengers reached approximately 33.7 million, accounting for 47.7% of total passenger traffic. King Fahd Causeway Port accounted for 49.1% of total passenger traffic, followed by Al-Khafji Port at 12.2%. January recorded the highest passenger traffic during the year, with over 7.4 million passengers, while March recorded the lowest passenger traffic, at approximately 4.6 million passengers.
Regarding road freight, the total quantity of freight exported and imported through land ports exceeded 26.8 million tons, representing an increase of 4.4% compared to 2024. The quantity of exports increased by 6.3%, reaching 14.3 million tons, while the quantity of imports increased by 2.4%, reaching 12.5 million tons. Al-Batha Port ranked first in freight exports, accounting for 27.9% of total exports, and in freight imports, accounting for 31.9% of total imports, followed by Al-Hadithah Port in freight exports at 23.2% and Riyadh Dry Port in freight imports at 26.0%.
The results showed that the number of registered and roadworthy vehicles exceeded 16.7 million by the end of 2025, representing an increase of 5.3% compared to the end of 2024. Private vehicles accounted for 71.2% of the total, followed by private transportation vehicles at 20.0% and public transportation vehicles at 4.4%. The number of newly registered vehicles during the year reached approximately 1.1 million, representing an increase of 3.6%.
Regarding driving licenses, the total number of valid driving licenses by the end of 2025 exceeded 11.3 million, with private licenses accounting for 87.2% of the total. Saudis accounted for 51.0% of valid driving license holders, compared to 49.0% for non-Saudis. The number of newly issued driving licenses during the year reached approximately 1.2 million, representing a decrease of 8.1% compared to 2024.
It is noteworthy that Road Transport Statistics is an annual publication that provides indicators on passenger traffic, freight traffic, road infrastructure, and road traffic. It is based on administrative records from a number of government and private entities, as well as statistical models, and serves as a reference for studies, research, and local, regional, and international comparisons.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Structural Business Statistics 2025 results, which showed that the business sector's operating revenues increased by 2.3% compared to the previous year, reaching SAR 5,628 billion.
Results also showed that compensation of employees increased by 6.0%, reaching SAR 624.1 billion. Of this total, SAR 528.9 billion was allocated to salaries and wages, accounting for 84.8% of total compensation, while SAR 95.1 billion was allocated to benefits and allowances, representing 15.2%. Total gross fixed capital formation reached SAR 992 billion, recording a growth of 0.4%, while the gross operating surplus amounted to SAR 2,542 billion, decreasing by 0.1%.
It is worth noting that Structural Business Statistics provide detailed indicators on the structure of economic activities in the Kingdom, covering operating revenues and expenditures, as well as compensation of employees. The data are classified according to the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4).
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the ICT Access and Usage Statistics by Households and Individuals 2026 survey, which showed that 99.6% of individuals aged 15–74 use the Internet. The percentage reached 99.8% among Saudi males, compared to 99.5% among Saudi females. The 15–24 age group recorded the highest Internet usage percentage among all age groups, at 99.9% of its total population.
Results also indicated that 99.3% of individuals use the Internet at home, while 98.0% use it at least once a day. Regarding the devices used to access the Internet, mobile phone usage reached 98.4%, compared to 13.9% for laptops and 12.3% for tablets.
Participation in social networking platforms ranked first among Internet usage activities, accounting for 99.7% of all Internet users, with equal percentages among males and females. This is followed by seeking information about goods and services, at 65.4%. The results also showed that 87.8% of Internet users watch video content online, while 55.2% listen to audio content. Meanwhile, 19.4% of Internet users use the Internet to play games.
Regarding e-government services, the percentage of individuals accessing government services online reached 98.4%. The percentage among Saudis stood at 98.6%, reaching 98.9% among males, compared to 98.4% among females. Accessing electronic government forms ranked first among the services used, accounting for 89.0% of all individuals accessing government services online.
In terms of e-commerce, 74.5% of all Internet users purchase goods and services online. The percentage among Saudis reached 84.9%, at 86.8% among Saudi females, compared to 83.1% among Saudi males. Clothing, footwear, sports goods, household goods, and other items topped the list of online purchases, accounting for 85.2%, followed by food, groceries, or tobacco at 54.4%, while purchases of books, magazines, and newspapers accounted for 22.8%.
It is worth noting that GASTAT produces its statistics in accordance with a unified methodology aligned with procedures adopted by international organizations. This enables international comparability of indicators and meets the requirements of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators.
 

اختتمت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء بالتعاون مع وزارة التعليم أعمال النسخة الثالثة من مسابقة المعرفة الإحصائية التي استهدفت طلاب وطالبات الصفوف العليا من المرحلة الابتدائية، إضافة إلى طلاب وطالبات المرحلتين المتوسطة والثانوية في مختلف مناطق المملكة، وذلك في إطار الجهود المشتركة نحو تعزيز الثقافة الإحصائية لدى النشء وتنمية مهاراتهم في فهم البيانات والمؤشرات الإحصائية والتعامل معها من مصادرها الموثوقة.
وأظهرت النتائج الختامية للمسابقة مشاركة 1,822,143 طالبًا وطالبة من مختلف المراحل التعليمية المستهدفة، بواقع (1,202,222) طالبة و619,921 طالبًا، بما يعكس حجم التفاعل مع المسابقة.
وبيّنت النتائج أن إجمالي عدد المشاركين من طلاب وطالبات الصفوف العليا من المرحلة الابتدائية بلغ 702,073 مشاركًا ومشاركة، فيما بلغ عدد المشاركين من المرحلة المتوسطة 510,361 مشاركًا ومشاركة، وبلغ عدد المشاركين من المرحلة الثانوية 609,709 مشاركين ومشاركات.
وسجلت منطقة مكة المكرمة أعلى نسبة مشاركة للطلاب والطالبات في المسابقة بين الإدارات التعليمية بواقع 68.4%، تلتها منطقة القصيم بنسبة 60.3%، ثم منطقة حائل بنسبة 41.9%، ومنطقة نجران بنسبة 40.7%، فيما جاءت محافظة الطائف في المرتبة الخامسة بنسبة مشاركة بلغت 35.5%
والجدير بالذكر أن النسخة الثالثة من مسابقة المعرفة الإحصائية تأتي امتدادًا للشراكة الاستراتيجية بين الهيئة العامة للإحصاء ووزارة التعليم، الهادفة إلى رفع مستوى الوعي الإحصائي لدى الطلاب والطالبات وتعريفهم بالمفاهيم الأساسية للإحصاء والبيانات، وتنمية مهارات التفكير النقدي والتحليل الكمي لديهم، بما يُسهم في إعداد جيل واعٍ بأهمية البيانات وقادر على توظيفها في فهم المتغيرات واتخاذ القرارات المبنية على المعلومات الموثوقة.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, held a bilateral meeting with a delegation from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) on the sidelines of the statistical meetings held in Jeddah from September 26 - 30, 2026. The meetings include the 51st Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics; the 44th Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States; and the 15th Session of the Statistical Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).
The Indonesian delegation included Dr. Sonny Harry Budiutomo Harmadi, Vice Chief Statistician; Dr. Nasrul Wajdi, Deputy Chief Statistician for Social; and Mr. Rizki Tri Anggara, Chief Statistician.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed GASTAT’s efforts in statistical transformation, including diversifying data sources, developing statistical products, and adopting international standards and practices in statistical work.
Furthermore, the meeting is part of GASTAT’s efforts to foster international statistical cooperation and support the development of statistical work, contributing to improved statistical products and the provision of reliable statistical indicators that support development and decision-making.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Diaa Awad Kadhim, President of the Commission of Statistics and GIS of the Republic of Iraq, on the sidelines of the statistical meetings held in Jeddah from September 26 - 30, 2026. The meetings include the 51^st Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics; the 44^th Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States; and the 15^th Session of the Statistical Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).

The meeting was held as part of the two sides’ commitment to fostering statistical cooperation and exchanging technical expertise, contributing to the development of the statistical ecosystems in both countries.

The two sides discussed opportunities for cooperation in implementing joint projects in emerging statistical fields, in addition to emphasizing the invitation extended to Iraq to participate in the UN World Data Forum 2026 (UNWDF) in Riyadh.

During the meeting, Aldossari showcased GASTAT’s efforts in statistical transformation, which are based on diversifying data sources, developing methodologies, upgrading digital infrastructure, and adopting international standards and practices. These efforts contribute to improving the quality of statistical products and expanding their scope to meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, including individuals, organizations, and the private sector.

Furthermore, the meeting is part of GASTAT’s efforts to foster statistical cooperation and partnerships, supporting the development of statistical systems and enhancing data quality to contribute to development policies and decision-making.

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Anas Radwan Salim, President of the Syrian Planning and Statistics Commission, on the sidelines of the statistical meetings held in Jeddah from September 26 - 30, 2026. The meetings include the 51st Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics; the 44th Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States; and the 15th Session of the Statistical Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).
The meeting included discussions on several topics related to the development of statistical work and fostering cooperation between the two sides in areas of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Aldossari showcased the national vision for statistical transformation and GASTAT’s efforts, which involve diversifying data sources, developing methodologies, upgrading digital infrastructure, and adopting international standards and practices. These efforts contribute to improving the quality of statistical products and expanding their scope to meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, including individuals, organizations, and the private sector.
Furthermore, the meeting is part of GASTAT’s efforts to foster international statistical cooperation and support the development of statistical capacities, contributing to improving the quality of data and indicators and advancing statistical work in support of development objectives.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Abeer Al-Jalahma, Director of the Department of Statistics and Databases at the League of Arab States, on the sidelines of the statistical meetings held in Jeddah from September 26 - 30, 2026. The meetings include the 51st Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics; the 44th Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States; and the 15th Session of the Statistical Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).
The two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation between GASTAT and the League in developing Arab statistical databases, exchanging technical expertise, implementing joint training programs, and exploring new initiatives that support Arab statistical work and keep pace with digital transformation in statistics production.
Furthermore, the meeting is part of GASTAT’s efforts to foster international statistical cooperation and support the development of statistical capacities, contributing to improving the quality of data and statistical indicators and advancing statistical work in support of development objectives and decision-making.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, held a bilateral meeting with Major General Eng. Akram El Gohary, President of Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), on the sidelines of the statistical meetings held in Jeddah from September 26 - 30, 2026. The meetings include the 51st Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics; the 44th Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States; and the 15th Session of the Statistical Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).
The two sides discussed opportunities for cooperation in conducting population and economic censuses and exchanging expertise, in addition to discussing early preparations for the Egypt 2028 Census.
During the meeting, Aldossari showcased the national vision for statistical transformation implemented by GASTAT, which is based on diversifying data sources, developing methodologies, upgrading digital infrastructure, and adopting international standards and practices, contributing to improving the quality of statistical products and expanding their scope to meet the needs of beneficiaries.
Furthermore, the meeting is part of GASTAT’s efforts to foster international statistical cooperation and support the development of statistical capacities, contributing to improving the quality of data and statistics and advancing statistical work in support of development objectives.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, Director General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), on the sidelines of the statistical meetings held in Jeddah from September 26 - 30, 2026. The meetings include the 51st Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics; the 44th Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States; and the 15th Session of the Statistical Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).
The two sides discussed opportunities for cooperation in statistical artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the development of statistical systems, in addition to fostering cooperation in training and capacity building, and reaffirming the invitation extended to SESRIC to participate in the UN World Data Forum 2026 (UNWDF) in Riyadh.
Furthermore, the meeting is part of GASTAT’s efforts to foster international statistical cooperation, contributing to improving the quality of data and statistical indicators and enhancing the efficiency of statistical work in support of development and decision-making.
 

GASTAT hosted the 15th Session of the of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Statistical Committee (OIC-StatCom) in Jeddah on September 29–30, 2026, with the participation of heads and representatives of statistical offices from member states, as well as regional and international organizations.
The session addressed a number of topics related to advancing statistical work across member states, most notably the modernization of population and housing statistics through digital systems, the implementation of the 2025 System of National Accounts, and the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators. The session also reviewed member states’ experiences in leveraging emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in official statistics, as well as activities carried out since the previous session.
During the opening session, Fahad Aldossari, the President of GASTAT, delivered the Kingdom’s statement, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 15th Session of the of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Statistical Committee (OIC-StatCom) reflects its strong commitment to advancing statistical work and strengthening its role in keeping pace with evolving developments and meeting the growing demand for data.
He also highlighted the importance of leveraging modern technologies to enhance official statistics, thereby contributing to the provision of reliable data that supports decision-making.
On the sidelines of the session, a panel discussion titled “Fostering Partnerships within Statistical Ecosystems” as part of the sub-theme of the 6th UN World Data Forum. The session explored ways to strengthen public-private partnerships to support the development of statistical data, international cooperation in data sharing, and the role of international partnerships in addressing global challenges.
During the session, GASTAT also highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th UN World Data Forum, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in November 2026. GASTAT also highlighted the efforts undertaken as part of the “Road to Riyadh” activities, including workshops and panel discussions aimed at fostering participation and exchanging knowledge and expertise in preparation for the Forum.

It is worth noting that, since the adoption of the Istanbul Declaration in 2010, OIC member states have held annual meetings under the umbrella of the OIC Statistical Committee. SESRIC, as the Secretariat of the Committee, continues to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the exchange of experiences, good practices, and technical knowledge among statistical offices across member states.
 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), is chairing the 44th meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States, hosted in Jeddah on Monday, September 28, 2026, with the participation of heads and representatives of statistical offices of the member states, as well as relevant Arab and regional organizations.
The meeting, chaired by Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, discussed several priority areas for Arab statistical work, including developing and updating official statistics, Sustainable Development Goal indicators, and exchanging statistical experiences and expertise among Arab countries. It also explored ways to strengthen coordination and cooperation among relevant statistical authorities, offices, and organizations.
Furthermore, this meeting comes in light of rapid developments in data sources, methodologies, and technologies used to produce statistics, requiring greater integration among statistical offices and the development of capabilities to support the quality of statistics across Arab countries.
The meeting also comes as part of GASTAT’s preparations to host the 6th UN World Data Forum in Riyadh in November 2026, as GASTAT works to strengthen its organizational readiness and enrich the Forum’s themes by addressing the latest developments in statistical work through panel discussions, workshops, conferences, and international meetings.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, a quarterly virtual workshop titled “Statistical Practices: Transformation in Health Statistics – Women and Child Health Survey” as part of the Road to Riyadh events. The workshop is part of a series of quarterly workshops showcasing GASTAT’s experiences and practices in various areas of statistical work and contributing to knowledge exchange within the statistical community.
The workshop aims to review GASTAT’s experience in developing the Women and Child Health Survey as a national statistical product, highlight the statistical and community practices that support the quality of its data, and underscore its role in supporting decision-making, the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
In addition, the workshop will cover several topics related to the transformation in social and health statistics, the experience of the Women and Child Health Survey, community and statistical success factors, as well as the key findings of the survey.
The workshop will be held virtually with local and international participation, enabling participants to share knowledge and expertise in the field of health and social statistics.
It is noteworthy that the workshop is part of GASTAT’s preparations to host the 6th UN World Data Forum in November 2026. Through the workshop, GASTAT aims to showcase Saudi Arabia’s efforts to advance statistical work and enhance the quality of statistics in support of public policies and decision-making.
 

The UN Statistics Division commends the methodology developed by GASTAT for designing and managing statistical surveys and adopted the Request Assessment and Decision (RAD) survey designing tool as an applied model for professional best practices that enhance the quality of statistical survey design and implementation efficiency. Featured in the United Nations Handbook on Household Surveys, this recognition highlights Saudi Arabia's significant progress in the field of statistics.
The inclusion of the RAD tool in the UN Handbook reflects international recognition of GASTAT’s methodology for planning, designing, and managing surveys. The Handbook describes the applied methodology as an organized and rigorous process that ensures statistical surveys are conducted in accordance with high standards of quality, accuracy, and relevance. This maximizes the added value of data and increases the efficiency of its use in supporting public policies and achieving SDGs, while showcasing Saudi Arabia's investment in advancing statistical tools under the Saudi Vision 2030.
It is worth noting that the development of the RAD tool comes as part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to develop national statistical tools and methodologies and its endeavor to strengthen institutional capacities and transform its experiences in conducting surveys into applicable and sustainable practices and tools, thereby enhancing the quality of statistical work.
 

The President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, participated in the 17th Session of the Statistical Committee of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), held from 8 to 10 September 2026 in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Sultanate of Oman, with the participation of heads of national statistical offices from Arab countries and representatives of Arab organizations.
The session focused on a range of topics aimed at advancing statistical work across the Arab region, including modernizing national statistical systems, strengthening data governance, leveraging emerging technologies and non-traditional data sources, and enhancing price statistics in the digital age. Discussions also highlighted the importance of data and innovative analytics in informing policymaking, improving disaster-related statistics, and strengthening coordination efforts to build the statistical capacity of national statistical offices.
During his participation, the President of GASTAT highlighted Saudi Arabia’s experience in advancing statistical practices through the adoption of modern data sources and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, geospatial data, and satellite imagery. He also showcased GASTAT’s efforts in fostering statistical innovation and developing capabilities, contributing to more comprehensive and high-quality indicators, greater efficiency in statistical production processes, and improved access to data for users and policymakers.
He also took part in a panel discussion on coordinating statistical capacity-building efforts for national statistical offices, sharing Saudi Arabia’s experience in strengthening collaboration and facilitating knowledge exchange at both national and international levels. He highlighted the Kingdom’s role in hosting key statistical events and forums, including the UN World Data Forum 2026, which will be held in Riyadh in November, alongside various initiatives and programs focused on building statistical capabilities and promoting knowledge transfer.
GASTAT’s participation in the session underscores its commitment to advancing regional and international statistical collaboration, facilitating the exchange of expertise and best practices with national statistical offices and relevant organizations, and contributing to discussions on the future direction of official statistics. These efforts support the development of modern, sustainable national statistical systems across the Arab region. 
The ESCWA Statistical Committee serves as a regional platform that brings together national statistical offices from ESCWA member states to discuss statistical priorities, foster cooperation and knowledge exchange, and follow up on the implementation of joint statistical recommendations and initiatives at the regional level.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with King Saud University (KSU). The MoU was signed on behalf of the two parties by GASTAT President, Fahad Aldossari and the Acting President of King Saud University, Prof. Ali bin Mohammed Masmali.
The MoU aims to strengthen research and scientific collaboration in the fields of applied and theoretical statistics and artificial intelligence. It also seeks to support research and innovation initiatives, statistical analysis and its applications across various sectors, facilitate the participation of academic and research experts in joint projects and programs, and provide advisory and training support in areas of mutual interest. In addition, the MoU also encourages the students and graduates of KSU to engage in cooperative training and research projects related to GASTAT's work. It further seeks to raise statistical awareness among the university's faculty, staff, and students through dedicated outreach programs, while supporting the development of academic curricula and training programs to better align educational outcomes with labor market needs.
This MoU reflects GASTAT's ongoing efforts to strengthen its partnerships with the academic sector, contributing to the enhancement of the quality of its statistical indicators, the development of national capabilities, and the advancement of research and innovation projects within the statistical sector.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) published the Short-Term Business Indicators Statistics publication for May 2026. The Operating Revenues Index recorded an increase of 11.4% in May 2026 compared to May 2025, driven by growth across several economic activities. Mining and quarrying recorded the highest increase at 38.7%, followed by manufacturing activity, which rose by 9.6%, wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles activities also increased by 3.6%, while construction and financial and insurance activities recorded increases of 2.5% and 12.9%, respectively.
On a monthly basis, the Operating Revenue Index increased by 2.9% in May 2026 compared to April 2026, driven by an increase of 0.6% in manufacturing activity, an increase of 10.2% in mining and quarrying activity, an increase of 1.3% in wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles activity, an increase of 1.1% in financial and insurance activities, and an increase of 1.9% in information and communication activities. In May 2026, the issued building permits recorded a year-on-year decrease of 33.3%, falling to 5,056 permits, compared to 7,584 permits in May 2025. On a monthly basis, the number of building permits also declined by 25.7% compared to April 2026, which recorded 6,803 building permits.
It is noteworthy that the Short-Term Business Statistics product is one of GASTAT’s economic statistical products, designed to measure the short-term performance of various sectors of the economy through monthly indicators that monitor developments and growth rates across economic activities. The product covers all economic activities of establishments operating in the business sector across Saudi Arabia.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organized a webinar titled "The 6th UN World Data Forum: A platform for implementation and coordination" as part of "Road to Riyadh" events. The event forms part of Saudi Arabia's preparations to host the 6th UN World Data Forum (UNWDF 2026), scheduled to be held in Riyadh in November 2026. The webinar featured the participation of the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, along with a distinguished group of officials, experts, and specialists in data and statistics from the Kingdom and around the world.
During his remarks, Aldossari emphasized that Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 6th UNWDF reflects the international confidence placed in the Kingdom and demonstrates the significant progress achieved by the national statistical ecosystem in advancing the future of data and statistics at both the regional and global levels. He highlighted GASTAT's efforts over recent months, including organizing conferences, seminars, panel discussions, and workshops aligned with the Forum's. These efforts have contributed to deepening dialogue on the latest developments in the statistical field and maximizing the Forum's expected outcomes.
The webinar brought together Shantanu Mukherjee, Acting director of the UN Statistics Division; Dr. Macdonald G. Obudho Director General of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics ; Jenna Slotin, Interim CEO of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data; Vjollca Simoni, Director of European Integration and International Relations at the Albanian Institute of Statistics; Javier Posse, Director of the School of Statistics at the National University of Rosario; Dr. Munther Alansari, Advisor at the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and a global expert in tourism statistics; Timothy Trainor, International Consultant and Former President; and Hamad Allahim, Director of International Participation and Activities at GASTAT. The session was moderated by Ibrahim Alali, Advisor at GASTAT. Participants discussed leading international practices and experiences in data and statistics, as well as mechanisms for strengthening integration and coordination among partners in preparation for the Forum.
The webinar also reviewed the latest developments in preparations for hosting the Forum and highlighted the key topics of the preparatory program. Discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen international partnerships in data and statistics and the importance of coordination among relevant stakeholders to ensure the Forum's success and maximize its impact. In addition, the webinar explored the Forum's key topics, including data innovation, data governance, decision-making, and accelerating progress toward SDGs.
The webinar represents one of the key milestones in the Forum's preparation process, implemented by GASTAT in partnership with the UN Statistics Division. The program aims to enhance readiness, expand international collaboration, and enrich global dialogue on the future of data and statistics in support of sustainable development planning and economic policymaking.
 

أعلنت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء اليوم إطلاق مسارات الدورة الابتكارية الثالثة ضمن برنامج المشاريع الابتكارية في خطوة تعكس استمرار جهودها في ترسيخ ثقافة الابتكار وتطوير المنهجيات والمنتجات الإحصائية والاستفادة من التقنيات الحديثة والذكاء الاصطناعي لتعزيز جودة البيانات ودعم صناعة القرار.
ويأتي إطلاق هذه المسارات من خلال مختبر الابتكار الذي يُعد إحدى المبادرات النوعية للهيئة الهادفة إلى تمكين الابتكار في القطاع الإحصائي وإشراك الباحثين والمتخصصين والمهتمين من خارج الهيئة في تطوير حلول ابتكارية تعالج التحديات الإحصائية إضافةً إلى تطوير المنتجات والعمليات والمنهجيات الإحصائية من خلال بناء نماذج أولية وحلول قابلة للتطبيق تحقق قيمة مضافة للعمل الإحصائي.
وتضم الدورة الابتكارية الثالثة ثلاثة مسارات رئيسة تستهدف معالجة التحديات الإحصائية ذات أولوية، حيث يركز المسار الأول على تطوير وكيل ذكي يعتمد على تقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي للكشف التلقائي عن التباينات غير المنطقية والقيم غير الاعتيادية وتحليل الأنماط والعلاقات بين المؤشرات الإحصائية وهو ما يسهم في رفع جودة البيانات وتسريع عمليات المراجعة والتدقيق وتقليل احتمالية الأخطاء البشرية.
ويعنى المسار الثاني بتطوير منهجية لتقدير الإنتاج الزراعي على مستوى المحافظات باستخدام بيانات الأقمار الصناعية وبيانات المسوح الزراعية بما يتيح إنتاج تقديرات أكثر دقة للمناطق التي لا تتوفر فيها عينات كافية والاستفادة من مصادر البيانات غير التقليدية في تطوير المؤشرات الزراعية ورفع كفاءة إنتاج الإحصاءات.
أما المسار الثالث فيركز على تطوير نموذج تعلم آلة لتقييم ومراقبة جودة عمليات جمع البيانات ميدانيًا من خلال رصد الأنماط وإصدار التنبيهات المبكرة بما يسهم في تعزيز جودة عمليات المسوح الإحصائية ورفع كفاءة المتابعة وتحسين جودة البيانات قبل مراحل المعالجة والنشر.
وأكدت الهيئة أن هذه المسارات تأتي امتدادًا لجهودها في تبني الحلول الابتكارية وتعزيز التعاون مع المجتمع البحثي والاستفادة من الخبرات الوطنية في تطوير العمل الإحصائي بما يواكب أحدث الممارسات الدولية إلى جانب المساهمة في تحقيق مستهدفات رؤية السعودية 2030 من خلال بناء منظومة إحصائية أكثر كفاءة وابتكارًا.
وأوضحـت الهيئة أن مختبر الابتكار يوفر للباحثين والمتخصصين البيئة المناسبة للعمل على المشاريع من خلال إتاحة البيانات وفق الضوابط المعتمدة وتوفير البرامج الإحصائية اللازمة للتحليل وتمكينهم من الاستفادة من قدرات وموارد الهيئة ذات العلاقة بالمشروعات بما يسهم في تطوير حلول قابلة للتطبيق وذات أثر مستدام على المنتجات والعمليات الإحصائية.
وتستهدف الدورة الباحثين والمتخصصين والمهتمين بالقطاع الإحصائي من الإحصائيين وعلماء البيانات ومنسوبي الجامعات والجمعيات الإحصائية والمراكز البحثية ومراكز ومختبرات الأبحاث في القطاعين العام والخاص داخل المملكة العربية السعودية بما يعزز الشراكة مع الكفاءات الوطنية ويوسع نطاق الابتكار في المجال الإحصائي.
وبيّنت الهيئة أن المواضيع الإحصائية المطروحة في مسارات الدورة الابتكارية الثالثة أصبحت متاحة عبر بوابة الابتكار الإحصائي، داعيةً الباحثين والمتخصصين والمهتمين إلى الاطلاع على تفاصيل المسارات وآلية التقديم واختيار المسار الذي يتوافق مع خبراتهم وذلك من خلال بوابة الابتكار الإحصائي عبر الرابط التالي: https://www.stats.gov.sa/innovation-platform
تجدر الإشارة أن إطلاق هذه المسارات تمثل خطوة جديدة نحو تحويل الأفكار الابتكارية إلى حلول تطبيقية تسهم في تطوير المنهجيات الإحصائية وتحسين جودة البيانات وتعزيز الابتكار المؤسسي بما يدعم صناعة القرار ويرسخ مكانة المملكة في تبني أفضل الممارسات الإحصائية على المستويين الإقليمي والدولي.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), in collaboration with the United Nations) UN (, today announced the opening of registration for participation in the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF 2026), scheduled to take place in Riyadh from 9 to 12 November 2026. Registration has also opened for the Second Saudi Statistics Forum (SSF), one of the Road to Riyadh events.

The opening of registration marks an important milestone in the preparations for hosting the Forum, enabling participants from around the world to register early and explore the Forum’s topics, programme, and accompanying events.

The 6th UNWDF is one of the world’s leading international platforms dedicated to data and sustainable development. It brings together representatives from governments, international organizations, academia, and the private sector to discuss the future of data, its role in supporting policymaking, and measuring progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Forum is expected to bring together participants from across the globe, providing a platform for the exchange of expertise, the sharing of international experiences and best practices, and the development of partnerships that strengthen collaboration in the fields of data and statistics. These efforts will contribute to enhancing capabilities and maximizing the use of data to support sustainable development and informed decision-making.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Forum reaffirms the Kingdom’s role in advancing international cooperation and strengthening statistical development, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and its ongoing efforts to foster innovation and further develop the data and statistics ecosystem.

Those interested in participating may register through the registration link and stay informed about the latest updates and Forum-related information through the official channels of GASTAT and the UN.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked first among the G20 countries according to country-reported data in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Indicators Database, compared to the results of the Safety Index for the year 2023, issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The results showed that 97.7% of the total population feels safe when walking alone at night in their residential areas.
The results released by GASTAT indicated the contributions of relevant government sectors in maintaining the safety experienced by residents across all regions and governorates of the Kingdom. This aligns with ongoing initiatives to enhance security, stability, and quality of life in Saudi Arabia across various domains, including economic, food, environmental, health, social, political, intellectual, technological, and cybersecurity. These efforts also aim to enhance the quality of services in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
It is worth noting that GASTAT carries out all of its statistical activities in accordance with a unified methodology that is aligned with the nature of each statistical product. This methodology is based on the Statistical Business Process Manual, which is consistent with the business processes adopted by international statistical organizations.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), in collaboration with the United Nations (UN), is preparing to announce the opening of registration on 30 June 2026 for participation in the 6th World Data Forum (UNWDF 2026), alongside registration for the Second Saudi Statistics Forum (SSF), as part of the preparations for hosting the Forum in Riyadh this coming November.

The registration announcement will be accompanied by the release of media materials through the official channels of GASTAT and the UN. These materials will highlight the Forum’s objectives, key topics, and participation opportunities.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Forum reflects the Kingdom’s growing role in the global data ecosystem and its commitment to advancing international cooperation and fostering strategic partnerships in the fields of data and statistics, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Forum is expected to bring together participants from around the world, providing a platform for the exchange of expertise, the sharing of international best practices, and the development of partnerships that contribute to strengthening data and statistical systems.

UNWDF is one of the world’s leading international platforms dedicated to data and sustainable development. It brings together representatives from governments, international organizations, academia, and the private sector to discuss the future of data and its role in supporting policymaking and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
 GASTAT encourages experts and all interested stakeholders to follow the official channels of both GASTAT and the UN for updates on the Forum, registration details, and participation procedures, which will be announced in the coming period.
 

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), participated for the first time in the 23rd meeting of the OECD Committee on Statistics and Statistical Policy (CSSP), held virtually from 22 to 23 June 2026, with the participation of heads of national statistical offices and senior statistical officials from member countries and international partner organizations.
President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, stated that Saudi Arabia’s participation in this meeting, held ahead of the Conference of European Statisticians (CES) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), underscores the Kingdom’s advanced standing within the international statistical community and reflects the growing global confidence in its institutional capabilities, particularly as it prepares to host the 6th  United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) 2026 in Riyadh.
The meeting reviewed a number of topics related to the advancement of statistical work, including strengthening the quality and reliability of statistical data, leveraging artificial intelligence in statistical processes, and modernizing statistical methodologies and standards. Discussions also covered the use of emerging data sources to support the production of statistical indicators and meet the evolving needs of data users.
CSSP is one of the principal committees of OECD. It is responsible for discussing strategic directions related to official statistics, advancing statistical indicators and methodologies, and strengthening cooperation among national statistical offices and specialized international organizations. GASTAT’s representation of the Kingdom in the Committee’s work reflects Saudi Arabia’s active engagement in international statistical forums and its commitment to keeping pace with global developments in statistics and data. It also contributes to discussions on issues shaping the future of statistical work and its development. Through these efforts, GASTAT continues to support statistical systems and offices regionally and internationally, helping to strengthen statistical capacities and advance progress toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) will organize a quarterly virtual workshop on Thursday, June 25, 2026, titled "Statistical Practices: The Statistical Quality Assurance Framework and Its Role in Enhancing the Quality of Statistics," as part of Road to Riyadh events in preparation for Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 6th UNWDF in November 2026.
The workshop aims to highlight GASTAT's experience in developing and implementing the Statistical Quality Assurance Framework across statistical products to enhance data reliability and support decision-making. It will also showcase GASTAT's organizational efforts to establish an integrated statistical quality system in line with international best practices, develop methodologies for evaluating statistical products, and establish continuous improvement mechanisms, thereby enhancing the quality of statistical outputs and strengthening transparency and confidence in official statistics.
In this context, GASTAT invited specialists and those interested in the fields of statistics and data to participate in the virtual session, which will be streamed via GASTAT's digital platforms, with further details on the Road to Riyadh events available through its website.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT is organizing a series of sessions and events as part of Saudi Arabia's preparations to host the 6th UNWDF 2026 to promote dialogue, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and highlight the progress witnessed by Saudi Arabia in the fields of statistics and data. The events will continue until the Second Saudi Statistics Forum, taking place on November 8, 2026, ahead of UNWDF, which will be held from November 9 to 12, 2026.
 

‌This policy aims to ensure the implementation of the integrated administrative systems requirements within GASTAT by tracking and following up to achieve the strategic objectives of GASTAT and maintaining the satisfaction of the beneficiaries through the provision of high-quality services and full compliance with the regulatory and legislative requirements as follows:
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Publication for Q1 of 2026. According to the publication 's results, real GDP recorded a growth rate of 3.0% compared with the corresponding quarter of 2025. This growth was driven by a 2.9% increase in both oil and non-oil activities, in addition to a 1.5% rise in government activities. On a seasonally adjusted basis, real GDP declined by 1.2% in Q1 of 2026 compared with Q4 of 2025.
The results also showed that non-oil activities were the main contributor to real GDP growth in Q1 of 2026, contributing 1.7 percentage points. Oil activities contributed 0.8 percentage points, while government activities and net taxes on products contributed positively by 0.3 and 0.2 percentage points, respectively.
It is worth noting that all economic activities recorded positive year-on-year growth rates. Financial and insurance activities, along with business services, posted the highest growth rate in Q1 of 2026 at 5.4%, followed by manufacturing activities excluding oil refining, which grew by 4.0%.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) concludes the second edition of the Statistical Knowledge Competition, which was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education,   and honors the winning education departments. The event was attended by Dr. Saad Al Harbi, Vice Minister for General Education, and Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, along with a number of senior education officials, directors of education departments, and GASTAT leaders and staff.  This comes as part of ongoing efforts to promote statistical literacy and enhance awareness among younger generations of the importance of data and statistics.
The President of GASTAT emphasized that the competition represents one of GASTAT’s initiatives aimed at enhancing statistical awareness among male and female students and developing their skills in reading, understanding, and interpreting data and statistical indicators from reliable sources. He noted that the strong participation in the second edition reflects the growing interest in statistical knowledge among students across the Kingdom and underscores the importance of continuing joint efforts to strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills among future generations, thereby contributing to the preparation of national talent capable of keeping pace with rapid transformations and ongoing developments.
The competition results showed that the General Administration of Education in Riyadh Region ranked first in terms of the number of participants, accounting for 22.1% of the total participants. Followed by the General Administration of Education in Jeddah Governorate with 20.2% and the General Administration of Education in Makkah Region with 12.1%. Meanwhile, the General Administration of Education in Eastern Region ranked fourth with 10.01%, while the General Administration of Education in Qassim Region came fifth, accounting for 9.0% of the total participants.
It is worth noting that the second edition of the Statistical Knowledge Competition builds on the success achieved by the first edition. A total of 1,690,787 male and female students participated in this edition, representing 16 education departments across various regions and governorates of the Kingdom. This reflects the high level of engagement with the competition and its role in fostering statistical awareness and enhancing knowledge of data and its importance within the educational sector.

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, participated in the 14th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States. The meeting was held virtually and organized by the GCC Statistical Center, with the participation of heads of national statistical offices from the member states. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation and coordination, advance Gulf statistical work, and support sustainable development across the GCC countries.

Participants discussed several agenda items, most notably updates on preparations for the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) 2026, which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The meeting also reviewed the “Road to Riyadh” events and efforts to enhance the engagement of partners and stakeholders in the Forum, while promoting international cooperation in the fields of data and statistics.

The committee further reviewed the Strategic Plan for Joint GCC Statistical Work (2026–2030), which seeks to strengthen statistical integration among GCC member states and advance joint initiatives and projects. The plan aims to improve the efficiency of Gulf statistical work and unify efforts that support decision-making and sustainable development. Heads of statistical offices approved the strategic document and agreed to submit it to the GCC Ministerial Council for final approval.

The meeting also examined the project to develop the GCC Framework for Statistical Standards and Methodologies. Participants emphasized the importance of adopting modern statistical methodologies, internationally recognized classifications, administrative records, advanced data sources, and artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the quality and comparability of statistical outputs at both the regional and international levels. They also stressed the importance of data confidentiality and the implementation of approved governance frameworks and standards to ensure data security and privacy in accordance with national policies across member states.

In addition, the meeting explored ways to strengthen statistical integration and coordinate joint efforts in light of rapidly evolving economic conditions. In this context, a working group was established to review priorities, programs, and statistical activities, while promoting knowledge-sharing and the exchange of expertise among member states to ensure the continuity and integration of GCC statistical work.

President of GASTAT emphasized that joint GCC statistical work represents a successful model of regional integration and cooperation. He noted its important role in developing the Gulf statistical system and maximizing the value of data in supporting public policies and development programs. He also highlighted the importance of continuing collaborative efforts to adopt modern statistical practices and methodologies and to strengthen national capabilities in line with rapid developments in data and emerging technologies.

It is worth noting that the 14th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work of the GCC States forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance statistical integration among GCC member states and advance cooperation in the fields of data and statistics. These efforts contribute to decision-making and improve the efficiency and future readiness of Gulf statistical systems in addressing emerging developmental challenges.
 

Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), headed the GASTAT delegation participating in the Global Data Festival 2026, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 2 to 5, 2026. The event brought together a wide range of leaders and experts in data, statistics, technology, and innovation from around the world to discuss ways to advance data ecosystems and strengthen their role in supporting sustainable development and data-driven decision-making.
During his participation as a keynote speaker at the festival’s closing ceremony, Aldossari highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen data and statistical ecosystems, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation, promoting international cooperation, and leveraging data and emerging technologies to advance sustainable development. He also underscored the importance of integrating statistical systems, geospatial information, and artificial intelligence technologies to address global development challenges.
On the sidelines of the festival, GASTAT President held a series of bilateral meetings with international and statistical organizations. These included a meeting with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), represented by Director General Dr. Macdonald George Obudho, who also serves as Co-Chair of the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda (HLG-PCCB).
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the strategic priorities of the 2026 UN World Data Forum, scheduled to be held in Riyadh next November. They also explored mechanisms for aligning and integrating the outcomes of the Global Data Festival in Nairobi with those of the Forum, discussed the initial direction of the outcome document, and reviewed ongoing efforts to ensure the success of the event through the “Road to Riyadh” activities. In addition, they explored opportunities for collaboration within the framework of the High-level Group
GASTAT President also met with Ms. Jenna Slotin, representative of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD), to discuss the Partnership’s priorities and areas of work. The meeting reviewed GASTAT’s preparations for hosting the 2026 UN World Data Forum and its strategic vision for the event.
The two sides also explored opportunities for collaboration and engagement during both the preparatory phase and the Forum itself, while laying the groundwork for future partnership and cooperation in support of international efforts aimed at harnessing data for sustainable development.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT’s participation in the Global Data Festival reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance Saudi Arabia’s presence in specialized international forums and reinforce its position as an active partner in advancing data and statistical ecosystems at both the regional and international levels.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today hosted a panel discussion titled “Data for Sustainable Future” as part of “Road to Riyadh” events. The event forms part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum 2026 (UNWDF), scheduled to take place in Riyadh this coming November, with broad participation from national and international experts and specialists in the fields of data, statistics, and sustainable development.

The session coincided with World Environment Day and highlighted the pivotal role of environmental data and statistics in advancing sustainability efforts, enhancing the effectiveness of decision-making, and measuring progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

It aimed to promote environmentally sustainable practices, raise awareness of the importance of environmental statistical indicators, and underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to global sustainability priorities and the SDGs. It also sought to strengthen collaboration between producers and users of environmental data to maximize its value in supporting development policies and decision-making.

The session brought together a distinguished group of local and international experts and practitioners. It was moderated by Mohammed Alsaad, Director of Private Sector Partnerships at GASTAT, and featured contributions from Dr. Bahjat Hamouh, Executive Vice President for Vegetation Cover Development and Management at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification; Golestan Radwan, Chief Digital Officer at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Dr. Mubarak Alrashedi, Director General of Environmental Quality at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture; Ian Townsend, Deputy Director for Environmental Economy at the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS); and Dr. Abdullah Al Thunayan, General Supervisor of Environmental and Spatial Statistics at GASTAT.

Participants explored a range of topics related to the future of sustainability and emerging innovations in environmental measurement. Discussions also covered leading international methodologies and best practices for advancing environmental statistics, strengthening data integration, and fostering partnerships between statistical offices and environmental data stakeholders. These efforts contribute to building more sustainable environmental statistical systems, improving the quality and reliability of indicators, and leveraging advanced technologies for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of environmental data in line with rapidly evolving global trends.

It is worth noting that the “Road to Riyadh” event forms part of GASTAT’s broader efforts to showcase the Kingdom’s statistical transformation under Saudi Vision 2030 and to enhance national readiness and coordination for hosting the 6th UN lWDF 2026, one of the world’s foremost international platforms dedicated to data and sustainable development.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes a panel discussion titled “Data for Sustainable Future” on Friday, 5 June 2026, as part of “Road to Riyadh” events. The event is being held within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) 2026 in Riyadh this coming November.
This panel discussion is held in conjunction with World Environment Day and aims to highlight the role of data and statistics in supporting sustainable development efforts, informing decision-making, and measuring progress toward achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
 It addresses a number of key themes, including the evolution of environmental data methodologies and guidelines, strengthening environmental statistics through innovative solutions, leveraging environmental data to advance sustainability initiatives, and fostering partnerships between statistical offices and relevant stakeholders.
‏ It is noteworthy that the “Road to Riyadh” events comprises panel discussions, conferences, and workshops. These events are designed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s statistical achievements under Saudi Vision 2030 and to strengthen coordination and readiness efforts in advance of hosting the UNWDF.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today that the total number of pilgrims during 2026 reached (1,707,301), with external pilgrims arriving through various entry points making up (1,546,655), while internal pilgrims, comprising citizens and residents, reached (160,646).
GASTAT indicated in its statistical results for the 2026 Hajj season that the number of male pilgrims out of the total number of internal and external pilgrims reached (893,396), while the number of female pilgrims reached (813,905).
Regarding statistics on external pilgrims, GASTAT outlined the ways of arrival, indicating that (1,485,729) arrived by air, while (54,429) arrived by road, and (6,497) arrived by sea.
Additionally, GASTAT relied on administrative records data from the Ministry of Interior as the primary source for issuing statistical data and indicators for the 2026 Hajj season. It provides highly accurate and reliable register-based Hajj statistics through a unified model comprising multiple elements, in line with the statistical methodology adopted over the past six years. 
It is noteworthy that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Hajj Statistics Report for 2026 can be accessed via the following link:

https://www.stats.gov.sa/documents/d/guest/hajj-report-1447h-en

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) participated in the 42nd meeting of the United Nations High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB), which was held virtually with the participation of heads of statistical offices and representatives of regional and international statistical organizations and agencies that are members of the group.
The meeting was held as part of the preparations for the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF), scheduled to take place in Riyadh from 9 to 12 November 2026. During the meeting, participants reviewed updates on the Forum’s overall program and hosting arrangements, in addition to discussing several international initiatives related to data governance, development financing, and statistical capacity-building.
Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, affirmed during the meeting the continued progress in the Kingdom’s preparations to host the Forum, as well as the ongoing coordination with the United Nations Statistics Division and international partners. He noted that these efforts reflect the Kingdom’s readiness to host this specialized international event and further strengthen its position as an active partner in supporting the global data and statistics agenda.
Aldossari also highlighted the continued progress of the “Road to Riyadh” events, which contribute to strengthening international dialogue and the exchange of expertise in data, statistics, and innovation. He further emphasized their role in supporting cooperation among relevant international entities and institutions, thereby contributing to the development of statistical systems and enhancing the utilization of statistical data in policymaking and decision-making. He affirmed that the Kingdom remains committed to supporting all international efforts and initiatives related to data and sustainable development.
It is noteworthy that the 6th UNWDF 2026 is one of the most prominent international platforms focused on data and sustainable development. It brings together a distinguished group of representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society to discuss the future of data and its role in supporting public policies and fostering global innovation. Hosting this event in Riyadh reflects the international  confidence in Saudi Arabia’s standing and capabilities in the fields of data and statistics.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Short-term Business Statistics Publication for March 2026, which showed that the Operating Revenues Index increased by 10.2% compared to the corresponding month of 2025. This growth was driven by the performance of several economic activities, most notably the mining and quarrying activity, which rose by 25.5%, the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles activity, which increased by 4.6%, in addition to a 4.8% increase in construction activity and a 17.6% increase in financial and insurance activities.
Monthly, the Operating Revenue Index recorded an increase of 8.1% in March 2026 compared to February 2026, supported by a 4.4% increase in manufacturing activities, a 38.6% increase in mining and quarrying activity, and a 0.2% increase in the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles activity. Financial and insurance activities also increased by 2.6%, while information and communication activities rose by 0.6%, respectively.
It is noteworthy that the Short-term Business Statistics Publication is one of the economic statistical products aimed at measuring the short-term performance of various economic sectors through monthly indicators that monitor developments and growth rates across each activity. It covers all economic activities of establishments operating in the business sector in Saudi Arabia.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) published the Air Transport Statistics Publication 2025, which showed an increase in the total number of passengers passing through the Kingdom’s airports, reaching 140.9 million passengers, marking a 9.6% increase compared to 2024. The number of arriving and departing international passengers reached 75.8 million, an increase of 9.4%, while domestic passenger traffic amounted to 65.1 million, increasing by 9.8%.
King Abdulaziz International Airport ranked first among the Kingdom’s airports in terms of passenger numbers, recording 53.5 million passengers, followed by King Khalid International Airport with 40.8 million passengers, and King Fahd International Airport with 13.7 million passengers. The average daily number of passengers reached 178.6 thousand on domestic flights and 207.7 thousand on international flights.
The publication showed that the total number of arriving and departing flights at the Kingdom’s airports reached 979.8 thousand flights in 2025, representing an increase of 8.3% compared with 2024. Domestic flights totaled 506.3 thousand, increasing by 6.8%, while international flights reached 473.5 thousand, marking an increase of 9.9%. At the airport level, King Abdulaziz International Airport ranked first with 314.4 thousand flights, followed by King Khalid International Airport with 296.8 thousand flights, and King Fahd International Airport with 108.5 thousand flights. The average daily number of domestic flights reached 1,387 flights, compared with 1,297 international flights per day.
In terms of air connectivity, the number of countries reached through the Kingdom’s international airports stood at 66 countries, an increase of 1.5%, while the number of destinations rose to 176, increasing by 2.3% compared with 2024. Saudia ranked as the airline with the highest utilization of Saudi airspace, accounting for 25.5%, followed by flynas at 13.3% and flyadeal at 8.6%. The Kingdom ranked 18th in the Global Air Connectivity Index in 2025, compared with 17th place in 2024.
The Air Transport Statistics Publication is based on administrative records from a number of government and private entities, which undergo statistical processing and review procedures to ensure data quality and accuracy before publication.
It is noteworthy that the Air Transport Statistics Publication is an annual publication that provides statistics and indicators on the air transport system, including flight and passenger traffic, cargo, and air transport infrastructure. The publication serves as a reliable reference for conducting studies and research in the field of air transport, as well as for local, regional, and international comparisons. It is based on administrative records data obtained from a number of government and private entities.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organized today a panel discussion titled “Data Innovation to Advance Official Statistics” as part of the Road to Riyadh events. The initiative comes within Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th  UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh next November, with broad international participation from global experts, academics, and specialists in the fields of data, statistics, and sustainable development.
The panel discussion aimed to foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise on best practices for enhancing the capabilities of Arab statistical agencies in the field of data innovation, while enabling the effective use of innovative data approaches to improve statistical operations, enhance the quality of statistical indicators, support public policy design, and contribute to economic and social development plans.
The panel discussion brought together a distinguished group of regional and international experts and specialists in data and statistics. It was moderated by Dr. Lilac Alsafadi, Advisor at  GASTAT, and included the participation of Dr. Ziad Abdullah, Director General of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics;  Ms. Jenna Slotin, Interim CEO of Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data; Mr. Mohammed Al-Musfer, General Supervisor for Data Management and Governance at GASTAT and Dr. Abdulrahman Habib, President of International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics. Participants discussed key opportunities and challenges in the field, as well as ways to leverage advanced technologies in data collection, analysis, and dissemination to keep pace with rapid global transformations.
It is noteworthy that the 6th UNWDF 2026 is one of the most prominent international platforms focused on data and sustainable development. It brings together a distinguished group of representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society to discuss the future of data and its role in supporting public policies, measuring Sustainable Development Goal indicators, and fostering global innovation. Riyadh’s hosting of this event reflects international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s standing, organizational capabilities, and growing leadership in the fields of data and statistics.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes a panel discussion titled “Data Innovation to Advance Official Statistics” on Monday, May 11, as part of “Road to Riyadh” series of events, which comes in preparation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 6th UNWDF 2026 in Riyadh next November. The Forum will bring together a broad international participation of experts, decision-makers, and specialists in the fields of data, statistics, and sustainable development.
The session aims to share knowledge and exchange expertise on best practices for developing the capabilities of Arab statistical offices by showcasing successful experiences and pioneering initiatives in the fields of statistical innovation, institutional development of statistical entities, enhancing the efficiency of national talent, and enabling the use of modern data in public policy design and in supporting economic and social development plans at the regional level.
This session is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of innovation in developing statistical ecosystems and improving the efficiency and quality of official data production by adopting the latest practices and modern methodologies and leveraging advanced technologies in data collection, analysis, and dissemination. This contributes to supporting decision-making, enhancing the reliability of national indicators, and increasing the readiness of statistical offices to keep pace with rapid digital transformations.
The “Road to Riyadh” series of events reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its leading role in supporting the future of data and statistics at the international level through integrated activities that include panel discussions, specialized conferences, and focused workshops highlighting key global transformations in data ecosystems. It also promotes exchange of expertise and the building of international partnerships, in line with Saudi Arabia’s advanced position in statistics and digital transformation. These events further serve as an important preparatory platform to showcase national efforts and enhance organizational and technical readiness for hosting the global Forum next November.
It is noteworthy that the 6th UNWDF 2026 is one of the most prominent international platforms focused on data and sustainable development. It brings together a distinguished group of representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society to discuss the future of data and its role in supporting public policies, measuring Sustainable Development Goal indicators, and fostering global innovation. Riyadh’s hosting of this event reflects international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s standing, organizational capabilities, and growing leadership in the fields of data and statistics.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organized a specialized workshop titled “The National Framework for Statistical Training,” bringing together several experts, statisticians, and data producers and users. The workshop comes as part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to develop national capabilities and enhance the efficiency of the workforce in the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia.
The workshop reviewed the objectives of the National Framework for Statistical Training and its role in establishing an integrated professional system that contributes to developing the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors of those working in the statistical field, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. It also aims to enhance the quality of statistical outputs and strengthen institutional performance efficiency. The workshop also featured specialized working sessions that addressed the proposed professional domains, in addition to discussing the structure of training programs and specialized tracks in the areas of data production, statistical analysis, data governance, and statistical dissemination. The sessions also discussed aligning these tracks with the actual needs of the statistical sector and its role in producing reliable statistical indicators.

In this context, the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, stated that this workshop represents a qualitative milestone in the development of the national framework for statistical training. He emphasized that investing in statistical capacity building is a strategic necessity to ensure the quality and reliability of statistical outputs. In addition, Aldossari highlighted the Saudi Statisticians Program, which has contributed to a tangible improvement in the efficiency of national cadres, thereby supporting the readiness of the statistical sector to keep pace with rapid developments in data production and its use in decision-making. He further emphasized the importance of equipping interested individuals, practitioners, and graduates with the minimum required statistical skills and competencies, particularly in light of the growing importance of data and indicators in supporting national objectives.
The National Framework for Statistical Training represents a strategic pillar for enhancing the quality and efficiency of specialized statistical training in the Kingdom, in light of the accelerating production of statistical data and its use in supporting decision-making. It also serves as an integrated national framework that defines the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors required of statistical practitioners, ensuring the readiness of national talent to meet future requirements. It further contributes to the development of training programs based on the actual needs of the labor market and aligned with international best practices in statistical training, thereby enhancing professionalism in the sector and enabling training entities to measure program impact. 
It is noteworthy that the workshop comes as part of GASTAT's commitment to its national role in continuously building and developing the capabilities of statisticians and practitioners in line with international standards and the latest global training practices, thereby enhancing the efficiency of statistical performance and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness at both the regional and international levels.

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, participated in a panel discussion on “Statistics and Decision-Making: Leading Transformation for Sustainable Impact in the Era of Data", organized by King Saud University, represented by the College of Science. The session was held as part of efforts to enhance awareness of the importance of statistical data and its role in supporting sustainable development. The event was attended by the Dean of the College of Science, Dr. Zeid Alothman, along with several faculty members from the departments of Statistics and Operations Research, Mathematics, Quantitative Analysis, and Economics, as well as a group of specialists and experts in data and statistics.
During the session, Aldossari emphasized that GASTAT places great importance on building national capacities and empowering specialized expertise, given the importance of human capital in developing statistical work. He highlighted GASTAT’s efforts to promote statistical knowledge, disseminate data culture and indicators, and support decision-makers with accurate and reliable statistics. He also noted that GASTAT continues its statistical transformation journey by adopting digital technologies and artificial intelligence and by leveraging big data and administrative records, which contribute to enhancing the quality of statistical products and accelerating their production to meet the requirements of the data era.
He further noted GASTAT’s commitment to empowering youth and equipping them with future skills in statistics and data science, thereby enhancing their readiness to contribute to building a knowledge-based economy and achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
It is worth noting that this participation comes as an extension of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its knowledge and community presence and to expand its partnerships with universities and academic institutions in a way that supports scientific research and contributes to preparing national talents capable of supporting the national development journey.

Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, honored the winning teams in the Data Innovation Hackathon, along with partners and supporters represented by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), the Saudi Society for Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems, the Professional Association for Statisticians and Data Scientists, and the Saudi Association for Statistical Sciences. The recognition took place during a ceremony held today at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The ceremony featured the announcement of the winning teams in the Hackathon, which GASTAT organized from 15 February to 15 April 2026. The Hackathon represents the first of its kind in leveraging innovation and modern technologies to advance statistical work. It was held as part of the “Road to Riyadh” series of events, in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum in November 2026.
Aldossari emphasized that the Data Innovation Hackathon reflects GASTAT’s commitment to adopting modern technologies and leveraging artificial intelligence capabilities to advance statistical work. He noted that the solutions presented by participating teams demonstrate the high caliber of national talent and their ability to develop innovative solutions with sustainable impact. He added that GASTAT will continue to support qualitative initiatives that contribute to building an advanced data ecosystem and enhance Saudi Arabia’s position in the fields of statistics and innovation, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The ceremony also featured a showcase of the winning projects, highlighting the most prominent innovative solutions that contribute to enhancing data collection and analysis processes and improving their efficiency, thereby supporting decision-makers with accurate and reliable indicators.
GASTAT explained that the Hackathon featured two main tracks, in which 132 teams competed, with 16 teams advancing to the final stage—eight teams in the Innovative Data Collection track using non-traditional data sources and eight teams in the Intelligent Processing and Classification track using artificial intelligence technologies.
The total value of the Hackathon prizes amounted to SAR 75,000, allocated to support and recognize the winning teams and to encourage the development of innovative solutions in the fields of data and statistics.
The judging process resulted in the selection of six teams that successfully presented innovative solutions that enhance the quality and reliability of official statistics. The winning teams were as follows: Hoarders, Athr, Ain, GigScope, Spondylus, and Optimizers.
It is noteworthy that the Data Innovation Hackathon represents an extension of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to expand the use of modern technologies and to empower national talent—including students, academics, and professionals—to contribute to developing practical solutions to statistical challenges. This, in turn, enhances the data-driven economy and supports statistical work and its outputs, including results, reports, and indicators.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in Saudi Arabia participated in the extraordinary coordinating meeting of the heads of national statistical offices of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The meeting was held virtually, with the participation of the heads of statistical offices of the member countries, along with the Director General of the GCC Statistical Centre.
This meeting was convened to enhance statistical coordination and integration among the GCC countries, thereby supporting decision-makers with accurate, reliable, and up-to-date data and indicators that reflect economic performance and keep pace with rapidly evolving global changes.
The president of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, emphasized the continued efforts to develop the statistical ecosystem and enhance its readiness by improving the quality of official statistics, strengthening the efficiency of statistical analysis, and expanding the use of administrative records to support national indicators.
The meeting also discussed several priority topics, most notably economic indicators such as price indices, industrial production, foreign trade, and gross domestic product (GDP).
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continuing joint statistical work, strengthening data integration and exchange, and developing coordination mechanisms and knowledge sharing to support effective responses to global changes and contribute to stability and sustainable growth.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the winning teams of the Data Innovation Hackathon, organized from February 15 to April 15, 2026. The hackathon is the first of its kind in leveraging innovation and technology to advance statistical work, as part of “Road to Riyadh” series of events in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 6th UNWDF in November 2026.
In addition, GASTAT revealed that the hackathon comprised two main tracks, in which 132 teams competed. A total of 16 teams qualified for the final stage, with eight teams in the “Innovative Data Collection” track focusing on the use of non-traditional sources and eight teams in the “Intelligent Processing and Classification” track, leveraging artificial intelligence technologies. The final judging phase resulted in the selection of six winning teams that presented innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of official statistics and enhancing their reliability.
In the same context, GASTAT will hold the closing ceremony on Monday, April 20, at its headquarters, where the detailed results of the hackathon will be announced. The event will showcase the winning projects and highlight the most prominent innovative solutions presented, in addition to honoring the winning teams in recognition of their efforts and contributions to advancing statistical work and enhancing data quality.
It is noteworthy that the Data Innovation Hackathon reflects GASTAT’s commitment to expanding the use of modern technologies and enhancing the role of artificial intelligence in developing statistical processes, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a knowledge-based economy driven by data. It also highlights the progress of the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia and strengthens its position as a leading regional hub in data and innovation while enabling national and international talent, including students, academics, and professionals to participate in developing practical solutions to statistical challenges.
 

The annual inflation rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Saudi Arabia reached 1.9% in March 2026, compared with March 2025. On a monthly basis, the index recorded a relative increase of 0.3% compared to February 2025.
In the same context, the annual rate of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) reached 3.3% in March 2026 compared to its counterpart in 2025. On a monthly basis, the index recorded a relative increase of 0.2% compared to February 2026. 
It is worth noting that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects changes in prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of 582 items, while the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) reflects price movements for goods at the pre-retail stage for a fixed basket of 343 items.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) held a panel discussion titled “Pulse of Numbers: Statistical Data in the Service of Health” as part of “Road to Riyadh” events, with the participation of a distinguished group of leaders and experts from GASTAT, the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Authority, and the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.
The session discussed the pivotal role of statistical data in supporting decision-making in the healthcare sector by enhancing the quality and reliability of health indicators, advancing data governance practices, and strengthening integration among relevant entities, thereby improving the efficiency of health planning. It also addressed the role of advanced technologies in developing health systems and improving data accessibility, as participants reviewed prominent experiences and practices in this field.
Participants also addressed investment in modern technologies and the qualitative leap it has achieved in health data analysis, as well as the role of artificial intelligence, which has become a key enabler in supporting data-driven healthcare decision-making.
Participants highlighted Saudi Arabia’s achievement of advanced levels of international recognition for the quality of its health data, noting that improvements in mortality data quality have contributed to increasing life expectancy. They also indicated that health data has helped reshape a more comprehensive understanding of the health status in Saudi Arabia through the integration of statistical data with administrative records, as well as the role of field surveys in achieving more accurate population representation.
It is noteworthy that this session is part of GASTAT’s efforts to highlight the statistical progress witnessed by Saudi Arabia under Saudi Vision 2030, as well as to enhance preparedness and coordination for hosting the 6th UNWDF 2026, scheduled to take place next November.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes a panel discussion titled “Pulse of Numbers: Statistical Data in the Service of Health” on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The session is part of “Road to Riyadh” event series, organized in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 6th UNWDF, scheduled to take place in Riyadh next November.
This session is part of efforts to strengthen the role of statistical data in supporting the national healthcare system by enhancing the quality and reliability of health statistics and advancing data governance practices, thereby improving the efficiency of health-related decision-making and strengthening the sector’s ability to respond to emerging health challenges.
The session addresses several key themes, including the role of advanced technologies in shaping the future of healthcare, strengthening the measurement of health indicators to support sustainable development, and improving access to and governance of health data. The session features several leaders and experts, including Dr. Abdullah Mufreh Asiri, Dr. Abdulaziz Mohammed Al-Rabiah, Eng. Saad Abdulatif Alhuzami, Dr. Ada Mohammed Al-Qunaibet, Dr. Omar Saleh Aldibasi, and Dr. Arash Rashidian. The session is opened by Dr. Fatimah Al Waef, General Supervisor of Social Statistics at GASTAT, and moderated by Dr. Arwa Mohammed Alameenn, Director General of the General Department of Statistics and Information at the Ministry of Health.
It is noteworthy that this session is part of an integrated series of events including panel discussions, conferences, and workshops organized by GASTAT under “Road to Riyadh” events. These events aim to highlight the statistical advances underway in Saudi Arabia under Saudi Vision 2030 and to enhance coordination and readiness for hosting the Forum next November.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has announced the list of teams qualified for the final stage of the Data Innovation Hackathon. The first phase, covering outreach and screening, was launched on 15 February, alongside the official website and the reception of executive summaries of ideas. The hackathon aims to empower innovators and experts to address challenges related to the collection and processing of national statistical data.
The list of qualified teams includes 16 teams out of a total of 132 participating teams, with 8 teams selected for the “Innovative data collection” track, leveraging non-traditional data sources, and 8 teams for the “Intelligent processing and classification” track through the application of artificial intelligence technologies.
The final results are expected to be announced on April 15, following the virtual judging of the presentations. GASTAT will host a ceremony to honor the winners and award prizes totaling SAR 75,000.
It is noteworthy that the Data Innovation Hackathon is part of “Road to Riyadh” series of events organized by GASTAT in preparation for hosting the 6th UNWDF next November. The initiative aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s readiness and the significant statistical development it is witnessing under Saudi Vision 2030.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has released the results of the 2025 Volunteer Work Statistics, which showed that the volunteer rate among the population aged 15 years and older reached 9.5% during a four-week period and 19.0% over a 12-month period. Males recorded higher volunteer rates than females during both periods, with the male volunteer rate reaching 11.1% during the four-week period compared with 6.3% for females. Over the 12-month period, the volunteer rate for males reached 21.5%, compared with 14.2% for females.
The results also indicated that the volunteer rate among Saudis during the four-week period reached 9.3%, recording 11.9% for males and 6.8% for females. Meanwhile, the volunteer rate among non-Saudis during the same period reached 9.6%, with 10.7% for males and 5.3% for females. Over the 12-month period, the volunteer rate among Saudis reached 18.9%, recording 22.6% for males and 15.3% for females, while the volunteer rate among non-Saudis reached 19.1%, with 21.0% for males and 11.9% for females.
The results further indicated that direct volunteering was the most prevalent form of volunteering during the four-week period. Among Saudis, the direct volunteering rate reached 7.5%, compared with 1.6% for volunteering through volunteer-organizing entities and 0.2% for multiple volunteering. Among non-Saudis, the direct volunteering rate reached 8.0%, compared with 1.5% for volunteering through volunteer-organizing entities and 0.1% for multiple volunteering.

With regard to age groups, the results showed that the highest volunteer rate among Saudis during the four-week period was recorded in the 35–44 age group, at 13.6%. Within this group, the volunteer rate reached 18.5% among males and 8.8% among females. In terms of educational attainment, individuals holding a master’s or doctoral degree recorded the highest volunteer rates. The volunteer rate among Saudis holding a master’s or doctoral degree reached 19.5%, with 24.9% for males and 8.7% for females.
It is noteworthy that the Volunteer Work Survey is one of the household surveys conducted by GASTAT. The survey is based on a representative sample of approximately 24,000 households and aims to provide accurate data on the characteristics of volunteer work in Saudi Arabia, including volunteer rates, volunteering methods, and the characteristics of volunteers, in accordance with the standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), participated in the 57th Session of the United Nations Statistical Commission, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 3 to 6 March 2026. The session brought together heads of national statistical offices from around the world. Saudi Arabia’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening its contribution to the development of international statistical work and supporting efforts to modernize the global statistical system.
The Saudi delegation was headed by the Vice President of GASTAT, Mr. Mohammed Al-Rshaid. During the meetings, the delegation highlighted Riyadh’s preparations to host the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum UNWDF next November, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to early coordination with international partners to ensure alignment with the global statistical agenda and to strengthen integration between national and international data initiatives.
Mr. Al-Rshaid emphasized the leading role played by GASTAT in advancing the statistical sector, outlining three strategic pillars that underpin its development efforts. These include digital transformation and artificial intelligence through the integration of AI and Geo-AI technologies into statistical operations under an ambitious roadmap extending to 2030; knowledge leadership through spearheading the Arabic translation of the System of National Accounts 2025 to support the harmonization and advancement of statistical practices across the Arab region in line with international standards; and innovation in monitoring development through the launch of an integrated interactive system for managing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) data, ensuring efficient monitoring of indicators and meeting international requirements through an advanced methodological approach.
On the sidelines of the session, GASTAT participated in a specialized side event on “Data Governance” in its capacity as Co-Chair of the Data Governance Working Group established by the commission. During the event, the Vice President reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting the development of comprehensive data governance frameworks in the field of official statistics and to strengthening the role of national statistical offices within national and global data ecosystems, thereby enhancing the quality, reliability, and sustainability of data. The event featured a high-level panel discussion with the participation of members of the Working Group and several heads of national statistical offices. The discussion explored key challenges and opportunities related to data governance and reviewed the latest international practices in developing effective regulatory frameworks that enhance integration between data producers and users. In addition, the GASTAT delegation held a series of bilateral meetings with several international organizations and national statistical offices to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and exchange technical expertise.
The United Nations Statistical Commission is the highest decision-making body for international statistical standards and for monitoring progress on the SDGs. Its mandate underscores the importance of strengthening international cooperation to develop more integrated and resilient statistical systems, particularly considering the accelerating digital transformations shaping the global data landscape.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Statistics for 2025 and Q4 of the year. According to its estimates, the real GDP of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recorded a growth rate of 4.5% in 2025 compared with 2024. This growth was driven by increases across all economic activities, as oil activities grew by 5.7%, non-oil activities increased by 4.9%, and government activities rose by 0.9%.
The results revealed that GDP at current prices reached SAR 4,789 billion in 2025. Activities related to crude oil and natural gas recorded the highest contribution among economic activities at 17.1%, followed by government activities at 14.0%, then wholesale and retail trade, restaurants and hotels at 12.3%. Manufacturing activities excluding oil refining contributed 11.1%, followed by construction activities at 8.0%.
The results indicated that the Saudi economy grew by 5.0% in Q4 of 2025. Several economic activities continued to record notable growth rates, with crude oil and natural gas activities achieving the highest growth during Q4 at 12.4% year-on-year and 4.2% quarter-on-quarter. This was followed by wholesale and retail trade, restaurants and hotels, which grew by 5.4% on a year-on-year basis.
Oil activities were the largest contributor to real GDP growth in Q4 of 2025, contributing 2.6 percentage points, while non-oil activities contributed 2.4 percentage points. On a seasonally adjusted basis, non-oil activities contributed 0.9 percentage points, while oil activities contributed 0.5 percentage points in Q4 of 2025.
 

Non-oil exports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (including re-exports) increased by 7.4% in December 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Meanwhile, national non-oil exports declined by 8.5%, whereas the value of re-exported goods rose by 43.1%.
The international trade in goods results showed a 3.0% increase in total goods exports compared to December 2024. Petroleum exports rose by 1.0%, while the share of petroleum exports in total exports decreased from 68.7% in December 2024 to 67.4% in December 2025. On the imports side, they increased by 2.4% over the same period, while the trade balance surplus grew by 7.1% compared to December of the previous year.
In Q4 of 2025, non-oil exports (including re-exports) rose by 18.6% compared to Q4 of 2024, while national non-oil exports decreased by 1.5%, and re-exported goods increased by 67.4%. Total goods exports grew by 7.9%, and petroleum exports rose by 3.5%, while the share of petroleum exports in total exports declined from 70.4% to 67.5%. Imports in Q4 of 2025 increased by 4.7% compared to the same period of the previous year, and the trade balance surplus recorded a growth of 26.3%.
Regarding trade partners, Japan ranked first among goods export destinations in December, accounting for 11.7% of total exports, while China led import partners with a 28.7% share. On Q4 level, China was the top partner for exports, representing 13.1%, and maintained its leading position for imports at 27.2%.
International Trade in Goods Statistics is based on administrative records provided by the relevant authorities, including the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority for non-oil data and the Ministry of Energy for oil-related data. These records undergo statistical processing and review according to the methodologies approved by the relevant authorities, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data before publication.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and Fikr Strategies for Industry Platform Company signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC). GASTAT was represented by Vice President, Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rshaid, while the company was represented by its Founder, Eng. Jassim bin Mohammed AlShammary.
The agreement aims to enhance coordination in statistical data exchange, contributing to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by leveraging official statistics to serve the industrial sector. It also focuses on developing specialized national performance indicators to measure the growth and competitiveness of industrial sectors, launching national initiatives and training programs for capacity building in industrial data analysis, and providing technical support in data and information management. Additionally, the cooperation includes developing statistical indicators, issuing reports and publications, and conducting specialized statistical workshops.
Furthermore, the agreement represents a strategic step to enhance GASTAT’s role in supporting civil society institutions with accurate statistical information, enabling them to make decisions based on reliable data. It also underscores the importance of exchanging technical and knowledge-based expertise between the two parties in areas of shared interest. Additionally, the platform is committed to improving its services by relying on accurate data and objective analyses to support the continuous planning and evaluation of programs and services
 

GASTAT has launched the Data Innovation Hackathon, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative to leverage innovation in official statistical data. This initiative forms part of the “Road to Riyadh” series of events, held in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) in November 2026.
The hackathon aims to advance innovation in statistical work and enhance the readiness of the statistical sector to keep pace with rapid technological developments. Through this initiative, GASTAT seeks to empower citizens and residents across Saudi Arabia including students, academics, freelancers, and employees to contribute to the development of innovative solutions that address key challenges.
The hackathon follows an open participation model and will be delivered entirely through a virtual platform, allowing for wide international engagement and promoting the exchange of expertise among professionals.
It offers total cash prizes of SAR 75,000, along with professional incentives, and provides mentorship and training opportunities for the winning teams.
The hackathon focuses on two primary tracks: innovative data collection leveraging non-traditional sources, and smart processing and classification powered by artificial intelligence technologies contributing to improved quality and greater reliability of official statistics.
This initiative is part of GASTAT’s efforts to expand the adoption of advanced technologies in data collection and processing, while reinforcing

 the role of artificial intelligence in elevating the quality of official statistics, in line with Saudi Arabia’s vision of building a data-driven knowledge 

economy. The hackathon is being prepared in collaboration with local partners to ensure alignment of efforts and to provide an enabling environment for innovators from diverse fields.
GASTAT confirms that full details of the initiative, including participation criteria and procedures, will be announced soon via its official social media platforms and website.
 

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

The President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, held a bilateral meeting with the director of the UNICEF Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Lana Khalil Al Wreikat, at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh, to discuss prospects for cooperation in statistical and developmental fields of mutual interest. 
This meeting comes as a part of GASTAT’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships and enhancing cooperation with other regional and international organizations. Such efforts aim to develop the national statistical ecosystem, support development efforts, and reinforce the role of reliable data in achieving sustainable development.
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise in statistical and development fields, contribute to supporting data production, improve its quality, and strengthen its role in supporting public policy and decision-making in line with the latest international practice and standards. It also addressed GASTAT’s strategic transformation and efforts to strengthen its position as a leading statistical institution at the regional and international levels through developing digital infrastructure, expanding data accessibility, building statistical capacity, and enhancing international cooperation. 
In addition, the meeting reviewed Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th UNWDF 2026 and the role of the regional and international organizations in ensuring the Forum’s success and promoting global dialogue on data for development.
The president of GASTAT also emphasized that the partnership with the UNICEF Office for GCC countries represents an effective model for integration between national and international expertise in developing social statistics and enhancing data quality. He noted that this partnership is an extension of GASTAT’s efforts to support data-driven decision-making in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
He added that GASTAT is keen to expand its cooperation with regional and international organizations to enhance statistical capacity-building and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading regional and global hub for data, particularly in light of its preparation to host the 6th UNWDF in Riyadh in 2026.
It is noteworthy that the UNICEF Office for GCC countries was established in 1987 by merging the country offices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. This was based on an institutional vision that reflects the unique social and economic development trajectories of the GCC countries.
 

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

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

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

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

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

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), in collaboration with the UN Statistics Division, PARIS21, and Open Data Watch, organized a virtual panel discussion on Commit to Data, with the participation of a distinguished group of international leaders and experts in statistics, data, and development.
The panel discussion was held as part of Road to Riyadh events, a preparatory pathway for the 6th UNWDF 2026, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia in November 2026. It aims to foster international partnerships, develop comprehensive and reliable data ecosystems, and translate commitments into sustainable development impact.
In his opening remarks, Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, emphasized that committing to data is a key pillar for strengthening statistical governance, integrating statistical data, and supporting decision-making, while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. He noted that hosting this panel discussion reflects GASTAT’s commitment to fostering multilateral collaboration in the data field and enhancing the role of statistics in addressing development challenges.
The panel discussion brought together Shantanu Mukherjee, Acting Director of the UN Statistics Division; Johannes Jütting, Executive Head of PARIS21; Shaida Badiee, Managing Director of Open Data Watch; Amelia Greaves, Senior Program Manager of the Equality Insights Program at the International Women’s Development Agency; Cyrus Darpoh, Senior Administrative Officer at the Ghana Statistical Service; Samuel Annim, Director of the African Centre for Statistics at the UN; Zehra Selçuk, Director General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC); Haitham Alghulaiga, Director General of International Partnerships at GASTAT; and Ian Rutherford from the UN Statistics Division.
Similarly, GASTAT showcased the strategic framework for Road to Riyadh events, highlighting the forums, seminars, workshops, and both in-person and virtual panel discussions held over the past period and planned for the coming months. These efforts aim to highlight Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host the Forum and demonstrate how its statistical work keeps pace with rapidly evolving global developments.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today released the Real Estate Price Index publication for Q4 of 2025. According to the publication’s findings, the Real Estate Price Index in Saudi Arabia recorded a 0.7% decline in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024. This decline is primarily attributed to a 2.2% decrease in residential property prices, driven by a 2.4% decline in residential land prices, a 2.5% decrease in apartment prices, a 1.3% decrease in villa prices, and a 0.2% decrease in residential floor prices.
Quarterly, the Real Estate Price Index in Saudi Arabia recorded a decline of 0.4% compared to Q3 of 2025. This decline was driven by a 0.4% decrease in residential property prices and a 0.4% decrease in commercial real estate prices, while agricultural property prices fell by 0.7%.
It is noteworthy that the Real Estate Price Index is based on real estate transaction data from all administrative regions and is calculated quarterly using an updated methodology that incorporates geospatial artificial intelligence models and integrates data from multiple sources, thereby enhancing the quality and transparency of real estate price data in Saudi Arabia.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today released the Short-Term Business Statistics publication for November 2025. According to the publication’s findings, the Operating Revenue Index for short-term businesses in the Kingdom recorded a 5.0% increase in November 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. This increase is primarily attributed to growth in several key economic activities. Manufacturing recorded a 6.5% rise, while wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair activities grew by 9.5%. The construction sector also increased by 7.4%. In addition, financial and insurance activities, as well as information and communication activities, rose by 14.4% and 8.6%, respectively.
On the other hand, the Employee Compensation Index within the Short-Term Business Statistics recorded a year-on-year increase of 13.6%. This growth was driven by an 18.8% rise in manufacturing activities, a 4.7% increase in construction, and a 10.5% increase in wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair activities. In addition, mining and quarrying activities grew by 15.0%, while financial and insurance activities increased by 9.5%.
It is noteworthy that the Short-Term Business Statistics product is among the most prominent newly released economic statistical products issued by GASTAT. This product aims to measure the short-term performance of various economic sectors through monthly indicators that track developments and growth rates across different activities. The product covers all the economic activities of establishments operating within the business sector across Saudi Arabia.
 

The annual inflation rate in Saudi Arabia reached 2.1% in December 2025, compared to December 2024, while it recorded a monthly increase of 0.1% compared to November 2025. In the same context, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) increased by 3.1% in December 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 and rose by 1.0% on a monthly basis. It is worth noting that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects changes in prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of 582 goods and services, while the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) measures the price movements of goods at pre-retail stages, based on a fixed basket of 343 items.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the results of Tourism Establishments Statistics for Q3 of 2025. The findings indicate that the hotel room occupancy rate reached 49.1% during Q3 2025, representing an increase of 2.9 percentage points compared to the same quarter of 2024, when the occupancy rate was 46.1%. In contrast, the occupancy rate for serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities stood at 57.4% in Q3 2025, compared to 58.0% in the corresponding quarter of 2024, reflecting a decline of 0.5 percentage points.
Results indicated that the total number of licensed tourism hospitality facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia amounted to 5,622 facilities during Q3 2025, an increase of 40.6% compared to the same quarter of 2024, when the number reached 3,998 facilities. Serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities constituted 52.6% of the total, with 2,955 facilities, while hotels accounted for 47.4%, totaling 2,667 hotels.
The average length of stay for hotel guests during Q3 2025 was approximately 4.1 nights, recording a decrease of 1% compared to the same quarter of 2024, when the average stay was 4.2 nights. Meanwhile, the average length of stay for guests in serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities reached about 2.1 nights during the same period, declining slightly by 0.2% compared to Q3 2024, according to the publication.
The publication also revealed that the total number of employees engaged in tourism activities during Q3 2025 reached around 1,009,691, marking a growth of 6.4% compared to the same quarter of 2024, when employment totaled 948,629 employees. Saudi employees accounted for 245,171 employees, representing 24.3% of the total, while non-Saudi workers numbered 764,520, or 75.7%. In terms of gender distribution, male employees totaled 875,658, accounting for 86.7% of the total, whereas female employees numbered 134,033, representing a participation rate of 13.3%.
It is worth noting that the Tourism Establishments Statistics for Q3 2025 are compiled from multiple sources to ensure comprehensive coverage of tourism activities in the Kingdom. These sources include administrative records, statistical surveys, and secondary data.
 

The results of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Statistics for Q3 of 2025 indicated that net inflows reached SAR 24.9 billion, representing an increase of 34.5% compared to the same quarter of the previous year, amounting SAR 18.5 billion. Net inflows also recorded a 5.2% increase compared to the previous quarter, during which they totaled SAR 23.7 billion. According to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Statistics publication for Q3 of 2025 issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). 
Publication’s results indicated that FDI inflows reached approximately SAR 27.7 billion in Q3 of 2025, representing a 4.4% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024, reaching SAR 26.5 billion. In addition, inflows rose by 3.3% compared to the previous quarter, during which they totaled SAR 26.8 billion.
Publication’s results indicated that FDI outflows amounted to approximately SAR 2.7 billion in Q3 of 2025, reflecting a decrease of 65.7% compared to the same quarter of 2024, reaching SAR 8.0 billion. In addition, outflows declined by 11.4% compared to the previous quarter, reaching SAR 3.1 billion.
It is noteworthy that FDI reflects a long-term relationship and a permanent interest of economic entities residing in an economy other than the Saudi economy. This means that an individual foreign investor or a group of foreign investors owns 10% or more of the voting power of shareholders’ rights.
 

Results of the Digital Economy Survey 2024 indicated an increase in the digital economy’s share in Saudi Arabia’s GDP, reaching 16.0% compared to 15.6% in 2023, an increase of 0.4 percentage points. According to the digital economy classifications, the core digital economy contributed 2.7%, while the narrow digital economy accounted for 2.4%. The broad digital economy represented the largest share, amounting to 10.9% of GDP.
Publication’s results indicated that the operating revenues of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector reached SAR 249.8 billion in 2024. Telecommunications activities recorded the highest revenues, amounting to SAR 133.9 billion, followed by computer programming activities with revenues of SAR 31.1 billion.
Operating expenditures for the sector totaled SAR 122.2 billion, while employee compensation reached SAR 29.2 billion. Telecommunications activities also ranked first in this category, with compensation amounting to SAR 16.1 billion.
In terms of foreign trade, the results indicated an increase in imports of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) goods from SAR 54.9 billion in 2023 to SAR 67.9 billion in 2024, representing a growth rate of 23.5%. Telecommunications equipment accounted for the largest share of these imports, with a value of SAR 36.8 billion.
Meanwhile, the value of exports and re-exports of ICT goods rose significantly, reaching SAR 25.8 billion in 2024 compared to SAR 11.8 billion in 2023, reflecting a growth rate of 118%
It is noteworthy that Digital Economy Statistics are based on a unified methodological framework that follows the Statistical Business Process Model and adheres to the international standards outlined in the Handbook on Measuring the Digital Economy issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD, 2020). The methodology is also aligned with the G20 roadmap for measuring the digital economy. The digital economy is classified into three levels: core, narrow, and broad according to the nature of economic activities and the extent of their reliance on digital inputs.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported that the value of Saudi Arabia’s services exports reached SAR 58.2 billion in Q3of 2025, while the value of services imports into Saudi Arabia amounted to SAR 120.8 billion during the same period.
According to the publication’s results, travel services ranked first among the Saudi Arabia’s  services exports, with a value of SAR 33.8 billion, followed by transport services in second place at SAR 9.7 billion. On the imports side, transport services ranked first with a value of SAR 32.3 billion, while travel services came second at SAR 30.8 billion.
GASTAT emphasized that it adopts a statistical methodology based on international best practices, in accordance with the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6) and the Extended Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS 2010). Data quality is ensured through the treatment of missing values and the review of internal and temporal consistency, in line with internationally recognized standards and practices.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the Waste Accounts publication for 2024. According to its results, the quantity of recorded waste generated from various economic activities, in addition to household waste, reached 135.1 million tons, compared with 111.4 million tons in 2023.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing activity recorded the highest quantity of waste at 46.9 million tons, followed by construction activity at 32.2 million tons, then households at 20.5 million tons. Waste generated by manufacturing industries amounted to 18.3 million tons during 2024.
Results also showed that organic waste constituted the largest share of total recorded waste in 2024, accounting for 45.7%, with a quantity of 61.7 million tons. This was followed by construction materials waste at 22.8% and plastic waste at 5.8% of total waste.
In addition, industrial sector waste increased to 26.7 million tons, compared with 22.1 million tons in 2023. Waste from manufacturing industries accounted for 68.6% of total industrial sector waste, followed by waste from mining and quarrying at 26.4% and waste from electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply at 5.0%
Waste Accounts publication was prepared in accordance with the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Central Framework issued by the United Nations Statistics Division. It is based on data from GASTAT, as well as administrative data from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Center for Waste Management.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Labor Market Statistics for Q3 of 2025, which showed a year-on-year decline in the unemployment rate and a notable improvement in females’ participation in economic activity indicators. The survey results indicated that the unemployment rate among Saudis reached 7.5% in Q3 of 2025, down by 0.3 percentage points compared to Q3 of 2024.
The publication’s results also showed a year-on-year decline in unemployment among Saudi females, reaching 12.1% and down 1.5 percentage points compared to Q3 of 2024. This reflects the effectiveness of programs and initiatives aimed at supporting women’s empowerment and enhancing their employment opportunities.
The results also indicated an increase in the Saudi males’ economic participation rate, reaching 64.3% an increase of 0.3 percentage points. Meanwhile, the employed Saudi females rate rose by 3 percentage points over the past five years to reach 29.7% reflecting positive shifts in the structure of the Saudi labor market.
The total labor force participation rate reached 66.9% reflecting a quarterly decline of 0.2 percentage points, while marking a year-on-year increase of 0.3 percentage points. Meanwhile, the employment-to-working-age population ratio stood at 64.6% marking a decrease of 0.4 percentage points compared to Q2 of 2025, while recording a year-on-year rise of 0.5 percentage points compared to Q3 of 2024.
GASTAT emphasized that these indicators reflect the ongoing national efforts to develop the Saudi labor market and provide opportunities for social engagement in building a thriving economy while achieving balance and sustainability in the labor market. This aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and its related programs focused on human capital development and fostering economic growth.
 

Pursuant to Council of Ministers’ Resolution No. (11) dated 13/01/1437 AH, approving the Regulations of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), as the entity responsible for statistics and the sole official reference for conducting statistical work. GASTAT announces the commencement of its statistical activities and field, telephone, and self-reporting surveys in the economic, social, and environmental and spatial domains. These activities are being carried out across Saudi Arabia’s regions, including cities and their affiliated governorates, to collect accurate data for the 2026 statistics.
These surveys target individuals, households, and establishments across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, aiming to collect accurate and comprehensive data that supports decision-making, and the formulation of evidence-based development policies. In conducting these activities, GASTAT employs the latest data collection methods and internationally recognized statistical practices, ensuring the quality and accuracy of its statistical outputs.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT provides the necessary statistical information and data as part of its vital national role, contributing to the monitoring of performance indicators for Saudi Vision 2030 and measuring progress toward achieving SDGs.
In addition, GASTAT urges all individuals, households, and establishments targeted by these surveys to respond and cooperate in fulfilling this national duty by providing updated data. GASTAT also emphasizes that all collected information is kept strictly confidential in accordance with official regulations and is used solely for statistical purposes, following the principles and standards governing statistical work. For inquiries, GASTAT has provided a unified contact number (199009).
 

President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, met today with Chairman of Najran Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bader Hamod Almojel, to discuss potential cooperation between the two parties in exchange of statistical data and information. The meeting took place during a visit by a GASTAT delegation to the region.
The discussion focused on the importance of collaboration in their respective fields, leveraging accurate statistical indicators to support development plans, and improving the efficiency of commercial and industrial projects in the region, in line with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
This meeting reflects GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic partnerships with entities and institutions across all sectors, utilizing its statistical outputs to support national initiatives and objectives and advance development across various regions of Saudi Arabia.
 

H.E. the Minister of Economy and Planning and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GASTAT, Faisal F. Alibrahim, inaugurated a virtual workshop titled “Statistical Practices: Saudi statistical data… a pivotal role in supporting national development”. The workshop is organized by GASTAT as part of Road to Riyadh events in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s preparations hosting of the 6th UNWDF in November 2026.
In his opening speech, H.E. emphasized that this workshop represents an important step in strengthening the role of statistical data as a fundamental basis for national policy-making, formulating development plans, and measuring their impact. He highlighted that the integration of government efforts in developing a national statistical ecosystem that serves decision-makers, enhances transparency, and improves government performance. H.E. also stressed the importance of statistical data in monitoring Saudi Arabia’s progress toward achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and SDGs, affirming that statistics have become a strategic enabler to support flexible decision-making that keeps pace with global economic and social changes.
During the workshop, the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, delivered a detailed presentation on GASTAT’s transformation journey over the past years. He reviewed the pre-transformation phase, during which GASTAT provided around 50 statistical products, and highlighted the post-transformation phase, which marked a major leap in the statistical product system, now exceeding 80 products. Furthermore, he discussed the development of existing products, the implementation of modern methodologies aligned with international standards, and the increased frequency, level of detail, and statistical coverage of publications.
He also emphasized that the Council of Ministers approval of the Statistical Law represented a pivotal milestone in the development of the statistical ecosystem, enhancing the governance of statistical work and organizing roles and responsibilities in line with international best practices. He highlighted GASTAT’s key roles in collecting comprehensive data and information from various sources, producing and developing official statistics, publishing them, and providing them to government entities, private establishments, individuals, and international organizations.
Furthermore, he highlighted key statistical products issued by GASTAT, including GDP, industrial production index, international trade statistics, household income and expenditure survey, housing statistics, labor market statistics, and transportation and renewable energy statistics, emphasizing the role of these products in supporting decision-makers with accurate and reliable indicators.
In addition, he highlighted GASTAT’s efforts to facilitate access to statistical data, increase compliance with statistical publication to 94% and raise the number of website users to 8.5 million in 2025. He also noted the development of the website and the launch of the Microdata Lab as an advanced electronic service designed to meet clients’ requests using the best and fastest technological means.
Moreover, he highlighted Saudi Arabia’s success in securing the hosting of the 6th UNWDF 2026 in Riyadh. He noted Saudi Arabia’s membership in the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for statistics (HLG-PCCG) and its co-chairing of the Data Governance Working Group. Also, he emphasized GASTAT’s efforts to strengthen community and scientific partnerships through the Saudi Statistical Forum, the Universities and Statistical Associations Forum, and the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first specialized statistics Innovation Lab.
Additionally, he emphasized the progress achieved in institutional performance, noting that the Digital Transformation Measurement Index rose to 86% in 2025. He also highlighted programs for developing future leaders and Saudi statisticians, the transition to accrual-based accounting, the achievement of the Expenditure Efficiency Index, and advancement in the assessment of performance management practices from the transitional stage to the advanced stage.
Moreover, he addressed future focus areas, which include the growth and expansion of statistics, enhancing the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, leveraging new data sources, supporting statistical innovation, raising awareness, and building statistical capacity through training programs and the provision of statistical certifications for users, students, and professionals. These efforts aim to strengthen statistical literacy and increase the utilization of national data.
It is noteworthy that this workshop is part of a series of ongoing efforts by GASTAT within Road to Riyadh events, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host the 6th UNWDF in 2026 and reinforcing its leading role in the development of statistical work at both regional and international levels.
 

GASTAT’s President met today at the Municipality headquarters with the Mayor of Najran Municipality, Eng. Saleh Alghamdi to discuss potential areas of collaboration, particularly in the exchange of data and statistical information that support planning and urban development in the region.

During the meeting, both parties discussed the importance of integration within their respective areas of expertise and the effective use of accurate statistical indicators to enhance the efficiency of projects and services, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

It is worth noting that this meeting comes as part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic partnerships with government entities and institutions across all sectors, leveraging its statistical products to support national initiatives and targets and to advance development priorities across the various regions of the Kingdom.

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

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