GASTAT: Expenditure on R&D rises by 30.4% in 2024

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Early Childhood Development and Child Well-Being Statistics results for 2025. The results show that 82.4% of children aged 24–59 months are on track in the health, learning, and psychosocial well-being domains according to the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI2030). Also, 83.2% of females are on track compared to 81.6% of males. Data further shows that 90.0% of children aged 36–59 months live in a positive and stimulating home environment for learning, with 90.1% among females and 89.8% among males.
Regarding children’s book ownership, 31.0% of children under five own one to two books, while 9.2% own three or more books. Additionally, 17.3% of children aged 36–59 months are enrolled in an early childhood education program, with enrollment at 18.2% for females and 16.5% for males. The participation rate in organized learning for five-year-olds reached 73.0%, with 74.5% for females and 71.5% for males. Survey results also show that 35.1% of children aged 5–7 years use digital devices for one to two hours daily, while 28.8% use them for less than one hour per day.
Early Childhood Development and Child Well-Being Statistics are based on data from the 2025 Maternal and Child Health Survey and administrative records from the Ministry of Education for the 2024–2025 school year. These indicators are among the most important measures reflecting the state of early childhood development in the Kingdom and support national policies aimed at improving the quality of life for young children.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today released the results of the Research and Development (R&D) Statistics for 2024, which showed a notable growth in expenditure, increasing by 30.4% compared to 2023. The total expenditure on R&D reached approximately SAR 29.48 billion.
The Business sector ranked first, accounting for 40.3% of the total expenditure, followed by the Government sector at 40.2%, and then the Higher Education sector at 19.5%. Furthermore, the number of R&D workers increased by 14.7%, reaching 56,593 compared to the previous year.
It is worth noting that R&D statistics are issued annually and are among the most prominent statistics that provide economic indicators on the volume of expenditure and the number of workers and researchers in this field. They serve as a reliable reference to support national policies and enhance innovation and competitiveness in the Kingdom.

 The annual inflation rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 2.2% in October 2025 compared to the same period of the previous year (October 2024). Meanwhile, the monthly inflation rate recorded 0.3% compared to September 2025.
In the same context, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in the Kingdom reached 2.9% during October 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, the WPI recorded 0.5% in October 2025 compared to September 2025.
It is worth noting that the CPI reflects changes in prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of goods and services consisting of 582 items,  while the WPI reflects the price movements of goods at the pre-retail stage for a fixed basket of goods consisting of 343 items.
 

The United Nations High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB) continued the second day of its 40th meeting at the headquarters of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in Riyadh. The meeting brings together heads of national statistical offices and representatives of regional and international statistical organizations that are members of the Group.
The discussions focus on ways to enhance integration among international statistical systems, strengthen national capacities to produce accurate and reliable data, and explore prospects for using innovative statistical data to support decision-making and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
In a related event, GASTAT organized a panel discussion titled “Utilizing Advanced Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Statistical Organizations and Enable Sustainable Development.” The session was held in conjunction with the aforementioned meeting as part of the “Road to Riyadh” program. It featured the participation of GASTAT’s President, Fahad Aldossari, Atanas Atanasov, President of the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria- Benjamin Rothen, Ambassador and Head of the International and National Affairs Unit at the Federal Statistical Office- Ola Awad, President of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics- Jianhong Ruan, Deputy Commissioner at the National Bureau of Statistics of China- Tang Hsio Chin, Director of Policy and Planning at the Department of Statistics in Singapore- and Johannes Jütting, Executive Head of the PARIS21 Initiative.
In his opening remarks, GASTAT’s President highlighted Saudi Arabia’s upcoming hosting of the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum in November 2026.  He outlined the ongoing preparations through the launch of the “Road to Riyadh” program, a year-long initiative that includes a series of workshops and panel discussions at the local, regional, and international levels.
 
During the discussion, speakers explored the pivotal role of national statistical offices in advancing data methodologies and leveraging modern technologies to enhance the quality of statistics and support evidence-based decision-making.
Speakers highlighted that the rapid advancement of emerging technologies is contributing to the development of integrated digital data ecosystems capable of delivering timely and reliable indicators that support decision-making within national statistical systems. They emphasized the importance of fostering sustainable international cooperation among statistical organizations and building strategic partnerships that advance the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Such collaboration, they noted, enhances the production of accurate and trustworthy data, accelerates data delivery, improves quality and coverage, and promotes resource efficiency by reducing reliance on traditional survey methods.
They also stressed that strengthening the readiness of national statistical offices requires continued progress in developing clear regulatory frameworks for data governance, expanding the use of secure cloud-based solutions, and linking administrative records across key sectors such as health and labor markets. Additionally, adopting predictive analytics methodologies and producing synthetic data can help broaden data utilization while ensuring privacy and security, thereby driving tangible progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT continues its preparations to host the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum in November 2026 through a series of initiatives organized under the “Road to Riyadh” program. The program aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s statistical, developmental, and economic advancements, achieved through the application of international statistical standards and principles that have contributed to the Kingdom’s notable progress across multiple global statistical indicators.
 

The 40th meeting of UN’s HLG-PCCB for statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commenced today at the headquarters of GASTAT in Riyadh, with the participation of heads of national statistical offices and representatives of regional and international statistical organizations that are members of the Group.

Kingdom’s hosting of this major international meeting underscores the growing role of GASTAT in supporting global efforts to advance statistical data systems and enhance countries’ capabilities in the statistical domain. The meeting’s agenda includes discussions on enhancing integration across international statistical systems, developing national capacities for producing accurate and reliable statistical data, and exploring ways to expand the use of innovative statistical data.

GASTAT continues its preparations to host the 6th United Nations World Data Forum through the program "Road to Riyadh” which spans a full year before the date of the event. The program features a series of workshops and panel discussions at the local, regional, and international levels, with the participation of experts and statistical institutions from around the world. It aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of the Forum’s outcomes, as it serves as a key platform for advancing global data and statistical systems.

It is worth noting that hosting the Forum in Riyadh carries significant importance, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing leadership in advancing statistical systems, fostering international partnerships in the data field, and embracing cutting-edge statistical innovations, technologies, and global best practices to support shared objectives at the local, regional, and international levels.
 

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Industrial Production Index (IPI) results for September 2025. The overall IPI recorded an increase of 9.3% compared to the same month of the previous year. In detail, compared with September 2024, the sub-index for mining and quarrying and the sub-index for manufacturing increased by 11.0% and 6.3%, respectively. The sub-index for electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply also recorded an increase of 12.6%, while the sub-index for water supply, sewage, waste management, and remediation activities increased by 9.2% Regarding the main economic activities, the index for oil activities increased by 10.1%, while the index for non-oil activities increased by 7.3%, compared with September 2024.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT publishes the IPI monthly. It is an economic indicator that reflects the relative changes in the volume of industrial output, based on data from the Industrial Production Survey, which is conducted on a sample of industrial establishments engaged in the targeted activities: mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, water supply, sewage and waste management, and remediation activities. 
 

GASTAT launches the first activities of the Road to Riyadh Program, which will run for a whole year ahead of hosting the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum in Riyadh in November 2026. The program features a series of workshops and panel discussions at local, regional, and international levels, with the participation of leading experts and statistical institutions from around the world. A panel discussion entitled “Utilizing advanced technologies and methodologies to enhance statistical systems and enable sustainable development” will be held on the sidelines of the 40th meeting of the High-Level Group for partnership, coordination, and capacity-building for statistics for the 2030 agenda for sustainable development (HLG-PCCB), hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at GASTAT’s headquarters on November, 10–11 2025.
The panel aims to enhance international cooperation, develop both national and international statistical systems, foster partnerships among national statistical offices, international organizations, private sector, and civil society to develop global data and statistical systems, and oversee the organization of the forum.
The panel, which will feature the participation of the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, will address the future of data and statistics, highlight the vital role of National Statistical Organizations (NSOs) in developing data collection and analysis methodologies, and explore modern technologies to enhance the outputs quality and support decision-making. It will also discuss the main challenges related to governance, skill building, and the ethical aspects associated with adopting technological solutions within statistical systems.
Several heads and officials from member statistical organizations and international organizations within the HLG-PCCB, including Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, China, Singapore, Palestine, Switzerland, and PARIS21, will present the latest international experiences and best practices in statistical digital transformation and discuss the importance of international cooperation and building sustainable partnerships to strengthen national capacities and support the measurement of progress toward achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
It is noteworthy that the Road to Riyadh Program is part of GASTAT’s ongoing preparations to host the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum. The program aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise, strengthen partnerships, and showcase the statistical advancements achieved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which have contributed to progress across several international indicators. It also seeks to ensure the sustainability of the forum’s outcomes and maximize their impact beyond its conclusion.
 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), will host the 40th meeting of UN High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building for statistics related to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda (HLG-PCCB). The meeting will take place on November 10–11  2025 at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh, with the participation of committee members, including heads of national statistical offices and representatives of international and regional statistical organizations. This global event reflects the Kingdom’s growing leadership in supporting the international statistical system and advancing joint efforts to develop statistical capacity, contributing to monitoring progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and coordinating related initiatives among member states.
Hosting this meeting highlights the Kingdom’s leading role in the statistical field at the international level and its commitment to supporting global efforts to achieve the SDGs, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance knowledge exchange and strengthen national and international statistical infrastructures.
During the meeting, participants will explore ways to enhance integration among international statistical systems and develop national capacities to produce accurate and reliable data. Discussions will also address expanding the use of innovative data, adopting advanced statistical methodologies to support development and economic planning, examining strategies to strengthen national data ownership, and evaluating the role of the private sector in supporting statistical systems of member states. In addition, the meeting will review the 2026 workplan and prepare to present the group’s report to the UN Statistical Commission in the first quarter of the year.
It is worth noting that the HLG-PCCB was established by the UN Statistical Commission during its 46th session, with membership comprising heads of international and regional statistical organizations. The group’s work focuses on international cooperation to develop statistical systems, oversee the organization of the UN World Data Forum, and develop statistical data strategies by supporting countries in building statistical policies aligned with international standards
 

أعلنت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء نتائج النسخة الثانية من مسابقة المعرفة الإحصائية التي نفذتها بالتعاون مع وزارة التعليم، واستهدفت طلاب وطالبات المرحلتين المتوسطة والثانوية في جميع مدارس التعليم العام الحكومية والأهلية، والتي انطلقت في التاسع عشر من أكتوبر الماضي، واستمرت لمدة أسبوعين، وتزامنت مع الاحتفاء باليوم العالمي للإحصاء.
وبحسب النتائج التي أعلنتها الهيئة فقد شاركت في المسابقة الإدارات العامة للتعليم في مناطق المملكة كافة، وبلغ إجمالي عدد الطلاب والطالبات المشاركين فيها (1,690,787) طالبًا وطالبة، وكان إجمالي الطلاب الذكور المشاركين في المسابقة (764,785) طالبًا فيما شاركت في المسابقة (926,002) طالبةً. في ذات السياق بلغ إجمالي عدد طلاب وطالبات المرحلة المتوسطة المشاركين (672,622) طالبًا وطالبة، و(1,018,165) طالبًا وطالبة في المرحلة الثانوية.
وكشفت النتائج أن طلاب وطالبات الإدارة العامة للتعليم بمنطقة الرياض هم الأكثر مشاركة بنسبة بلغت  22.1%من إجمالي المشاركين، يليهم طلاب وطالبات الإدارة العامة للتعليم بمحافظة جدة  بنسبة 20.2%من إجمالي المشاركين، ثم طلاب وطالبات الإدارة العامة للتعليم بمنطقة مكة المكرمة  في المرتبة الثالثة بنسبة 12.1%، فيما حقق طلاب وطالبات التعليم العام في الإدارة العامة للتعليم بالمنطقة الشرقية  المرتبة الرابعة بنسبة 10.0% من إجمالي المشاركين، وحلَّ طلاب وطالبات الإدارة العامة للتعليم بمنطقة القصيم في المرتبة الخامسة بنسبة 9.0%.
يشار إلى أن هذه المسابقة تأتي ضمن برنامج المعرفة الإحصائية، والذي يهدف إلى رفع الوعي بالهيئة العامة للإحصاء ودورها الوطني وتعريف الطلاب والطالبات بعلوم البيانات الإحصائية، واطلاعهم على مجالات العمل الإحصائي، ومراحل تنفيذ المسوح الميدانية، إضافة إلى توضيح وشرح بعض المفاهيم مثل المؤشرات الإحصائية، وتدريبهم على التعامل مع مصادر البيانات الإحصائية التي تسهم بدورها في قياس التقدم في تحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة ودعم مستهدفات رؤية السعودية 2030.

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Physical Activity Statistics publication in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2025, which showed that 59.1% of the Kingdom’s population (18 years and above) engage in physical activity for (150 minutes or more) per week. The prevalence among males was 66.5%, while among females it was 43.1%. According to the publication, the age group (18–29) years had the highest participation in physical activity at 71.2%, whereas individuals (80 years and above) had the lowest participation, not exceeding 3.5%
In the same context, transport-related physical activity, including walking or cycling, ranked first among adults engaging in physical activity at 57.1%, followed by work-related physical activity at 43.9%, while non-work-related physical activity ranked last at 37.8%. The report also covered the daily time spent by adults (18 years and above) sitting or lying down, excluding sleep.
The results also showed that 19.0% of children and adolescents (5–17 years) engage in physical activity for (60 minutes or more) daily, with 23.3% of males and 14.4% of females meeting this threshold. Regarding the time spent by children and adolescents in sedentary or non-physical activities, the results indicated that 34.6% spend one to two hours daily sitting or engaging in sedentary non-physical activities, such as watching television or using electronic devices, excluding school time.
It is worth noting that the estimates in the Physical Activity Statistics publication are based on self-reported data from individuals or their caregivers. The publication presents physical activity indicators through self-reporting by the Kingdom’s adult population (18 years and above) and children and adolescents (5–17 years). The accuracy of the data relies on the results of the National Health Survey, the Women and Child Health Survey for 2025, along with population estimates from GASTAT for 2025.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has announced the release of the Construction Cost Index (CCI) publication in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of its continuous efforts to develop statistical products for key sectors and to provide a reliable and effective reference supported by accurate estimates.
This release is based on a comprehensive analysis of the costs of key construction components, including materials, labor, equipment and machinery rentals, and energy, for both the residential and non-residential sectors.
The publication aims to support decision-making processes for contractors, real estate developers, and relevant stakeholders and to contribute to outlining a clear roadmap for residential and non-residential construction projects within the building and construction sector.
In the same context, the results of CCI Survey for September 2025 showed an annual increase of 0.7% compared to the same month of the previous year.
This increase was mainly driven by higher construction costs in the residential sector, which rose by 0.8%, and in the non-residential sector, which increased by 0.6%.
The results of CCI Publication for September 2025 indicated that the index remained stable monthly compared to August 2025.
Construction costs for both the residential and non-residential sectors recorded relative stability during September 2025.

  On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, will inaugurate tomorrow the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations.
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations at Jeddah University Conference Center. A distinguished group of experts and specialists, including representatives of scientific associations, as well as academics and researchers in the fields of statistics and data-related sciences, will participate in the forum. The forum is being held this year along with World Statistics Day 2025, which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates along with other countries around the world to emphasize the importance of official statistics in supporting development, decision makers, and those involved in shaping developmental and economic policies.
It aims to enhance integration between GASTAT, universities, and Saudi statistical associations, in addition to developing academic programs in the field of statistics to meet the labor market's needs and support national statistics products. It also focuses on empowering students and researchers by facilitating access to data and its sources for use in their research projects, while highlighting opportunities for scientific and research innovation in methodologies through the use of modern technologies.
The forum’s agenda includes a main session titled “Universities’ Contribution to Shaping the Future of Statistical Innovation”, which will highlight the pivotal role academic institutions play in developing innovative statistical methodologies and building national capabilities. The forum will also feature a series of specialized panel discussions addressing a range of topics, including the role of statistics in community development, local and international case studies in utilizing indicators to support public policies, and proposing innovative methodologies to improve the quality of statistical data through advanced technological tools. Additionally, the discussion will cover the ethics of statistical practice and data privacy, and highlight the practices of statistical offices in providing data to beneficiaries.
It is noteworthy that this forum is an extension of the success of the first edition, which GASTAT organized in 2024 and witnessed significant attendance of experts and specialists, and resulted in several scientific recommendations and outcomes. Through hosting such forums, GASTAT seeks to strengthen its strategic partnerships with relevant entities and promote the exchange of expertise across its field of work, contributing to the advancement of the statistical sector in line with the fast-paced global developments.
 

 The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), launched the second edition of the "Statistical Knowledge" program in public schools. This initiative seeks to prepare the next generation to handle data analysis and comprehension in this information-rich era where knowledge is widespread across all sectors.
Targeting intermediate and secondary school students across various regions of the Kingdom, the program seeks to empower them with a solid foundation in basic statistical and data science concepts. It also aims to enhance their diverse skill sets, train them in research and analysis, and promote critical engagement with various data sources. Ultimately, the goal is to contribute to building an informed society equipped with the knowledge and competencies necessary to extract accurate information from reliable sources and engage effectively with both local and global knowledge sources.
This program is part of a strategic partnership between GASTAT and MoE to raise statistical literacy among students. It emphasizes the practical application of core statistical concepts in daily life and aims to nurture critical thinking and quantitative analysis skills, which ultimately enhances their readiness for advanced education and future careers in science and technology fields demanded by the labor market.
Notably, the "Statistical Knowledge" program includes a range of interactive educational activities designed in a simple and accessible format tailored to the target age group. It introduces students to key statistical and data concepts and their applications in real life, training them to utilize statistics in decision-making processes through a simplified interactive educational competition that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. The competition runs for 10 days, from Sunday, 19 October, to Thursday, 30 October 2025.
The program also features several educational components, such as leveraging school broadcasts to raise awareness about statistical work and its role in socio-economic development. Additionally, leaders and staff from GASTAT will visit schools to deliver enriching and practical sessions covering various statistical knowledge areas.
GASTAT has shared the link to participate in the competition and other program activities via its official platforms and MoE’s accounts. The participation link is available at: https://www.stats.gov.sa/knowledge-competition.
 

 The opening activities of the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations, organized by GASTAT, commenced at the Conference Center of the University of Jeddah. The event began with the main panel discussion titled “Universities’ Contribution to Shaping the Future of Statistical Innovation,” featuring speakers Dr. Obaid bin Ali Al-modaf, President of the University of Jeddah. The session witnessed a wide attendance of academics and specialized experts representing academic and professional institutions.
The session discussed the vital role of universities as a key driver in developing innovative statistical methodologies and building national capacities in the field of statistics. It also emphasized the importance of integration between universities and statistical offices to enhance research and development, and to utilize modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing in statistical education.
In addition, the session highlighted successful experiences that connected educational programs with practical applications in statistical work, thereby creating opportunities for knowledge generation and the development of statistical tools that respond to societal needs.
The speakers emphasized that universities serve as a strategic partner in shaping the future of statistics by preparing qualified human resources and producing applied research directly aligned with labor market needs.
The discussions focused on the importance of fostering a culture of institutional innovation within academic programs, contributing to the enhancement of educational outcomes and strengthening the Kingdom’s ability to meet its rapidly evolving developmental requirements.
It is worth noting that this session is part of a series of panel discussions to be held throughout the forum, with the participation of a distinguished group of experts and specialists, in addition to the presentation of scientific and research papers. The forum aims to strengthen partnerships between the statistical and academic sectors and to leverage modern technologies in developing statistical methodologies.
 

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the launch of the 2nd cycle of Innovation Lab projects, a strategic step aimed at consolidating the role of innovation in developing statistical work in the Kingdom. This follows the success of the 1st cycle, which resulted in a number of pioneering projects that contributed to the advancement of national statistical methodologies and products.
The Innovation Lab serves as an advanced interactive platform that brings together the Authority, researchers, and experts from various academic, governmental, and private sectors. It provides an opportunity for specialists, postgraduate students, and research centers to present innovative statistical projects and solutions that address existing challenges and anticipate future needs by developing advanced methodologies and producing data and indicators that enhance the accuracy of economic and social analysis. GASTAT explained that the launch of the 2nd cycle continues a pioneering journey initiated by the 1st cycle, whose outcomes had a positive impact on the quality of national data and its production methods. It also enhanced GASTAT’s ability to keep pace with rapidly changing economic and social environments at the local, regional, and global levels, in line with international best practices and global statistical standards.
Additionally, GASTAT confirmed that the 2nd cycle will feature expanded participation and a wider range of collaborative fields, creating opportunities for further partnerships with researchers and specialists. It will enable them to develop practical solutions that support decision-makers and align with the Kingdom’s strategic directions under Saudi Vision 2030. GASTAT also emphasized that these projects will play a key role in advancing statistical methodologies and improving the quality of products and services, thereby contributing to strengthening the Kingdom’s position on the global statistical map. Furthermore, GASTAT indicated that the launch of the 2nd cycle represents a qualitative leap in the journey of statistical innovation and a practical step toward fostering a culture of community participation in developing statistical work. This ensures the sustainability and reliability of data quality and enhances the Kingdom’s capacity for evidence-based decision-making.
In conclusion, GASTAT invites those interested in applying for the proposed projects to review all details and participation procedures through the electronic portal (Statistical Innovation Platform) by visiting the following link: https://www.stats.gov.sa/innovation-platform. GASTAT also welcomes all inquiries and requests for information, which can be directed to its representatives via the unified statistical phone number (199009), by email to info@stats.gov.sa, or via the Innovation Lab email at innovationlab@stats.gov.sa.
 

The Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations, held at the Conference Center of the University of Jeddah, continued its activities with two panel sessions. The first session was titled “The Role of Statistics in Community Development,” while the second session was titled “Innovative Methodologies for Improving the Quality of Statistical Data.”  The first session highlighted the importance of statistical indicators in analyzing the living conditions of society and their role in shaping public policies, improving the quality of essential services, serving as a key tool for measuring welfare indicators, promoting social equity, and guiding future development plans.
While the second session focused on national and international experiences in adopting new methodologies to enhance data quality, it also discussed statistical challenges and ways to overcome them through advanced technological solutions and modern analytical tools. Speakers emphasized the importance of research collaboration between universities and statistical offices to develop measurement tools that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals.
It is worth noting that the panel discussions are among the main programs of the forum and form part of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) efforts to strengthen the integration of roles between the academic and applied fields and to develop the capabilities of national cadres in statistical quality and decision-making.

The Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations, held at the Conference Center of the University of Jeddah, continues its activities with two scientific sessions. The first session is titled “The Role of Statistics in Community Development,” while the second session focused on “Innovative Methodologies for Improving the Quality of Statistical Data.” The first session highlighted the importance of statistical indicators in understanding the living conditions of society and their role in shaping public policies and improving the quality of essential services. It also addressed their function as a key tool for measuring welfare indicators, promoting social equity, and guiding future development planning.
The second session focused on national and international experiences in adopting new methodologies to improve data quality, as well as on discussing statistical challenges and mechanisms to overcome them through advanced technological solutions and modern analytical tools. Participants emphasized the importance of research collaboration between universities and statistical offices to develop measurement tools that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
It is worth noting that the scientific sessions represent one of the main pillars of the forum and come as part of GASTAT efforts to strengthen the integration of roles between the academic and applied fields, as well as to develop the capabilities of national cadres in the areas of statistical quality and decision-making.
 

As part of the activities of the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Associations, specialized scientific sessions were held to discuss a variety of topics. The third session addressed “Ethics in Statistical Practice and Safeguarding Data Privacy,” while the fourth session focused on “Practices of Statistical Offices in Providing Data to Users.” The fifth session was dedicated to the topic “"Universities’ Contribution to Building Human Capital in the Field of Statistical Work".
The third session reviewed the ethical challenges associated with the use of big data and modern technologies, emphasizing the importance of promoting professional practices that preserve privacy and ensure transparency. In the fourth session, participants highlighted the significance of enhancing transparency by enabling institutions, researchers, and users to access statistical data. The fifth session discussed the vital role of universities in preparing qualified statistical professionals through updating curricula to keep pace with digital transformations.
It is worth noting that these sessions are part of a series of panel discussions held during the forum, with the participation of a distinguished group of experts and specialists, in addition to scientific and research papers. The forum aims to strengthen partnerships between the statistical and academic sectors and to leverage modern technologies in the development of statistical methodologies.
 

On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, inaugurated today the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations, organized by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) at the Conference Center of the University of Jeddah. The event brought together a distinguished group of experts, specialists, representatives of scientific associations, and academics and researchers in the fields of statistics and data-related sciences.
Upon His Highness’s arrival, the national anthem was played, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an. Then, the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossary, delivered a speech emphasizing the vital role of statistics in the national development journey. He noted that the forum serves as a distinguished scientific platform for the exchange of experiences and best practices between academic and professional institutions, contributing to the advancement of research and academic programs, statistical methodologies, and the promotion of statistical innovation through the use of modern technologies and strategic partnerships.
In his speech, Aldossary announced the launch of the “Road to Riyadh” program, which represents the preparatory phase for the Kingdom’s hosting of the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum 2026, scheduled to be held in Riyadh in November 2026. The program aims to raise global awareness of the Kingdom’s pioneering role in the field of statistics and to highlight its efforts in leading digital transformation and developing the statistical ecosystem to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030 toward building a knowledge-based, data-driven economy.

The program will span a full year leading up to the forum and will include workshops, events, and local, regional, and international panel sessions, with the participation of leading experts, institutions, and statistical bodies from around the world. It will also continue beyond the conclusion of the forum to ensure the sustainability of its outcomes, maximize its impact, and solidify its achievements in the long term.
At the conclusion of his speech, Aldossary also announced the launch of the second cycle of the Innovation Lab projects, following the positive results achieved in the first cycle. He emphasized the lab’s role in enabling researchers and specialists to develop innovative statistical projects and solutions that align with the ongoing developments in the statistical community, meet the requirements of Saudi Vision 2030, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also invited researchers and statisticians to apply and participate in this new cycle.
His Highness witnessed the signing of six memoranda of cooperation between GASTAT and the following institutions: King Abdulaziz University, Taif University, King Khalid University, Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, the Islamic University of Madinah, and the Saudi Statistical Association.
These cooperation agreements aim to strengthen collaboration, enhance coordination, and integrate efforts within the scope of all parties’ expertise. They also establish an institutional framework for shared activities and tasks, and support the development of institutional capacities in areas of mutual interest. On this occasion, His Highness received a commemorative gift.
This forum comes as part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to foster integration with universities and statistical associations, expand strategic and research partnerships, and consolidate the Kingdom’s advanced position in the fields of data, statistics, and indicators. It also reaffirms the Kingdom’s role as a regional and international statistical reference, contributing to measuring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and supporting the realization of Saudi Vision 2030.
Following the opening ceremony, the forum’s sessions commenced with a main panel discussion titled “The Role of Universities in Shaping the Future of Statistical Innovation.” The session highlighted the role of universities in developing innovative statistical methodologies, building national capacities, and aligning educational outcomes with sustainable development needs.
The program also featured a series of panel sessions that addressed key topics, including the role of statistics in community development, modern methodologies for improving data quality, ethics in statistical work and data privacy, and best practices of statistical offices in providing data to users.
It is worth noting that the first edition of the forum, organized by GASTAT in 2024, witnessed notable attendance, significant scientific and research contributions, and recommendations that yielded tangible results in the field of statistical work. This year’s edition coincides with the World Statistics Day 2025, observed on October 20 under the theme “Statistics for Sustainable Opportunities.” The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joins the global community in celebrating this occasion, which is held every five years, reaffirming the importance of official statistics in supporting development and informed decision-making.

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance fieldwork tools, improve data collection mechanisms, and adopt digital solutions to boost responsiveness in field data collection, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has introduced a new service allowing verification of field researchers’ identities through “Tawakkalna” application. This initiative also leverages integration with government entities and leading digital platforms to strengthen the credibility of field researchers and support statistical field operations with the highest standards of accuracy and transparency.
This step reflects GASTAT’s commitment to fulfilling its national role in conducting various field surveys and producing statistical indicators by engaging trained field researchers who visit selected statistical samples, including households and establishments, in accordance with the regulations governing statistical work in the Kingdom.
GASTAT clarified that field researcher identity can be verified through the following steps:

• Wearing the official uniform designated for fieldwork.
• Displaying the digital ID card via the Tawakkalna application.
• Carrying the tablet device used for data collection.

GASTAT called on all members of the community to cooperate with its field researchers, emphasizing that they are Saudi citizens performing an official government duty. GASTAT stressed the significance of their work, which forms a vital pillar in improving the quality of statistical outputs and products.
In the same context, GASTAT reaffirmed its full commitment to the highest standards of confidentiality and data protection, in accordance with regulations, and assured that all collected data is used strictly for official statistical purposes. GASTAT also emphasized its dedication to safeguarding the rights of its employees during the performance of their official duties and taking all necessary legal measures against any obstruction to their work in order to ensure the continuity of field work, which is an integral component of statistical processes aimed at achieving national objectives.
For inquiries, please contact GASTAT via the unified number: 199009.