GASTAT Capacity of renewable energy projects operated reaches 6,551 MW by the end of 2024

The annual inflation rate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recorded relative stability at 2.3% in June 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) also remained stable at 0.2% in June 2025 compared to May 2025 on a monthly basis.
In the same context, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) recorded relative stability at 2.1% year-on-year, while it declined by 0.1% compared to May2025.
It is worth noting that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects changes in consumer prices for a fixed basket of goods and services consisting of 490 items. The selection was based on the 2018 Household Expenditure and Income Survey. Price data was gathered through field visits to retail outlets, and CPI statistics were published monthly in the Kingdom

The General Authority for Statistics released today the Renewable Energy Statistics Publication for the year 2024.The results of renewable energy statistics showed that five solar energy projects were operated in 2024, with a total capacity of 3,751 megawatts. By the end of 2024, the total number of operated renewable energy projects reached ten, nine of which were solar energy projects with a combined capacity of 6,151 megawatts, in addition to one wind energy project with a total capacity of 400 megawatts.
As of the end of 2024, the total investment volume in renewable energy projects reached approximately SAR 19.839 billion. This includes SAR 18.264 billion invested in solar energy projects and SAR 1.575 billion allocated to the wind energy project.
The results indicated that by the end of 2024, the number of housing units estimated to be supplied with electricity from renewable energy achieved approximately 1,140,800 housing units. 
The Shuaiiba 1 Solar Power project recorded the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) in the Kingdom at 3.9 Saudi Halala per kilowatt-hour, compared to (LCOE) of other renewable energy projects, which ranged between 3.9 to 11.18 Saudi Halalas per kilowatt-hour.
It is worth noting that the Renewable Energy Statistics Publication presents data on renewable energy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Energy is the primary source of this data, which is available as a time series covering 2019–2024.
 

Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Economy and Planning, Chairman of GASTAT’s Board of Directors, Mr. Faisal Alibrahim, GASTAT organized a celebration at its new headquarters in Riyadh to mark 65 years since the launch of official statistical work in the Kingdom. The event was attended by GASTAT’s President, Dr. Fahad Aldossari, along with a number of GASTAT’s leaders and employees.
This celebration comes as an extension of a national journey of statistical work that began in 1960 with the issuance of Royal Decree No. (23), which established the official statistical body in the Kingdom. This body later evolved into an independent authority that serves as the only official statistical reference for implementing, supervising, and regulating statistical work. 
In a speech delivered during the celebration, His Excellency the Minister emphasized that this occasion represents a documentation of a national journey that has made statistics a central element in decision-making, guiding public policies, tracking progress, measuring performance, and evaluating the impact of national targets.
His Excellency explained that GASTAT is entering a new stage, where statistics play a key role in the national transformation taking place across all levels in the Kingdom. This aligns with the ambitious national targets of Saudi Vision 2030, which has linked the performance measurement of various sectors to data and statistical indicators.
For his part, GASTAT’s President, Dr. Fahad Aldosaari, expressed his appreciation for the Minister’s patronage of the celebration, affirming that this occasion embodies the trust in the fundamental value of statistical work and the continuous support from the wise leadership. He added, “The statistical achievements realized to date would not have been possible without the support of the Kingdom's leadership, which is aware of the importance of this sector. They also wouldn't have been possible without the integrated efforts among government entities and the cooperation of society-both individuals and institutions-in providing GASTAT with data. He noted that in 2023, the Kingdom led Arab countries in the Statistical Performance Index and advanced 22 ranks globally. This achievement significantly strengthened the Kingdom's international standing, enabling it to host global statistical events, such as the sixth edition of the United Nations World Data Forum, which the Kingdom successfully bid to organize in 2026. Furthermore, it was elected as a member of the High-Level Group for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Statistics.
It is worth noting that statistical work in the kingdom began at an early stage in 1930 with the issuance of the imports and exports statistics system. It later became an organized activity with legal, administrative, and technical foundations established by the General Statistics Law issued by Royal Decree No. (23) dated 07/12/1379 AH (corresponding to 01/06/1960), aiming to activate and enhance the impact of statistical work. In its early stages, it relied on limited field surveys. The department was later transformed into a "General Authority" in 1436 H (2016) by a Royal Decree, becoming an independent entity with legal personality and financial and administrative autonomy, and was entrusted with leading, organizing, and managing the statistical sector in the Kingdom.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) is set to commemorate, the 65th
anniversary of establishment of official statistical work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This milestone traces back to the issuance of Royal Decree No. (23) on 07/12/1379 AH (01/06/1960),
which laid the foundation for the national statistical system. The decree played a pivotal role in advancing the Kingdom’s development strategies and economic and social policymaking. It also marked the introduction of the General Statistics Law, which established the General Department of Statistics.
Over the decades, the statistical sector has witnessed key milestones, starting with the issuance of the Imports and Exports Statistics Regulation in 1349 H (1930), followed by the establishment of the General Department of Statistics as the official statistical body in 1379 H (1960). In 1437 H (2015), a Royal Decree was issued transforming the department into the General Authority for Statistics. This marked a major turning point in the Kingdom’s statistical journey, as GASTAT became an independent entity with legal personality and full financial and administrative autonomy. GASTAT now leads, organizes, and manages the statistical sector through a Board of Directors comprising ministers, officials, and independent experts, strengthening its role as a prominent national statistical reference.
This historic occasion provides an important opportunity to highlight the significance of statistical work in implementing development plans and achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. It also
emphasizes the role of GASTAT as a trusted official source for data and statistical indicators, a key partner in decision-making alongside public and private sector entities, and a vital component in policy-making, performance measurement, and support for economic and social growth.
Furthermore, GASTAT plays a crucial role in strengthening the Kingdom’s position in statistical work both regionally and internationally.
It is worth noting that statistical work in Saudi Arabia began as early as 1349 H (1930) and later became an organized practice based on legal, administrative, and technical foundations under the
General Statistics Law issued by Royal Decree No. (23) dated 07/12/1379 H (01/06/1960). This law regulated the statistical sector by defining the relationship between the Department of Statistics and
Information (as a central statistical body) and other entities, with the aim of activating, expanding,and deepening the impact of statistical work in planning and promoting statistical awareness.
Throughout this period, several major developments occurred, including Council of Ministers Resolution No. (284) dated 24/11/1426 H, which approved the recommendations of the Ministerial
Committee for Administrative Organization on the study of the information, research, and studies sector. Under this decision, the department was made responsible for statistics and information in the Kingdom, and its name was changed to the Department of Statistics and Information. Later, Council of Ministers Resolution No. (11) dated 13/01/1437 H approved the establishment of the General Authority for Statistics. This decision assigned GASTAT technical oversight and regulation of
the statistical sector and tasked it with building a comprehensive system of national statistical databases across various fields. It also called for the development of a centralized national information system at GASTAT, linked electronically to all public entities, and participation in the
advancement of information systems and statistical work to establish a comprehensive, accurate, and unified statistical system. 

In the presence of His Excellency Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), and Eng. Olayan bin Mohammed Alwetaid, CEO of STC Group, GASTAT signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with STC Group. This agreement aims to enhance their collaboration, coordinate efforts to strengthen and diversify sources of statistical information and data, integrate to achieve shared objectives, and facilitate the exchange of expertise in their respective fields.
MoC was signed by Mr. Rami bin Ahmed Ghurab, General Supervisor of Data Management and Partnerships, on behalf of GASTAT, and Mr. Amir Al-gabrini, CEO of Regulatory and Compliance Affairs represented STC Group.
Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, stated that the statistical work undertaken by GASTAT is a crucial contributor to achieving national targets. He emphasized that cooperation with STC Group will help diversify data sources, which are essential inputs for statistical products and play a vital role in improving their quality.
This initiative is part of GASTAT's efforts to foster collaboration with various public and private sector institutions and entities. The goal is to provide statistical data and indicators and enhance service levels using the latest modern technological means, all within the framework of activating digital transformation, supporting the national economy, and promoting sustainable development to contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Industrial Production Index (IPI) recorded a 1.5% increase in May 2025 compared to May 2024. This rise was driven by increased activity in mining and quarrying activity , manufacturing activity and water supply, sewerage and waste management and remediation activities, according to IPI publication issued by GASTAT.

The publication's results showed a 2.1% annual increase in the sub-index for mining and quarrying, and a 0.9% rise in the sub-index for manufacturing. However, the sub-index for electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply decreased by 7.7%. Conversely, the sub-index for water supply, sewerage, and waste management, and remediation activities significantly increased by 15.5% year-on-year.
Furthermore, the publication indicated an annual increase in both the oil activities index (0.5%) and the non-oil activities index (3.8%).
GASTAT publishes the Industrial Production Index monthly. It measures relative changes in industrial production quantities based on data from the industrial production survey. This survey is conducted on a selected sample of establishments operating in targeted industrial sectors, including mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply, and water supply, sewerage, and waste management, and remediation activities.
 

The General Authority for Statistics has released the Tourism Establishments Statistics Publication for Q1 of 2025. According to the publication’s findings, the hotel room occupancy rate reached approximately 63% during the quarter, marking an increase of 2.1 percentage points compared to Q1 of 2024. The occupancy rate in serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities stood at 50.7% in Q1 of 2025, representing a decrease of 3.8 percentage points compared to the corresponding quarter of 2024.

The publication further indicated that the average daily room rate in hotels was about 477 SA during Q1  of 2025, reflecting a decrease of 3.4% compared to the same quarter in 2024. Meanwhile, the average daily room rate in serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities was approximately 209 SA during the same quarter, representing an increase of 7.2% compared to Q1 of 2024.

The results also showed that the average length of stay for hotel guests was about 4.1 nights during Q4 of 2024, which is the same as in the corresponding quarter of 2024. The average length of stay in serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities was around 2.1 nights during the same quarter, showing a decrease of 4.5% compared to the corresponding quarter of 2024.

The total number of employees in tourism activities reached 983,253 during Q1 of 2025, an increase of 4.1% compared to the same quarter of 2024. The number of Saudi employees was 243,369, representing a participation rate of 24.8%, while the number of non-Saudi employees was 739,884, accounting for 75.2% of the total workforce in tourism activities.

The publication’s findings also revealed that the number of male employees in tourism activities was 853,852, representing 86.8%, while the number of female employees was 129,401, accounting for 13.2% of all employees in tourism activities during Q1 of 2025.

Furthermore, the publication indicated that employees in tourism activities represented 5.4% of the total workforce in the economy during Q1 of 2025, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points compared to the corresponding quarter of 2024. The percentage of employees in tourism activities within the private sector was 8.1%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points compared to Q1 of 2024.

It is worth noting that the data for the Tourism Establishments Statistics for Q1 2025 is based on several sources to provide comprehensive information about tourism activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These sources include administrative records, statistical surveys, and secondary data.

In the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Inas bint Suleiman Al-Issa, Deputy Minister of Education; Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics; the Ministry’s Undersecretary for Planning, Eng. Saad bin Abdulgh  
 ani Alghamdi; the Secretary-General of Education Departments, Mr. Hamad bin Nasser Alwahaibi; along with several directors of education departments and leaders and staff , the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) held a ceremony to honor the winning education departments in the Statistical Knowledge Competition. The first edition of the competition was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education in 2024 and witnessed significant engagement, with the participation of 243,245 male and female students from 16 education departments across various regions and governorates of the Kingdom.
The competition results revealed that the General Administration of Education in Riyadh Region had the highest level of participation, with 46,635 students taking part, accounting for 21.0% of the total participants. They were followed by students from the General Administration of Education in Taif Governorate, with 38,953 participants (17.5%), and then by the Eastern Region’s General Administration of Education in third place, with 38,030 students representing 17.1% of the total. Meanwhile, 20,183 students from the General Administration of Education in Makkah Region participated, placing fourth with a percentage of 9.1%. Students from Qassim Region’s General Administration of Education came in fifth, with 17,692 participants, accounting for 8.0% of the total.
For his part, Dr. Fahad Aldossari, GASTAT President, praised the fruitful partnership between the Authority and the Ministry of Education in his remarks. He commended the efforts of the education departments that secured top ranks based on student participation levels in the Statistical Knowledge Competition, noting that these efforts led to outstanding results for this distinguished initiative.

Aldossari added that “The Statistical Knowledge Competition was launched to enhance statistical awareness among students and to develop their skills in critical thinking and informed engagement with data and statistical indicators from reliable sources.” He also expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Yousef Al-Benyan, Minister of Education, for the strong support the program received under his leadership, as this support played a vital role in the success of the first edition. He also expressed his hope that the second edition of the competition, set to launch in the upcoming academic year, will be even more successful and impactful. He noted that it will serve as a renewed opportunity to strengthen awareness of statistical work and highlight its important role in individual lives and the success of various development programs.
It is worth noting that the second edition of the Statistical Knowledge Competition will be launched during the upcoming academic year 1447H. This launch will coincide with the global celebration of World Statistics Day, which is held every five years. The Statistical Knowledge Program includes a variety of activities, such as leveraging school broadcasts to raise students’ awareness of the importance of statistical work and its role in development. It also features field visits by GASTAT staff to schools, where they deliver hands-on and enrichment programs. Additionally, the program provides specialized knowledge guides covering statistical terms, occupational classifications, and number-writing policies. It also explains key concepts such as statistical indicators and trains students on how to use statistical data sources, ultimately supporting sustainable development and advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
 

The General Authority for Statistics has released the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Publication for Q1 of 2025. According to the results, net FDI inflows reached SAR 22.2 billion, marking a 44% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year, while recording a 7% decrease compared to Q4 of 2024.
The publication also showed that outward FDI flows from the Kingdom’s economy amounted to approximately SAR 1.8 billion during Q1 of 2025, a 54% decrease compared to the same quarter last year, despite a 7% increase compared to Q4 of 2024. Meanwhile, inward FDI flows into the Kingdom's economy reached around SAR 24.0 billion in Q1 of 2025, representing a 24% increase compared to the same quarter last year, when the inflows were approximately SAR 19.4 billion. However, this also represents a 6% decrease compared to the previous quarter of the same year.
It is worth noting that foreign direct investment reflects a long-term relationship and sustained interest by entities resident in an economy other than Saudi Arabia. This typically involves the foreign investor, either individually or jointly with other foreign investors, owning 10% or more of the voting power in the shares of an enterprise.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the Labor Market Statistics Publication for Q1 of 2025. According to the results, the overall unemployment rate (including Saudis and non-Saudis) stood at 2.8%, while the overall labor force participation rate reached 68.2%. The labor force participation rate for Saudis increased to 51.3%, compared to Q4 of 2024.

The publication showed a rise in labor force participation among Saudi males, reaching 66.4%, accompanied by a decline in their unemployment rate to 4%. It also highlighted the success of women’s empowerment initiatives, which contributed to increased female economic participation and enhanced their role in driving growth and sustainable development. The labor force participation rate for Saudi females rose to 36.3%, while their unemployment rate dropped to 10.5%, compared to the previous quarter.

Among young Saudi women (15–24 years), the employment-to-population ratio increased to 14.6%, and their labor force participation rose to 18.4%. Meanwhile, the employment-to-population ratio for young Saudi males declined to 29.2%, with their labor force participation falling to 33.0%. Their unemployment rate dropped to 11.6% compared to Q4 of 2024. These changes are attributed to improvements in labor market policies, driven by the robust performance and growing attractiveness of the Saudi labor market.
Regarding core working-age Saudis (25–54 years), the employment-to-population ratio rose to 65.9%, and the labor force participation rate increased to 69.6%, while the unemployment rate declined to 5.4%. For Saudis (55 years and older), both the unemployment rate and labor force participation rate decreased compared to the previous quarter of 2024.
 
According to the publication, the unemployment rate among Saudis reached a historic low of 6.3% in Q1 of 2025. Likewise, unemployment among Saudi women has declined by more than 11 percentage points since 2021, reaching 10.5%, reflecting the Saudi labor market’s growing capacity to provide economic opportunities for its citizens amid supportive policies focused on development and employment.
The most common job search method was directly approaching employers, used by 75.8% of job seekers, followed by using the national unified employment platform (Jadarat) at 74.6%, while 64.5% of job seekers reported posting or updating their resumes on professional social media platforms. 
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has released today International Merchandise Trade Statistics publication for April 2025. According to the publication’s findings, the total merchandise exports amounted to SAR 90.3 billion, marking a decline of 10.9% compared to April 2024. Meanwhile, non-oil exports (including re-exports) increased by 24.6%, reaching SAR 28.4 billion compared to April 2024.
Imports also rose in April 2025, reaching SAR 76.1 billion, an increase of 18.3%. As a result, the trade balance surplus decreased to SAR 14.2 billion, reflecting a drop of 61.7% compared to April 2024.
The publication’s results showed an increase in the ratio of non-oil exports (including re-exports) to imports, which stood at 37.2% in April 2025 compared to 35.4% in April 2024. On the other hand, the share of oil exports in total exports declined from 77.5% in April 2024 to 68.6% in April 2025.
According to the publication, chemical industry products were among the top non-oil export commodities, amounting to SAR 6.0 billion and accounting for 26.4% of total non-oil exports. As for imports, the leading commodity group was machinery, electrical equipment, and parts thereof, which recorded SAR 21.1 billion and made up 26.0% of total imports.
The publication also indicated that the People’s Republic of China remained the Kingdom’s top trading partner. Exports to China totaled SAR 11.4 billion, representing 12.6% of total exports in April 2025, while imports from China reached SAR19.0 billion, accounting for 25.0% of total imports.
It is worth noting that international trade statistics rely on administrative records from Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (for non-oil trade) and the Ministry of Energy (for oil trade). The Kingdom’s imports and exports are classified according to the 2022 Harmonized System (HS) for the Description and Coding of Goods.
 

The United Nations has announced the election of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics, as a member of the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB).
This announcement affirms the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to develop an advanced statistical system based on innovation, quality, and openness, and reflects its commitment to continuing its role in promoting transparency and providing accurate statistics to support development policies in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The group is one of the high-level committees operating under the umbrella of the United Nations and plays a pivotal role in leading and coordinating global efforts related to the follow-up and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It does so through strengthening national statistical capacities, enhancing international partnerships, overseeing preparations for the United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF), developing global statistical data strategies, and making recommendations to boost financial investments in statistical infrastructure, stimulate innovation, and ensure the sustainability of statistical systems to consistently produce accurate data in the long term.
Saudi Arabia’s membership will contribute to supporting international cooperation, enhancing the exchange of expertise with member countries, and activating new partnerships with international organizations and national statistical offices around the world. It will also further the Kingdom’s efforts to build an advanced statistical ecosystem rooted in innovation, quality, and openness, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and to providing accurate statistics that support development policies aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
It is worth noting that the 39th meeting of the group was held earlier today, with the participation of Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics. During the meeting, he welcomed the Kingdom’s upcoming hosting of the High-Level Group’s meeting, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia this November. He also presented the Kingdom’s preparations for hosting the United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) in Riyadh, November 2026 and discussed several other topics related to international conferences on sustainable development.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the Hajj Statistics Publication for the year 1446 H / 2025. According to the publication’s results, the number of workers serving pilgrims during the 1446H/2025 Hajj season from both the public and private sectors, including security sectors, reached 420,070 workers, serving a total of 1,673,230 male and female pilgrims. Of these workers, 92% were male, while 8% were female.
Meanwhile, the number of male and female volunteers within the holy sites reached 34,540, who contributed a total of 2,134,398 volunteer hours during the 1446 H / 2025 Hajj season.
The publication also revealed that 314,337 male and female pilgrims benefited from the "Makkah Route Initiative" this year, representing 20.9% of all external pilgrims. These pilgrims arrived from eight countries. The initiative, which began during the 2017 Hajj season, aims to facilitate travel procedures for pilgrims arriving to perform the Hajj rituals.
It is worth noting that on 9 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 H (June 5, 2025), the General Authority for Statistics announced that the total number of pilgrims reached 1,673,230, including 1,506,576 external pilgrims who arrived through various entry points, and 166,654 internal pilgrims comprising both citizens and residents.
GASTAT’s statistical results for this year's Hajj also indicated that the number of male pilgrims was 877,841, while the number of female pilgrims was 795,389 out of the total number of internal and external pilgrims
It should be noted that the General Authority for Statistics relied in issuing the Hajj Statistics Publication on administrative records provided by the Ministry of Interior, which included the number of pilgrims, their detailed characteristics, and the services provided within the temporal and spatial boundaries of the pilgrimage. These data were collected, analyzed, and classified according to the statistical procedures followed over the past five years.
 

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, officially received the hosting rights for the 6th UN World Data Forum 2026 on behalf of Saudi Arabia. This announcement came at the conclusion of the 5th edition of the forum, held in Medellín, Colombia, from November 12 to 15, 2024. The forum gathered representatives from 193 UN member states. The High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics welcomed Saudi Arabia’s selection as the host for the next forum in Riyadh, following its success in securing the majority vote within the group. The Kingdom’s outstanding bid and capabilities were commended by the group. This achievement highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in statistical work and the significant advancements in its statistical system. It also reflects the impact of the Kingdom’s data in demonstrating its role in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On this occasion, Dr. Fahad Aldossari, extended his congratulations, on behalf of himself and GASTAT employees, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Prime Minister. He expressed gratitude for the support and empowerment GASTAT has received in recent years, which has significantly strengthened its local and international presence, enabling it to excel in statistical work and compete on the global stage. Aldossari noted that Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 6th UN World Data Forum in Riyadh in 2026 reflects the Kingdom’s significant advancements across various sectors, including its statistical system. He emphasized that the event presents a valuable opportunity to share technical expertise in statistics and establish strategic partnerships with national statistical offices worldwide.
In his speech, Aldossari expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Colombia, the United Nations, and the National Department of Statistics (DANE) for hosting and organizing this global event. He also extended his appreciation to all representatives of national statistical offices, the program team, and members of the HLG-PCCB for their dedication and hard work in preparing the program. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment, through the General Authority for Statistics, to enhancing the quality and transparency of statistical data across various fields. He highlighted the Kingdom’s exemplary leadership and outstanding performance in the region, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing statistical excellence.

The UN World Data Forum is a major international event attended by over 20,000 participants, including representatives from governments, national statistical offices, international and regional organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The forum serves as a platform to discuss challenges facing the global data and statistics system and to foster collaboration among policymakers and experts from around the world. It reflects the growing level of cooperation across diverse data systems and underscores the critical importance of data and statistics.
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics, will host the 6th UN World Data Forum in 2026 in Riyadh. The High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda (HLG-PCCB) announced Saudi Arabia’s selection by majority vote, following a review of competing countries’ bids and an assessment of their hosting capabilities. This decision reflects the Kingdom’s prominent global standing and its pivotal role in advancing efforts to provide high-quality data and statistical indicators. It also highlights the exceptional contributions of the General Authority for Statistics to the field of statistical work, reaffirming the Kingdom’s leadership in the global statistical community.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report for the first quarter of 2025. According to the publication’s results, real GDP achieved a growth rate of 3.4% compared to the same quarter of 2024, driven by a 4.9% growth in non-oil activities, in addition to a 3.2% growth in government activities, while oil activities recorded a decline of 0.5%. Meanwhile, seasonally adjusted real GDP rose by 1.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.

The results also showed that non-oil activities are the main driver to the annual real GDP growth, contributing 2.8 percentage points. Additionally, government activities and net taxes on products contributed positively by 0.5 and 0.2 percentage points, respectively.

It is worth noting that most economic activities achieved positive annual growth rates. Wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels recorded the highest growth rates during the first quarter of 2025, reaching 8.4% year-on-year and 0.7% quarter-on-quarter.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the official statistics for Hajj 1446H, reporting a total of (1,673.230) pilgrims. Of these, (1,506,576) pilgrims arrived from outside the Kingdom through various entry points, while (166,654) were citizens and residents pilgrims, including both Saudi citizens and residents. According to GASTAT’s statistical release, the number of male pilgrims, both internal and external, reached (877,841), while the number of female pilgrims totaled (795,389). GASTAT also revealed that a total of (1,435,017) pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom through airports, while (66,465) pilgrims entered via land border crossings, and (5,094) pilgrims arrived through seaports. 
It is worth noting that the General Authority for Statistics has relied on administrative records from the Ministry of Interior as the primary source for data and statistical indicators related to the Hajj season of 1446H / 2025. This approach aims to provide high-accuracy and reliable register-based data for Hajj statistics, using a standardized model that includes several key components. This methodology is a continuation of the statistical approach adopted over the past five years. 
As the Kingdom’s official statistical authority, GASTAT is the exclusive provider of official statistics in Saudi Arabia that is entrusted with overseeing all national statistical activities. Its responsibilities include providing technical supervision, conducting field surveys and research, performing data analysis, and managing the documentation, preservation, and tabulation of statistical information across all sectors of life in the Kingdom. 
On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of GASTAT, extended his sincere appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, for their unwavering support and comprehensive care provided to the pilgrims. He also prayed to Allah Almighty to accept the pilgrims’ Hajj and to grant continued success to all government entities in delivering outstanding services.

To view the executive summary of Hajj statistics 1446 AH, please visit the following link:

https://www.stats.gov.sa/documents/d/guest/hajj-report-1446h-en-1-

أصدرت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء اليوم نشرة إحصاءات التجارة الدولية السلعية لشهر مارس 2025 والربع الأول من العام ذاته، والتي كشفت عن استمرار نمو الصادرات غير البترولية. وأظهرت نتائج النشرة أن الصادرات غير البترولية (شاملة إعادة التصدير) سجلت ارتفاعًا ملحوظًا بنسبة 13.4% خلال الربع الأول 2025 مقارنةً بالربع المماثل من عام 2024، كما حققت نموًا بنسبة 10.7% في مارس 2025 مقارنة بمارس 2024، ما يعكس اتساع مساهمة القطاعات غير النفطية في التجارة الخارجية للمملكة. في حين أن الصادرات السلعية الكلية سجلت انخفاضًا بنسبة 3.2% في الربع الأول من عام 2025 مقارنةً بالفترة ذاتها من عام 2024، بينما بلغت نسبة الانخفاض في شهر مارس 9.8%. 
أما الواردات السلعية فقد ارتفعت بنسبة 7.3% خلال الربع الأول 2025، وبنسبة 0.1% في مارس 2025، مقارنةً بالفترات المماثلة من العام السابق. في حين تراجع الفائض في الميزان التجاري بنسبة 28% في الربع الأول، وبنسبة 34.2% خلال شهر مارس. 
وأوضحت نتائج النشرة تحسّن نسبة الصادرات غير البترولية إلى الواردات، حيث بلغت 36.2% في الربع الأول من 2025 مقابل 34.3% في الربع الأول من 2024، كما ارتفعت النسبة في شهر مارس لتصل إلى 36.5% مقابل 33% في مارس 2024. في المقابل، تراجعت نسبة الصادرات البترولية من إجمالي الصادرات الكلية إلى 71.8% في الربع الأول 2025 مقارنة بـ 75.9% في نفس الفترة من 2024، وإلى 71.2% في مارس مقارنة بـ 76.5% في مارس 2024.
وتصدرت "منتجات الصناعات الكيماوية" قائمة سلع الصادرات غير البترولية، حيث شكلت 23.8% من إجمالي الصادرات غير البترولية في الربع الأول، و25.7% في مارس 2025. في حين كانت "الآلات والأجهزة والمعدات الكهربائية وأجزاؤها" أكبر السلع المستوردة، بنسبة 25.8% في الربع الأول، و26.1% في مارس. 
وبيّنت النشرة أن جمهورية الصين الشعبية لا تزال الشريك التجاري الرئيس للمملكة، حيث استحوذت على 15.7% من إجمالي الصادرات و26.6% من إجمالي الواردات في الربع الأول 2025، بينما بلغت نسبتها في شهر مارس 15.5% للصادرات و25.3% للواردات.
تجدر الإشارة إلى أن إحصاءات التجارة الدولية السلعية تعتمد على السجلات الإدارية من هيئة الزكاة والضريبة والجمارك فيما يخص البيانات غير البترولية، ومن وزارة الطاقة للبيانات البترولية، وتُصنف السلع وفقًا للنظام المنسق لتوصيف السلع الأساسية وترميزها 2022.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) revealed that the digital economy’s share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased to 15.6%, marking a 1.6% rise compared to 2022. This is according to the results of the 2023 Digital Economy Statistics Publication, issued today.
The publication indicated that imports of information and communications technology (ICT) goods recorded a notable increase, reaching SAR 54.9 billion in 2023 compared to SAR 45.8 billion in 2022, an increase of 19.9%. Conversely, exports and re-exports of the same technologies grew by 76.1%, rising from SAR 6.7 billion to SAR 11.8 billion during the same period.
The publication further highlighted that 71.6% of internet-connected establishments are leveraging smart devices or internet-enabled systems. These include advanced technologies such as smart alarm systems, smart meters, smart lighting, and surveillance cameras. 
From a financial perspective, the ICT sector reported substantial performance in 2023, with operating revenues reaching approximately SAR 236.4 billion. Operating expenditure stood at SAR 115.4 billion, while total employee compensation amounted to SAR 27.5 billion.
In terms of digital economy stratification, the core level, which comprises enterprises engaged in the direct production of ICT goods and services, contributed 2.6% to GDP. The narrow level, which includes businesses that depend primarily on digital inputs for their operations, accounted for 2.3%. Most notably, the broad level, representing entities that utilize digital technologies to substantially enhance their products and services, contributed 10.7%. 
It is worth noting that this survey is based on international standards outlined in the Handbook on Measuring Digital Economy Statistics issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ensuring the international comparability of the indicators published by the Kingdom.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released Air Transport Statistics Publication 2024, which showed a notable increase in both passenger and air cargo traffic across the Kingdom’s airports compared to 2023. The total number of passengers at Kingdom’s airports exceeded 128 million, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year, according to the publication.

International flight passengers surpassed 69 million, representing a 14% rise from 2023, while domestic flight passengers exceeded 59 million, an increase of 16% from the same year. King Abdulaziz International Airport topped the list in terms of passenger numbers, receiving around 49 million passengers with a growth rate of 14%, followed by King Khalid International Airport, which handled 37.6 million passengers with an 18% increase. King Fahd International Airport came third, serving 12.8 million passengers with a 15% rise. The average daily number of domestic flight passengers at Kingdom’s airports reached approximately 162 thousand, while the average number for international flights stood at around 189 thousand, the report noted. 

Regarding air cargo, total cargo volumes reached 1.2 million tons in 2024, recording a 34% increase compared to 2023. March was the peak month for cargo traffic, with a total of 123 thousand tons. The cargo volumes were distributed as follows: 64 thousand tons of outbound cargo, 720 thousand tons of inbound cargo, and 407 thousand tons of transit cargo.

The total number of aircraft in the Kingdom’s fleet reached 361 in 2024, representing an 11% increase compared to 2023. Commercial aviation fleet recorded the highest share, with 258 aircraft, an increase of 12% over 2023, and a capacity of more than 250 passengers, totaling 97 aircraft. Meanwhile, the general aviation fleet included 103 aircraft, marking a 7% increase. 

It is worth noting that the Air Transport Statistics Publication is published annually by GASTAT to provide accurate data and indicators on the air transport system in the Kingdom, including passenger movement, flights, and cargo operations across both commercial and general aviation sectors, in support of development efforts within the air transport industry.
 

GASTAT's President, Dr. Fahad Aldossari, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Professor Markus Sovala, Director General of Statistics Finland of the Republic of Finland, in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Economy and Planning, Chairman of GASTAT’s Board of Directors, Mr. Faisal Alibrahim, and His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Bandar Alkhorayef, during the Saudi Statistics Forum organized by GASTAT in the capital Riyadh, on April 27-28, 2025

MoU aims to enhance cooperation between the two parties, improve coordination and integration of efforts in statistical work, establish a general framework for joint activities and tasks, and develop institutional capacities to serve the strategic objectives of both parties. It includes several areas of cooperation, notably: exchanging technical and knowledge-based support and expertise according to the specialization of each party, exchanging programs focused on promoting statistical awareness, developing communication strategies with the public, and organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops.

The Saudi Statistics Forum is the first of its kind and aims to discuss important statistical topics, highlight the positive impact of the statistics sector in supporting the Kingdom's path of progress and sustainable development, and reinforce the importance of data and statistics in raising awareness among members of society.