The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries celebrate Gulf Statistics Day under the theme "Statistics for Sustainable Opportunities." This celebration is part of the efforts to enhance statistical work aimed at providing statistical data that supports development plans and achieves the targets of visionary development in the Council's countries. On this occasion, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, congratulated the employees in the statistical sector. He commended the role of the statistical center of the GCC countries in developing statistical work and coordinating between national statistical centers and planning agencies in the Council's countries. He emphasized that statistics and statistical centers play a prominent role in providing statistical data that contributes to supporting policymakers and decision-makers in the Council's countries. He added, "The collaborative efforts between statistical centers in the GCC countries have contributed to measuring progress towards achieving the goals of national visions and sustainable development for the Council's countries. This is achieved through joint efforts to enhance performance in terms of exchanging statistical data and implementing the statistical strategic plan. He emphasized the importance of the collaborative relationships among the GCC countries and the extensive cooperation in the field of statistics, providing more opportunities for effective collaboration in the field of information and statistical data." Statistical work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia began early in the year 1349 H (1930) and evolved into an organized effort based on the regulatory, administrative, and technical framework of the General Statistics System issued by Royal Decree No. 23 on 7/12/1379 H (1/6/1960). The General Statistics System regulated the statistical sector by defining the relationship between the General Statistics and Information Department and other entities. This culminated in the issuance of a royal decree in 1436 AH, transforming the General Statistics and Information Department into a public entity named the General Authority for Statistics, endowed with legal personality and financial and administrative independence. In 1437 H, approval was granted to regulate the General Authority for Statistics. The regulation stipulated that the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) is a government entity with an independent legal personality. GASTAT’s board of directors is chaired by His Excellency the Minister of Economy and Planning and consists of the following members: Ministers of Energy, Finance, Human Resources and Social Development, Education, and Industry and Mineral Resources. In addition to the Director of National Information Center, President of the General Authority for Statistics, and two other members specialized in the statistical field. GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for implementing, supervising, and regulating the statistical work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  It provides statistical products in social, economic, and environmental fields to support policymakers and decision-makers in advancing the implementation of development plans. It's worth noting that the Ministerial Council of the GCC, convened in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, in November 2016 during its 141st session, approved the designation of a Gulf Statistics Day to be observed annually. The significance of this day lies in emphasizing the partnership of the entire society with statisticians and highlighting the vital role statistics play in achieving sustainable development for the Council's countries. It also underscores the strategic role of the Gulf statistical system in decision-making and the development of policies in the region.

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has been awarded the excellence award for website performance and digital content efficiency, ranking among the top 10 government entities out of a total of 383 government websites for the year 2023. This recognition was received at the Digital Government Forum, held recently under the theme "Our Future is Now" organized by the Digital Government Authority. GASTAT was recognized for its outstanding performance in website efficiency and digital content, and the award was received by Mr. Mohammed Al-Rasheed, Vice President Operations. In the same context, the General Authority for Statistics is currently implementing an ambitious digital transformation project aimed at achieving a high-quality technological infrastructure that competes regionally and globally. GASTAT also adheres to the highest international standards practiced by specialized institutions in statistical data and information. It seeks to enhance the utilization of its statistical publications and products through the most user-friendly and flexible technological methods. This includes providing users with access to statistical data, the ability to review and download it, as well as presenting the data in ways that contribute to understanding the results and indicators issued by GASTAT. It is worth mentioning that the Digital Government Forum aims to highlight the achievements of the digital government, showcase its success stories locally and internationally, and enable digital community leaders to meet, communicate, exchange experiences, build partnerships, share successful practices, and discuss challenges. The Forum is also designed to explore modern technological best practices, review future trends of digital governments, and explore investment opportunities in the digital sector in the Kingdom.

The General Authority for Statistics announced an increase in the operating revenues of small and medium establishments (SMEs) by 5.8% during the year 2022, reaching 1.339 billion SAR compared to 1.265 billion SAR in 2021, an increase of 74 billion SAR . These findings are based on the publication of Small and Medium Establishments Statistics for 2022. The publication also revealed that the value of operating expenses in SMEs reached 687.8 billion SAR in 2022, compared to 659.4 billion SAR in 2021, an increase of 28.3 billion SAR or 4.3% on an annual basis. Furthermore, the results of the publication indicated an increase in employee compensation during 2022, amounting to 164.2 billion SAR compared to 155.7 billion SAR in 2021, an increase of 8.4 billion SAR or 5.4%. It is worth noting that the statistics of small and medium establishments are important economic indicators that are regularly implemented and published to enhance the economic database and provide significant statistical indicators to understand the general trends of economic activities in SMEs. This is achieved by providing updated statistics on operating revenues, expenses, and employee compensation in these establishments.

The General Authority for Statistics and the Information &eGovernment Authority in the Kingdom of Bahrain have signed a memorandum of understanding( MoU) to cooperate in the field of statistics and exchange of expertise. The aim is also to benefit from the best global practices to develop and enhance statistical work in both countries, in line with international standards, and to support decision-makers and scientific research. The (MoU) was signed by Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, and Mr. Mohammed Ali Al-Qaed, CEO of the Information &eGovernment Authority in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in the presence of Duaa Sultan Alharban, Deputy Chief Executive, Statistics and Population Registry, and Ms. Lulwa Sami, Director of Communication and Marketing Department at the eGovernment Authority. The (MoU) includes cooperation in areas such as exchanging expertise and information between the two parties to develop statistical work, including data availability, big data, IT infrastructure, exchange of statistical awareness programs, facilitating access to information, exchanging visits between experts and specialists in relevant statistical fields, and organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops. During the agreed period of the (MoU), which extends for five years, both sides will work on developing joint plans and programs to achieve the desired goals of cooperation between the statistical authorities of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. From his side, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, affirmed that the (MoU) aims to enhance the level of mutual cooperation between the two sides and strengthen coordination and integration of efforts in the field of statistics. This includes enhancing quality and efficiency, applying best global practices, and transferring expertise between statistical agencies. It also contributes to supporting the strategic work between the two countries in the statistical sector, aligning with the ongoing development of statistical agencies, and providing new opportunities for effective cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain in the field of information and statistical data exchange between the two countries. He added that the (MoU) contributes to the development of methods and techniques for calculating indicators and providing accurate and up-to-date statistical data to enhance the sustainable development goals, supporting decision-makers and policymakers in both countries. He praised the fruitful cooperation between the General Authority for Statistics and its counterpart, Information &eGovernment Authority in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in addition to the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise between the two countries in the statistical field, leading to further enhancement of mutual cooperation in the future. On his part, Mr. Mohammed Ali Al-Qaed, CEO of the Information &eGovernment Authority in the Kingdom of Bahrain, praised the signing of the (MoU), affirming that the cooperation between the two countries in the field of statistics is an enduring cooperation, reflecting the strength, durability, and depth of the historical and fraternal relations between the two sides. He also explained that cooperation with the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will contribute to achieving several goals, including enhancing joint work between the two countries, improving the efficiency of statistical systems, and establishing a committee to supervise the plans and programs related to the areas of mutual cooperation included in the (MoU). The committee will oversee the implementation of development areas and overcome any challenges that may arise, in order to make optimal use of advanced statistical experiences, expertise, and programs that enhance the quality of the statistical work system. Furthermore, the CEO emphasized that the signing of the (MoU) with the General Authority for Statistics stems from the distinguished regional leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of statistics. KSA possesses an effective statistical system with innovative practices and a model that regional statistical systems can emulate. He affirmed that leveraging these experiences and rich statistical practices is a real gain for the Bahraini statistical system. It is worth mentioning that the signing of the (MoU) reflects the belief of the eGovernment Authority and the General Authority for Statistics that enhancing regional and international cooperation contributes to meeting the growing demands for statistical data. This requires a statistical system capable of producing high-quality data in a timely manner, in line with the guidelines, definitions, and classifications adopted by the United Nations and compatible with the best international standards and practices. One of the best ways to keep up with emerging developments in the statistical system is through clear coordination and international cooperation that enables the exchange of best practices and transfer of expertise between statistical systems. Therefore, the signing of the (MoU) between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is a real gain in facing the challenges and developments in the statistical system.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the publication of Road Transport Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the year 2022. It revealed that the number of passengers transported by public buses within and between cities during 2022 reached 43.5 million, an increase of 233.9% compared to 2021. The results of the publication also indicated that the quantity of domestic road freight in 2022 reached 209 million tons, an increase of 6.1% compared to 2021. According to the results of the publication, the length of paved road network within and between cities during 2022 reached 266,000 kilometers, an increase of 1.6% compared to 2021. Additionally, the number of serious traffic accidents during 2022 amounted to 16,962, a decrease of 6.8% compared to 2021. The number of fatalities due to traffic accidents during 2022 was 4,555, a decrease of 2.1% compared to 2021. The number of injuries from traffic accidents during 2022 amounted to 24,400, a decrease of 4.2% compared to 2021. On the other hand, the number of vehicles during 2022 reached 14.9 million, an increase of 4.9% compared to 2021. The number of vehicle insurance documents during 2022 was 7.6 million, an increase of 26.9% compared to 2021. It is worth noting that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and research, analyzes data and information, in addition to the documentation and archiving of all statistical information and data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Furthermore, GASTAT registers, classifies, and analyzes data. It extracts the data indicators as well.

His Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, met with Ms. Janet Alberda, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, several topics were discussed, most notably addressing ways to strengthen joint work in the statistical sector and reviewing a number of topics of mutual interest in statistical work. It should be noted that the General Authority for Statistics and Statistics Netherlands' office signed a memorandum of understanding earlier aimed at promoting the exchange and development of experience in statistical work between the two countries.

The General Authority for Statistics has issued a publication on its official website, which includes statistics on culture and entertainment. The results of the publication indicate that  80  % of individuals (aged 15 and above) visited cultural events or activities, while 90% visited entertainment events or activities. Publication also shows that 13% of individuals attended national celebrations, while 11% visited cinemas.   The percentage of Saudi individuals and non- Saudi individuals visiting Saudi entertainment seasons reached 39% and 36%, respectively.  The publication's findings showed that 20% of individuals did not visit cultural events and activities and 40% did not visit them because of lack of time. According to the publication, 23% of individuals engage in walking, while 19% play football in their free time. Furthermore, 37% of individuals read at least one book in the past 12 months, while 21% read newspapers and 7% read magazines. It is worth mentioning that the publication presents data on the visitation and engagement of individuals (aged 15 and above) in cultural and entertainment activities based on the results of the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics in 2023. The data was collected using telephone interviews and self-reporting from a selected sample of individuals. For more details, please visit the official website of the General Authority for Statistics (stats.gov.sa).

In consultation with IMF, Saudi Arabia worked on a new methodology for calculating FDI statistics through cooperation between the Ministry of Investment, the General Authority for Statistics and the Saudi Central Bank. Saudi Arabia indicated that this methodology aims to improve the quality and transparency of its FDI data according to global best practices, explaining that its final data will be published this year. UNCTAD, the World Investment Report's issuer, has confirmed that the new methodology follows international standards, according to the IMF Balance of Payments Manual. The World Bank also agreed with and welcomed the recommendations of the International Monetary Fund in its report on the Kingdom, which in turn forms the basis of the new methodology. In a statement on this occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Investment Engineer Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Falih, stated that the new methodology is part of a series of ongoing reforms and improvements to improve the quality and transparency of data in the Kingdom, under Vision 2030, and to achieve the objectives and initiatives of the National Investment Strategy, launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He emphasized that improving the transparency and quality of FDI statistics in the Kingdom would contribute to investors' empowerment and decision makers to make their decisions better, which supports improving the attractiveness of the Kingdom's investment environment and attracting investors from all over the world in line with the Kingdom's objectives by launching the National Investment Strategy, the development of special economic zones, the national initiative of global supply chains and the launch of mega-projects. He stated that the data confirmed the improved performance of the Kingdom in the formation of fixed capital and foreign direct investment, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's position as a leading investment destination, adding that the Kingdom is keen to keep investors up to date on the most important indicators and data in the Saudi economy, and the availability of many quality investment opportunities, through a platform "Invest in Saudi Arabia", which offers investment opportunities across the Middle East. President of the General Authority for Statistics Dr. Fahad Aldossari said that the methodology for calculating the FDI index was adopted after technical consultations with the IMF. The methodology is one of the best international practices in calculating FDI statistics, in line with the IMF Balance of Payments manual. The methodology would contribute to enhancing the accuracy, detail and comprehensiveness of FDI indicators, noting that FDI statistics would serve decision makers in designing policies that would create an attractive investment environment and highlight the Kingdom's investment opportunities. Through this methodology, GASTAT sought to diversify data sources, increase reliance on register-based sources and provide and disseminate more detailed statistics such as FDI stock and flows by economic activity and the Kingdom's investing States. It also provides FDI indicators more periodically through specialized quadrennial surveys. The President of the General Authority for Statistics stressed that these efforts are part of GASTAT’s endeavor to provide accurate, comprehensive, high-quality and transparent statistical information and data. On the other hand, the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Investment Dr. Saad Al-Shahrani said that access to high-resolution data is crucial not only to measure progress and development, but also to monitor and improve the performance of the domestic economy, and to track investment performance, which accounts for about 25% of the Kingdom's GDP. Over the past two years, the Ministry of Investment has worked according to the new methodology to analyze more than 70 thousand financial lists of many companies. Covering the past 15 years, indicating that the results of this mega-project will support decision makers, analysts and specialists in the preparation of studies and analyses, and will also form the infrastructure for working to identify investment priorities and follow up on performance for the sectors and countries invested in the Kingdom. The preparation and development of the new methodology is based on the Kingdom's unprecedented economic transformation under Vision 2030, which represents the road map and the plan for growth and economic diversification and includes: "The Kingdom seeks to adopt global best practices to achieve the highest standards of transparency and governance." Besides improving the quality and transparency of data, Vision 2030 aims to increase the contribution of FDI to GDP, reaching 5.7%, and to increase the private sector's contribution to GDP from 40% to 65% by 2030, becoming one of the world's 15 largest economies. Saudi Arabia is a leader in updating FDI data through the analysis of financial lists as a source of annual data, with few States following this methodology. This reflects the Kingdom's progress and its reliance on modern methodologies according to global best practices, with the collection and analysis of FDI data and their dissemination in detail expected by the end of this year.