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GASTAT President leads the GASTAT delegation at the Global Data Festival 2026 in Nairobi
07-06-2026
Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), headed the GASTAT delegation participating in the Global Data Festival 2026, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 2 to 5, 2026. The event brought together a wide range of leaders and experts in data, statistics, technology, and innovation from around the world to discuss ways to advance data ecosystems and strengthen their role in supporting sustainable development and data-driven decision-making.
During his participation as a keynote speaker at the festival’s closing ceremony, Aldossari highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen data and statistical ecosystems, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation, promoting international cooperation, and leveraging data and emerging technologies to advance sustainable development. He also underscored the importance of integrating statistical systems, geospatial information, and artificial intelligence technologies to address global development challenges.
On the sidelines of the festival, GASTAT President held a series of bilateral meetings with international and statistical organizations. These included a meeting with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), represented by Director General Dr. Macdonald George Obudho, who also serves as Co-Chair of the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda (HLG-PCCB).
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the strategic priorities of the 2026 UN World Data Forum, scheduled to be held in Riyadh next November. They also explored mechanisms for aligning and integrating the outcomes of the Global Data Festival in Nairobi with those of the Forum, discussed the initial direction of the outcome document, and reviewed ongoing efforts to ensure the success of the event through the “Road to Riyadh” activities. In addition, they explored opportunities for collaboration within the framework of the High-level Group
GASTAT President also met with Ms. Jenna Slotin, representative of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD), to discuss the Partnership’s priorities and areas of work. The meeting reviewed GASTAT’s preparations for hosting the 2026 UN World Data Forum and its strategic vision for the event.
The two sides also explored opportunities for collaboration and engagement during both the preparatory phase and the Forum itself, while laying the groundwork for future partnership and cooperation in support of international efforts aimed at harnessing data for sustainable development.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT’s participation in the Global Data Festival reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance Saudi Arabia’s presence in specialized international forums and reinforce its position as an active partner in advancing data and statistical ecosystems at both the regional and international levels.
GASTAT President leads the GASTAT delegation at the Global Data Festival 2026 in Nairobi
07-06-2026
Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), headed the GASTAT delegation participating in the Global Data Festival 2026, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 2 to 5, 2026. The event brought together a wide range of leaders and experts in data, statistics, technology, and innovation from around the world to discuss ways to advance data ecosystems and strengthen their role in supporting sustainable development and data-driven decision-making.
During his participation as a keynote speaker at the festival’s closing ceremony, Aldossari highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen data and statistical ecosystems, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation, promoting international cooperation, and leveraging data and emerging technologies to advance sustainable development. He also underscored the importance of integrating statistical systems, geospatial information, and artificial intelligence technologies to address global development challenges.
On the sidelines of the festival, GASTAT President held a series of bilateral meetings with international and statistical organizations. These included a meeting with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), represented by Director General Dr. Macdonald George Obudho, who also serves as Co-Chair of the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda (HLG-PCCB).
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the strategic priorities of the 2026 UN World Data Forum, scheduled to be held in Riyadh next November. They also explored mechanisms for aligning and integrating the outcomes of the Global Data Festival in Nairobi with those of the Forum, discussed the initial direction of the outcome document, and reviewed ongoing efforts to ensure the success of the event through the “Road to Riyadh” activities. In addition, they explored opportunities for collaboration within the framework of the High-level Group
GASTAT President also met with Ms. Jenna Slotin, representative of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD), to discuss the Partnership’s priorities and areas of work. The meeting reviewed GASTAT’s preparations for hosting the 2026 UN World Data Forum and its strategic vision for the event.
The two sides also explored opportunities for collaboration and engagement during both the preparatory phase and the Forum itself, while laying the groundwork for future partnership and cooperation in support of international efforts aimed at harnessing data for sustainable development.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT’s participation in the Global Data Festival reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance Saudi Arabia’s presence in specialized international forums and reinforce its position as an active partner in advancing data and statistical ecosystems at both the regional and international levels.
GASTAT hosts a panel discussion titled Data for Sustainable Future as part of Road to Riyadh events
05-06-2026
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today hosted a panel discussion titled “Data for Sustainable Future” as part of “Road to Riyadh” events. The event forms part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum 2026 (UNWDF), scheduled to take place in Riyadh this coming November, with broad participation from national and international experts and specialists in the fields of data, statistics, and sustainable development.
The session coincided with World Environment Day and highlighted the pivotal role of environmental data and statistics in advancing sustainability efforts, enhancing the effectiveness of decision-making, and measuring progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
It aimed to promote environmentally sustainable practices, raise awareness of the importance of environmental statistical indicators, and underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to global sustainability priorities and the SDGs. It also sought to strengthen collaboration between producers and users of environmental data to maximize its value in supporting development policies and decision-making.
The session brought together a distinguished group of local and international experts and practitioners. It was moderated by Mohammed Alsaad, Director of Private Sector Partnerships at GASTAT, and featured contributions from Dr. Bahjat Hamouh, Executive Vice President for Vegetation Cover Development and Management at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification; Golestan Radwan, Chief Digital Officer at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Dr. Mubarak Alrashedi, Director General of Environmental Quality at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture; Ian Townsend, Deputy Director for Environmental Economy at the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS); and Dr. Abdullah Al Thunayan, General Supervisor of Environmental and Spatial Statistics at GASTAT.
Participants explored a range of topics related to the future of sustainability and emerging innovations in environmental measurement. Discussions also covered leading international methodologies and best practices for advancing environmental statistics, strengthening data integration, and fostering partnerships between statistical offices and environmental data stakeholders. These efforts contribute to building more sustainable environmental statistical systems, improving the quality and reliability of indicators, and leveraging advanced technologies for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of environmental data in line with rapidly evolving global trends.
It is worth noting that the “Road to Riyadh” event forms part of GASTAT’s broader efforts to showcase the Kingdom’s statistical transformation under Saudi Vision 2030 and to enhance national readiness and coordination for hosting the 6th UN lWDF 2026, one of the world’s foremost international platforms dedicated to data and sustainable development.
GASTAT hosts a panel discussion titled Data for Sustainable Future as part of Road to Riyadh events
05-06-2026
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today hosted a panel discussion titled “Data for Sustainable Future” as part of “Road to Riyadh” events. The event forms part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum 2026 (UNWDF), scheduled to take place in Riyadh this coming November, with broad participation from national and international experts and specialists in the fields of data, statistics, and sustainable development.
The session coincided with World Environment Day and highlighted the pivotal role of environmental data and statistics in advancing sustainability efforts, enhancing the effectiveness of decision-making, and measuring progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
It aimed to promote environmentally sustainable practices, raise awareness of the importance of environmental statistical indicators, and underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to global sustainability priorities and the SDGs. It also sought to strengthen collaboration between producers and users of environmental data to maximize its value in supporting development policies and decision-making.
The session brought together a distinguished group of local and international experts and practitioners. It was moderated by Mohammed Alsaad, Director of Private Sector Partnerships at GASTAT, and featured contributions from Dr. Bahjat Hamouh, Executive Vice President for Vegetation Cover Development and Management at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification; Golestan Radwan, Chief Digital Officer at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Dr. Mubarak Alrashedi, Director General of Environmental Quality at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture; Ian Townsend, Deputy Director for Environmental Economy at the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS); and Dr. Abdullah Al Thunayan, General Supervisor of Environmental and Spatial Statistics at GASTAT.
Participants explored a range of topics related to the future of sustainability and emerging innovations in environmental measurement. Discussions also covered leading international methodologies and best practices for advancing environmental statistics, strengthening data integration, and fostering partnerships between statistical offices and environmental data stakeholders. These efforts contribute to building more sustainable environmental statistical systems, improving the quality and reliability of indicators, and leveraging advanced technologies for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of environmental data in line with rapidly evolving global trends.
It is worth noting that the “Road to Riyadh” event forms part of GASTAT’s broader efforts to showcase the Kingdom’s statistical transformation under Saudi Vision 2030 and to enhance national readiness and coordination for hosting the 6th UN lWDF 2026, one of the world’s foremost international platforms dedicated to data and sustainable development.
GASTAT organizes a panel discussion titled Data for Sustainable Future
01-06-2026
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes a panel discussion titled “Data for Sustainable Future” on Friday, 5 June 2026, as part of “Road to Riyadh” events. The event is being held within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) 2026 in Riyadh this coming November.
This panel discussion is held in conjunction with World Environment Day and aims to highlight the role of data and statistics in supporting sustainable development efforts, informing decision-making, and measuring progress toward achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
It addresses a number of key themes, including the evolution of environmental data methodologies and guidelines, strengthening environmental statistics through innovative solutions, leveraging environmental data to advance sustainability initiatives, and fostering partnerships between statistical offices and relevant stakeholders.
It is noteworthy that the “Road to Riyadh” events comprises panel discussions, conferences, and workshops. These events are designed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s statistical achievements under Saudi Vision 2030 and to strengthen coordination and readiness efforts in advance of hosting the UNWDF.
GASTAT organizes a panel discussion titled Data for Sustainable Future
01-06-2026
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes a panel discussion titled “Data for Sustainable Future” on Friday, 5 June 2026, as part of “Road to Riyadh” events. The event is being held within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) 2026 in Riyadh this coming November.
This panel discussion is held in conjunction with World Environment Day and aims to highlight the role of data and statistics in supporting sustainable development efforts, informing decision-making, and measuring progress toward achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
It addresses a number of key themes, including the evolution of environmental data methodologies and guidelines, strengthening environmental statistics through innovative solutions, leveraging environmental data to advance sustainability initiatives, and fostering partnerships between statistical offices and relevant stakeholders.
It is noteworthy that the “Road to Riyadh” events comprises panel discussions, conferences, and workshops. These events are designed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s statistical achievements under Saudi Vision 2030 and to strengthen coordination and readiness efforts in advance of hosting the UNWDF.
GASTAT: Total number of pilgrims for Hajj 2026 reaches (1,707,301)
26-05-2026
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today that the total number of pilgrims during 2026 reached (1,707,301), with external pilgrims arriving through various entry points making up (1,546,655), while internal pilgrims, comprising citizens and residents, reached (160,646).
GASTAT indicated in its statistical results for the 2026 Hajj season that the number of male pilgrims out of the total number of internal and external pilgrims reached (893,396), while the number of female pilgrims reached (813,905).
Regarding statistics on external pilgrims, GASTAT outlined the ways of arrival, indicating that (1,485,729) arrived by air, while (54,429) arrived by road, and (6,497) arrived by sea.
Additionally, GASTAT relied on administrative records data from the Ministry of Interior as the primary source for issuing statistical data and indicators for the 2026 Hajj season. It provides highly accurate and reliable register-based Hajj statistics through a unified model comprising multiple elements, in line with the statistical methodology adopted over the past six years.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Hajj Statistics Report for 2026 can be accessed via the following link:
https://www.stats.gov.sa/documents/d/guest/hajj-report-1447h-en
GASTAT: Total number of pilgrims for Hajj 2026 reaches (1,707,301)
26-05-2026
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today that the total number of pilgrims during 2026 reached (1,707,301), with external pilgrims arriving through various entry points making up (1,546,655), while internal pilgrims, comprising citizens and residents, reached (160,646).
GASTAT indicated in its statistical results for the 2026 Hajj season that the number of male pilgrims out of the total number of internal and external pilgrims reached (893,396), while the number of female pilgrims reached (813,905).
Regarding statistics on external pilgrims, GASTAT outlined the ways of arrival, indicating that (1,485,729) arrived by air, while (54,429) arrived by road, and (6,497) arrived by sea.
Additionally, GASTAT relied on administrative records data from the Ministry of Interior as the primary source for issuing statistical data and indicators for the 2026 Hajj season. It provides highly accurate and reliable register-based Hajj statistics through a unified model comprising multiple elements, in line with the statistical methodology adopted over the past six years.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Hajj Statistics Report for 2026 can be accessed via the following link:
https://www.stats.gov.sa/documents/d/guest/hajj-report-1447h-en
GASTAT President leads the GASTAT delegation at the Global Data Festival 2026 in Nairobi
07-06-2026
Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), headed the GASTAT delegation participating in the Global Data Festival 2026, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 2 to 5, 2026. The event brought together a wide range of leaders and experts in data, statistics, technology, and innovation from around the world to discuss ways to advance data ecosystems and strengthen their role in supporting sustainable development and data-driven decision-making.
During his participation as a keynote speaker at the festival’s closing ceremony, Aldossari highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen data and statistical ecosystems, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation, promoting international cooperation, and leveraging data and emerging technologies to advance sustainable development. He also underscored the importance of integrating statistical systems, geospatial information, and artificial intelligence technologies to address global development challenges.
On the sidelines of the festival, GASTAT President held a series of bilateral meetings with international and statistical organizations. These included a meeting with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), represented by Director General Dr. Macdonald George Obudho, who also serves as Co-Chair of the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda (HLG-PCCB).
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the strategic priorities of the 2026 UN World Data Forum, scheduled to be held in Riyadh next November. They also explored mechanisms for aligning and integrating the outcomes of the Global Data Festival in Nairobi with those of the Forum, discussed the initial direction of the outcome document, and reviewed ongoing efforts to ensure the success of the event through the “Road to Riyadh” activities. In addition, they explored opportunities for collaboration within the framework of the High-level Group
GASTAT President also met with Ms. Jenna Slotin, representative of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD), to discuss the Partnership’s priorities and areas of work. The meeting reviewed GASTAT’s preparations for hosting the 2026 UN World Data Forum and its strategic vision for the event.
The two sides also explored opportunities for collaboration and engagement during both the preparatory phase and the Forum itself, while laying the groundwork for future partnership and cooperation in support of international efforts aimed at harnessing data for sustainable development.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT’s participation in the Global Data Festival reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance Saudi Arabia’s presence in specialized international forums and reinforce its position as an active partner in advancing data and statistical ecosystems at both the regional and international levels.
GASTAT hosts a panel discussion titled Data for Sustainable Future as part of Road to Riyadh events
05-06-2026
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today hosted a panel discussion titled “Data for Sustainable Future” as part of “Road to Riyadh” events. The event forms part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum 2026 (UNWDF), scheduled to take place in Riyadh this coming November, with broad participation from national and international experts and specialists in the fields of data, statistics, and sustainable development.
The session coincided with World Environment Day and highlighted the pivotal role of environmental data and statistics in advancing sustainability efforts, enhancing the effectiveness of decision-making, and measuring progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
It aimed to promote environmentally sustainable practices, raise awareness of the importance of environmental statistical indicators, and underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to global sustainability priorities and the SDGs. It also sought to strengthen collaboration between producers and users of environmental data to maximize its value in supporting development policies and decision-making.
The session brought together a distinguished group of local and international experts and practitioners. It was moderated by Mohammed Alsaad, Director of Private Sector Partnerships at GASTAT, and featured contributions from Dr. Bahjat Hamouh, Executive Vice President for Vegetation Cover Development and Management at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification; Golestan Radwan, Chief Digital Officer at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Dr. Mubarak Alrashedi, Director General of Environmental Quality at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture; Ian Townsend, Deputy Director for Environmental Economy at the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS); and Dr. Abdullah Al Thunayan, General Supervisor of Environmental and Spatial Statistics at GASTAT.
Participants explored a range of topics related to the future of sustainability and emerging innovations in environmental measurement. Discussions also covered leading international methodologies and best practices for advancing environmental statistics, strengthening data integration, and fostering partnerships between statistical offices and environmental data stakeholders. These efforts contribute to building more sustainable environmental statistical systems, improving the quality and reliability of indicators, and leveraging advanced technologies for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of environmental data in line with rapidly evolving global trends.
It is worth noting that the “Road to Riyadh” event forms part of GASTAT’s broader efforts to showcase the Kingdom’s statistical transformation under Saudi Vision 2030 and to enhance national readiness and coordination for hosting the 6th UN lWDF 2026, one of the world’s foremost international platforms dedicated to data and sustainable development.
GASTAT organizes a panel discussion titled Data for Sustainable Future
01-06-2026
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes a panel discussion titled “Data for Sustainable Future” on Friday, 5 June 2026, as part of “Road to Riyadh” events. The event is being held within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) 2026 in Riyadh this coming November.
This panel discussion is held in conjunction with World Environment Day and aims to highlight the role of data and statistics in supporting sustainable development efforts, informing decision-making, and measuring progress toward achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
It addresses a number of key themes, including the evolution of environmental data methodologies and guidelines, strengthening environmental statistics through innovative solutions, leveraging environmental data to advance sustainability initiatives, and fostering partnerships between statistical offices and relevant stakeholders.
It is noteworthy that the “Road to Riyadh” events comprises panel discussions, conferences, and workshops. These events are designed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s statistical achievements under Saudi Vision 2030 and to strengthen coordination and readiness efforts in advance of hosting the UNWDF.
GASTAT: Total number of pilgrims for Hajj 2026 reaches (1,707,301)
26-05-2026
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today that the total number of pilgrims during 2026 reached (1,707,301), with external pilgrims arriving through various entry points making up (1,546,655), while internal pilgrims, comprising citizens and residents, reached (160,646).
GASTAT indicated in its statistical results for the 2026 Hajj season that the number of male pilgrims out of the total number of internal and external pilgrims reached (893,396), while the number of female pilgrims reached (813,905).
Regarding statistics on external pilgrims, GASTAT outlined the ways of arrival, indicating that (1,485,729) arrived by air, while (54,429) arrived by road, and (6,497) arrived by sea.
Additionally, GASTAT relied on administrative records data from the Ministry of Interior as the primary source for issuing statistical data and indicators for the 2026 Hajj season. It provides highly accurate and reliable register-based Hajj statistics through a unified model comprising multiple elements, in line with the statistical methodology adopted over the past six years.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Hajj Statistics Report for 2026 can be accessed via the following link:
https://www.stats.gov.sa/documents/d/guest/hajj-report-1447h-en