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Collaboration between GsStat and the private sector to develop statistical work
12-09-2017
announcing (6) new economic surveys to support development
Collaboration between GsStat and the private sector to develop statistical work
GaStat revealed new economic surveys to be implemented this year and next year. These surveys aim at fulfilling the development needs, they include: insurance activity survey, direct foreign investment survey, intermediate and small establishments survey, retail activity survey, non-profit sector survey, and tourism survey.
This was mentioned in the second workshop held by GaStat yesterday (Monday) 13th February 2017 in Jeddah. HE dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, GaStat president, said that the private sector is an essential partner in the national development. He added, it integrates all public sectors and institutions in a way that strengthens the national economy. The collaboration between "statistics" and the private sector is part of the developmental movements which aim at achieving the 2030 Saudi vision and representing that with indicators that reflect the progress in the achievement of this vision. The role of GaStat, statistical national commission, and the statistical sector in general became more important now as the need for accurate statistical data, effective indicators, and measurement tools increased. Dr. Fahad indicated that one of the most important stages that GaStat works on these days is meeting the clients' needs whether from the public or private sector. It also works on establishing effective collaborations locally, nationally, and internationally with related parties. In addition to creating indicators necessary for current and future needs. GaStat works with its partners on unifying the information sources, facilitating their access, and providing innovative statistical products with international standards.
On the other hand, Mrs. Kholoud Aldakhail, the national statistical commission chairman, stated that the commission was established under the umbrella of the council of Saudi chambers based on the Saudi chambers board resolution number 13 /88/m issued in 15/6/1437 H as response to the ministry of economy and planning and GaStat request. This reflects GaStat initiative to make the private sector a collaborative sector. She asserted that the role of this committee, which include 23 members who work in the field of statistics, data, and information, is represented in the coordination with Saudi chambers of commerce all over Saudi Arabia. The coordination will be about statistical work activation, data exchange, and proposing methods to enhance the statistical work impacts on the private sector. Furthermore, it deals with elaborating the use of statistics in private sector, deepen relations between GaStat and Saudi chambers of commerce.
The workshop discussed two main themes; the requirements of data users in the private sector as one of the statistical sector components, determining required additional data by activity, and the proposed methods to develop the mechanism of data collection from the private sector institutions. GaStat has presented the economic surveys and the new surveys that will be implemented by them during these two years. They also presented the six tracks based on which the authority work which can be summarized in; a work strategy about the authority clients and partners to fulfill the actual need of statistical products, then developing these products and services and improving the statistical operations and methodologies. Also, raising the level of information technology and digital infrastructure to enable products to start from a strong base that can be adapted with any change. Moreover, focusing on raising statistical awareness, and building capabilities in the statistical field. In addition to structuring all GaStat tasks and departments.
At the end of the workshop, dr. Fahad expressed his thanks to all the participants. He asserted that the workshop outputs will contribute in enhancing the effectiveness of the decisions made by the private sector and its policy makers for the citizen's advantage and society economies which enhance his role in the domestic product growth, and guarantee making proper decisions based on accurate data to facilitate measuring their result and reflections.
Collaboration between GsStat and the private sector to develop statistical work
12-09-2017
announcing (6) new economic surveys to support development
Collaboration between GsStat and the private sector to develop statistical work
GaStat revealed new economic surveys to be implemented this year and next year. These surveys aim at fulfilling the development needs, they include: insurance activity survey, direct foreign investment survey, intermediate and small establishments survey, retail activity survey, non-profit sector survey, and tourism survey.
This was mentioned in the second workshop held by GaStat yesterday (Monday) 13th February 2017 in Jeddah. HE dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, GaStat president, said that the private sector is an essential partner in the national development. He added, it integrates all public sectors and institutions in a way that strengthens the national economy. The collaboration between "statistics" and the private sector is part of the developmental movements which aim at achieving the 2030 Saudi vision and representing that with indicators that reflect the progress in the achievement of this vision. The role of GaStat, statistical national commission, and the statistical sector in general became more important now as the need for accurate statistical data, effective indicators, and measurement tools increased. Dr. Fahad indicated that one of the most important stages that GaStat works on these days is meeting the clients' needs whether from the public or private sector. It also works on establishing effective collaborations locally, nationally, and internationally with related parties. In addition to creating indicators necessary for current and future needs. GaStat works with its partners on unifying the information sources, facilitating their access, and providing innovative statistical products with international standards.
On the other hand, Mrs. Kholoud Aldakhail, the national statistical commission chairman, stated that the commission was established under the umbrella of the council of Saudi chambers based on the Saudi chambers board resolution number 13 /88/m issued in 15/6/1437 H as response to the ministry of economy and planning and GaStat request. This reflects GaStat initiative to make the private sector a collaborative sector. She asserted that the role of this committee, which include 23 members who work in the field of statistics, data, and information, is represented in the coordination with Saudi chambers of commerce all over Saudi Arabia. The coordination will be about statistical work activation, data exchange, and proposing methods to enhance the statistical work impacts on the private sector. Furthermore, it deals with elaborating the use of statistics in private sector, deepen relations between GaStat and Saudi chambers of commerce.
The workshop discussed two main themes; the requirements of data users in the private sector as one of the statistical sector components, determining required additional data by activity, and the proposed methods to develop the mechanism of data collection from the private sector institutions. GaStat has presented the economic surveys and the new surveys that will be implemented by them during these two years. They also presented the six tracks based on which the authority work which can be summarized in; a work strategy about the authority clients and partners to fulfill the actual need of statistical products, then developing these products and services and improving the statistical operations and methodologies. Also, raising the level of information technology and digital infrastructure to enable products to start from a strong base that can be adapted with any change. Moreover, focusing on raising statistical awareness, and building capabilities in the statistical field. In addition to structuring all GaStat tasks and departments.
At the end of the workshop, dr. Fahad expressed his thanks to all the participants. He asserted that the workshop outputs will contribute in enhancing the effectiveness of the decisions made by the private sector and its policy makers for the citizen's advantage and society economies which enhance his role in the domestic product growth, and guarantee making proper decisions based on accurate data to facilitate measuring their result and reflections.
STC Business technical sponsor for the Gulf Statistical Forum
12-09-2017
STC Business technical sponsor for the Gulf Statistical Forum
Under the Royal hospice of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - and with the organization of the General Authority for Statistics and GCC Statistical Center, STC Business will participate, as an activities technical sponsor, in the Gulf Statistical Forum, which will be held under the theme "Enhancing Statistical partnerships to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC countries.", at the Marriott Hotel in Riyadh during the period from March 20th to 22nd, 2017.
The Forum will bring together 40 GCC and international speakers to discuss strengthening the statistical partnerships in view of supporting economic and development policies. They will discuss several key issues which are: requirement for data and statistical information ensuing from national development trends, the agenda for sustainable development and emerging global economic issues, provision of statistical products and services to support national development trends, and sustainable development in the GCC countries, in addition to conducting research on enhancing the statistical partnerships between users and producers of data to support the economic policies in the GCC countries.
STC Business pavilion accompanying the forum, will display a group of communication services and information technology solutions, with an explanation of the most important advantages and benefits that contribute to the success of statistical work and support digital transformation in the domestic and the Gulf region.
This sponsorship comes within STC Business endeavor to support and meet the requirements and needs of their customers in both public and private sectors, through a variety of connectivity products based on mobile and fixed networks technology, providing integrated digital solutions, cloud computing , and managed services.
STC Business Unit provides solutions and services, telecommunications and information technology in a way that meets the government and companies demands and requirements. This is carried out through the most advanced data centers distributed around the Kingdom. These centers are connected through a network of optical fibers whose length attains more than 147, 000 kilometers, and are supported with a mobile network covering 96% of the populated areas in KSA, and uses technologies of the Second and Third Generation, while 96% of the network uses the Fourth Generation technology known as LTE. These national networks are linked to the world through a number of cross-border land and sea cables and an Internet gate which is the largest in the MENA region, where its communication capacity attains 1.5 Terabit / sec. and passes 12 Beta Bytes of data per day.
STC Business technical sponsor for the Gulf Statistical Forum
12-09-2017
STC Business technical sponsor for the Gulf Statistical Forum
Under the Royal hospice of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - and with the organization of the General Authority for Statistics and GCC Statistical Center, STC Business will participate, as an activities technical sponsor, in the Gulf Statistical Forum, which will be held under the theme "Enhancing Statistical partnerships to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC countries.", at the Marriott Hotel in Riyadh during the period from March 20th to 22nd, 2017.
The Forum will bring together 40 GCC and international speakers to discuss strengthening the statistical partnerships in view of supporting economic and development policies. They will discuss several key issues which are: requirement for data and statistical information ensuing from national development trends, the agenda for sustainable development and emerging global economic issues, provision of statistical products and services to support national development trends, and sustainable development in the GCC countries, in addition to conducting research on enhancing the statistical partnerships between users and producers of data to support the economic policies in the GCC countries.
STC Business pavilion accompanying the forum, will display a group of communication services and information technology solutions, with an explanation of the most important advantages and benefits that contribute to the success of statistical work and support digital transformation in the domestic and the Gulf region.
This sponsorship comes within STC Business endeavor to support and meet the requirements and needs of their customers in both public and private sectors, through a variety of connectivity products based on mobile and fixed networks technology, providing integrated digital solutions, cloud computing , and managed services.
STC Business Unit provides solutions and services, telecommunications and information technology in a way that meets the government and companies demands and requirements. This is carried out through the most advanced data centers distributed around the Kingdom. These centers are connected through a network of optical fibers whose length attains more than 147, 000 kilometers, and are supported with a mobile network covering 96% of the populated areas in KSA, and uses technologies of the Second and Third Generation, while 96% of the network uses the Fourth Generation technology known as LTE. These national networks are linked to the world through a number of cross-border land and sea cables and an Internet gate which is the largest in the MENA region, where its communication capacity attains 1.5 Terabit / sec. and passes 12 Beta Bytes of data per day.
8 days until the beginning of the 1st GCC statistical forum events
12-09-2017
8 days until the beginning of the 1st GCC statistical forum events
After 8 days, the 1st GCC statistical forum events will begin in Riyadh under the theme " enhancing statistical collaborations to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region". The forum will be under the patronage of the custodian of the two holly mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and organized by the general authority for statistics and the GCC statistical center on 21-23 Jumada second 1438 H corresponding to 20-22nd of March 2017.
The forum, in which there will be 40 speakers from the gulf region and other countries, other people who are specialized in statistics such as data producers and users, and people from the academic sector, focuses on main axes which are: statistical data and information request resulted from the national developmental tracks, sustainable development agenda and international economic issues, discussing the provision of statistical products and services to support the national developmental tracks and sustainable development in the GCC region, in addition to discussing the statistical collaborations between data producers and users to support the economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region.
The first day will witness the opening event. Many political personalities will attend such as ministers, GCC general secretariat leaders, ambassadors, statistical organizations heads, international and regional organizations representatives, statistical sector specialists, media, and other participants.
The forum events will begin with 4 sessions on the first two days. On these sessions, the first axe will be discussed from an international perspective which is about statistical data and information request. Also, the sessions will discuss the international issues and their impact on the policies and reforms all over the world and on the gulf region in particular. Data needs and gaps will be taken into consideration too. Data request will be discussed also from a national and regional perspective. There will be a general session titled " statistics production and publication: the strategic motives of the national statistical organizations works". It will be followed by another general session that discusses the third axe which is about collaborations " next steps: towards sustainable framework and mechanisms for cooperation and dialogue between users and producers".
Along with the forum events, there will be 6 seminars; the first will discuss measuring the progress in achieving the sustainable development goals, the second is about enhancing the statistical knowledge. Whereas the third will focus on statistical media, and the fourth is about the mechanisms od statistical development by using information and telecommunication technologies. On the fifth seminar, data revolution will be discussed, it will present the cooperation between Arab countries to benefit from data revolution in enhancing statistics production and publication. After that, there will be two presentations about the preparations and challenges, they will be presented by one of the GCC countries and the GCC statistical center. As for the last seminar, collaborations between the public and private sectors in the field of statistics will be discussed.
8 days until the beginning of the 1st GCC statistical forum events
12-09-2017
8 days until the beginning of the 1st GCC statistical forum events
After 8 days, the 1st GCC statistical forum events will begin in Riyadh under the theme " enhancing statistical collaborations to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region". The forum will be under the patronage of the custodian of the two holly mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and organized by the general authority for statistics and the GCC statistical center on 21-23 Jumada second 1438 H corresponding to 20-22nd of March 2017.
The forum, in which there will be 40 speakers from the gulf region and other countries, other people who are specialized in statistics such as data producers and users, and people from the academic sector, focuses on main axes which are: statistical data and information request resulted from the national developmental tracks, sustainable development agenda and international economic issues, discussing the provision of statistical products and services to support the national developmental tracks and sustainable development in the GCC region, in addition to discussing the statistical collaborations between data producers and users to support the economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region.
The first day will witness the opening event. Many political personalities will attend such as ministers, GCC general secretariat leaders, ambassadors, statistical organizations heads, international and regional organizations representatives, statistical sector specialists, media, and other participants.
The forum events will begin with 4 sessions on the first two days. On these sessions, the first axe will be discussed from an international perspective which is about statistical data and information request. Also, the sessions will discuss the international issues and their impact on the policies and reforms all over the world and on the gulf region in particular. Data needs and gaps will be taken into consideration too. Data request will be discussed also from a national and regional perspective. There will be a general session titled " statistics production and publication: the strategic motives of the national statistical organizations works". It will be followed by another general session that discusses the third axe which is about collaborations " next steps: towards sustainable framework and mechanisms for cooperation and dialogue between users and producers".
Along with the forum events, there will be 6 seminars; the first will discuss measuring the progress in achieving the sustainable development goals, the second is about enhancing the statistical knowledge. Whereas the third will focus on statistical media, and the fourth is about the mechanisms od statistical development by using information and telecommunication technologies. On the fifth seminar, data revolution will be discussed, it will present the cooperation between Arab countries to benefit from data revolution in enhancing statistics production and publication. After that, there will be two presentations about the preparations and challenges, they will be presented by one of the GCC countries and the GCC statistical center. As for the last seminar, collaborations between the public and private sectors in the field of statistics will be discussed.
Gastat starts to visit more than 57,000 households next Thursday
12-09-2017
In cooperation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority
GaStat starts to visit more than 57,000 households next Thursday
The General Authority of Statistics (GaStat) will start next Thursday, 19 Shawwal 1438H (13 June 2017), to visit more than 57,000 households in all regions of the Kingdom in coopereation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority to conduct 3 household surveys: the survey of ICT’s access and use for households and individuals, sports survey for households, and the labour force survey for the third quarter. GaStat calls upon all citizens and residents to cooperate with the statisticians working in the field in 13 regions of the Kingdom including their cities and provinces. The work of than 450 field researcher will continue until 25 Dhu al-Qa’dah 1438 H (17 august 2017).
GaStat official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the household sport survey is one of the requirements of the Saudi Vision 2030 in cooperation with the General Sport Authority. It aims to provide recent indicators about the extent of playing sports for households. Through its results, stakeholders will learn about the reasons for playing sports or not and they will get updated statistics about the relationship of households with sports. It will also provide a comprehensive picture on the size of community participation in sports and physical activity. In addition, it will provide data on the ratio of sports practitioners within the household who practice sports on a regular basis, at least once a week. It also provides data on the percentage of sports practitioners in public facilities, clubs or sports centres, and the number of times a person is engaged in sports during the week, and the reasons why a person may not exercise.
Mr. Almofarrej added that this survey coincides with the Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of this year which aims to provide detailed data about national labour force, measure the rates of employment and unemployment, provide data on employed and unemployed individuals, identifying the average monthly wages of the workers, provide data on the average weekly actual working hours by occupation, and economic activity of workers, and data on formal and informal workers. The results will be published in the Labour Market Bulletin, which was recently launched by GaStat.
Regarding the survey of ICT’s access and use for individuals and households, GaStat’s official spokesman said that in cooperation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission aims at providing updated data and indicators on the extent of household and individual’s access to information and communication technologies. It includes: the availability of communication and information technology devices, the extent of using mail services by households and household access to ICTs. The survey will also provide individual data including: the extent to which information technologies are used for individuals, age groups, educational and occupational status, difficulties, places of use and reasons for not using ICTs.
On the other hand, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej confirmed that the GaStat has been keen to involve all relevant parties from data producers and users in developing its statistical products from creation to publishing through integrated partnership. A training program was recently held for the supervisors of these surveys, in which the Communications and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority has participated.
GaStat has confirmed that all information will be treated as an information basis which is reliable and can be used by development decision-makers in all relevant government entities that will serve the interest of citizens and residents. Gastat also has mentioned that al statistical researchers carry official badges and they are officially authorized to collect data to be kept confidential in accordance with the general statistics system issued by the Council of Ministers. GaStat also made available on its official website www.stats.gov.sa the opportunity for students and interested individuals to view field search forms on which the data will be collected. All households and establishments may inquire through the toll free number 8001240440 about this work or other coming work.
Gastat starts to visit more than 57,000 households next Thursday
12-09-2017
In cooperation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority
GaStat starts to visit more than 57,000 households next Thursday
The General Authority of Statistics (GaStat) will start next Thursday, 19 Shawwal 1438H (13 June 2017), to visit more than 57,000 households in all regions of the Kingdom in coopereation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority to conduct 3 household surveys: the survey of ICT’s access and use for households and individuals, sports survey for households, and the labour force survey for the third quarter. GaStat calls upon all citizens and residents to cooperate with the statisticians working in the field in 13 regions of the Kingdom including their cities and provinces. The work of than 450 field researcher will continue until 25 Dhu al-Qa’dah 1438 H (17 august 2017).
GaStat official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the household sport survey is one of the requirements of the Saudi Vision 2030 in cooperation with the General Sport Authority. It aims to provide recent indicators about the extent of playing sports for households. Through its results, stakeholders will learn about the reasons for playing sports or not and they will get updated statistics about the relationship of households with sports. It will also provide a comprehensive picture on the size of community participation in sports and physical activity. In addition, it will provide data on the ratio of sports practitioners within the household who practice sports on a regular basis, at least once a week. It also provides data on the percentage of sports practitioners in public facilities, clubs or sports centres, and the number of times a person is engaged in sports during the week, and the reasons why a person may not exercise.
Mr. Almofarrej added that this survey coincides with the Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of this year which aims to provide detailed data about national labour force, measure the rates of employment and unemployment, provide data on employed and unemployed individuals, identifying the average monthly wages of the workers, provide data on the average weekly actual working hours by occupation, and economic activity of workers, and data on formal and informal workers. The results will be published in the Labour Market Bulletin, which was recently launched by GaStat.
Regarding the survey of ICT’s access and use for individuals and households, GaStat’s official spokesman said that in cooperation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission aims at providing updated data and indicators on the extent of household and individual’s access to information and communication technologies. It includes: the availability of communication and information technology devices, the extent of using mail services by households and household access to ICTs. The survey will also provide individual data including: the extent to which information technologies are used for individuals, age groups, educational and occupational status, difficulties, places of use and reasons for not using ICTs.
On the other hand, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej confirmed that the GaStat has been keen to involve all relevant parties from data producers and users in developing its statistical products from creation to publishing through integrated partnership. A training program was recently held for the supervisors of these surveys, in which the Communications and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority has participated.
GaStat has confirmed that all information will be treated as an information basis which is reliable and can be used by development decision-makers in all relevant government entities that will serve the interest of citizens and residents. Gastat also has mentioned that al statistical researchers carry official badges and they are officially authorized to collect data to be kept confidential in accordance with the general statistics system issued by the Council of Ministers. GaStat also made available on its official website www.stats.gov.sa the opportunity for students and interested individuals to view field search forms on which the data will be collected. All households and establishments may inquire through the toll free number 8001240440 about this work or other coming work.
GASTAT: Final announcement of the number of Pilgrims 1438 comes after sunset on the day of Arafah
12-09-2017
A detailed report on Hajj statistics featuring 40 key statistical outputs to be released following the official announcement
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT): Final Count of Hajj Pilgrims for 1438 AH to Be Announced After Sunset on the Day of Arafah
GASTAT has announced that the counting and enumeration of pilgrims for the 1438 AH Hajj season, through the official entry points to the city of Makkah, will conclude at 6:30 PM, coinciding with sunset on Thursday, the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah). The final announcement of the total number of pilgrims and the release of the detailed Hajj statistics report will follow a few hours later, the same evening.
Mr. Abdullah Al-Batel, Deputy President of the Authority for Statistical Operations, confirmed that the Hajj Statistics Report, which will be issued shortly after the official announcement, will include forty principal statistical outputs intended to support strategic planning for serving the pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. He explained that the report provides comprehensive and accurate data on the number of pilgrims, classified by their methods and dates of arrival, and includes a variety of analytical tables and charts presenting figures such as the number of domestic pilgrims by gender and arrival method, the arrival patterns of Saudi pilgrims, the breakdown of non-Saudi domestic pilgrims by gender and nationality, their distribution by arrival method and nationality, and comparative figures across different nationalities. The report also details the number of vehicles used to transport domestic pilgrims to Makkah, organized by vehicle type and date of arrival. Furthermore, it presents data on international pilgrims by gender and arrival method, by gender and date of arrival, as well as comparative statistics on their methods of arrival. This information will be made available in multiple formats, including the Hajj Statistical Map, which allows users to easily access all data related to Hajj statistics.
Mr. Al-Batel further emphasized that the Hajj Statistics Program, implemented by GASTAT, aims to provide detailed and reliable data on the number of pilgrims from both inside and outside the Kingdom. These statistics serve as a foundational input for all relevant government entities to support future planning and ensure the delivery of essential services to pilgrims, including those related to social, health, security, food, and transportation sectors. The program relies on time-series data to estimate the manpower required to serve pilgrims and ensure their safety and comfort throughout the Hajj season. It also provides essential insights into infrastructure and facility needs in Makkah and the Holy Sites, which are considered when preparing development plans. In addition, the program contributes to the design of annual traffic management plans, including the phases of escalation and dispersal, and supports researchers, academics, and stakeholders interested in this field. It also assists in evaluating the efforts of various entities responsible for serving pilgrims and monitoring changes in arrival patterns.
In response to inquiries regarding the scope of enumeration and whether it includes drivers of vehicles and buses, Mr. Al-Batel clarified that the official unit of counting in Hajj statistics is the pilgrim in the state of Ihram. Accordingly, the enumeration of domestic pilgrims is limited to those in Ihram who are physically counted at the Hajj Statistics Centers located at the entrances to the city of Makkah. If a driver is in a state of Ihram, he is counted as a pilgrim. The enumeration includes all Saudi and non-Saudi individuals, male and female, arriving from within the Kingdom to perform Hajj. As for international pilgrims, they are counted by the General Directorate of Passports at the Kingdom’s official ports of entry, and their figures are subsequently provided to GASTAT to be added to the total number of pilgrims.
GASTAT: Final announcement of the number of Pilgrims 1438 comes after sunset on the day of Arafah
12-09-2017
A detailed report on Hajj statistics featuring 40 key statistical outputs to be released following the official announcement
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT): Final Count of Hajj Pilgrims for 1438 AH to Be Announced After Sunset on the Day of Arafah
GASTAT has announced that the counting and enumeration of pilgrims for the 1438 AH Hajj season, through the official entry points to the city of Makkah, will conclude at 6:30 PM, coinciding with sunset on Thursday, the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah). The final announcement of the total number of pilgrims and the release of the detailed Hajj statistics report will follow a few hours later, the same evening.
Mr. Abdullah Al-Batel, Deputy President of the Authority for Statistical Operations, confirmed that the Hajj Statistics Report, which will be issued shortly after the official announcement, will include forty principal statistical outputs intended to support strategic planning for serving the pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. He explained that the report provides comprehensive and accurate data on the number of pilgrims, classified by their methods and dates of arrival, and includes a variety of analytical tables and charts presenting figures such as the number of domestic pilgrims by gender and arrival method, the arrival patterns of Saudi pilgrims, the breakdown of non-Saudi domestic pilgrims by gender and nationality, their distribution by arrival method and nationality, and comparative figures across different nationalities. The report also details the number of vehicles used to transport domestic pilgrims to Makkah, organized by vehicle type and date of arrival. Furthermore, it presents data on international pilgrims by gender and arrival method, by gender and date of arrival, as well as comparative statistics on their methods of arrival. This information will be made available in multiple formats, including the Hajj Statistical Map, which allows users to easily access all data related to Hajj statistics.
Mr. Al-Batel further emphasized that the Hajj Statistics Program, implemented by GASTAT, aims to provide detailed and reliable data on the number of pilgrims from both inside and outside the Kingdom. These statistics serve as a foundational input for all relevant government entities to support future planning and ensure the delivery of essential services to pilgrims, including those related to social, health, security, food, and transportation sectors. The program relies on time-series data to estimate the manpower required to serve pilgrims and ensure their safety and comfort throughout the Hajj season. It also provides essential insights into infrastructure and facility needs in Makkah and the Holy Sites, which are considered when preparing development plans. In addition, the program contributes to the design of annual traffic management plans, including the phases of escalation and dispersal, and supports researchers, academics, and stakeholders interested in this field. It also assists in evaluating the efforts of various entities responsible for serving pilgrims and monitoring changes in arrival patterns.
In response to inquiries regarding the scope of enumeration and whether it includes drivers of vehicles and buses, Mr. Al-Batel clarified that the official unit of counting in Hajj statistics is the pilgrim in the state of Ihram. Accordingly, the enumeration of domestic pilgrims is limited to those in Ihram who are physically counted at the Hajj Statistics Centers located at the entrances to the city of Makkah. If a driver is in a state of Ihram, he is counted as a pilgrim. The enumeration includes all Saudi and non-Saudi individuals, male and female, arriving from within the Kingdom to perform Hajj. As for international pilgrims, they are counted by the General Directorate of Passports at the Kingdom’s official ports of entry, and their figures are subsequently provided to GASTAT to be added to the total number of pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve nearly 24 million pilgrims in 10 years
12-09-2017
GaStat Enumerates Pilgrims Every Year
Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve nearly 24 million pilgrims in 10 years
According to the official statistics of the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat), the total number of pilgrims that Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve during the last ten years has reached 23,935,354 pilgrims. The last Hajj season (1437H) recorded the lowest number of pilgrims during the last ten years as it reached 1,862,909 pilgrims. While the year (1433H) recorded the highest number of pilgrims during the last ten years as it reached 3,161,573 pilgrims.
The official spokesman of Gastat, Mr.Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the task of pilgrims enumeration every years is one of the tasks that Gastat has the honor of. It started since 1390H since Gastat was called (the Central Department of statistics), in order to provide accurate information that helps all state agencies in planning and development of everything related to serving Hajj visitors. This mission continued during all these years to witness developments and enhancements in the enumeration techniques every year to be more accurate and comprehensive. Mr. Almofarrej added that the Hajj statistics program aims at the completion of all future planning programs to ensure providing the necessary services needed by the guest of Makkah, whether social, health, security, food, or transportation services. This is done through using a time series of accurate data about the number of pilgrims, in addition to the estimation of labor forces needed for providing the necessary services for pilgrims during Hajj season every year. The data and number of pilgrims is also used by relevant systems who studies the preparations and main facilities in Makkah city and holy places, and take it into consideration when preparing the necessary plans. In addition, accurate data and information about Hajj statistics is provided to researchers, students, and individuals who are interested in this field. The data is also used in the evaluation of activities and events made by relevant entities who serve pilgrims, in addition to identify the method of arrival of domestic and international pilgrims.
The official spokesman stressed that GaStat will be announcing the number of pilgrims periodically starting from the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah. GaStat will also announce the final and official number of pilgrims on the evening of the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah through the Hajj statistics bulletin. The Bulletin will include detailed results about: number of domestic pilgrims, international pilgrims, pilgrims by gender, pilgrims by nationality, pilgrims by arrival destination, number of cars carrying pilgrims by type, and other detailed data.
It is worth mentioning that the number of pilgrims in the last ten years exceeded 3 Million pilgrims in one time, and it exceeded 6 Million pilgrims 6 times. The number was lower than 2 Million in 3 Hajj seasons, and last year was the lowest according to the following table:
Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve nearly 24 million pilgrims in 10 years
12-09-2017
GaStat Enumerates Pilgrims Every Year
Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve nearly 24 million pilgrims in 10 years
According to the official statistics of the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat), the total number of pilgrims that Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve during the last ten years has reached 23,935,354 pilgrims. The last Hajj season (1437H) recorded the lowest number of pilgrims during the last ten years as it reached 1,862,909 pilgrims. While the year (1433H) recorded the highest number of pilgrims during the last ten years as it reached 3,161,573 pilgrims.
The official spokesman of Gastat, Mr.Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the task of pilgrims enumeration every years is one of the tasks that Gastat has the honor of. It started since 1390H since Gastat was called (the Central Department of statistics), in order to provide accurate information that helps all state agencies in planning and development of everything related to serving Hajj visitors. This mission continued during all these years to witness developments and enhancements in the enumeration techniques every year to be more accurate and comprehensive. Mr. Almofarrej added that the Hajj statistics program aims at the completion of all future planning programs to ensure providing the necessary services needed by the guest of Makkah, whether social, health, security, food, or transportation services. This is done through using a time series of accurate data about the number of pilgrims, in addition to the estimation of labor forces needed for providing the necessary services for pilgrims during Hajj season every year. The data and number of pilgrims is also used by relevant systems who studies the preparations and main facilities in Makkah city and holy places, and take it into consideration when preparing the necessary plans. In addition, accurate data and information about Hajj statistics is provided to researchers, students, and individuals who are interested in this field. The data is also used in the evaluation of activities and events made by relevant entities who serve pilgrims, in addition to identify the method of arrival of domestic and international pilgrims.
The official spokesman stressed that GaStat will be announcing the number of pilgrims periodically starting from the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah. GaStat will also announce the final and official number of pilgrims on the evening of the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah through the Hajj statistics bulletin. The Bulletin will include detailed results about: number of domestic pilgrims, international pilgrims, pilgrims by gender, pilgrims by nationality, pilgrims by arrival destination, number of cars carrying pilgrims by type, and other detailed data.
It is worth mentioning that the number of pilgrims in the last ten years exceeded 3 Million pilgrims in one time, and it exceeded 6 Million pilgrims 6 times. The number was lower than 2 Million in 3 Hajj seasons, and last year was the lowest according to the following table:
GaStat Launches the “Statistical Calendar” for 1438H Hajj Season
12-09-2017
More than 450 Statisticians Started this morning
GaStat Launches the “Statistical Calendar” for 1438H Hajj Season
Through its official website www.stats.gov.sa, the General Authority for statistics (GaStat) launched the statistical calendar for the 1438H Hajj season. It shows the publishing dates of services provided by the Kingdom to pilgrims, in addition to the statistics of domestic and international pilgrims.
GaStat official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the statistical calendar with its content, from statistics and numbers, aims to show the efforts made to pilgrims from more than 45 public and private entities. On the second day of the current month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the statistics of services provided to pilgrims from health and medical services, public services, transportation sector services and telecommunication services will be announced respectively. Then, the number of domestic and international pilgrims arriving to Makkah will be published and updated daily until the evening of the 9th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah when the total number of pilgrims will be announced. Mr. Almofarrej added that GaStat will issue the detailed bulletin of Hajj statistics the morning of Eied day (10 Dhul Al-Hijja ), he also added that all information will be available at GaStat official website on schedule.
On the other hand, GaStat official spokesman explained that the enumeration of pilgrims coming to Makkah has started the morning of Wednesday (1st of Dhu Al-Hijjah), by more than 450 statisticians, administrative and technicians from GaStat. They are distributed on all main centers in Makkah, Medina, Jeddah and Alta’if, and they work 24 hours until the sunset of Arafah day, next Thursday (9th of Dhu Al-HIjjah).
GaStat called all pilgrims coming to Makkah for Hajj to provide the necessary statistical data required in all Pilgrims enumeration centers this year which are (Makkah/Jeddah Highway) Road , (Makkah/old Jeddah)Road, Altan’eim center(the connection road between Medina and Makkah), AlShrai’e center (the connection road between Makkah city and Alta’if city through AlSail), Alkar center (the connection road between Makkah and Alta’if through Alhada), and the Southern center ( Allaith -Jazan road near Als’adeiah village) in addition to the Hajj statistics supportive centers in Jeddah at King Abdulaziz international airport, mass transportation stations, and other locations in Jeddah, Medina center (Abiar Ali and ‘Ashirah), and Alta’if center (Alsail Alkabeer).
GaStat Launches the “Statistical Calendar” for 1438H Hajj Season
12-09-2017
More than 450 Statisticians Started this morning
GaStat Launches the “Statistical Calendar” for 1438H Hajj Season
Through its official website www.stats.gov.sa, the General Authority for statistics (GaStat) launched the statistical calendar for the 1438H Hajj season. It shows the publishing dates of services provided by the Kingdom to pilgrims, in addition to the statistics of domestic and international pilgrims.
GaStat official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the statistical calendar with its content, from statistics and numbers, aims to show the efforts made to pilgrims from more than 45 public and private entities. On the second day of the current month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the statistics of services provided to pilgrims from health and medical services, public services, transportation sector services and telecommunication services will be announced respectively. Then, the number of domestic and international pilgrims arriving to Makkah will be published and updated daily until the evening of the 9th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah when the total number of pilgrims will be announced. Mr. Almofarrej added that GaStat will issue the detailed bulletin of Hajj statistics the morning of Eied day (10 Dhul Al-Hijja ), he also added that all information will be available at GaStat official website on schedule.
On the other hand, GaStat official spokesman explained that the enumeration of pilgrims coming to Makkah has started the morning of Wednesday (1st of Dhu Al-Hijjah), by more than 450 statisticians, administrative and technicians from GaStat. They are distributed on all main centers in Makkah, Medina, Jeddah and Alta’if, and they work 24 hours until the sunset of Arafah day, next Thursday (9th of Dhu Al-HIjjah).
GaStat called all pilgrims coming to Makkah for Hajj to provide the necessary statistical data required in all Pilgrims enumeration centers this year which are (Makkah/Jeddah Highway) Road , (Makkah/old Jeddah)Road, Altan’eim center(the connection road between Medina and Makkah), AlShrai’e center (the connection road between Makkah city and Alta’if city through AlSail), Alkar center (the connection road between Makkah and Alta’if through Alhada), and the Southern center ( Allaith -Jazan road near Als’adeiah village) in addition to the Hajj statistics supportive centers in Jeddah at King Abdulaziz international airport, mass transportation stations, and other locations in Jeddah, Medina center (Abiar Ali and ‘Ashirah), and Alta’if center (Alsail Alkabeer).
GaStat Starts Working with the New Structure
12-09-2017
New (Statistical, Creative, and Awareness) Departments to Cope with the Requirements of the New Saudi Vision and National Transformation
GaStat Starts Working with the New Structure
The General Authority for Statistics starts working with the new organizational structure. A general administration for natural resources and knowledge statistics has been created. It works beside the general administration of economic statistics, the general administration of social statistics, field statistics departments, methodologies departments, creativity departments, and awareness departments.
GaStat president, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Al-Tukhaifi said that working with this new organizational structure is a response to the 2030 Saudi vision and 2020 national transformation program. The next phase needs integrated efforts from the statistical sector, so the sector must work in a distinct way as it is the only official sector that is responsible for the production of data, information, and statistics, which reflect the developments in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Fahad clarified that the new structure, which has been authorized since the first day of this Muhharam, is a way that guarantees achieving the authority's strategic goals that are represented in enhancing the efficiency and quality of statistical services and products. Moreover, it makes these services more comprehensive and beneficial. It also helps to raise the satisfaction level of all clients and beneficiaries, gives the authority a positive reputation in the society, promotes the statistical sector level, and builds a strong authority.
Al-Tukhaifi added that this new structure is based on the statistical development' national strategy aspects, covering five aspects that guarantee the efficiency of the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia. The first aspect is using the statistical data and information, which aims at improving the use of statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. This would fulfill all the users' needs by providing easy and on time statistical data and information. There is also the aspect of statistical data and information production, which aims at enhancing the field operations such as censuses, surveys, and researches. Furthermore, it enhances using the most recent standards and classifications in collecting, analyzing, and publishing data. The third aspect is the recent technologies. It aims at using the most recent technologies in all the phases of the statistical and administrative work. It provides a high quality IT infrastructure. The fourth aspect is the communication and awareness, which aims at enhancing the statistical knowledge in society through education and awareness. It introduces those who work in the statistical sector with the concept of communication. The fifth aspect is about governance. Through this aspect, the authority is trying to set the principals that govern the statistical sector. This enhance the idea of "results based management" . It continuously develops the human resources and tries to recruit people with high capabilities.
As for the main components of the authority new structure, Dr.Fahad stated that the organizational structure has been made by a teamwork from the authority and some experts outside the authority. This structure was made to develop and improve the statistical work. It also positively collaborate in activating the strategic transformation through which the Saudi statistical work is going. It enhances the role of the entity that supervises and organizes the statistical work by transforming it into an independent authority that has a featured personality and administrative and financial independence. The teamwork worked on determining the tasks, duties, and regulations according to certified instructions that guarantee founding an effective and comprehensive statistical organization. This new organization focused more on the clients and raising the products quality, considering them the main dimensions of work. The new statistical organization has been built in a way that prevent duality in work and responsibilities. It also intends to make the organizational structure compatible with the authority’s strategy by collecting the harmonized activities in one sectors and administrative units to implement unified tasks. In this structure, Many administrations and departments have been founded to achieve the strategic goals.
Regarding the main components of the new organizational structure, the authority president revealed that the statistical and administrative work has been distributed among three main sectors headed by the vice presidents. These sectors include the statistical works sector, which contains general administrations of economic statistics, social statistics, and natural resources and knowledge statistics (new one). In addition to the independency of the statistical field works with a general administration of operations. There is also an administration specialized in methodologies.
As for the second sector, the statistical creativity and customer service sector, it is a totally new sector. However, the third sector represents IT and supporting services, as they are the main infrastructure of the authority’s statistical and administrative work. Moreover, the new structure includes a general administration of media and statistical awareness, which manages all the internal and external activities aiming at raising statistical awareness. It also includes a general administration of projects and strategic planning which implements and prepares the authority’s strategies and plans. Furthermore, there is a general administration of support and institutional excellence that manage, prepare, and update all the policies, operations, and procedures. The later also supervises the programs of total quality department and knowledge department.
GaStat Starts Working with the New Structure
12-09-2017
New (Statistical, Creative, and Awareness) Departments to Cope with the Requirements of the New Saudi Vision and National Transformation
GaStat Starts Working with the New Structure
The General Authority for Statistics starts working with the new organizational structure. A general administration for natural resources and knowledge statistics has been created. It works beside the general administration of economic statistics, the general administration of social statistics, field statistics departments, methodologies departments, creativity departments, and awareness departments.
GaStat president, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Al-Tukhaifi said that working with this new organizational structure is a response to the 2030 Saudi vision and 2020 national transformation program. The next phase needs integrated efforts from the statistical sector, so the sector must work in a distinct way as it is the only official sector that is responsible for the production of data, information, and statistics, which reflect the developments in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Fahad clarified that the new structure, which has been authorized since the first day of this Muhharam, is a way that guarantees achieving the authority's strategic goals that are represented in enhancing the efficiency and quality of statistical services and products. Moreover, it makes these services more comprehensive and beneficial. It also helps to raise the satisfaction level of all clients and beneficiaries, gives the authority a positive reputation in the society, promotes the statistical sector level, and builds a strong authority.
Al-Tukhaifi added that this new structure is based on the statistical development' national strategy aspects, covering five aspects that guarantee the efficiency of the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia. The first aspect is using the statistical data and information, which aims at improving the use of statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. This would fulfill all the users' needs by providing easy and on time statistical data and information. There is also the aspect of statistical data and information production, which aims at enhancing the field operations such as censuses, surveys, and researches. Furthermore, it enhances using the most recent standards and classifications in collecting, analyzing, and publishing data. The third aspect is the recent technologies. It aims at using the most recent technologies in all the phases of the statistical and administrative work. It provides a high quality IT infrastructure. The fourth aspect is the communication and awareness, which aims at enhancing the statistical knowledge in society through education and awareness. It introduces those who work in the statistical sector with the concept of communication. The fifth aspect is about governance. Through this aspect, the authority is trying to set the principals that govern the statistical sector. This enhance the idea of "results based management" . It continuously develops the human resources and tries to recruit people with high capabilities.
As for the main components of the authority new structure, Dr.Fahad stated that the organizational structure has been made by a teamwork from the authority and some experts outside the authority. This structure was made to develop and improve the statistical work. It also positively collaborate in activating the strategic transformation through which the Saudi statistical work is going. It enhances the role of the entity that supervises and organizes the statistical work by transforming it into an independent authority that has a featured personality and administrative and financial independence. The teamwork worked on determining the tasks, duties, and regulations according to certified instructions that guarantee founding an effective and comprehensive statistical organization. This new organization focused more on the clients and raising the products quality, considering them the main dimensions of work. The new statistical organization has been built in a way that prevent duality in work and responsibilities. It also intends to make the organizational structure compatible with the authority’s strategy by collecting the harmonized activities in one sectors and administrative units to implement unified tasks. In this structure, Many administrations and departments have been founded to achieve the strategic goals.
Regarding the main components of the new organizational structure, the authority president revealed that the statistical and administrative work has been distributed among three main sectors headed by the vice presidents. These sectors include the statistical works sector, which contains general administrations of economic statistics, social statistics, and natural resources and knowledge statistics (new one). In addition to the independency of the statistical field works with a general administration of operations. There is also an administration specialized in methodologies.
As for the second sector, the statistical creativity and customer service sector, it is a totally new sector. However, the third sector represents IT and supporting services, as they are the main infrastructure of the authority’s statistical and administrative work. Moreover, the new structure includes a general administration of media and statistical awareness, which manages all the internal and external activities aiming at raising statistical awareness. It also includes a general administration of projects and strategic planning which implements and prepares the authority’s strategies and plans. Furthermore, there is a general administration of support and institutional excellence that manage, prepare, and update all the policies, operations, and procedures. The later also supervises the programs of total quality department and knowledge department.
H.E. the President of GaStat appreciates the approval of the Cabinet and confirms the continuation of the statistical work to support development decisions
12-09-2017
The application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale on the staff of GaStat
H.E. the President of GaStat appreciates the approval of the Cabinet and confirms the continuation of the statistical work to support development decisions
H.E. the President of the General Authority for Statistics, Dr. Fahad Bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, appreciated the approval of the Cabinet in its meeting on Monday, 30th of Muharram 1438H on the application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale on the staff of GaStat.
H.E. expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness the deputy Crown Prince for the support given to all government entities to achieve its objective in national development. It reflects the care of the prudent leadership for developing the infrastructure of all development resolutions, considering the statistical products and services provided by GaStat as a solid bases to support national development decisions, and support decision makers with information that is considered the compass of development work. H.E. stressed that the application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale helps GaStat to adapt to next phase requirements and allows them to attract specialized national talents in the statistical and administrative work in an effort to complete the transformation, which started after the Royal Decree No. (64283), dated 26/12/1436H, approving the transformation from (Central Department of Statistics and Information) into an independent Authority. This transformation helped in enhancing the environment to provide a wider range of statistical information and data and its dissemination to support decision making. Since the Royal Decree issuance, GaStat worked on the preparation of a transformation road map in statistical work including a number of projects and initiatives that are consistent with the 2020 National transformation Program, and the 2030 Saudi Vision.
It is worth mentioning that the modification, on which the cabinet has agreed, was listed as ( the second) item of the cabinet resolution of the General Authority for Statistics organization, number (11) in 13/01/1437 H. The resolution was modified to be as following " except the authority president, GOSI regulations, pay scales, and modifications are applied on GaStat staff". The organization included (17) terms covering a group of organizational rules, the most important of which are: stressing on the authority's legal personality, administrative and financial independency, and asserting that it is the only statistics- concerned entity. Moreover, it is the only official reference that supervises and organizes the statistical work. The authority's affairs are managed by a board that contains (18) entities, (13) of which are government entities including the authority, in addition to the council of Saudi chambers, and two independent statistics specialists. The board is headed by HE minister of economy and planning, and has been given the description of " the dominant authority" which means implementing its resolutions on the level of statistical sector and all its components in Saudi Arabia. The organization has charged the authority with the responsibility of forming a coordination committee that constantly coordinate the statistical work between the authority and the other related entities. The authority will also carry out the responsibility of founding an information central system in the authority that is automatically linked with all concerned entities. Furthermore, the organization included many tasks in addition to implementing the statistical works such as: applying the recognized international standards which include the statistical work methodology, designing and implementing surveys, conducting research and studies, analyzing data and information, documenting data, collecting, recording, classifying, and analyzing statistical data ,which cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia, from its different sources either from surveys, censuses, or administrative records in the public and private establishments. Moreover, the tasks include preparing, using, and updating the national statistical guides and classifications according to international standards, preparing and publishing the surveys and researches' statistical reports and bulletins, providing statistical services, conducting surveys, preparing statistical studies and researches to provide the establishments and business sector with statistical data from its databases. In addition to the tasks of exchanging knowledge, providing the entities with recommendations to improve all information systems and statistical work methodology, so that they can have a unified, accurate, and comprehensive statistical system. The tasks also cover raising awareness about the importance of statistics, recording and following any statistics related to Saudi Arabia published by the national and international authorities, and coordinating with the concerned entities.
H.E. the President of GaStat appreciates the approval of the Cabinet and confirms the continuation of the statistical work to support development decisions
12-09-2017
The application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale on the staff of GaStat
H.E. the President of GaStat appreciates the approval of the Cabinet and confirms the continuation of the statistical work to support development decisions
H.E. the President of the General Authority for Statistics, Dr. Fahad Bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, appreciated the approval of the Cabinet in its meeting on Monday, 30th of Muharram 1438H on the application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale on the staff of GaStat.
H.E. expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness the deputy Crown Prince for the support given to all government entities to achieve its objective in national development. It reflects the care of the prudent leadership for developing the infrastructure of all development resolutions, considering the statistical products and services provided by GaStat as a solid bases to support national development decisions, and support decision makers with information that is considered the compass of development work. H.E. stressed that the application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale helps GaStat to adapt to next phase requirements and allows them to attract specialized national talents in the statistical and administrative work in an effort to complete the transformation, which started after the Royal Decree No. (64283), dated 26/12/1436H, approving the transformation from (Central Department of Statistics and Information) into an independent Authority. This transformation helped in enhancing the environment to provide a wider range of statistical information and data and its dissemination to support decision making. Since the Royal Decree issuance, GaStat worked on the preparation of a transformation road map in statistical work including a number of projects and initiatives that are consistent with the 2020 National transformation Program, and the 2030 Saudi Vision.
It is worth mentioning that the modification, on which the cabinet has agreed, was listed as ( the second) item of the cabinet resolution of the General Authority for Statistics organization, number (11) in 13/01/1437 H. The resolution was modified to be as following " except the authority president, GOSI regulations, pay scales, and modifications are applied on GaStat staff". The organization included (17) terms covering a group of organizational rules, the most important of which are: stressing on the authority's legal personality, administrative and financial independency, and asserting that it is the only statistics- concerned entity. Moreover, it is the only official reference that supervises and organizes the statistical work. The authority's affairs are managed by a board that contains (18) entities, (13) of which are government entities including the authority, in addition to the council of Saudi chambers, and two independent statistics specialists. The board is headed by HE minister of economy and planning, and has been given the description of " the dominant authority" which means implementing its resolutions on the level of statistical sector and all its components in Saudi Arabia. The organization has charged the authority with the responsibility of forming a coordination committee that constantly coordinate the statistical work between the authority and the other related entities. The authority will also carry out the responsibility of founding an information central system in the authority that is automatically linked with all concerned entities. Furthermore, the organization included many tasks in addition to implementing the statistical works such as: applying the recognized international standards which include the statistical work methodology, designing and implementing surveys, conducting research and studies, analyzing data and information, documenting data, collecting, recording, classifying, and analyzing statistical data ,which cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia, from its different sources either from surveys, censuses, or administrative records in the public and private establishments. Moreover, the tasks include preparing, using, and updating the national statistical guides and classifications according to international standards, preparing and publishing the surveys and researches' statistical reports and bulletins, providing statistical services, conducting surveys, preparing statistical studies and researches to provide the establishments and business sector with statistical data from its databases. In addition to the tasks of exchanging knowledge, providing the entities with recommendations to improve all information systems and statistical work methodology, so that they can have a unified, accurate, and comprehensive statistical system. The tasks also cover raising awareness about the importance of statistics, recording and following any statistics related to Saudi Arabia published by the national and international authorities, and coordinating with the concerned entities.
Collaboration between GsStat and the private sector to develop statistical work
12-09-2017
announcing (6) new economic surveys to support development
Collaboration between GsStat and the private sector to develop statistical work
GaStat revealed new economic surveys to be implemented this year and next year. These surveys aim at fulfilling the development needs, they include: insurance activity survey, direct foreign investment survey, intermediate and small establishments survey, retail activity survey, non-profit sector survey, and tourism survey.
This was mentioned in the second workshop held by GaStat yesterday (Monday) 13th February 2017 in Jeddah. HE dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, GaStat president, said that the private sector is an essential partner in the national development. He added, it integrates all public sectors and institutions in a way that strengthens the national economy. The collaboration between "statistics" and the private sector is part of the developmental movements which aim at achieving the 2030 Saudi vision and representing that with indicators that reflect the progress in the achievement of this vision. The role of GaStat, statistical national commission, and the statistical sector in general became more important now as the need for accurate statistical data, effective indicators, and measurement tools increased. Dr. Fahad indicated that one of the most important stages that GaStat works on these days is meeting the clients' needs whether from the public or private sector. It also works on establishing effective collaborations locally, nationally, and internationally with related parties. In addition to creating indicators necessary for current and future needs. GaStat works with its partners on unifying the information sources, facilitating their access, and providing innovative statistical products with international standards.
On the other hand, Mrs. Kholoud Aldakhail, the national statistical commission chairman, stated that the commission was established under the umbrella of the council of Saudi chambers based on the Saudi chambers board resolution number 13 /88/m issued in 15/6/1437 H as response to the ministry of economy and planning and GaStat request. This reflects GaStat initiative to make the private sector a collaborative sector. She asserted that the role of this committee, which include 23 members who work in the field of statistics, data, and information, is represented in the coordination with Saudi chambers of commerce all over Saudi Arabia. The coordination will be about statistical work activation, data exchange, and proposing methods to enhance the statistical work impacts on the private sector. Furthermore, it deals with elaborating the use of statistics in private sector, deepen relations between GaStat and Saudi chambers of commerce.
The workshop discussed two main themes; the requirements of data users in the private sector as one of the statistical sector components, determining required additional data by activity, and the proposed methods to develop the mechanism of data collection from the private sector institutions. GaStat has presented the economic surveys and the new surveys that will be implemented by them during these two years. They also presented the six tracks based on which the authority work which can be summarized in; a work strategy about the authority clients and partners to fulfill the actual need of statistical products, then developing these products and services and improving the statistical operations and methodologies. Also, raising the level of information technology and digital infrastructure to enable products to start from a strong base that can be adapted with any change. Moreover, focusing on raising statistical awareness, and building capabilities in the statistical field. In addition to structuring all GaStat tasks and departments.
At the end of the workshop, dr. Fahad expressed his thanks to all the participants. He asserted that the workshop outputs will contribute in enhancing the effectiveness of the decisions made by the private sector and its policy makers for the citizen's advantage and society economies which enhance his role in the domestic product growth, and guarantee making proper decisions based on accurate data to facilitate measuring their result and reflections.
STC Business technical sponsor for the Gulf Statistical Forum
12-09-2017
STC Business technical sponsor for the Gulf Statistical Forum
Under the Royal hospice of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - and with the organization of the General Authority for Statistics and GCC Statistical Center, STC Business will participate, as an activities technical sponsor, in the Gulf Statistical Forum, which will be held under the theme "Enhancing Statistical partnerships to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC countries.", at the Marriott Hotel in Riyadh during the period from March 20th to 22nd, 2017.
The Forum will bring together 40 GCC and international speakers to discuss strengthening the statistical partnerships in view of supporting economic and development policies. They will discuss several key issues which are: requirement for data and statistical information ensuing from national development trends, the agenda for sustainable development and emerging global economic issues, provision of statistical products and services to support national development trends, and sustainable development in the GCC countries, in addition to conducting research on enhancing the statistical partnerships between users and producers of data to support the economic policies in the GCC countries.
STC Business pavilion accompanying the forum, will display a group of communication services and information technology solutions, with an explanation of the most important advantages and benefits that contribute to the success of statistical work and support digital transformation in the domestic and the Gulf region.
This sponsorship comes within STC Business endeavor to support and meet the requirements and needs of their customers in both public and private sectors, through a variety of connectivity products based on mobile and fixed networks technology, providing integrated digital solutions, cloud computing , and managed services.
STC Business Unit provides solutions and services, telecommunications and information technology in a way that meets the government and companies demands and requirements. This is carried out through the most advanced data centers distributed around the Kingdom. These centers are connected through a network of optical fibers whose length attains more than 147, 000 kilometers, and are supported with a mobile network covering 96% of the populated areas in KSA, and uses technologies of the Second and Third Generation, while 96% of the network uses the Fourth Generation technology known as LTE. These national networks are linked to the world through a number of cross-border land and sea cables and an Internet gate which is the largest in the MENA region, where its communication capacity attains 1.5 Terabit / sec. and passes 12 Beta Bytes of data per day.
8 days until the beginning of the 1st GCC statistical forum events
12-09-2017
8 days until the beginning of the 1st GCC statistical forum events
After 8 days, the 1st GCC statistical forum events will begin in Riyadh under the theme " enhancing statistical collaborations to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region". The forum will be under the patronage of the custodian of the two holly mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and organized by the general authority for statistics and the GCC statistical center on 21-23 Jumada second 1438 H corresponding to 20-22nd of March 2017.
The forum, in which there will be 40 speakers from the gulf region and other countries, other people who are specialized in statistics such as data producers and users, and people from the academic sector, focuses on main axes which are: statistical data and information request resulted from the national developmental tracks, sustainable development agenda and international economic issues, discussing the provision of statistical products and services to support the national developmental tracks and sustainable development in the GCC region, in addition to discussing the statistical collaborations between data producers and users to support the economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region.
The first day will witness the opening event. Many political personalities will attend such as ministers, GCC general secretariat leaders, ambassadors, statistical organizations heads, international and regional organizations representatives, statistical sector specialists, media, and other participants.
The forum events will begin with 4 sessions on the first two days. On these sessions, the first axe will be discussed from an international perspective which is about statistical data and information request. Also, the sessions will discuss the international issues and their impact on the policies and reforms all over the world and on the gulf region in particular. Data needs and gaps will be taken into consideration too. Data request will be discussed also from a national and regional perspective. There will be a general session titled " statistics production and publication: the strategic motives of the national statistical organizations works". It will be followed by another general session that discusses the third axe which is about collaborations " next steps: towards sustainable framework and mechanisms for cooperation and dialogue between users and producers".
Along with the forum events, there will be 6 seminars; the first will discuss measuring the progress in achieving the sustainable development goals, the second is about enhancing the statistical knowledge. Whereas the third will focus on statistical media, and the fourth is about the mechanisms od statistical development by using information and telecommunication technologies. On the fifth seminar, data revolution will be discussed, it will present the cooperation between Arab countries to benefit from data revolution in enhancing statistics production and publication. After that, there will be two presentations about the preparations and challenges, they will be presented by one of the GCC countries and the GCC statistical center. As for the last seminar, collaborations between the public and private sectors in the field of statistics will be discussed.
Gastat starts to visit more than 57,000 households next Thursday
12-09-2017
In cooperation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority
GaStat starts to visit more than 57,000 households next Thursday
The General Authority of Statistics (GaStat) will start next Thursday, 19 Shawwal 1438H (13 June 2017), to visit more than 57,000 households in all regions of the Kingdom in coopereation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority to conduct 3 household surveys: the survey of ICT’s access and use for households and individuals, sports survey for households, and the labour force survey for the third quarter. GaStat calls upon all citizens and residents to cooperate with the statisticians working in the field in 13 regions of the Kingdom including their cities and provinces. The work of than 450 field researcher will continue until 25 Dhu al-Qa’dah 1438 H (17 august 2017).
GaStat official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the household sport survey is one of the requirements of the Saudi Vision 2030 in cooperation with the General Sport Authority. It aims to provide recent indicators about the extent of playing sports for households. Through its results, stakeholders will learn about the reasons for playing sports or not and they will get updated statistics about the relationship of households with sports. It will also provide a comprehensive picture on the size of community participation in sports and physical activity. In addition, it will provide data on the ratio of sports practitioners within the household who practice sports on a regular basis, at least once a week. It also provides data on the percentage of sports practitioners in public facilities, clubs or sports centres, and the number of times a person is engaged in sports during the week, and the reasons why a person may not exercise.
Mr. Almofarrej added that this survey coincides with the Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of this year which aims to provide detailed data about national labour force, measure the rates of employment and unemployment, provide data on employed and unemployed individuals, identifying the average monthly wages of the workers, provide data on the average weekly actual working hours by occupation, and economic activity of workers, and data on formal and informal workers. The results will be published in the Labour Market Bulletin, which was recently launched by GaStat.
Regarding the survey of ICT’s access and use for individuals and households, GaStat’s official spokesman said that in cooperation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission aims at providing updated data and indicators on the extent of household and individual’s access to information and communication technologies. It includes: the availability of communication and information technology devices, the extent of using mail services by households and household access to ICTs. The survey will also provide individual data including: the extent to which information technologies are used for individuals, age groups, educational and occupational status, difficulties, places of use and reasons for not using ICTs.
On the other hand, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej confirmed that the GaStat has been keen to involve all relevant parties from data producers and users in developing its statistical products from creation to publishing through integrated partnership. A training program was recently held for the supervisors of these surveys, in which the Communications and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority has participated.
GaStat has confirmed that all information will be treated as an information basis which is reliable and can be used by development decision-makers in all relevant government entities that will serve the interest of citizens and residents. Gastat also has mentioned that al statistical researchers carry official badges and they are officially authorized to collect data to be kept confidential in accordance with the general statistics system issued by the Council of Ministers. GaStat also made available on its official website www.stats.gov.sa the opportunity for students and interested individuals to view field search forms on which the data will be collected. All households and establishments may inquire through the toll free number 8001240440 about this work or other coming work.
GASTAT: Final announcement of the number of Pilgrims 1438 comes after sunset on the day of Arafah
12-09-2017
A detailed report on Hajj statistics featuring 40 key statistical outputs to be released following the official announcement
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT): Final Count of Hajj Pilgrims for 1438 AH to Be Announced After Sunset on the Day of Arafah
GASTAT has announced that the counting and enumeration of pilgrims for the 1438 AH Hajj season, through the official entry points to the city of Makkah, will conclude at 6:30 PM, coinciding with sunset on Thursday, the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah). The final announcement of the total number of pilgrims and the release of the detailed Hajj statistics report will follow a few hours later, the same evening.
Mr. Abdullah Al-Batel, Deputy President of the Authority for Statistical Operations, confirmed that the Hajj Statistics Report, which will be issued shortly after the official announcement, will include forty principal statistical outputs intended to support strategic planning for serving the pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. He explained that the report provides comprehensive and accurate data on the number of pilgrims, classified by their methods and dates of arrival, and includes a variety of analytical tables and charts presenting figures such as the number of domestic pilgrims by gender and arrival method, the arrival patterns of Saudi pilgrims, the breakdown of non-Saudi domestic pilgrims by gender and nationality, their distribution by arrival method and nationality, and comparative figures across different nationalities. The report also details the number of vehicles used to transport domestic pilgrims to Makkah, organized by vehicle type and date of arrival. Furthermore, it presents data on international pilgrims by gender and arrival method, by gender and date of arrival, as well as comparative statistics on their methods of arrival. This information will be made available in multiple formats, including the Hajj Statistical Map, which allows users to easily access all data related to Hajj statistics.
Mr. Al-Batel further emphasized that the Hajj Statistics Program, implemented by GASTAT, aims to provide detailed and reliable data on the number of pilgrims from both inside and outside the Kingdom. These statistics serve as a foundational input for all relevant government entities to support future planning and ensure the delivery of essential services to pilgrims, including those related to social, health, security, food, and transportation sectors. The program relies on time-series data to estimate the manpower required to serve pilgrims and ensure their safety and comfort throughout the Hajj season. It also provides essential insights into infrastructure and facility needs in Makkah and the Holy Sites, which are considered when preparing development plans. In addition, the program contributes to the design of annual traffic management plans, including the phases of escalation and dispersal, and supports researchers, academics, and stakeholders interested in this field. It also assists in evaluating the efforts of various entities responsible for serving pilgrims and monitoring changes in arrival patterns.
In response to inquiries regarding the scope of enumeration and whether it includes drivers of vehicles and buses, Mr. Al-Batel clarified that the official unit of counting in Hajj statistics is the pilgrim in the state of Ihram. Accordingly, the enumeration of domestic pilgrims is limited to those in Ihram who are physically counted at the Hajj Statistics Centers located at the entrances to the city of Makkah. If a driver is in a state of Ihram, he is counted as a pilgrim. The enumeration includes all Saudi and non-Saudi individuals, male and female, arriving from within the Kingdom to perform Hajj. As for international pilgrims, they are counted by the General Directorate of Passports at the Kingdom’s official ports of entry, and their figures are subsequently provided to GASTAT to be added to the total number of pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve nearly 24 million pilgrims in 10 years
12-09-2017
GaStat Enumerates Pilgrims Every Year
Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve nearly 24 million pilgrims in 10 years
According to the official statistics of the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat), the total number of pilgrims that Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve during the last ten years has reached 23,935,354 pilgrims. The last Hajj season (1437H) recorded the lowest number of pilgrims during the last ten years as it reached 1,862,909 pilgrims. While the year (1433H) recorded the highest number of pilgrims during the last ten years as it reached 3,161,573 pilgrims.
The official spokesman of Gastat, Mr.Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the task of pilgrims enumeration every years is one of the tasks that Gastat has the honor of. It started since 1390H since Gastat was called (the Central Department of statistics), in order to provide accurate information that helps all state agencies in planning and development of everything related to serving Hajj visitors. This mission continued during all these years to witness developments and enhancements in the enumeration techniques every year to be more accurate and comprehensive. Mr. Almofarrej added that the Hajj statistics program aims at the completion of all future planning programs to ensure providing the necessary services needed by the guest of Makkah, whether social, health, security, food, or transportation services. This is done through using a time series of accurate data about the number of pilgrims, in addition to the estimation of labor forces needed for providing the necessary services for pilgrims during Hajj season every year. The data and number of pilgrims is also used by relevant systems who studies the preparations and main facilities in Makkah city and holy places, and take it into consideration when preparing the necessary plans. In addition, accurate data and information about Hajj statistics is provided to researchers, students, and individuals who are interested in this field. The data is also used in the evaluation of activities and events made by relevant entities who serve pilgrims, in addition to identify the method of arrival of domestic and international pilgrims.
The official spokesman stressed that GaStat will be announcing the number of pilgrims periodically starting from the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah. GaStat will also announce the final and official number of pilgrims on the evening of the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah through the Hajj statistics bulletin. The Bulletin will include detailed results about: number of domestic pilgrims, international pilgrims, pilgrims by gender, pilgrims by nationality, pilgrims by arrival destination, number of cars carrying pilgrims by type, and other detailed data.
It is worth mentioning that the number of pilgrims in the last ten years exceeded 3 Million pilgrims in one time, and it exceeded 6 Million pilgrims 6 times. The number was lower than 2 Million in 3 Hajj seasons, and last year was the lowest according to the following table:
GaStat Launches the “Statistical Calendar” for 1438H Hajj Season
12-09-2017
More than 450 Statisticians Started this morning
GaStat Launches the “Statistical Calendar” for 1438H Hajj Season
Through its official website www.stats.gov.sa, the General Authority for statistics (GaStat) launched the statistical calendar for the 1438H Hajj season. It shows the publishing dates of services provided by the Kingdom to pilgrims, in addition to the statistics of domestic and international pilgrims.
GaStat official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the statistical calendar with its content, from statistics and numbers, aims to show the efforts made to pilgrims from more than 45 public and private entities. On the second day of the current month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the statistics of services provided to pilgrims from health and medical services, public services, transportation sector services and telecommunication services will be announced respectively. Then, the number of domestic and international pilgrims arriving to Makkah will be published and updated daily until the evening of the 9th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah when the total number of pilgrims will be announced. Mr. Almofarrej added that GaStat will issue the detailed bulletin of Hajj statistics the morning of Eied day (10 Dhul Al-Hijja ), he also added that all information will be available at GaStat official website on schedule.
On the other hand, GaStat official spokesman explained that the enumeration of pilgrims coming to Makkah has started the morning of Wednesday (1st of Dhu Al-Hijjah), by more than 450 statisticians, administrative and technicians from GaStat. They are distributed on all main centers in Makkah, Medina, Jeddah and Alta’if, and they work 24 hours until the sunset of Arafah day, next Thursday (9th of Dhu Al-HIjjah).
GaStat called all pilgrims coming to Makkah for Hajj to provide the necessary statistical data required in all Pilgrims enumeration centers this year which are (Makkah/Jeddah Highway) Road , (Makkah/old Jeddah)Road, Altan’eim center(the connection road between Medina and Makkah), AlShrai’e center (the connection road between Makkah city and Alta’if city through AlSail), Alkar center (the connection road between Makkah and Alta’if through Alhada), and the Southern center ( Allaith -Jazan road near Als’adeiah village) in addition to the Hajj statistics supportive centers in Jeddah at King Abdulaziz international airport, mass transportation stations, and other locations in Jeddah, Medina center (Abiar Ali and ‘Ashirah), and Alta’if center (Alsail Alkabeer).
GaStat Starts Working with the New Structure
12-09-2017
New (Statistical, Creative, and Awareness) Departments to Cope with the Requirements of the New Saudi Vision and National Transformation
GaStat Starts Working with the New Structure
The General Authority for Statistics starts working with the new organizational structure. A general administration for natural resources and knowledge statistics has been created. It works beside the general administration of economic statistics, the general administration of social statistics, field statistics departments, methodologies departments, creativity departments, and awareness departments.
GaStat president, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Al-Tukhaifi said that working with this new organizational structure is a response to the 2030 Saudi vision and 2020 national transformation program. The next phase needs integrated efforts from the statistical sector, so the sector must work in a distinct way as it is the only official sector that is responsible for the production of data, information, and statistics, which reflect the developments in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Fahad clarified that the new structure, which has been authorized since the first day of this Muhharam, is a way that guarantees achieving the authority's strategic goals that are represented in enhancing the efficiency and quality of statistical services and products. Moreover, it makes these services more comprehensive and beneficial. It also helps to raise the satisfaction level of all clients and beneficiaries, gives the authority a positive reputation in the society, promotes the statistical sector level, and builds a strong authority.
Al-Tukhaifi added that this new structure is based on the statistical development' national strategy aspects, covering five aspects that guarantee the efficiency of the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia. The first aspect is using the statistical data and information, which aims at improving the use of statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. This would fulfill all the users' needs by providing easy and on time statistical data and information. There is also the aspect of statistical data and information production, which aims at enhancing the field operations such as censuses, surveys, and researches. Furthermore, it enhances using the most recent standards and classifications in collecting, analyzing, and publishing data. The third aspect is the recent technologies. It aims at using the most recent technologies in all the phases of the statistical and administrative work. It provides a high quality IT infrastructure. The fourth aspect is the communication and awareness, which aims at enhancing the statistical knowledge in society through education and awareness. It introduces those who work in the statistical sector with the concept of communication. The fifth aspect is about governance. Through this aspect, the authority is trying to set the principals that govern the statistical sector. This enhance the idea of "results based management" . It continuously develops the human resources and tries to recruit people with high capabilities.
As for the main components of the authority new structure, Dr.Fahad stated that the organizational structure has been made by a teamwork from the authority and some experts outside the authority. This structure was made to develop and improve the statistical work. It also positively collaborate in activating the strategic transformation through which the Saudi statistical work is going. It enhances the role of the entity that supervises and organizes the statistical work by transforming it into an independent authority that has a featured personality and administrative and financial independence. The teamwork worked on determining the tasks, duties, and regulations according to certified instructions that guarantee founding an effective and comprehensive statistical organization. This new organization focused more on the clients and raising the products quality, considering them the main dimensions of work. The new statistical organization has been built in a way that prevent duality in work and responsibilities. It also intends to make the organizational structure compatible with the authority’s strategy by collecting the harmonized activities in one sectors and administrative units to implement unified tasks. In this structure, Many administrations and departments have been founded to achieve the strategic goals.
Regarding the main components of the new organizational structure, the authority president revealed that the statistical and administrative work has been distributed among three main sectors headed by the vice presidents. These sectors include the statistical works sector, which contains general administrations of economic statistics, social statistics, and natural resources and knowledge statistics (new one). In addition to the independency of the statistical field works with a general administration of operations. There is also an administration specialized in methodologies.
As for the second sector, the statistical creativity and customer service sector, it is a totally new sector. However, the third sector represents IT and supporting services, as they are the main infrastructure of the authority’s statistical and administrative work. Moreover, the new structure includes a general administration of media and statistical awareness, which manages all the internal and external activities aiming at raising statistical awareness. It also includes a general administration of projects and strategic planning which implements and prepares the authority’s strategies and plans. Furthermore, there is a general administration of support and institutional excellence that manage, prepare, and update all the policies, operations, and procedures. The later also supervises the programs of total quality department and knowledge department.
H.E. the President of GaStat appreciates the approval of the Cabinet and confirms the continuation of the statistical work to support development decisions
12-09-2017
The application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale on the staff of GaStat
H.E. the President of GaStat appreciates the approval of the Cabinet and confirms the continuation of the statistical work to support development decisions
H.E. the President of the General Authority for Statistics, Dr. Fahad Bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, appreciated the approval of the Cabinet in its meeting on Monday, 30th of Muharram 1438H on the application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale on the staff of GaStat.
H.E. expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness the deputy Crown Prince for the support given to all government entities to achieve its objective in national development. It reflects the care of the prudent leadership for developing the infrastructure of all development resolutions, considering the statistical products and services provided by GaStat as a solid bases to support national development decisions, and support decision makers with information that is considered the compass of development work. H.E. stressed that the application of GOSI's staff regulations and pay scale helps GaStat to adapt to next phase requirements and allows them to attract specialized national talents in the statistical and administrative work in an effort to complete the transformation, which started after the Royal Decree No. (64283), dated 26/12/1436H, approving the transformation from (Central Department of Statistics and Information) into an independent Authority. This transformation helped in enhancing the environment to provide a wider range of statistical information and data and its dissemination to support decision making. Since the Royal Decree issuance, GaStat worked on the preparation of a transformation road map in statistical work including a number of projects and initiatives that are consistent with the 2020 National transformation Program, and the 2030 Saudi Vision.
It is worth mentioning that the modification, on which the cabinet has agreed, was listed as ( the second) item of the cabinet resolution of the General Authority for Statistics organization, number (11) in 13/01/1437 H. The resolution was modified to be as following " except the authority president, GOSI regulations, pay scales, and modifications are applied on GaStat staff". The organization included (17) terms covering a group of organizational rules, the most important of which are: stressing on the authority's legal personality, administrative and financial independency, and asserting that it is the only statistics- concerned entity. Moreover, it is the only official reference that supervises and organizes the statistical work. The authority's affairs are managed by a board that contains (18) entities, (13) of which are government entities including the authority, in addition to the council of Saudi chambers, and two independent statistics specialists. The board is headed by HE minister of economy and planning, and has been given the description of " the dominant authority" which means implementing its resolutions on the level of statistical sector and all its components in Saudi Arabia. The organization has charged the authority with the responsibility of forming a coordination committee that constantly coordinate the statistical work between the authority and the other related entities. The authority will also carry out the responsibility of founding an information central system in the authority that is automatically linked with all concerned entities. Furthermore, the organization included many tasks in addition to implementing the statistical works such as: applying the recognized international standards which include the statistical work methodology, designing and implementing surveys, conducting research and studies, analyzing data and information, documenting data, collecting, recording, classifying, and analyzing statistical data ,which cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia, from its different sources either from surveys, censuses, or administrative records in the public and private establishments. Moreover, the tasks include preparing, using, and updating the national statistical guides and classifications according to international standards, preparing and publishing the surveys and researches' statistical reports and bulletins, providing statistical services, conducting surveys, preparing statistical studies and researches to provide the establishments and business sector with statistical data from its databases. In addition to the tasks of exchanging knowledge, providing the entities with recommendations to improve all information systems and statistical work methodology, so that they can have a unified, accurate, and comprehensive statistical system. The tasks also cover raising awareness about the importance of statistics, recording and following any statistics related to Saudi Arabia published by the national and international authorities, and coordinating with the concerned entities.