GASTAT introduced a new service allowing verification of field researchers’ identities through “Tawakkalna” application

تنظم الهيئة العامة للإحصاء الملتقى الإحصائي الثاني للجامعات والجمعيات الإحصائية، في مركز المؤتمرات بجامعة جدة بحضور صاحب السمو الأمير سعود بن عبدالله بن منصور بن عبدالله بن جلوي آل سعود محافظ جدة، وذلك يوم الإثنين الموافق 20 أكتوبر، بمشاركة نخبة من الخبراء والمختصين وممثلي الجمعيات العلمية المتخصصة ومجموعة بارزة من الأكاديميين والباحثين في مجالات الإحصاء والعلوم المرتبطة بالبيانات. 
ويأتي انعقاد الملتقى هذا العام بالتزامن مع اليوم العالمي للإحصاء 2025، الذي تشارك المملكة العربية السعودية دول العالم في الاحتفاء به، تأكيدًا على أهمية الإحصاءات الرسمية في دعم التنمية ومتخذي القرارات وراسمي السياسات التنموية والاقتصادية.
ويهدف الملتقى إلى تعزيز التكامل بين الهيئة العامة للإحصاء والجامعات والجمعيات الإحصائية السعودية، وتطوير البرامج الأكاديمية في مجال الإحصاء بما يواكب احتياجات سوق العمل والمنتجات الإحصائية الوطنية، كما يركز على تمكين الطلاب والباحثين من الوصول إلى البيانات ومصادرها وتوظيفها في مشروعاتهم البحثية، مع إبراز فرص الابتكار العلمي والبحثي في المنهجيات باستخدام التقنيات الحديثة.
ويتضمن جدول أعمال الملتقى جلسة رئيسة بعنوان: “دور الجامعات في صياغة مستقبل الابتكار الإحصائي”، والتي تستعرض الدور المحوري للمؤسسات الأكاديمية في تطوير المنهجيات الإحصائية المبتكرة وبناء القدرات الوطنية، كما سيشهد الملتقى عقد عدد من الجلسات الحوارية المتخصصة التي تناقش موضوعات متنوعة تشمل دور الإحصاءات في تنمية المجتمع واستعراض تجارب محلية ودولية في توظيف المؤشرات لدعم السياسات العامة، وطرح منهجيات مبتكرة لتحسين جودة البيانات الإحصائية من خلال أحدث الأدوات التقنية، إضافة إلى مناقشة أخلاقيات العمل الإحصائي وخصوصية البيانات، وتسليط الضوء على ممارسات المكاتب الإحصائية في توفير البيانات للمستفيدين.
الجدير بالذكر أن هذا الملتقى يأتي امتدادًا لنجاح النسخة الأولى التي نظمتها الهيئة العامة للإحصاء في عام 2024، وشهد حضورًا مميزًا من الخبراء والمتخصصين، وأسفر عن عدد من التوصيات والمخرجات العلمية، حيث تسعى 

الهيئة من خلال عقد مثل هذه الملتقيات إلى تعزيز شراكاتها الاستراتيجية مع الجهات ذات العلاقة، وتعزيز تبادل الخبرات في مجالات عملها، بما ينعكس على تطور القطاع الإحصائي ليواكب المتغيرات العالمية المتسارعة.
 

أطلقت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء، بالتعاون مع وزارة التعليم، النسخة الثانية من برنامج "المعرفة الإحصائية" في مدارس التعليم العام؛ وذلك بهدف بناء جيل جديد قادر على التعامل مع البيانات وتحليلها في عصر تتدفق فيه البيانات بشكل هائل في جميع المجالات.
ويستهدف البرنامج طلاب وطالبات المرحلتين المتوسطة والثانوية في مختلف مناطق المملكة، ويسعى إلى تمكينهم من الإلمام بالمفاهيم الأساسية المبسطة في علوم الإحصاء والبيانات وتنمية مهاراتهم المختلفة، وتدريبهم على البحث والتحليل والتعامل الواعي مع مصادر البيانات المتنوعة، للمشاركة في بناء مجتمع واعٍ يمتلك المعرفة والمهارات اللازمة للحصول على معلومات دقيقة من مصادرها الموثوقة والتواصل مع المصادر المعرفية الداخلية والخارجية بكل وعي وكفاءة.
ويأتي البرنامج في إطار الشراكة الاستراتيجية بين الهيئة العامة للإحصاء ووزارة التعليم لرفع مستوى الثقافة الإحصائية بين طلاب وطالبات المرحلتين المتوسطة والثانوية، وتدريبهم على التطبيق العملي لمفاهيم الإحصاء الأساسية في حياتهم اليومية، وتنمية مهارات التفكير النقدي والتحليل الكمي لديهم، مما يعزز من جاهزيتهم للمراحل التعليمية المتقدمة ودراسة التخصصات العلمية المستقبلية التي يتطلبها سوق العمل.
ومن الجدير بالذكر أن برنامج "المعرفة الإحصائية" يشتمل على عدد من الأنشطة التعليمية التفاعلية التي تم تصميمها بشكل سلس ومبسط يتناسب مع الفئات العمرية المستهدفة، ويسعى البرنامج إلى ربط الطلاب بمفاهيم البيانات والإحصاء واستخداماتها المختلفة في الحياة اليومية ليتدربوا على استخدام الإحصاء في عملية صناعة القرار، وذلك من خلال مسابقة تعليمية تفاعلية مبسطة تدمج بين المعرفة النظرية والتطبيق العملي. وتستمر المسابقة لمـدة 10أيام بدءًا من يوم الأحد 19 أكتوبر وحتى يوم الخميس 30 أكتوبر الجاري.
يشار إلى أن برنامج المعرفة الإحصائية يشتمل على عدد من الأنشطة التعليمية منها استثمار الإذاعة المدرسية لتقديم جانب معرفي حول العمل الإحصائي ودوره في التنمية الاجتماعية والاقتصادية، إضافة إلى الزيارات التي سيقوم بها عدد من قادة ومنسوبي الهيئة العامة للإحصاء إلى المدارس لتقديم برامج إثرائية وتطبيقية للطلاب والطالبات في الجوانب المعرفية الإحصائية المختلفة.
هذا وقد نشرت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء عبر منصاتها المختلفة وكذلك عبر حسابات وزارة التعليم رابط المشاركة في المسابقة المعرفية والأنشطة الأخرى لبرنامج المعرفة الإحصائية عبر الرابط التالي: https://www.stats.gov.sa/knowledge-competition
 

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.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) participated in the 43rd meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics, held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting brought together representatives of Arab statistical offices and specialized organizations with the aim of strengthening Arab cooperation and promoting the exchange of expertise and information in the field of statistics.
The delegation of GASTAT was headed by the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari. The meeting discussed several key items on the agenda, including the follow-up on the implementation of the recommendations of the previous meeting, the review of the statistical activities of Arab offices for 2025, and the reports and recommendations of the specialized subcommittees. The meeting also discussed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 indicators and the latest developments in the use of modern technologies in statistical work, in addition to the 2026 work program of the Statistics and Information Databases Department.
It is worth noting that the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics is one of the leading Arab committees specialized in the field of statistics. It plays a key role in developing Arab statistical capacities and coordinating efforts between national offices and regional and international organizations in support of advancing joint Arab statistical work.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) participated in the 50th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics (AITRS), held on Monday, October 13, 2025, in Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting brought together representatives of Arab statistical offices and specialized organizations to discuss key topics related to the development of statistical work in the Arab region and to enhance cooperation and integration in the fields of training, research, and statistical studies.
The delegation of GASTAT was headed by the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari. The meeting discussed a number of key items on the agenda, including the Director General’s report for 2025, the Institute’s work program and plan for 2026–2027, and the proposed budget for 2026. The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of the 2020–2030 strategy evaluation study and highlighted the statistical activities and initiatives implemented across Arab countries. Additionally, the meeting explored mechanisms to strengthen cooperation between the Institute and Arab statistical offices and discussed ways to further develop the Institute’s training programs to meet the evolving needs of Arab statistical offices.
It is worth noting that AITRS was established in 1973 and includes 22 Arab countries as members. The Board of Trustees, comprising the heads of Arab statistical offices, oversees the formulation of the Institute’s general policies and the approval of its programs and annual budgets.
 

King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language ) KSGAAL(, in collaboration with the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), has launched the Glossary of Statistical Terms. The goal of this strategic step is standardizing statistical concepts, providing a reliable reference for researchers, decision-makers, and media outlets, and offering a specialized tool that supports transparency and enhances statistical awareness among data and indicator users.
GASTAT emphasized that the glossary is part of its efforts to develop the knowledge infrastructure that supports the production of official data and statistics, and to ensure the standardization of terminology used across the statistical sector in accordance with the latest statistical methodologies. GASTAT undertook the collection of terms, alignment with reliable international sources, thorough review, and translation to facilitate the exchange of data and information in a precise and clear language that enhances output quality and ensures alignment with international standards.
The glossary includes a comprehensive list of statistical terms and definitions commonly used in methodologies and reports—both nationally and internationally—issued by GASTAT, presented in both Arabic and English. It is organized into three main categories: social, economic, and spatial and environmental terms. It is available through an interactive interface that allows users to browse alphabetically or search directly using a search bar. It was developed following an integrated methodology that involved collecting terms from GASTAT’s reports in addition to internal and external official statistical sources. The terms were reviewed, and the most relevant and applicable to GASTAT’s work were selected, defined, and linguistically validated for accuracy.
The glossary is part of ongoing efforts to develop innovative knowledge tools that promote the unified use of statistical data, serving all interested audiences, especially planners and decision-makers across various sectors. It will be made available also on SIWAR linguistic dictionaries Platform to ensure easy access for users, with advanced search capabilities provided. (To view the glossary, click here).
It is worth noting that SIWAR linguistic dictionaries Platform is one of the strategic projects of KSGAAL within its language initiatives. It aims to support the dissemination of digital dictionaries and facilitate their development and management in accordance with the latest scientific methodologies, serving as a central resource for specialists, interested parties, and dictionary creators, including both individuals and institutions. 
 GASTAT invites those interested in viewing the glossary to access GASTAT's portal by visiting the following link: [ www.stats.gov.sa/en/glossary-of-statistical-terms ], to benefit from the glossary by using standardized statistical terminology and a common statistical language that unites statisticians, researchers, and academics. This will facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and the exchange of expertise, which contributes to enhancing the quality of statistical research and raising the level of statistical awareness in the community.

President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, participated in the 14th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Statistical Commission (OIC-StatCom), in Ankara, Turkey, from October 1-3, 2025.
 The meeting brought together heads of official statistical centers from OIC member states to exchange expertise, showcase best practices, strengthen statistical capabilities within the organization, and discuss key statistical trends and mechanisms to enhance cooperation in data sharing and developing statistical capabilities.
The meeting discussed the follow-up on the implementation of the OIC-StatCom 2026-2030 work plan, along with the role of official statistical agencies and offices in Islamic countries to enhance the exchange of expertise among them, standardize statistical methodologies and standards, and review future aspirations for statistical work in member states.
It is noteworthy that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the 12th session of OIC-StatCom 2023, which took place in Jeddah over two days with the participation of the heads of official statistical centers from OIC member states. This was the first time that the committee's meetings were held outside the headquarters country (Turkey), reflecting the Kingdom’s international status and its Arab and Islamic position, and affirming its keenness to enhance communication and joint work among Islamic countries in all fields.
Moreover, it is noted that the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) is a subsidiary organ of the OIC which is mandated to collect, process, and disseminate socio-economic statistics; study and evaluate the economic and social developments; and organize training programs for OIC member states.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) participated in the 10th International Conference on Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange (SDMX), held in Rome under the theme “Smarter Data for Better Insights.” The event brought together heads and representatives of international organizations, national statistical offices, and leading global experts.
Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, led the delegation to the conference. GASTAT’s participation focused on discussing the latest developments in statistical data and metadata, leveraging modern technologies to enhance digital statistical platforms, adopting global best practices in data governance, and ensuring the accuracy of statistical indicators. These objectives were pursued through strengthening the application of SDMX standards at the international level and by fostering cooperation and knowledge-sharing among international organizations and statistical agencies.
During his participation in a session titled “Enabling Artificial Intelligence in the Exchange of Statistical Data and Metadata,” Dr. Aldossari explained that GASTAT has adopted a data operating model based on SDMX and supported by advanced technologies. This model streamlines the entire statistical value chain—from data collection to dissemination—while ensuring interoperability and reusability of statistical data and metadata at both the national and international levels. It also strengthens integration across these elements to enhance the quality and accuracy of statistical outputs, while upholding privacy and metadata management standards.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Aldossari held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Bert Kroese, Director of Statistics at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and leveraging international initiatives to foster statistical innovation and development, with the aim of improving economic and development planning and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 10th International Conference on SDMX is being held over five days, featuring several high-level sessions on the importance of utilizing modern technologies within the SDMX initiative and exploring the role of artificial intelligence in this field. The conference program also includes a series of workshops designed to promote international cooperation among statistical organizations and advance the development of statistical systems across agencies.
Hosted by the Bank of Italy, the SDMX conference is recognized as one of the leading global events in the statistical sector. Organized biennially since its launch in 2002, the SDMX initiative is overseen by a consortium of international organizations with the mission of standardizing and modernizing the mechanisms and processes of statistical data and metadata exchange across the international statistical community.
 

GASTAT released Labor Market Statistics Publication for Q2 of 2025. Overall labor force participation rate (for Saudis and non-Saudis) reached 67.1%, while the overall unemployment rate (for Saudis and non-Saudis) reached 3.2%. Labor force participation rate among Saudis was 49.2%, and the unemployment rate among Saudis was 6.8%, according to the publication. 

The labor force participation rate among Saudi males was 64.0%, while the unemployment rate among Saudi males reached 4.3%. The results also indicated that the labor force participation rate among Saudi females was 34.5%, whereas the unemployment rate among Saudi females was 11.3%. The results related to young Saudi females (aged 15-24 years) showed that the employment to population ratio reached 13.8%, while their labor force participation rate was recorded at 17.4%. In comparison, the unemployment to population ratio among young Saudi males was 28.0%, and their labor force participation rate was 31.6%, the publication results noted. 

As for the labor market indicators in Q2 of 2025 concerning Saudi population (both males and females) in the core working age group (25-54 years), the employment to population ratio was 63.3%, while the labor force participation rate reached 67.3%. The results further indicated that the unemployment rate reached 5.9%.

Regarding the job search methods, it is noteworthy that the Labor Market Statistics Publication for Q2 of 2025 indicated that the most commonly used method was applying directly to employers, at a rate of 72.4%. This was followed by using the national unified employment platform (Jadarat) at 56.3%, while the method of asking friends or relatives about job opportunities constituted 50.5%.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today released the International Trade publication for July 2025, which showed a 30.4% increase in non-oil exports (including re-exports) compared to the same month in 2024.
The publication results showed that the non-oil merchandise exports to imports ratio rose to 44.6% in July 2025, compared to 33.4% in July 2024. The “Machinery, electrical equipment and parts” group accounted for 29.7% of total non-oil exports, followed by chemical industry products at 19.6%. On the imports side, the “Machinery, electrical equipment and parts” group accounted for 11.7% of total imports, marking an increase of 29.9% compared to July 2024. Followed by the “Transport equipment and parts” group, which represented 13.2% of imports, recording a decrease of 9.6% over the same period.
The results indicated that oil exports decreased by 0.7% during the same period, causing their share of total merchandise exports to decline from 72.8% in July 2024 to 67.1% in July 2025. In terms of the trade balance, the surplus increased by 53.4% compared to July 2024, driven by a 2.5% decrease in imports. 
The publication showed that China was the Kingdom’s largest trading partner, accounting for 14.0% of total exports and 25.8% of total imports. Followed by the United Arab Emirates, with 10.6% of exports and 6.4% of imports, then India with 9.4% of exports. The Kingdom’s total exports to the top 10 countries amounted to 65.7% of the total, while imports from the top 10 countries accounted for 64.3%. The results also indicated that King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam was the Kingdom’s main entry point for imports, handling 26.1% of the total, followed by Jeddah Islamic Port with 20.9%.
It is noteworthy that the International Trade Statistics are based on administrative records from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Energy (for oil exports). The Kingdom’s exports and imports are classified according to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), as adopted by the World Customs Organization.
 

His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Baha Region, received today at his office the President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, and his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, HRH reviewed a summary of GASTAT’s key achievements, statistical projects, and initiatives across the Kingdom, highlighting their role in supporting developmental and economic planning.
The discussion included a briefing on statistical indicators for Al-Baha Region, along with an overview of GASTAT’s efforts in providing accurate data to governmental entities in order to enhance planning efficiency, optimize expenditure, and support the achievement of Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals.
In conclusion, the meeting reflects ongoing cooperation to leverage statistical outputs in supporting national initiatives and achieving added value in regional development.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) met today with the Governor of Al-Baha Region at the Secretariat headquarters to discuss opportunities of cooperation between the two parties in statistical data and information exchange aimed at supporting regional urban planning and development.
During the meeting, both parties discussed the importance of integration in their respective areas of expertise and the utilization of accurate statistical indicators to enhance the efficiency of projects and services in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
It is noteworthy that this meeting reflects GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic partnerships with governmental and institutional entities across all sectors, leveraging its statistical products to support national initiatives and targets, and to advance development across various regions of the Kingdom.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and National Accounts Publication for Q2 2025. According to the results, real GDP recorded a growth of 3.9% compared to the same quarter in 2024. 
The results showed that all major economic activities recorded annual growth. Non-oil activities grew by 4.6%, followed by oil activities at 3.8%, while government activities grew by 0.6%. Non-oil activities were the main contributor to growth, adding 2.6 percentage points, while oil activities and net taxes on products contributed positively by 0.9 and 0.3 percentage points, respectively. Furthermore, compared to Q1 2025, the seasonally adjusted real GDP increased by 1.7%, with oil activities being the largest contributor to growth at 1.3 percentage points, followed by non-oil activities with 0.4 percentage points.
Additionally, at the level of economic activities, electricity, gas, and water activities achieved the highest annual growth rate of 10.3%, followed by financial, insurance, and business services at 7.0%, and wholesale & retail trade, restaurants, and hotels at 6.6%.

The Construction Cost Index (CCI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recorded an increase of 0.7% in August 2025 compared to the same month last year. This rise attributed to a 0.8% increase in the residential sector costs and a 0.6% increase in the non-residential sector costs, according to the CCI publication for August 2025 issued by GASTAT. 
On a monthly basis, construction costs in the residential sector recorded a slight increase of 0.1% in August 2025 compared to the previous month of the same year, while costs in the non-residential sector remained the same from the previous month.
It is noteworthy that CCI reflects price movements of construction inputs across 51 items of goods and services, with prices collected monthly from various regions of the Kingdom. The year 2023 has been set as the base year.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at strengthening integration and coordination between the two sides through establishing a comprehensive framework for joint activities and tasks. This contributes to developing human capacities and enhances innovation in data exchange and governance mechanisms.
The MoC emphasizes the exchange of technical expertise, knowledge, information, and statistics, along with joint efforts in conducting studies and research to strengthen transparency and ensure the reliability of statistical indicators. It also seeks to empower decision-makers in developing plans and shaping policies aligned with national development goals. Furthermore, the MoC covers the organization of conferences, seminars, workshops, and training programs, while fostering innovation and joint initiatives through the adoption of modern statistical tools and technologies.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT  is the Kingdom’s official body for statistics and the sole authorized reference for carrying out, technically supervising, and regulating statistical activities. Its responsibilities cover various aspects, most prominently the collection of statistical data and information from public and private entities as well as individuals, followed by their analysis and study to produce various statistical indicators. GASTAT also provides statistical consultations and reports for surveys and research, in addition to other data and statistical services that fall within its mandate.

The President of Al-Baha University, His Excellency Prof. Abdullah Alhussein, met with the President of the General Authority for Statistics, Fahad Aldossari. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways of cooperation within their respective areas of specialization.
The parties explored opportunities to strengthen their partnership by supporting academic and research programs, enhancing the statistical competencies of the university’s students, and providing access to statistical data and indicators to improve the quality of educational and research outputs.
H.E.  President of Al-Baha University affirmed that the university is open to cooperation with the General Authority for Statistics through its research centers and academic staff across various disciplines, in order to conduct studies that support GASTAT’s work.
For his part, GASTAT President appreciated the role played by Al-Baha University in building research and scientific capacity, stressing that GASTAT is keen to expand its partnerships with educational institutions to improve the efficiency of development plans and support decision-making through the exchange of statistical data, while keeping pace with international developments and best practices in educational statistics.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, met with the Chairman of Al-Baha Chamber of Commerce, Mashi Alomari, in the presence of representatives from both sides, as part of GASTAT’s delegation visit to the region.
During the meeting, the two parties reviewed opportunities for cooperation and ways to enhance the utilization of statistical data and indicators to support investors and entrepreneurs in the region, thereby contributing to better decision-making and improving the efficiency of developmental and economic planning.
It is noteworthy that this meeting comes as part of GASTAT’s efforts to strengthen its strategic partnerships with various entities and institutions across all sectors, to expand the scope of cooperation and leverage its statistical products in supporting national initiatives and targets, thus creating added value that contributes to driving the Kingdom’s development forward.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August 2025, recording an increase of 2.3% compared to the same month of the previous year, based on the updated CPI methodology. This methodology enhances the availability of more comprehensive, timely, and accurate data on inflation trends. It also provides flexibility in capturing changes in spending patterns and measuring the impact of price movements for goods and services in retail markets on household consumption expenditure. This step comes as part of GASTAT’s continuous efforts to develop and improve statistical products and indicators, in line with international standards, and to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and reliable data that support policymakers in shaping economic and social decisions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development plans and Vision 2030 goals. 
In this regard, GASTAT explained that the updated CPI methodology aims to improve the accuracy of measuring actual inflation in Saudi economy, consistent with best global practices and relevant international guidelines. Key updates include enhancements in price data collection methods, consumer basket weights, and variation of data sources. The new weights are derived from the 2023 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, in addition to household final consumption expenditure in the national accounts, data from Ejar platform, and other administrative records from various entities. Furthermore, the reference year of the index has been updated from 2018 to 2023, ensuring that the CPI better reflects actual spending patterns.

In the same context, GASTAT expanded the geographical coverage of points of sale to ensure comprehensive population coverage and a diversity of consumer categories. Using geospatial mapping techniques, the sampling frame was updated through reviewing coverage levels, increasing the number of outlets, and redistributing them to reflect population density and concentration across cities in the Kingdom. GASTAT also adopted the annual chain-linking methodology, a statistical approach that updates the CPI basket weights annually based on household final consumption expenditure data derived from national accounts, rather than relying on a fixed base year with unchanged weights for several years. This approach provides a consistent time series that better reflects economic realities and offers greater flexibility in capturing rapid market shifts and economic transformations.

GASTAT indicated that the expansion included increasing the number of retail outlets covered, from 32 thousand under the previous methodology to 82 thousand in the updated framework, and raising the sample of points of sale from 8,700 to 14 thousand. The number of items in the consumer basket was also expanded to 582, compared to 490 previously, in line with updated consumer behavior and preferences. Furthermore, the geographical scope of coverage was broadened by increasing the number of cities from 16 to 23 cities, enabling the publication of index results at the level of all administrative regions in the Kingdom. The updated methodology also incorporated the latest United Nations Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP 2018), with new levels added for index calculation and result generation, while maintaining linkage with the previous edition (COICOP 1999).

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the CPI methodology update forms part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive, reliable, and accurate statistical indicators that reflect consumption patterns and price movements in Saudi economy. These improvements strengthen support for policymakers, analysts, and specialists in monitoring price developments and in advancing effective economic and social planning.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Industrial Production Index (IPI) for July 2025, showing a 6.5% increase compared to the same month of the previous year (July 2024). The results revealed that mining and quarrying activity increased by 6.5% year-on-year, while manufacturing activity increased by 7%. 
According to the publication, electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply activity recorded an annual increase of 0.9%, whereas water supply, sewerage and waste management and remediation activities surged by 8.5%, compared to July 2024. Furthermore, according to the main economic activities of IPI, oil activities increased by 7.8%, while non-oil activities recorded a 3.5% rise.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today released its International Trade Statistics publications for June 2025 and for Q2 2025.
The results of the June publication revealed continued growth in non-oil exports (including re-exports), which recorded an increase of 22.1% compared to June 2024. National non-oil exports (excluding re-exports) rose by 8.4%, while the value of re-exported goods increased by 60.2%. Merchandise exports grew by 3.7% despite a 2.5% decrease in oil exports, which reduced the share of oil exports in total exports to 70.2% compared to 74.7% in June 2024.
Merchandise imports increased by 1.7%, which contributed to the improvement of the ratio of non-oil exports to imports, reaching 39.2% compared to 32.7% in June 2024. Meanwhile, the surplus in the merchandise trade balance increased by 10.6% compared to the same month of the previous year.
Chemical products topped the list of non-oil exports, accounting for 24.5% of the total, followed by machinery, electrical equipment, and parts with 23.3%. On the other hand, machinery, electrical equipment, and parts ranked first among imports with 30.6%.
The publication showed that the People’s Republic of China was the Kingdom’s main trading partner, accounting for 15.5% of total exports and 27.9% of total imports in June 2025.
In addition, the results of the Q2 2025 publication showed that non-oil exports (including re-exports) continued to grow by 17.8% compared to Q2 2024, while national non-oil exports increased by 5.6%, and the value of re-exported goods rose by 46.2%.
Meanwhile, merchandise exports decreased by 7.3% compared to Q2 2024, due to a 15.8% decline in oil exports. Accordingly, the share of oil exports in total exports decreased from 74.7% in Q2 2024 to 67.9% in Q2 2025.
Merchandise imports increased by 13.1% in Q2 2025 compared to the same period of the previous year, while the merchandise trade balance surplus decreased by 56.2%. The ratio of non-oil exports to imports rose to 37.3% compared to 35.8% in Q2 2024.
Chemical products were the top non-oil export items, accounting for 23.0% of the total, followed by machinery, electrical equipment, and parts with 21.7%. Machinery, electrical equipment, and parts were also the most imported goods, accounting for 28.9% of total imports.
The publication indicated that the People’s Republic of China was the Kingdom’s main trading partner in Q2 2025, accounting for 14.2% of total exports and 27.4% of total imports during this period.