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The General Authority for Statistics obtained the ISO 9001:2015 certification by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This recognition is given to organizations that excel in effectively identifying, assessing, and managing quality. It validates these organizations' capability to make quality management decisions, seize opportunities, enhance performance, safeguard against threats, and fully satisfy customers. GASTAT received this certification following a comprehensive examination of its internal policies and procedures, as well as an evaluation of their practical implementation based on evidence verifying actual practices. Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, expressed his appreciation for the efforts invested in adhering to the quality standards and requirements of the ISO certification. He emphasized that obtaining this certification is a culmination of GASTAT’s efforts aimed at developing its statistical system. This includes ensuring the highest level of data quality, building sustainable value for statistical products, conducting comprehensive evaluation, and focusing on digital transformation to leverage modern technologies and international best practices, thereby ensuring high efficiency in performance and delivering high-quality statistics. It is worth mentioning that this certification, granted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to organizations that successfully achieve comprehensive global standards in systems, policies, and procedures, signifies a significant milestone for the General Authority for Statistics. ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization comprised of 170 specialized agencies dedicated to developing and implementing standards related to quality and institutional excellence. The General Authority for Statistics serves as the national entity for producing official statistics across all domains in the Kingdom. Its data is used as a reliable basis for formulating economic and social policies, supporting decision-makers and policy planners in enhancing development plans for various sectors. Additionally, the statistics provided by GASTAT are utilized for conducting accurate and transparent local, regional, and international comparisons. GASTAT also prepares national statistical tools and classifications in accordance with international standards, updates and develops them, and provides accurate data to both local and international private sectors and investors, thereby encouraging investment in the Kingdom, in line with the objectives and aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, met with Ms. Intisar bint Abdullah Al-Wahibi, Director General of the Statistical Center for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, at GASTAT’s headquarters in the capital Riyadh. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation, reviewed opportunities for developing collaboration, and delved into various topics of mutual interest, particularly in the realm of statistical data. The two sides explored ways to strengthen mutual coordination in the field of statistical data. They also discussed the establishment and ongoing development of the statistical database, along with GASTAT’s strategies for statistical data, methods, quality assurance, and governance. Furthermore, they examined approaches to enhancing both human and institutional statistical capacities through a range of core activities offered by the Center. Among these activities, they highlighted the support program for countries and members, which aims to enhance statistical work and standardize and improve its quality. Aldossari pointed out that the recent years have seen considerable growth in statistical activities in the Kingdom. This transformation has been driven by statistical initiatives and projects led by the General Authority for Statistics. The objective has been to generate statistical data and indicators while continuously advancing the integration of diverse data sources. This has been facilitated by leveraging optimal data management infrastructure and governance practices, along with the consistent use of cutting-edge technology for ongoing enhancement. Additionally, the country has actively engaged in international workshops and conferences, prioritizing the development of national talent. Its worth noting that the Statistical Center for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States serves as the official source for data, information, and statistics pertaining to the GCC countries. Its mandate is to enhance statistical and informational work for national statistical centers and planning bodies within the GCC countries. The establishment of the center was approved by the Ministerial Council for the GCC in September 2011, and its statute was adopted by the Supreme Council of the GCC in December 2012. The Supreme Council consists of the Majesties and Highnesses, Heads of the member countries: the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.

GASTAT welcomed a delegation from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The meeting held at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh over three days, explored ways to enhance joint work in the statistical sector and opportunities for developing cooperation in statistical data. Various topics of mutual interest in the statistical field were also discussed, alongside gaining insights into Saudi Arabia’s experience in population censuses. The two sides discussed the stages of Saudi Census 2022 project, methods of calculating all statistical indicators and an introduction to the statistical database. They also covered the continuous development efforts that GASTAT is implementing in its statistical data strategy, aiming to provide updated statistical data to enhance joint efforts toward sustainable development goals. This includes ongoing advancements in indicator calculation methods, the exchange of statistical expertise, and the improvement of the quality of statistical data.

Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), met with Mr. Ian Diamond, Director of the UK Office for National Statistics, in London. This meeting was part of the delegation's visit to the United Kingdom. During the meeting they discussed ways to enhance joint work in the statistical field, reviewed recent developments, and strengthened the exchange of expertise between the two countries in this context, considering the agreement signed between the two entities.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Saudi Health Council aiming at enhancing cooperation, strengthening coordination, and integrating efforts in their respective areas of specialization. The memorandum sets a general framework for joint activities, tasks, and institutional capacities development between both parties, within the context of achieving partnership and integration among government sectors. The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Council's General Secretariat.  The Saudi Health Council was represented by Nahar bin Mazki Al-Azmi, Secretary-General of the Saudi Health Council, while GASTAT was represented by Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics.  The memorandum aims to exchange support, technical expertise, and knowledge between the two parties. It also aims to provide advice in the field of research, studies, publications, and statistics exchange in the healthcare sector. Additionally, it seeks to provide the necessary indicators to measure the performance and impact of the healthcare sector, which will contribute to supporting health policy formulation and decision-making processes. Furthermore, the memorandum covers cooperation in various aspects, including collaborative research projects and the development of human capacities for employees of both entities within their respective domains. This will be facilitated through training courses, seminars, scientific conferences, and workshops.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) launched the Comprehensive Agricultural Survey in all regions and governorates of the Kingdom. This survey aims to collect basic and structural data on agricultural activity in the Kingdom, covering both plant and animal sectors, with the goal of provideing an agricultural database on which decision-makers and policymakers can rely and use as a trusted reference, thereby aiding in the formation of agricultural activities plans and future goals. In the same context, the survey provides agricultural data to meet local, regional, and international statistical requirements. It also helps in the conduction of studies, analyses, and statistical comparisons in this field, in addition to supplying researchers, scholars, and interested parties with the necessary statistical data on agricultural activity. These data can be used in research and scientific studies to foster the advancement of agricultural activity in the Kingdom. GASTAT clarified that the Comprehensive Agricultural Survey will be implemented through telephone interviews, self-completion questionnaires, and field visits. It urges all concerned parties to actively participate in providing the required data for the survey. It assures that the information provided by citizens, residents, or establishments will be kept strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes. GASTAT welcomes all inquiries and requests for information through its representatives via the unified statistical telephone number (920020081), the customer support email (cs@stats.gov.sa), or its website (www.stats.gov.sa).

In Q4 of 2023, the net value of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows in the Kingdom amounted to SAR 13 billion, representing an increase of more than 16% compared to Q3 of the same year. This information is based on the Foreign Direct Investment Publication for the fourth quarter of 2023 from the General Authority for Statistics. The results of the Publication showed that the value of FDI inflows into the Kingdom's economy reached SAR 19 billion, an increase of 16.6% compared to Q3 of the same year, which was valued at SAR 16 billion. The Publication also indicated that the value of FDI outflows from the Kingdom's economy was about SAR 6 billion, representing an increase of 17.6% compared to Q3 of the same year, which amounted to SAR 5 billion.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued today the Labor Market Publication for Q4 of 2023. According to the results of this publication, the total unemployment rate (for Saudis and non-Saudis) decreased to 4.4% from Q3, 2023 by 0.7 percentage points, where it was 5.1%. The unemployment rate for Saudis also decreased to 7.7% in Q4 of 2023 compared to 8.6% in Q3, 2023. Additionally, the unemployment rate for Saudi females during Q4 of 2023 decreased to 13.7% compared to 16.3% in the previous quarter, while the unemployment rate for Saudi males remained stable at 4.6% in Q4 of 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the labor force indicators showed a decline in the total participation rate in labor force (for Saudis and non-Saudis) compared to Q3, 2023, reaching 60.4%. Moreover, the participation rate in labor force for Saudis dropped to 51.3%, compared to the previous quarter. The results of the Labor Market Publication also indicated a decrease in the participation rate in labor force for Saudi females during Q4 of 2023, with 35.5% compared to the previous quarter. However, the participation rate in labor force for Saudi males in Q4 of 2023 decreased to 66.6% compared to 66.8% in the previous quarter. It is worth mentioning that the Labor Market Publication bases its results on a household survey conducted by GASTAT falling under the social statistics. Data is collected through a representative sample of population from various administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by completing an electronic questionnaire containing several questions. This process provides estimates and indicators related to the labor force of population in the working age group (15 years and above) residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, estimating the population (inside and outside the labor force), and calculating key labor market indicators such as the unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, and others.