At the end of his statistical work journey GASTAT president honors Albatel after a successful career path that lasts for 40 years. In the presence of a number of leaders and employees of the General Authority for Statistics, GASTAT President, Dr. Konrad Pesendorfer, honored Mr. Abdullah Albatel, the president’s advisor, and ex- vice-president, on the occasion of reaching the retirement age, at GASTAT headquarters in Riyadh. In the honoring ceremony, GASTAT president thanked and appreciated Mr. Albatel for the efforts he made throughout his work, and for his dedication and sincerity, wishing him success in future endeavors. In his speech, Mr. Albatel was keen to confirm the continuity of work development from one generation to another. On the other hand, Mr. Albatel expressed his sincere thanks, appreciation and gratitude to GASTAT president for the kind initiative in honoring him at the end of his statistical career. He affirmed his pride in his colleagues at the authority with their great confidence and capabilities the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia has, stating: “I do not remember that the authority faced a challenge that could not be addressed by my colleagues, and this is clear evidence that the authority relies on competences and sincere national experiences that distinguished the statistical work system in the Kingdom". Albatel stressed the importance of accurate statistical data and indicators that transparently reflect the reality of all fields in Saudi Arabia, to be presented to decision-makers, policy-makers and those interested, so that everyone can benefit from their acquired data to help them develop future actions and draw up integrated sustainable development plans. Mr. Albatel said with pride: “The statistical work has contributed to the growth and development of the Kingdom and the provision of the appropriate environment and tools necessary for the success of the Saudi Vision 2030 by supporting and coordinating efforts among all components of the statistical sector to enhance its role in supporting this ambitious vision”. It is noteworthy that Mr. Albatel is one of the most prominent statistical figures in Saudi Arabia, as his career path in the statistical sector spans for over 5 decades. His keen experience contributed to the development of statistical work during his career in the Central Department of Statistics and Information and the General Authority for Statistics. Mr.Albatel started his career path as a statistician, and progressed to later becoming the vice president of the Authority. Moreover, Mr.Albatel contributed to the completion of four general census of population, housing and establishments, in addition to statistical work in economic and social statistics, among others. It is worth noting that Mr. Albatel has also represented the Kingdom in many forums, conferences, both in local and international meetings. He also contributed in drafting the systems, regulations and decisions that led to the development of statistical work up to what is has become today. He was honored by GASTAT’s president, Dr. Konrad Pesendorfer, in appreciation of the important and prominent role he played throughout his career, and his enrichment of statistical work in the Kingdom. During the ceremony, Mr. Mohammed Al-Dukhaini, Strategic Communication and Client Support deputy, and GASTAT spokesperson delivered a speech on behalf of GASTAT employees, in which he expressed the sincerest appreciation and gratitude for Mr.Albatels’s support for them reflecting by his gentleness of morals, nobility, and with his long practical experience. Mr.Albatel will always be an important reference for following generations in the Authority.

For the second quarter in a row: a decrease in unemployment rates and an increase in the economic participation rate of Saudis GASTAT: The unemployment rate of the total population and the Saudis decreased during the first quarter of 2019 compared to the last quarter of 2018 On Sunday Ramadhan 28th, 1440H. (corresponding to June 2nd, 2019), GASTAT released the Labour Market Bulletin for the first quarter of 2019 on its official website  (www.stats.gov.sa). The bulletin is based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey that is conducted by GASTAT on a quarterly basis as well as the labour market data from the administrative records available at the related entities (Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Affairs, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund, and National Information Center). The results of the 2019 first quarter bulletin, based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey, showed a decrease in the unemployment rate of total Saudis (15 years and above) which reached (12.5%) compared to (12.7%) in the previous quarter. In the first quarter of 2019, the Saudi males’ unemployment rate reached (6.6%), whereas it reached (31.7%) for Saudi females.  The unemployment rate of the total population (Saudis and non-Saudis) (15 years and above) decreased to (5.7%) compared to (6.0%) in the fourth quarter of 2018. The results of the survey also showed that the economic participation rate in the first quarter of 2019 for total Saudis (15 years and above) increased to (42.3%) compared to (42.0%) in the previous quarter. The economic participation rate among Saudi females increased to (20.5%) compared to (20.2%) in the previous quarter, and increased to (63.3%) compared to (63.0%) in the previous quarter. Also, the bulletin showed that the total employed Saudis (males and females) according to administrative records data increased slightly compared to the fourth quarter of last year, where the number of Saudi employees (males and females) reached (3,112,029). According to the results of the bulletin and based on the data from the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarah and Sa’ed) and the data from the Human Resources Development Fund (Taqat), the total number of Saudi job seekers reached (945,323) based on the administrative records in Saudi Arabia for the first quarter of 2019. GASTAT has defined jobseekers as Saudi individuals (males and females) registered in job seeking programs of the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarh and Sa’ed) as well as Human Resources Development Fund (Taqat) where they entered their personal data, qualifications, experiences, and CVs electronically. Jobseekers included in the administrative records are not subjected to the internationally recognized criteria and conditions of the International Labor Organization (ILO); hence, not all of them are considered unemployed individuals. Therefore, not every job seeker is an unemployed individual; they may be looking for a work while still working in another job, as in the case of job seekers in the government sector where they work for their own business and not registered as employees in the governmental administrative records (Civil Service, Social Insurance, commercial registers, and municipal licenses) .

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the "Labor Market Statistics Q1 2020” on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. Data in these statistics do not yet reflect the impact of Covid-19 crisis as they were collected early in the first quarter. The total unemployment rate stood at (5.7%) in Q1 2020. The Labor force participation rate for the total population (aged 15 years and over) increased by (1.8) percentage points compared to Q1 of 2019, reaching (58.2%). Male Labor force participation rate was (80.4%), while the rate of participation of women in the Labor force was (25.4%), the Labor Market Statistics results noted. Compared to Q4 of 2019, Saudi unemployment rate decreased from (12.0%) to (11.8%) in Q1 2020. Saudi female’s unemployment rate reached (28.2%), a decrease of (2.6) percentage points. Saudi male’s unemployment rate (aged 15 years and over) reached (5.6%), with an increase of (0.7) percentage points. Based on the administrative data, Saudi and non-Saudi employees amounted to (13,635,612) individuals. The total number of Saudi employees (males and females) reached (3,203,423) individuals, (2,066,553) Saudi males (1,136,870) and Saudi females, based on the Labor Market Statistics results. Saudi job seekers (males and females), based on the administrative sources, is at (1,015,820) individuals, where Saudi males accounted for (186,969) and Saudi females accounted for (828,851). The participation rate in the Labor force for Saudi males and females (aged 15 years and over) fell by (0.5) percentage points to (46.2%) compared to Q1 2020. The Saudi male participation rate in the Labor force fell by (0.8) percentage points from the previous quarter, reaching (65.8%), while the Saudi female participation rate fell by (0.1) percentage points from the previous quarter, reaching (25.9%), compared to the previous quarter. GASTAT has two main data sources to produce the Labor Market Statistics. The Labor Force Survey conducted by GASTAT and administrative data sources. Survey data are collected from a representative sample of households spread out across all administrative regions in Saudi Arabia. The administrative sources include data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Human Resources Development Fund, General Organization for Social Insurance, and National Information Center.

Al-Fuhaid: Those who exist in the two holy mosques, hospitals and hotels will be counted on the first day of the actual enumeration stage The Director of the 2020 Saudi Census project, Mr. Fahd Al-Fuhaid, revealed that according to the plan prepared to implement the actual enumeration stage, the priority will be to count the population who move quickly such as those in the two holy mosques, hospitals and hotels in all regions of the Kingdom, starting from Tuesday evening, 22-23 Rajab corresponding to 17-18 March 2020. However, the census work represented in the visit of researchers to households, begins on Wednesday, 23 Rajab corresponding to March 18, 2020. Al-Fuhaid attributed that to the fact that the citizens, residents, and visitors in these places are moving more rapidly than those who are in their houses and usual places of residence. Indicating that the General Authority for Statistics has taken several technical and statistical measures to increase the accuracy and quality of statistical data aiming to obtain detailed information about population and housing, such as demographic, social and economic data of population in those places. Al-Fuhaid stated that work is still underway to implement the building numbering stage, which started on Monday 9 Jumad Al-Thani, 1441 AH, corresponding to February 3, 2020 over 33 days, and continues until Friday 11 Rajab , 1441 AH, corresponding to 6 March, 2020, where there are approximately 11 thousand monitors working in the field to meet the head of the household and put a sticker containing the building number, real estate unit number, total number of real estate units, and details of the sub and the main entrances of the buildings . Researchers also take preliminary data of the household, number of individuals, type of building, occupancy of real estate units, in addition to determining households who want to use the self-enumeration. Self-enumeration is one of the modern technological methods used in population censuses, where households do not need to be visited by the researcher, and may complete the census questionnaire electronically. It should be noted that the Fifth Census of Population, Housing and Establishments in the Kingdom "Saudi Census 2020" will provide a broad base of statistical data to be used as a reliable basis in conducting studies and research required by the programs and plans of development in the Kingdom and achieving Vision 2030, In addition to providing statistical data and indicators to measure the change in population characteristics over time, making domestic , regional and international comparisons, and reviewing and evaluating future population estimates .

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the “Household Energy Survey (2019)” on its official website www.stats.gov.sa.  It is a field survey that collects data of household energy from a sample of households covering all 13 administrative regions in the Kingdom. The survey provides data on the type of housing, its components, the areas that are air-conditioned and heated, and data on household uses of fuel of all kinds, in addition to identifying the patterns of energy consumption and the forms of energy used in the domestic sector. The results of the household energy survey showed that (100%) of households use electricity in their houses. (99.50%) of their houses are connected to the public electricity network. However, (0.38 %) use a private network as a source for electricity, while (0.12 %) use a generator as a source of electricity, the results also showed that the percentage of households using solar energy at homes reached (1.60 %). The results also showed that the percentage of households using an independent electric meter reached (85.29 %), while (14.71 %) are using an electric meter shared with other houses, whereas (18.01 %) use power regulator at home. Regarding the use of fuel in cooking, the results showed that about (89.34 %) of households use gas as the main source of fuel for cooking, while (10.18 %) of households use electricity for cooking. In addition, (0.30 %) of households use wood as a main source of fuel for cooking. The results also showed that (8.64 %) of households use (wood, coal and agricultural waste). However, the use of wood at home for heating and cooking reached (12.73%). Regarding the patterns and behavior of households in the rationalization of power consumption, the results showed that (55.29 %) of households are interested in cutting expenses or rationalizing power consumption. The results also showed that (37.69 %) of households are likely interested in power consumption rationalization while only (7.02 %) of households are not interested at all in cutting expenses or rationalizing power consumption. Moreover, the results revealed that (36.30%) of households have power savers at their houses while (63.70 %) of households do not have power savers to rationalize consumption. Furthermore, the results of the Household Energy Survey demonstrated that the total consumption of household fuel (fuel oil), kerosene and LPG reached more than 1 billion liters (1,049,620,514) in all regions of the Kingdom. The volume of consumption of diesel (fuel oil) reached about (4,246,564) four million and two hundred and forty-six thousands five hundred and sixty-four liters, which represents about (0.40 %) of total consumption volume, while the consumption of gas (kerosene) reached more than nineteen million L (19,539, 976) representing about 1.87 % of the total size of consumption. The size of gas consumption (LPG) reached over one billion liters (1,025,833,974), representing (97.73%) of the total size of consumption. In addition, The results indicated that (22.15%) of households in the Kingdom spend less than 5% of their income on electricity and other sources of fuel, while (34.49%) spend between (5-10%) of their income, while (22.53%) of households spend between (15-11%) of their income and (13.62%) Spend between (20-16%) of their income on electricity and other sources of fuel, while we found that (7.21%) of households spend more than (20%) of their income. It is worth mentioning that the Household Energy Survey, 2019 is the third survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics on an annual basis since 2017.

The employees of the General Authority for Statistics celebrate the 89th National Day The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) employees celebrated on Tuesday morning Muharram 25th, 1441H. (September 24th, 2019), the 89th National Day of Saudi Arabia at the headquarter of the Authority in Riyadh. The ceremony included many activities and various events. On his behalf and on behalf of all GASTAT’s employees as well as all the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia, president of GASTAT, Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tekhaifi congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and his crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz on this blessed occasion. On the other hand, GASTAT’s president confirmed that our wise government will continue to achieve Saudi Arabia’s aspirations and goals, and continue to support the process of development and prosperity, including unlimited support to develop the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia. He pointed out that the occasion of our National Day is a precious one and we are waiting for it every year to be inspired by the lessons of sacrifice, pride and glory and tell the next generations the stories of the great struggle led by the founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud – may he rest in peace, to build this great homeland on the soil of this blessed earth. It is worth mentioning that the head office of the General Authority for Statistics has been decorated in green and white, where all employees participated in the celebration and expressed their great feelings towards the country and the good leadership, as everyone also participated in the performance of the Saudi Ardha (a famous traditional dance show in Saudi Arabia), in addition to many other activities. The atmosphere of joy and happiness surrounded the place and touched  to the hearts of all participants.

According to the results of the labour market bulletin for the second quarter of 2019, the unemployment rate of the total population decreased to (5.6%) GASTAT: A decrease in the unemployment rate of total Saudis to (12.3%) and an increase in the economic participation rate of Saudi females to (23.2%) On Thursday, Muharram 13th, 1441H. (September 12th, 2019), GASTAT released the Labour Market Bulletin for the second quarter of 2019 on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . The bulletin is based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey conducted by GASTAT on a quarterly basis as well as the labour market data from the administrative records of the relevant entities (Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Service, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund, and National Information Center). The results of the second quarter of 2019, based on the estimates of the labour force Survey, showed a decrease in the unemployment rate of total population (15 years and above) which reached (5.6%) compared to (6%) in the first quarter of 2019. With regard to Saudis’ unemployment rate, the results showed a decrease in the unemployment rate of total Saudis (males and females who are 15 years old and above) reaching (12.3%) based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey (2019, Quarter 2) compared to (12.5%) in the first quarter of the same year. The results of the survey also showed an increase in the economic participation rate of total Saudis (males and females (15+)) reaching (45.0%) in the second quarter of 2019 compared to (42.3%) in the previous quarter. The economic participation rate among Saudi females increased to reach (23.2%) compared to (20.5%) in the previous quarter.  Based on the data of the administrative records of the second quarter of 2019, the results of the bulletin also showed that the total number of employed Saudis (males and females) recorded a decrease reaching (3.090.248) employee in the second quarter of 2019 compared to (3,112,029) in the first quarter. According to the results of the bulletin and based on the data from the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarah and Sa’ed) and the data from the Human Resources Development Fund (Taqat), the total number of Saudi job seekers reached (1.002.855) based on the administrative records in Saudi Arabia during the second quarter of 2019. GASTAT has defined jobseekers as Saudi individuals (males and females) registered in job seeking programs of the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarh and Sa’ed) as well as Human Resources Development Fund (Taqat) where they entered their personal data, qualifications, experiences, and CVs electronically. Jobseekers included in the administrative records are not subjected to the internationally recognized criteria and conditions of the International Labor Organization (ILO); hence, not all of them are considered unemployed individuals. Therefore, not every job seeker is an unemployed individual; they may be looking for a work while still working in another job, as in the case of job seekers in the government sector where they work for their own business and not registered as employees in the governmental administrative records (Civil Service, Social Insurance, commercial registers, and municipal licenses).

GASTAT: releases Consumer Price Index(CPI) Monthly Report for July,2019 General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released its monthly report of Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Saudi Arabia for July, 2019. The report was published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. CPI increased by (%0.1) compared to last month (June,2019). In fact, the increase was from (105.9) in June,2019 to (106.0) in July,2019 with (%0.1) change, report showed. As a matter of fact, the report attributed this increase to the increase of the six sections composing it, which are: home furnishing and equipment with (%0.8), health section with (%0.8), transportation section (%0.7), goods and personal services section with (%0.6), culture and entertainment with (%0.5), and restaurants and hotels section with (%0.1). In contrast, two of the main sections witnessed a decline, which are: food and beverages section with (%0.3) as well as clothing and shoes section with (%0.2). On the other hand, tobacco, housing, water, electricity and gas, telecommunication, education sections remained stable with no change. As a matter of fact, consumer price index CPI is one of the significant economic statistics that is related to individuals’ daily life and provide the necessary information to monitor goods and services prices in Saudi Arabia’s retail market.

Within the results of the Specialized Agricultural Projects’ Survey 2018 GASTAT: More than (2 billion) litres of milk is produced by specialized cow farms, and more than (2,500) fish ponds in Saudi Arabia On Monday 25/12/1440 H corresponding 26/8/2019, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Specialized Agricultural Projects’ Survey, 2018 on its official website (www.stats.gov.sa). It is a field survey through which data are collected by visiting all specialized agricultural projects’ holdings including (specialized cow farms, fish farms, farms of broiler chickens, ostriches, rabbits, quails, and pigeons, and farms of laying hens and hatcheries) in all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. The survey has been implemented during the fourth quarter of 2018. It provides data and indicators that are related to production of specialized agricultural projects to support decision and policy makers, and those concerned with the agricultural sector.  According to the results, the capacity of specialized cow farms reached (364,389) cows in 2017. The results also showed that cow milk production reached (2,074,562,485) liters in the specialized cow farms. However, calves’ production in the specialized cow farms reached (31,883) calves in 2017. As for specialized fish farms, number of ponds registered (2,508) ponds in 2017, whereas the size of ponds in the specialized fish farms recorded (8,848,456) square meter. The survey results also demonstrated that the total production of fish and shrimps in the specialized fish farms registered (61,381) tons in 2017, where shrimps recorded (71.7%) out of total production in the specialized fish farms.  Moreover, the survey included data on broiler chickens, ostriches, rabbits, quails, and pigeons, where the capacity of broiler chicken farms reached (135,180,100) birds, while the production of ostriches, rabbits, quails, and pigeons registered (2,849) tons in 2017.  Regarding the farms of laying hens and hatcheries, survey results revealed the total capacity of these farms as it registered (45,542,408) birds. The number of eggs produced by laying hens reached (224,169,150) eggs, while the number of chicks in these farms registered (222,440,150) birds.  It is worth mentioning that the Specialized Agricultural Projects’ Survey, 2018 is the second agricultural survey implemented by GASTAT during the month of Thu Al-Hijjah. GASTAT plans to release the results of the Agricultural Production Survey by the beginning of next Hijri year 1441 H.

The statistical record of Hajj 1440 AH, which was issued by the General Authority for Statistics on Friday   Al-Tkheefi: Statistical data for government services and counting the numbers of pilgrims and indicators of the management of the Hajj works are included in the "Statistical Register" of Hajj 1440 AH The General Authority for Statistics launched on Friday, Ghurat Dhu al-Hijjah 1440 AH, the statistic record for this year's Hajj season through its official website, which showed the dates of publication of the statistics of services provided by the government entities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the guests of Allah, in addition to the statistics of the pilgrims inside and outside, and a set of statistical indicators for the management of the work of the Hajj related to the data of the journeys of the passengers of the Haramain and the Al Mashaer train, and vehicles on the main roads of Mecca and Al Mashaer Al Mogaddasah and human density. Dr. Fahd bin Sulaiman Al-Tkheefi, Chairman of the General Authority for Statistics, explained that the statistical record, through its statistics, figures, data and smart indicators, is the summary of the statistical data that will be issued by the Authority during the Hajj season, and resulting from the implementation of three statistical projects in partnership with government and private entities working in the Hajj. The statistical register aims to clarify the efforts provided by more than 40 government and private entities to the pilgrims, where through the statistical register of Hajj on the official website of the Authority, the statistics of supervision and follow-up services, public services statistics, and health services statistics provided to the pilgrims, in addition to the transport services statistics, telecommunication and information technology services statistics, will be announced successively. And these services will be provided by the following entities: Makkah emirate, Madinah emirate, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Commerce and Investment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology,  General Authority for Statistics, General Authority of Customs, Food and Drug Authority, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Communications and Information Technology Commission, Control and Investigation Commission in Makkah region, Makkah Development Authority, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, General Security, General Directorate of Passports, General Directorate of Civil Defence, National Information Center, General Presidency of the Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Secretariat of Holy Capital, Jeddah Municipality, Makkah Electricity Company, Makkah and Taif Business Unit of National Water Company, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, Supreme Commission for the Control of Pilgrims Transport, Saudi Post Corporation, Saudi Arabian Boy Scouts Association, Saudi Arabian Airlines, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah Islamic Port, mobile and Internet operators, and a number of private entities concerned with providing services to the guests of Allah.   After that, the numbers of the inside pilgrims from the seventh day of Dhu Al-Hijjah will be published periodically every six hours until the total number of pilgrims from inside and outside is announced on the evening of Arafa on the ninth day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, God willing. Al Tkheefi added that the Authority will issue the detailed bulletin of Hajj statistics on the morning of the tenth anniversary of the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah 1440 AH. Al Tkheefi also confirmed that all the data of the statistical register will be available through the official website of the Authority in the specified times according to the dates of the register in open formats to support the research centers and studies and the media to benefit from them and publish them.

General Authority for Statistics: Total Number of Hajj Pilgrims in 1440 AH is 2,489,406, a 4.96% Increase Over Last Year; Kingdom Provides Over 350,000 Employees to Serve Them Of these, 1,855,027 pilgrims are from abroad, and 634,379 are from within the Kingdom GASTAT: The total number of pilgrims for the 1440 AH Hajj season is 2,489,406, an increase of 4.96% from last year; the Kingdom has provided over 350 thousand employees to serve them. [Total Number of Hajj Pilgrims] The General Authority for Statistics published number for Hajj on the year 1440 AH on Saturday, 9 Dhu al-Hijjah: a total of 2,489,406 pilgrims, 1,855,027 of which come from outside the Kingdom, 634,379 from within; 67% of pilgrims are non-Saudi. The number of male pilgrims out of the total was 1,385,234, and 1,104,172 were female. The total number of pilgrims in 1440 AH compared with the number of pilgrims last year (1439 AH), it is clear that the number has increased this by 117,731, since 1439’s total came-up to 2,371,675. [Foreign Pilgrims] In regards to pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom, the number hailing from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was 31,884 (2%), Arab countries sans the GCC 414,750 (22%), Asian countries excepting Arab countries 1,126,633 (61%), African countries sans Arab states 187,414 (10%,), European countries 67,054 (4%), and North America, South America, and Australia 26,892 (1%). A total of 1,741,568 pilgrims arrived from outside Saudi Arabia through airports, while 96,209 of them arrived via land; seaports accounted for 17,250 pilgrims. Their arrival at Saudi Arabia varied by time; 614,919 arrived from outside of the Kingdom from the start of the season until 18 Dhu al-Qaada; 808,311 arrived from 19 to 29 Dhu al-Qaada; and a further 431,797 arrived from 1 to 8 Dhu al-Hijjah. [Local Pilgrims] In regards to pilgrims from within the Kingdom, which totaled 634379 pilgrims this year (including those residing temporarily there for Hajj), the number of non-Saudis was 423,376, with a further 211,003 Saudis. The Authority has limited the number of pilgrims coming to Mecca from within the Kingdom of Saudis and non-Saudis through the Hajj Statistics Centers located at the entrances to Mecca. The percentage of pilgrims coming from within the Kingdom through the Jeddah – Mecca highway was 34.7%; those through the Mecca-Holy Places road made-up 27.7%, the Mecca-Medina saw was 19.3%; and the three remaining roads—South-Mecca, Taif-Mecca, and old Jeddah-Mecca—made-up 15.7%. In addition, arrivals by way of the Haramain High Speed Railway train reached 2.6%. The General Authority for Statistics in its statistics for this year revealed that 7, 8, and 9 Dhu al-Hijjah saw the arrival of 82.5% of total local pilgrims coming to Mecca; cars entering Mecca this year totaled 39,978. [Manpower in Hajj] In regards to manpower during Hajj across all sectors, over 350,830 served during the 1440 AH Hajj season, representing over 47 governmental and private entities and 353 main and subservices. The total manpower supervising and conducing follow-up services to Hajj came from 6 bodies and 6336 employees; those working with general Hajj services were 257,763 from 21 bodies; the total manpower in the health and medical services was 30,908 and employee from three bodies; manpower providing pilgrim transport, post and logistics services (shipping, postal and logistics) hit 38,750 employees from eight destinations; ICT manpower hit 7,098 employees from four bodies; and 9,975 volunteers served the elderly and worked in guidance, pilgrims relations, translation, and in the health and media. [Statistical Methodology for Counting Pilgrims Numbers] The General Authority for Statistics said it uses a comprehensive counting method for all local pilgrims; using centers located at the entrances to the city of Mecca, the Authority counts the actual pilgrims inside. Foreign pilgrims are counted by the General Directorate of Passports, as mentioned previously, whose employees are present at all ports—land, sea and air. In addition, pilgrims from the city of Mecca are assessed by the General Authority for Statistics in periodic surveys. President of the General Authority for Statistics HE Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi thanked all security and governmental personnel conducting its Hajj mission this year. He praised the contributions made by more than 520 field researchers from the General Authority for Statistics, who completed the tasks assigned to them in the Hajj this year after working around the clock from the first of this month until today’s sunset (Day of Arafat). At the conclusion of all work related to GASTAT’s pilgrimage statistics program, the Authority prays that Allah accept the pilgrimage of all who came to Hajj, and to reconcile the efforts of all security and government agencies, plus all others in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who provide outstanding services for pilgrims.

Statistics: More than (200) main services representing the (general Hajj services), which is one of the five basic services provided by more than (257 thousand) employees working in (21) government and private parties. 21 government and private parties collaborate in providing (general Hajj services) during the Hajj season this year 1440H. The general Hajj services are one of the five main services provided to pilgrims (supervision and follow-up services for Hajj, public pilgrimage services, health services for pilgrims, and transport services for pilgrims). The General Authority for Statistics (GAS) announced on Monday 4 of Dhu al-Hijjah 1440 H within the "Register of Hajj Statistics 1440 H" the detailed data regarding the (general Hajj Services) and explained that more than 200 major services in the field of (general Hajj services) are offered to pilgrims, including: activities of the secretariats and municipalities, supervision and inspection, as well as other services such as electricity, water, religious and media awareness, security services, processing services and the creation of outlets for the reception of pilgrims, in addition issuing Hajj permits for domestic pilgrims, civil cases services, and a number of other support services. The total number of people providing public services reached 257,763 male and female employees, including 253,905 men and 3858 women working around the clock throughout the Hajj season, while the number of equipment and mechanisms used for these services reached 62,050 pieces of equipment and machinery, 7,727 vehicles, 2,640 motorcycles, 14,498 wireless devices, and 5,337 computers. The security services provided to the guests of Hajj are highlighted as the most important public services provided by the General Security. It carries out security and traffic plans and maintains public order in Mecca, Mashaer and Madinah. The number of police stations in Mecca and Mashaer reached 52, and the number of traffic centers reached 280. In addition to 75 security control centers at the borders and entrances of Makkah and Mashaer, the Directorate General of Passports is operating through more than 6041 staff officers, individuals and technicians to equip and prepare the outlets to welcome pilgrims and provide them with the necessary services to complete their departure procedures to their countries through seven land ports, three airports and two maritime ports, in which the General Authority of Customs participates with a workforce exceeding 2638 employees providing customs services, welcoming, and bidding farewell to the guests of Hajj. In the same ports the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture operates 14 sanitary quarantines to inspect animal and plant consignments coming into Mecca and Medina. In the field of providing civil defense services, approximately 16,325 members of the Directorate General of Civil Defense carry out preventive awareness programs as soon as pilgrims come to Saudi Arabia from their countries, and ensure the availability and completeness of safety requirements in their places of residence in Makkah, Medina, and the Holy Places. The number of civil defense centers within the Holy Places reached 105 centers, in addition to 556 preventive supervision points, and units of the emergency and support forces, as well as 64 centers in Mecca, 30 centers in Medina, and 25 centers for civil defense in the border ports and main roads. In terms of  providing and enabling government agencies to use technology, the National Information Center operates through more than 1465 technicians and administrators to secure and equip tablets to read the electronic pilgrimage permits in the sites of sorting and security control at the entrances of the Holy Capital, and processing and operation of all pilgrimage ports in all regions of the Kingdom with devices, fingerprint stations, and printers of various kinds, as well as information transmission services with modern technologies. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior for Civil Services provides its civil services electronically through 5 civil affairs offices in Mekkah and Medinah. These services include issuing and canceling Hajj permits for domestic pilgrims, and recording birth and death facts for foreign pilgrims and residents. In order to highlight the importance of the ritual of Hajj and broadcast it to all countries of the world, information and awareness services rise to the occasion, where the Ministry of Information equips the media centers in each of the Holy Places, Medina, and Jeddah, in addition to carrying out the censorship and authorization of publications that official and civil authorities, diplomatic missions and Hajj missions wish to distribute. It also provides media censorship of what is received with the pilgrims through the various outlets of the Kingdom. It also coordinates with the press organizations to issue press supplements directed to pilgrims in a number of languages, supervise their distribution in the outlets and places of pilgrims, and host a number of media from Arab and Islamic countries to perform and cover Hajj, while the Saudi Press Agency broadcast reports news and surveys of interest to guests highlighting the efforts of the Saudi government and its services and achievements, in addition to conducting press interviews with Hajj missions and pilgrims, and translating all of the above by broadcasting hundreds of news, reports, and press surveys of the audio-visual and print media on the website (SPA) in addition to social media in six languages: (Arabic, English, French, Russian, Chinese, and Persian). The Radio and Television Authority has a staff of up to 1237 employees including media people, administrators and technicians to broadcast the Hajj rituals through five satellite channels, six radio stations, and the Audio-Visual Production Organization organizes and facilitates the broadcast of Hajj rites through 247 satellite channels and 5 radio stations, in addition to issuing permits for foreign media missions, foreign channels, as well as issuing photographic permits for a number of local production companies, providing facilities to all media involved in covering the rituals of Hajj. In continuation of its awareness efforts, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs provides its services during the Hajj season through 1911 employees, by organizing various da'wah activities and answering religious inquiries through a toll-free phone, which amounts to more than 21,000 free contact hours during the Hajj season. In the field of guidance and provision of support services, the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association participates through 3289 Scouts to guide lost pilgrims and help them reach their premises, in addition to the distribution of Qur'an, books, and educational materials. They also contribute organizing pilgrims activities while they are within the sites of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, following-up random stalls and shops selling food, supervising the vendor inspection system, and fining the violators with the participation of the Holy Capital Municipality teams, in addition organizing the pilgrims navigation inside health facilities, assisting those who need transportation by vehicle or guidance and transporting them to their destinations with the support of the Ministry of Health, in addition to guiding pilgrims from the pilgrimage offices to Jamarat, issuing guides and maps for all government agencies to the pilgrims of Mina and Arafat, Mecca (Aziziyah) and Madinah (central region). The number of scout teams this year reached 179 scout squads. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research Center is working to provide research and studies services in order to develop an integrated information system to support decision makers in the field of Hajj and Umrah through 337 employees working since the early Hajj season which produced 45 researches and 19 specialized scientific forums.   As for facilities development services in Makkah and the holy sites, the Makkah Region Development Authority worked on shading the pedestrian slope from Aziziyah to the Jamarat facility, as well as shading the slopes of the ascent and descent of the Mashair train stations, maintenance and operation of the Jamarat facility and its supporting projects, maintenance and operation of the Holy Mashair train, in addition to all operating and cleanliness services in the Holy Places facilities which are carried out by 14,361 employees. Meanwhile, the Municipality of the Holy City, through 23,050 employees, provides municipal services to the guests of Hajj, including: General cleaning services, collection and transport of waste, and proper disposal to maintain high environmental standards. The Saudi Electricity Company operates five main stations with a workforce of 1616 employees. Water services are provided through 2,297 employees working in the National Water Company to operate and maintain water systems, and to clean and maintain toilets in Mina, Muzdalifa and Arafat.

Over 7000 Employees Working Around the Clock to Provide Telecommunications Services and Prepare 68 Offices GaStat: There are 13,776 Towers to Ensure Good Cellphone Coverage and 5G Technology in Mecca and the Holy Places for Pilgrims To raise the efficiency of ICT services in Mecca and the Holy Places, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology deployed 5G technology during this year’s Hajj in Mecca, Medina, and the Holy Places, providing pilgrims with quality services. The ministry launched the second phase of the Smart Hajj initiative, which offers a number of applications, platforms and digital and awareness services. This year, the initiative included a volunteer training platform for pilgrims, a virtual reality platform to instruct pilgrims abroad on performing rites, as well as a platform for smart phone applications that would make it easier for pilgrims to benefit from a number of application during their journey. As per the statistics of the 1440 AH Hajj, provided to pilgrims by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the General Authority for Statistics, the total number of employees providing telecommunications and IT services to pilgrims during the season this year reached 7098 employees, working around the clock to provide advanced and adequate communications services. The Communications and Information Technology Commission supervises all services provided to the guests of Rahman in coordination with licensed telecommunications and IT service providers.  There is a total of 68 telecommunications offices in Mecca. The total number of mobile towers in the Great Mosque, Mecca, Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat and Medina was 13,776 towers, ensuring mobile communication coverage, data coverage, and coverage of land, sea and airports, roads, and Meeqaths with full telecommunication and internet services; In regards to services provided, the Mecca branch of the Communications and Information Technology Commission in Mecca periodically checks sound and Internet indicators and verifies their effectiveness, surveys mobile network bandwidth between the Two Holy Mosques, monitors highways linking Mecca, Jeddah and Medina to ensure mobile service quality, addresses any harmful interference affecting network performance, and allows the use of temporary usage of certain frequencies for each mobile operator to increase network capacity and improve the level of services provided to pilgrims in Mecca, Medina, and the Holy Places.  Authorized telecom operators in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are located in more than 68 points of sale across the Holy of Places to provide SIM cards, data, and top-up cards, in addition to providing technical support centers in various languages to serve pilgrims.  The General Authority for Statistics provides many details through the Hajj statistics register for 1440 AH, created to publish all statistics related to Hajj services provided by the government agencies to pilgrims, through its official website at www.stats.gov.sa

Transfer of pilgrims between the Holy Places (two million and one hundred thousand) via scheduled trip during Hajj, via 17,983 buses.  GaStat: The Kingdom has tasked 38,000 employees with  transport, mail, shipping, and logistics services for Hajj pilgrims. Transport, shipping, mail, logistics and logistics services in general are five of the most important services provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to pilgrims, and greatly facilitate the pilgrimage. The Kingdom has deployed 38,750 employees, working in seven specialized sectors to provide air and land transport, mail, shipping, and logistics services. This is according to the General Authority for Statistics’ numbers on the pilgrimage 1440 AH season, published on its official website on Wednesday 6 Dhu al-Hijjah 1440 AH.    Air transport, supervised by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, sees an expected total of 14,955 international and domestic flights for pilgrims. There are 8,209 flights to and from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. There are 8,209 transporting pilgrims domestically and internationally to and from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina. 1435 employees are at the Jeddah airport, 840 at the Medina airport, working around the clock starting from the first of Dhu al-Qidah to provide an integrated system of services for pilgrims arriving by air. Work will continue until the middle of the next Muharram, including services provided at airports: To maintain the safety of arriving passengers, regulate the movement of aircraft, and monitor the performance of technical and electrical systems within airports, an addition to supervising the arrival and receipt of luggage and maintain cleanliness of airport facilities. The Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah receives approximately 48,000 pilgrims daily. The complex of halls dedicated for pilgrims accommodates 3800 pilgrims per hour arriving, and 3500 pilgrims in departure, 12,000 passengers in areas outside the terminal; the modern halls accommodate 91,000 arrivals and 84,000 departures per day. They also can accommodate 312 flights at an average of 13 flights per hour. Sea transport is overseen by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani). It employs 292 employees in Jeddah Islamic Port to provide facilities for the arrival of pilgrims, reduce the procedure completion time, prepare facilities for the service and reception of pilgrims from the first moment of arrival at the port until their departure. The port started receiving pilgrims arriving by sea from mid-Dhu al-Qidah and lasts until the fourth of Dhu al-Hijjah. In regards to buses between the Kaaba and Holy Places, there are 2,100,000 trips via 17,983 buses during Hajj. There are 34,234 employees, drivers, supervisors handling bus transfers from the General Cars Syndicate and the Supreme Authority for the Control of Pilgrim Transport, which is working to establish a regulation to ensure the responsibility for the safety of vehicles used to transport pilgrims, control their movements, ensure that company owners sign ensuring the validity of their work buses, insure all buses, ensuring that companies' buses undergo periodic technical maintenance at the allocated stations, conduct field trips to to inspect buses passing approved checkpoints, operate a system for registration of buses and violations, and all the bus data adopted, including: Type of bus, license number, structure number, company affiliation, follow-up of bus operation at airports, port and road breaks, guidance and promotion centers, support centers, following-up the transport of pilgrims between Mecca and Medina and Jeddah, monitoring bus breakdowns, accidents—as soon as they occur—and coordinate with competent authorities to ensure the speedy completion of procedures, and to ensure the availability and adequacy of the signs indicating the cities of Hajj, as well as the availability of a guide for each bus, and coordination with specialists in guiding buses. In regards to transporting pilgrims between Medina and Mecca, the Haramain high-speed railway sees five daily trips to Mecca and five return trips to Medina; the train includes 4 stations with a total workforce of 456 male and female staff working throughout the year. Regarding logistics (courier, shipping, warehousing and logistics) provided to pilgrims, 494 employees of Saudi Post work in 61 post offices in Mecca, Medina, and the Holy Places, with the support of 40 cars and 72 motorcycles. The system operates around the clock Hajj. Postal services include: The “Hajj Packages” service, which seeks to limit extra weight that pilgrims are forced to carry. The services offered to pilgrims also include Hady & Adah in Hajj in cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Project For Utilization Of Hady & Adah through points of sale in all post offices spread across the Kingdom or at temporary stalls in Mecca, Medina, and the Holy Places. A total of 41,927 parcels were sent and received during the last pilgrimage to and from Mecca. For more details of the statistics of the services provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to pilgrims, the General Authority for Statistics provided many details through the Hajj statistics register for 1440 AH, through its official website at www.stats.gov.sa

Authority for Statistics: Follow-up and field supervision on Hajj health services is one of the five key services offered to Hajj pilgrims. It includes over 33 basic services delivered by more than 6,000 supervisor and monitor Government and service entities in Saudi Arabia offer a vast pool of services to Hajj pilgrims. These services are generally divided into 5 basic services: follow-up and field supervision of Hajj, general Hajj services, Hajj health services, Hajj transport services, and Information and Communication Technology services in Mecca and holy sites. GAS announced on Sunday, 3 Dhu al-Hijjah under the 1440 H Hajj season statistics records on its official website www.stats.gov.sa that the size of workforce providing follow up and field supervision services for the guests of Allah this year has reached 6,336 supervisors and monitors, including 156 females. These are supervising Hajj-related work carried out by all government and service entities from the arrival of pilgrims and until their departure.Follow up and field supervision of government entities in question is divided between desk work and field work. The total number of vehicles dedicated for field work reached 1,222 vehicles, including tailored equipment, cars, and motorcycles. They have been also equipped with 2,400 wireless devices for direct communication. GAS indicated that 6 government entities are providing follow up and supervision services: The Emirate of Mecca Region, the Emirate of Medina Region, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Commerce and Investment, the Control and Investigation Board, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.The entities provide support and monitoring for Hajj and Umrah works in order to offer the best services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, supervise the performance of entities operating at outlets under the umbrella of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, identify shortcomings, supervise the transportation of pilgrims from their accommodation in Mecca to Mina (Tent City), supervise their return from Mina at the end of the pilgrimage to their accommodation in Mecca, oversee the transportation of pilgrims between holy sites in buses, prepare a plan for the boarding of pilgrims from pilgrim camps to Jamaraat Bridge, including boarding schedules and routes, oversee services provided to national pilgrims during their presence in holy sites to ensure high quality, address errors, and identify shortcomings, monitor the availability of supplied quantities of commodities, foodstuff, and meals in Mecca, Medina, holy sites, Jeddah, and Taif, monitor seasonal workforce during the Hajj season, check their workplaces and accommodation, perform overall monitoring of services offered during Hajj, and assist Committees charged with monitoring the distribution of holy site lands and camps.  It is worth mentioning that the main Hajj follow up and supervision services amount to over 33 services, from which many more services are derived. These services are carried out throughout the year, and not just during the Hajj season, through committees and teams emanating from the 6 government entities. - End -

From 1390 H until last year 1439 H   General Authority for Statistics: Over 95 million Hajj pilgrims hosted and served by KSA over the last 50 years The task of counting the numbers of pilgrims every year is one of the most important tasks assigned to the General Authority for Statistics (GAS). The task was entrusted to GAS in 1390 H back when it still operated under the designation of Department of Statistics and Information. This aimed at providing accurate information to assist all government entities in the planning and development of everything related to the service of the guests of Allah. The task continued throughout these years, witnessing year after year developments in counting and inventory methods and statistical outputs including data and indicators. The Authority is tasked with completing three statistical projects during every Hajj season (inventory of the numbers of pilgrims, statistics of services offered to pilgrims, and Hajj work management indicators) with the goal of providing the largest amount of data needed to support decision- and policy-makers in achieving the highest levels of accuracy and comprehensiveness. The Authority indicated that the total number of pilgrims served by the Kingdom during the last 50 years amounted to 95,853,017 pilgrims, noting that the numbers exceeded 2 millions in 19 Hajj seasons, while the numbers of pilgrims during the last 25 years reached 54,465,253 pilgrims.  Moreover, the numbers of pilgrims during the last 10 years reached 23,796,977 pilgrims, as per the GAS official statistics. The hajj statistics program is aimed at complementing all other future plans and programs in order to provide necessary services for the Hajj pilgrim, including social, health, security, food, and transport services.This is done by producing timed and accurate data on the numbers of pilgrims and estimated size of workforce needed to serve pilgrims and maintain their security and comfort during the Hajj season every year. The pilgrims data and numbers are also used by entities entrusted with studying basic installations and facilities in Mecca and holy sites and are taken into consideration when preparing necessary plans for this end. Accurate information and data on Hajj statistics is also provided to researchers, academics, beneficiaries, and those interested in the field and is used as well in the evaluation of activities and events held by pilgrim service entities and for learning about trends and patterns of national and foreign pilgrims. GAS will publish the final and official number of Hajj pilgrims on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the evening through the bulletin of Hajj statistics which will include the following detailed results: Number of national pilgrims, number of foreign incoming pilgrims, number of pilgrims by gender, nationality, and country of departure, numbers and models of vehicles transporting pilgrims, and other detailed data.

1,141 medical and first response field teams provide their services 24/7  GaStat: Over 30,000 employees are ready to provide health services for pilgrims, with 16 hospitals in Mecca and the Holy Sites, 125 health centers, and 132 ambulance centers The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is investing all its human and material capacities in the service of pilgrims to the Holy Sites, as government entities come together to offer health services to pilgrims. The General Authority for Statistics (GAS) announced on Tuesday 5 Dhu'l-Hijjah 1440 Hijri that the workforce dedicated to providing health services and first aid to pilgrims this Hajj season has reached 30,908 people (of whom 8,685 are women). The numbers were published on the Authority’s website (www.stats.gov.sa( and include employees form the Ministry of Health, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, and the Saudi Food & Drug Authority. They are joined in providing health services by teams from the security and military sectors. This brings the total of medical and first response field teams at the Holy Sites during the Hajj season up to 1,141 teams. The GAS explained that health, treatment, and prevention services for pilgrims are offered by the Ministry of Health in the shape of free specialized medical services through a dedicated team of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, technicians, and administrative employees exceeding 27,797 individuals. Treatment services made available to pilgrims include:   open heart surgeries, cardiac catheterization, dialysis - both hemodialysis and peritoneal -, endoscopies, birth procedures, and other specialized medical services. Currently,  16 hospitals are available inside Mecca and the Holy Sites, along with 125 health  centers  fully equipped for medical and emergency response, and 68 field teams operating at the Holy Sites and inside and outside Mecca.  The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has itself dedicated 132 permanent and temporary first response centers, 370 ambulances, 20 bikes, and 2,811 individuals for emergency and medical services in Mecca, Medina, and the Holy Sites.  All health and emergency response teams are operating 24/7 in Mecca and the Holy Sites until Wednesday 20 Dhu'l-Hijjah. The concerned authorities have already set the necessary comprehensive programs and plans to guarantee the provision of all capacities and requirements needed to deal with emergencies and disasters, if any, and to provide medical and emergency aid, treatment, and prevention services to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors. The plans have been rolled out effectively and efficiently based on a unified approach and using the most advanced medical and first aid provision methods. The services also seek to reinforce health security at the Holy Sites and the roads leading to them, and at land, air and maritime entry points. They are not limited to land services provided through ambulances but also cover Saudi Air Ambulance, motorbikes, fast response teams, and field teams at the Great Mosque and Al Masjid an Nabawi and their surroundings. These efforts rely on available human capacities and a group of male and female volunteers.  The Saudi Food & Drug Authority has assigned a team of 300 employees to monitor foods, medicine, and medical equipment and products imported by pilgrims and pilgrimage groups. This team is also in charge of supporting the concerned monitoring authorities in their inspection of establishments offering food to pilgrims in Mecca, Medina and the Holy Sites. The Authority’s seven key services include: inspecting foods, medicine, and medical equipment imported through entry points; health inspection of food establishments in the Mecca region; health inspection of food establishments in the Medina region; health inspection of animals sacrificed at Mina; field studies concerning food safety; raising awareness among pilgrims on the safety of food, medicine, and medical equipment and products; and inspecting transportation means entering Mecca and the Holy Sites. - End -

The survey is based on the "holding" as the economic unit of both plant and animal agricultural production  GASTAT releases the results of the Agricultural Holdings Survey for 2018 On Dhu al-Qidah 29, 1440 (August 1, 2019), the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued its results on the "Agricultural Holdings Survey for 2018" on its official website, www.stats.gov.sa. The Agricultural Holdings Survey is one of the periodic surveys conducted by GASTAT every three years. It aims to provide an updated database from the agricultural census framework 2014-2015 on the main characteristics of the agricultural holdings such as the number of agricultural holdings, their area, the legal entity and the type of holdings. It also provides data on agricultural workers, in addition to a large number of data that support decision makers, policymakers, workers in the agricultural sector and those interested in this field. GASTAT carried out the "Agricultural Holdings" survey of 2018 in accordance with the recognized international practices in the statistical agencies. Since the "holding" is the economic unit of the agricultural production in both plant and animal, it is under one administration and includes all animals in it and all lands used in whole or in part for agricultural production purposes regardless of the ownership, legal form or area. The results of the survey showed that the total number of agricultural holdings in Saudi Arabia’s administrative regions in 2017 was (283,788), with a total area of (34) million dunums. The percentage of traditional holdings is (88.4%) out of total number of agricultural holdings in Saudi Arabia with an area of (10.9) million dunums. Traditional holdings are the predominant type in most of the agricultural holdings in Saudi Arabia. This type of holdings does not have to take prior approval or licenses from the concerned parties and their activity may be plant, animal or mixed production. However, the specialized holdings (projects) reached  (11.6%) of the total number of agricultural holdings in Saudi Arabia with a total area exceeded (23.3) million dunums, including the specialized holdings (projects) that were approved and have been granted licenses from the concerned parties after the technical and economic study to establish such specialized holdings, whether it was specialized in plant production, animal, poultry farms, fish farming, or those projects which mainly follow modern non-traditional methods in the irrigation system, or they use agricultural mechanization and modern technology in agricultural production and they are specialized in the production whether exposed or protected agriculture,  raising cows to produce milk, or in fattening of calves, sheep and poultry . The results of the survey also showed that (93.38% )of the agricultural holdings were owned by the holders and (6.58%) of the holdings were leased. The remaining holdings percentage (0.04%) was distributed among the other land holding systems. Regarding legal entity, "Individuals" ranked first with (98%) of holders. In terms of the main purpose of production, (86.4%) of the landholdings production was allocated for "sale" and the rest of the holdings’ production was allocated for consumption, representing (13.6%). In terms of the main activity of agricultural holdings, the plant holdings reached the highest percentage (91.8% ) of the total number of agricultural landholdings, while animal holdings came second with (8%). The results of the survey revealed that (20.1%) of the holders work in agriculture as the main occupation, and the remaining percentage (79.9%) are holders their main occupation is other than agriculture. The results also showed that the percentage of Saudis working in agriculture as a main occupation reached (99.5%) of the total number of holders who work in agriculture as their main occupation. According to the detailed survey results on the main source used for irrigation water, the number of artesian and manual wells in agricultural landholdings reached (319,393). As for the agricultural holdings where the main source of irrigation depends on rain, it reached (96,627) holdings, with the area of holdings reaching (294,573) dunums out of the total irrigated areas.

Signing a MoU to enhance Use of Data “GASTAT” & World Bank: Our collaboration Supports Government Entities in the Exchange of Statistical Data and highlighting their efforts at the international level The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and the World Bank signed on Monday 5/11/1440 H (8/7/2019) a memorandum of understanding to regulate statistical data exchange and enhance the joint work to support government entities. The MoU regulates the provision of data and statistics on Saudi Arabia to the World Bank, the classification of statistical data, whether the survey data produced by GASTAT from economic and household surveys or data of administrative records collected by GASTAT from government entities. The agreement also includes the mechanisms for requesting data from sources, technical responsibilities, intellectual property rights and organization aspects of publication.  HE Dr. Fahad Bin Sulaiman Al-Tekhifi, President of GASTAT, affirmed that the organization of data exchange with international organizations is one of the strategic tracks of the work of GASTAT, which stems from Saudi Arabia’s position which is led by government entities under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Furthermore, it reflects the role of GASTAT in increasing the pace of coordination and collaboration with the international organizations concerning data and statistical indicators of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it reflects the importance of the World Bank’s work in highlighting these indicators in international comparison programs and in carrying out studies and research relevant to the common development aspects of all countries of the world. The Regional Director of the World Bank in the Gulf Region, Mr. Essam Abu Sulaiman, asserted that the collaboration with the General Authority for Statistics as the official statistical body of Saudi Arabia comes in order to highlight the efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia in various fields of development, and in response to the increasing demand for statistical data, whether survey data or data from records released by government entities. He also added that the collaboration with the Saudi statistical body will play an active role in the data request operations and provision to the World Bank, and ensure their unification according to international classifications and standards. The Regional Director of the World Bank commended the procedures carried out by GASTAT which are in accordance with the international requirements and methodologies of statistical work applicable in all countries. The World Bank is a strong partner in the GCC for more than 50 years. Government entities in the GCC have benefited from the World Bank's global development knowledge and expertise through its technical assistance programs. These include the activities in the GCC in key areas that the Bank has extensive international technical expertise in them, including improving service delivery, encouraging diversification of economic activity, strengthening governance, strengthening social protection systems and pensions. The World Bank is also working with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council to address interrelated issues, particularly in environmental protection.

GASTAT: releases Consumer Price Index(CPI) Monthly Report for June,2019 General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released its monthly report of CPI in Saudi Arabia for June, 2019. The report was published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. CPI index increased by (%0.2) compared to last month (May,2019). GASTAT’s report indicated that the consumer price index CPI in Saudi Arabia increased from (105.7) in May,2019 to (105.9) in June,2019 with (%0.2) change. As a matter of fact, the report attributed this increase to the increase of the five sections composing it, which are: personal goods and services section with (%1.8), culture and entertainment section with (%1.5), transportation section with (%0.6), restaurants and hotels section with (%0.6), and food and beverages section with (%0.2). In contrast, three of the main sections witnessed a decline, which are: housing, water, electricity, and gas section with (%0.4), clothing and shoes section with (%0.2), finally home furnishing and equipment section with (%0.1). On the other hand, health, telecommunication, education, and tobacco sections remained stable with no change.

Statistical Survey Issued by GASTAT for the First Time GASTAT Releases Results of Household’ Culture and Entertainment Survey for 2018 General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released results of “Household’ Culture and Entertainment Survey 2018”.  The survey was published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. This survey complements the new statistical products implemented by the Authority to meet the local and international requirements of statistical data. It is first-of- its- kind survey in the field of household culture and entertainment, which will be conducted on a periodical basis every three years by GASTAT in line with the international methodology of culture statistics. The fundamental objective of the survey is to support decision makers, policy makers, researchers, and those who are interested in up-to-date data on statistics of household culture and entertainment in Saudi Arabia by (gender, nationality, educational status, age, and marital status). (35.36%) of Saudi Arabia’s population (Saudis and non-Saudis) had a home library during the 12 months. In detail, the percentage of reading books among Saudi individuals (15 +) was (58.18%) during the 12 months.  The percentage of both (Saudi and non-Saudi) individuals (15+) who read newspapers or magazines recorded (53.96%), out of total population of Saudi Arabia.  For Saudis, the total percentage of Saudi individuals (15+) who read newspapers or magazines accounted for (59.46%) during the 12 months, where (67.14%) of them were Saudi males, and (51.48%) of them were Saudi females.  However, the percentage of reading electronic newspapers or magazines was (66.58%), out of the total number of reading newspapers or magazines, while the percentage of reading printed newspapers or magazines reached (5.77%). As for both types, the total percentage of reading electronic or printed newspapers or magazines registered (27.65%), during 12 months, according to the results of the survey. (42,40%) of Saudi individuals (15+) visited theme parks for entertainment or culture as the most visited places in the residence of place during 12 months.  However, cultural landscapes are the most visited places for Saudi individuals (15+), recording a percentage of (57.21%), out of total Saudis who traveled inside Saudi Arabia to visit cultural or entertainment places during the 12 months. Likewise, cultural landscapes were one of the most visited places for Saudi individuals (15 +), where the total number of Saudis who traveled outside Saudi Arabia to visit cultural or entertainment places during the 12 months was (70.03%), based on the survey’s results. Watching television or listening to radio stations recorded the highest percentage as the most cultural and entertainment activities practiced by Saudi individuals during their free time at the level of Saudi Arabia, reaching (67.02%), out of the total number of Saudis who engaged in cultural or entertainment activities during the (12) months.    GASTAT is pleased to provide its clients of data users with the detailed results of the survey. The results will be available on its website, containing about 40 statistical indicators.

256 days until the beginning of Saudi Arabia Census 2020 8 governmental entities review 21 executive plans for Saudi Arabia Census 2020 The president of the General Authority for Statistics, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi confirmed that all preparation for the General Population, Housing, and Establishments Census 2020 are complete with the participation of a number of related governmental entities. 21 executive plans within the project’s preparatory stage have been prepared, including all tasks and requirements to the census implementation. These plans also cover all stages of work in details.  the executive committee of Saudi Arabia Census 2020 has held its first meeting on Wednesday Shawwal 30th 1440H at GASTAT head office, with the participation of Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce and Investment, Ministry of Education, National Information Center, and Saudi Post. All issues of electronic linkage with the National Information Center, the plan of classifications and manuals, manpower and training, maps and postal address have been discussed, in addition to a number of topics related to information technology and field works. Altekhaifi said that the collaboration adopted by all governmental entities will enable them all from investing all means of modern technologies which provides a wide database that can be used as a reliable reference when conducting the studies and research required for Saudi Arabia developmental plans and programs, in addition to providing statistical data and indicators that measure the changes of population characteristics over time, making national and international comparisons, revising and evaluating the future population estimates, and providing detailed data that was not available before because of the nature of technologies and software that were used in the previous census ten years ago. GASTAT works with its partners to develop and build a unified geo-spatial database that covers all Saudi Arabia cities and villages, which makes a complete transformation while dealing with the geographical data of the digital image at all stages of the census, and enables data exchange with GASTAT clients in different sectors. His excellency expressed his appreciation for the great support that GASTAT and other governmental entities receive from our great leadership for the success of census works. It is worth mentioning that there are 256 days to go until the beginning of the census. The approval of His Royal Highness, the King of Saudi Arabia has been announced previously to specify the evening of Tuesday 22nd of Rajab, 1441 H corresponding 17th of March, 2020 to be the beginning of the actual enumeration works of the Fifth Population, Housing, and Establishments Census in Saudi Arabia. This date shall be approved as the time reference date for all census works, data, and information. A new portal has been launched specifically for all details of census works: https://saudicensus.sa/

GASTAT Releases Results of Household Health Survey, 2018 GASTAT released the results of Household Health Survey, 2018 on its official website. The importance of this survey lies in the data and indicators provided for health. It includes indicators for health status of individuals, population suffering from chronic diseases, periodic health check-ups performed by individuals, in addition to indicators of family planning procedures, fertility rates, and child mortality.  Results showed that the percentage of (Saudi and non-Saudi) population (15+) who have good to very good health has increased, and that is based on their own assessments where the percentage hit (95%) compared to (%94.2) in 2017. In regard to Saudis, the percentage of Saudi males who have good to very good health reached to (%94.2) based on their own assessments, while the percentage of Saudi females who have good to very good health was at (%92.3) based on their own assessments.   Results also showed that (%24.3) of total population (15+) perform periodic check-ups to check their health at least once a year. Additionally, percentage of (Saudi and non-Saudi) population who are covered with health insurance reached (%38.6).  On the other hand, results of the survey indicated that the percentage of population who are suffering from chronic diseases in the age group (15+) has decreased to (%15.9) compared to (%16.4) in 2017.  Based on the survey’s results, total fertility rate of women between (15-49 years) was (1.92) birth per woman. As for Saudi females, the total fertility rate was (2.33) births per woman. The results indicated that (%32.9) of married women between (15-49 years) are using modern contraceptive methods.   Moreover, mortality rate among children under five years was (8.5) deaths per 1,000 live births, while mortality rate among infants under one year in Saudi Arabia was (6) deaths per 1,000 live births. Results revealed that percentage of population (15+) who were diagnosed with diabetes reached (%8.5). The percentage of population (15+) who were diagnosed with heart diseases was at (%1.21). On the other hand, the percentage of population (15+) who were diagnosed with hypertension was (%7.6).   Household Health Survey also includes other indicators such as: distance between households and health centers, percentage of children under two years who are committed to vaccination, average number of hospital admissions per 1000 individuals, in addition to other indicators.

Within GASTAT surveys that are implemented for the first time  (16.8%) of Saudis contribute in voluntary works, and the average voluntary working hours of total population reached (52.2) hours during the twelve months preceding the survey On Friday Shawwal 18th 1440 H corresponding June 21st 2019, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of “ Voluntary Works Survey 2018” on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . this survey is implemented kingdom-wide for the first time within the requirements of Saudi Vision 2030. GASTAT vice president Mr. Abdullah Albatil said that this survey aims to identify the percentage of individuals’ contribution in voluntary works, provide up-to-date statistics on the percentage of volunteers out of total Saudi and non-Saudi population (males and females), and the average working hours of those volunteers.  In addition, it identifies the nature of voluntary works performed by society members and the fields of practice. The survey also gives detailed data on voluntary works by occupations and economic activities. Hence, it supports decision and policy makers, researchers, and those who are interested in getting up-to-date and comprehensive statistics that are related to voluntary work in Saudi Arabia. The survey would enable both the public and the private sectors to study the variables of voluntary work to use them in preparing the future developmental, social, and economic programs in Saudi Arabia, increasing the efficiency of voluntary work, and providing the academic sectors with the requirements of social and economic studies and research. The vice president expressed his appreciation to all the concerned entities including the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in addition to a number of voluntary institutions and associations for their participation in the survey questionnaire. The results of Voluntary Work Survey 2018 showed that the percentage of total volunteers (Saudis and non-Saudis) out of total population (15 years and above) during the twelve months preceding the survey reached (14.7%). However, the percentage of Saudi volunteers (15 years and above, males and females) during the twelve months preceding the survey reached (16.8%), where Saudi males registered (22.6%) and Saudi females registered (10.8%).  According the survey results, the average working hours of total volunteers (Saudis and non-Saudis) reached (11.2) hours during the four weeks preceding the survey, whereas the average working hours of total volunteers (Saudis and non-Saudis) reached (52.2) hours during the twelve months preceding the survey. However, the average working hours of Saudi volunteers reached (11.4) hours during the four weeks preceding the survey, whereas the average working hours of Saudi volunteers reached (52.6) hours during the twelve months preceding the survey. The results also demonstrated reasons of voluntary work for Saudis, where (40.6%) of Saudi volunteers (males and females) said that the desire to help others motivates them to volunteer. (28.7%) said that volunteering is a national obligation, whereas (8.5%) of Saudi volunteers think that volunteering is a good opportunity for communication. However, (4.3%) believe that volunteering contributes in developing one’s skills. It is worth mentioning that the survey has covered all voluntary work fields which include any unpaid work performed by an individual in public social activities or for a certain governmental or private organization covering all humanitarian works such as providing people in need with support and donations which helps improving their lives. Saudi Arabia is well known for its volunteering works during Hajj and Umrah seasons.

GASTAT Releases Real Estate Price Index for Q2, 2019   General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the report of Real Estate Price Index for Q2 of 2019. The report was published on the official website of GASTAT www.stats.gov.sa.    The real-estate price index recorded an increase by (4.0%), compared to the previous quarter (Q1, 2019), where its indicator reached (80.4) in Q2, 2019, compared to (80.1) in Q1, 2019.  This increase can be attributed to the changes in the main sectors composing the indicator, where housing sector in addition to commercial sector showed an increase by (2.0%) and (8.0%), respectively, whereas agricultural sector edged down to (1.0%), compared to Q1 of 2019.   In detail, residential sector witnessed an increase in residential lands as well as apartments, reaching (0.2%) and (0.5%), respectively in Q2, 2019 compared to the previous quarter. However, a decrease was recorded in three groups: residential buildings (0.3%), villas (2.7%), and houses (0.3%). Regarding commercial sector, commercial land plots and commercial centers rose by (0.8%) and (2.1%), respectively, while exhibitions (shops) dropped to (1.9%). At the level of agricultural sector, agricultural lands fell to (0.1%). It is worth noting that the index is based on register-based data of real-estate transactions available at the Ministry of Justice. It is an essential tool that supports entities making economic and statistical decisions regarding the movements of real - estate prices and future forecasts during different periods of time.  The index has three main sectors consisting of several types of real estate classes: housing sector which includes (plot of land, building, villa, apartment, and house), commercial sector including (plot of land, building, exhibition/commercial center and shop), in addition to agricultural sector with one category which is the agricultural land.

GASTAT Launches “Self-enumeration System” and e-portal for Saudi Arabia’s 2020 Census Minister of Economy and Planning and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Muhammad Bin Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri launched on Mondy 14/10/1440H (June 17th ,2019) the e-portal for Saudi Arabia’s 2020 census, as an awareness platform for everything related to the fifth census of housing, populations, and establishments 1440H-2020 through its official websites www.stats.gov.sa A detailed presentation for the e-portal including its objectives as well as the preparations of the census was reviewed by HE. In fact, the e-portal of Saudi census 2020 is an official platform for all census’s news and everything related to it including announcing and publishing results, it is also a platform for spreading statistical awareness in general, deputy of GASTAT for strategic communication and clients support Taiseer AL-Mofarrej said. The e-portal has special windows for the past four censuses and their results, it also includes windows for news and awareness content that shed light on the preparations made until now for Saudi Arabia’s 5th census, AL-Mofarrej clarified. He also added that citizens and expatriates will be able to complete the census form online through (self-enumeration system) via the website on March 2020, which is considered one of the most important modern methods for population census, as it will enable heads of the households to register all data of the family without the need for the visit of the statistical researcher to their places. This system will be used as one of the tools to collect statistical data from households in Saudi Arabia’s census 2020. On the other hand, spreading the statistical awareness among the society will lead to success of the self-enumeration experience since knowledge of technology is now considered as a feature of the Saudi society in all age groups, he added. It is worth mentioning that the Council of Ministers has approved the implementation of the General Population and Housing Census for 2020 as the fifth census of Saudi Arabia. Tuesday’s evening, 22 Rajab 1441 (17 March 2020) will be the beginning of the actual enumeration for the 5th census of population and housing in Saudi Arabia. This date shall be the approved date for the time reference of all census works, data and information. 2020 census will provide a huge database that will be used as a reliable reference to conduct studies and researches required by the development plans and programs in Saudi Arabia, in addition to statistical data and indicators for measuring the change in the characteristics of population that occurred by time, also to make international, regional, and local comparisons, as well as reviewing and evaluating future estimates of population. Saudi Arabia has implemented the first official census in its comprehensive sense in 1394 AH (1974). The second census was in 1413H (1992). The third census was conducted in 1425H (2004). 1431H (2010) census was the fourth census and was carried out by the Department of Statistics and Information before being transformed into the General Authority for Statistics.

GASTAT provides development opportunities through big data Saudi Arabia concludes its participation in the first meeting of the friends of the chair group on economic statistics of the United Nations within 11 countries On Thursday May 30, 2019, Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), concluded its participation in the first meeting of the friends of the chair group on economic statistics of the United Nations within 11 countries, which was held at UN headquarter in New York city. The three-day meeting discussed the institutional transformation issues of national statistical bodies, in addition to the new methods, services and roles played by such statistical agencies. GASTAT president, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, who led the Saudi delegation, confirmed that GASTAT 's participations with international organizations and experts of the international statistical agencies in their meetings are useful opportunities to highlight KSA's efforts in development with statistical figures and to develop statistical work according to international standards. Altekhaifi said statistical offices are challenged by changes in data gathering brought about by new technology. He added that big data could replace traditional statistical activities as an innovative way of producing official statistics or providing additional information to support the currently available official statistics, hence new indicators might be produced to support all decision makers in different developmental fields. The shift towards big data to be one of GASTAT official statistics sources reflects Saudi Arabia tendencies to benefit from the digital transformation in producing economic, social, and cultural statistics that support government bodies in accepting the rapid developmental changes which must be applied and reflected through official statistics. GASTAT president indicated that using big data as a new (complementary or alternative) source of data creates some challenges that should be overcome by statistical entities. These challenges include the methodological aspects of data, determining data access methods, unifying statistical concepts, completing and processing data and other practices, in addition to ensuring a certain level of quality and enabling international comparisons. However, the organizational factors include other fields such as updating the organizational structure, working on statistical capacity development, establishing collaborations with the private and public data sources, and communicating with users. Altekhaifi mentioned that the national statistical agencies must overcome these challenges to guarantee the usefulness of big data in the production of official statistics, especially for databases, computing and digitization. Statistical entities need to adopt national statistical strategies that deal with plans, strategies, implementation methods and development mechanisms in the national statistical environment. In addition, they need to enhance coordination and partnerships between the national statistical agencies and the different sources of data, whether governmental or private. However, all databases of government and private statistical entities must be electronically linked, while maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of data when exchanging data. Furthermore, statistical indicators definitions, concepts, and methodologies must be unified among all partners to avoid misunderstandings of statistics that result from the use of different concepts and methodology. This includes the use of official international statistical classifications such as ISIC 4 by all partners from the public and private sectors to facilitate work on databases and get coordinated and comparable data that are ready for all statistical purposes. Moreover, it is important for all statistical entities to have a road map through which they can use big data to provide official data. GASTAT has reviewed all Saudi Arabia’ efforts to benefit from big data by approving the National Strategy for Statistical Development, electronic linkage projects, and international classifications. In addition to unifying the definitions and methodologies, and encouraging the initiatives of digital transformation in all public and private sectors. It is worth mentioning that many international experts in the statistical and economic fields have participated in the discussions of the first meeting of the friends of the chair group on economic statistics of the United Nations. Topics discussed included the future of economic statistics within the Sustainable Development Goals from the perspectives of the international organizations and the national statistical entities. They also included digital infrastructure, and maintaining an interactive economic system, in addition to discussing a number of experiments on the institutional transformation of the national statistical offices, and methods of using data sources.

GASTAT Releases Results of Umrah Statistics Bulletin (2018) On Tuesday 2nd of Ramadan, 1440H corresponding May 7, 2019, General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of Umrah Statistics Bulletin (2018). The report contains a number of Umrah-related indicators and results which have been taken from Umrah Survey (domestic Umrah performers), and the registered- based data of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (foreign Umrah performers).  The total number of Umrah performers reached (18,311,111) performers, (6,765,614) of whom are from outside Saudi Arabia as showed in the registered- based data of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. On the other hand, the total number of domestic Umrah performers (Saudis and non-Saudis) hit (11,545,497) performers. The percentage of Umrah performers for Saudis as well as non-Saudis coming from inside Saudi Arabia recorded (46.17%) and (53.83%), respectively, according to the Umrah Statistics Bulletin’s results.  Vast majority of domestic Umrah performers (Saudis and residents) carry out Umrah within one day, with a percentage of (67.5%) out of the total number of Umrah times they performed during 2018.  However, they prefer to perform Umrah during Ramadan, where their percentage accounted for (59%), the Umrah Survey’s results showed. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah registered the highest percentage regarding foreign Umrah performers with (62%), while the percentage of Umrah performers coming through Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina was (29.31%). It is worth mentioning that all the Umrah Survey’s data are available on GASTAT’s website www.stats.gov.sa, to serve researchers and those who are interested in such data, and to provide decision makers with detailed field results.

Issued every five years and considered the second most important statistical product, and its results contribute to the calculation of several social and economic indicators GASTAT Releases the Results of the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey (2018) On Wednesday Sha’aban 26th, 1440 H (May 1st, 2019), the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the results of the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey (2018) in a press conference held in GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh city. At the beginning of the conference, HE the President of GASTAT, Dr Fahad Bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, valued the main role of the households selected in the survey sample in reaching statistical results of high importance in a number of developmental directions. The Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey is one of the most important statistical household products of statistical agencies in all countries. The results of this survey provide the necessary statistical data for the development of economic and social development programs and plans aimed at achieving the well-being and progress of the communities. The data of this survey are the basis of many studies and research conducted by government agencies and international organizations. The statistical agencies classify it as one of the field surveys (households sampling) in social statistics, and provide data on patterns of expenditure in society and show the impact of demographic, social and economic factors on families. According to international recommendations, the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey is carried out every 5 years. It has been implemented in Saudi Arabia in 1970, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1999, 2007, and 2013). The collection of data takes (five quarters of two calendar years). The current survey was carried out within 13 months starting from February 28th, 2017 until March 31st, 2018. HE explained that the length of data collection is due to the fact that many of the variables of the study are vulnerable to different seasons during the months or seasons of the year. There are goods and services people spend on during certain months of the year more than others. The household interview in the survey does not end with one field visit, but needs a number of visits to follow-up with the household during the period specified, to collect all the required data. Altekhaifi added that all these factors necessitate the follow-up of field implementation for more than a year, including all seasons to measure the change in expenditure patterns and levels due to seasonal, occasional and periodic changes, which can be measured accurately in a relatively long period of time compared to the rest of the household surveys conducted by GASTAT throughout the year. The president of GASTAT confirmed that the Authority has fulfilled its obligations in implementing the international standards adopted for indicators of household income and expenditure in order to enable international organizations to conduct a periodic comparison between all countries. The results of the survey, which were announced today, are the basis for a number of socio-economic statistical products. The results of the survey provide the data of qualitative weights used in the preparation of the consumer price index. Through this survey, the basket of goods and services is updated, which is a relatively fixed collection of consumer goods and services which are estimated on an annual basis. This basket is used to track inflation in each country. The goods of the basket are periodically adjusted based on the results of the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey to take into account changes in consumer habits. The basket of goods and services is used as a basis to calculate the Consumer Price Index and wholesale prices. The results of this survey also provide data on the patterns of expenditure in society, the impact of demographic, social and economic factors on the household, provide data on household expenditure on goods and services as a component of the final expenditure in GDP, and provide data necessary for national accounts related to the final consumption and household sector income. He added that the results of the survey contribute mainly in identifying patterns of expenditure in society and indicating the impact of demographic, social and economic factors on them. It also provides policy and decision makers with all statistics on Saudi and non-Saudi household expenditure on consumer goods such as food, drinks, clothes, as well as non-consumer goods, such as remittances and capital goods such as purchasing of buildings, lands, stocks, donations, etc. Through these statistics, weights are provided showing the importance of consumer expenditure items, and it can be used to identify levels of income distribution and expenditure levels, by category (low, medium, high). On the other hand, GASTAT confirmed that the results of this survey play a major role in supporting projects related to income and expenditure of households such as social protection, social development and family affairs projects. It also contributes to the development of important social indicators such as indicators of sustainable development goals, human development indicators and other international indicators. The results of the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey (2018) showed that the average monthly income of the household reached 11,984 SAR (eleven thousand nine hundred and eighty-four riyals), while the average monthly income of the Saudi household reached 14,823 SAR (fourteen thousand eight hundred and twenty-three riyals). The results of the survey also showed that the average monthly income of "individuals with income" reached 6,346 SAR (six thousand three hundred and forty-six riyals), while the average monthly income of "Saudi individuals with income" reached 7,940 SAR (seven thousand nine hundred and forty riyals). In terms of expenditure, the average monthly expenditure of households in Saudi Arabia reached 12,818 SAR (twelve thousand eight hundred and eighteen riyals), while the average monthly expenditure of the Saudi household reached 16,125 SAR (sixteen thousand and one hundred and twenty-five riyals). The average monthly “consumption” expenditure reached 11,728 SAR (eleven thousand seven hundred and twenty-eight riyals) , While the monthly “consumption” expenditure of the Saudi household reached 14,584 SAR  (fourteen thousand five hundred and eighty-four riyals). During the press conference, GASTAT clarified that the Authority made a number of measures to ensure the quality of the data. GASTAT used the method of the direct visit to the household, used tablets to complete survey questionnaire data based on the specific time frame, and applied (data auditing rules) to ensure consistency, accuracy and logicality of the data on the survey form (electronic rules that detect the discrepancy of answers). They have been built by linking the logical relationship between the answers to the questionnaire and its variables so that the field researcher and the observer can detect any error directly through the form during the collection of data from the head of the household. These programmed rules do not allow errors to be passed if the answer is inconsistent with information, or with another answer in the form. The data was verified by reviewing the collected data. All the work areas were subjected to a process of monitoring and reviewing from the data quality room at the headquarters of GASTAT. A sample of households were contacted by telephone and asked some questions in the questionnaire to verify the integrity of the researcher data, obtain lost data that have not been received yet if any, and validated the location where the questionnaire have been completed by matching the coordinates with the coordinates recorded in the sample file. On the other hand, GASTAT published the results of the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey (2018) on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. The result’s data has been provided in the form of open templates to be utilized in studies and analysis. It is worth mentioning that GASTAT intends to carry out the survey every three years from 2021 in accordance with the local, regional and international requirements of the data.

With a collaboration between the National Observatory for Women, General Authority for Statistics, and Alwaleed Philanthropies “The Role of Saudi Woman in Development” conference announces the indicator of woman development with five axes and (56) variables to support decision makers On Saturday 22nd of Shaaban, 1440 H corresponding 27th of April, 2019, Minister of Labour and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Alrajhi opened The conference of the Role of Saudi Woman in Development (Towards a Dynamic Society) in Riyadh. The conference was organized by the National Observatory for Women in King Saud University, General Authority for Statistics, and Alwaleed Philanthropies, with the participation of UN Woman. The National Observatory for Women’ indicators were launched in this conference. These indicators are considered tools that support the periodical measurement of Saudi woman participation in development. They are also considered one of the tools for developing strategies related to woman in Saudi Arabia to ensure the role of Saudi woman in development towards a dynamic society. These indicators complement all the National Observatory for Women’ previous indicators. However, the indicator that was launched today contains (56) variables distributed on five main axes; educational axis that supports the future of generations, health axis which concerns society protection, organizational axis which supports progress, economic axis for financial, industrial, and economic leadership in Saudi Arabia, in addition to the finally added one which is the social axis that contains the indicator of woman participation in development. At the opening of the conference, Minister of Labour and Social Development asserted that (Saudi Vision 2030) has determined the road map and specified all national goals that empower woman, so that she becomes a real and active partner in developing our country. The vision also has developed executive programs and initiatives which will transfer all our hopes into real achievements. He added, we believe in women empowerment in our country with total conviction that is derived from the Islamic principles which give woman all her rights while offering her psychological and social protection. Since the foundation of our country, and its recent take off, the government has paid attention to woman basic rights and needs. To achieve this tendency, women empowerment programs have been designed especially in labour and education. Saudi woman nowadays registers high scores in both work and education. Moreover, she participates in many outstanding scientific research both locally and internationally. She also succeeds in the business sector, in addition to the management of corporations, banks and non-profit associations. For his part, GATAT president, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi indicated that the United Nations approved The Eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) until 2015. Many countries prepared reports to measure what goals have been achieved based on the issued official statistical indicators (either issued by official statistical entities, statistics of government entities, or statistics of international organizations). This experiment has undergone assessment and development. Committees and work teams have already started working on new SDGs until 2030 with (17 goals), and Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries who addressed SDGs. The SDGs governance was set by the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP) as the responsible entity for SDGs file, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) as the responsible entity for building statistical indicators, in addition to other government ministries, authorities, and institutions which contribute in the planning and implementation of these goals in accordance with their nature of work. SDGs were also considered within the national strategies (Statistical indicators within the National Strategy of Statistical Development, and other strategies related to household, women, and childhood). As a result, Saudi Arabia submitted the voluntary report– within certain countries- last year in the United Nations. Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi stated that the model of the National Observatory for Women, and the tripartite partnership between the National Observatory for Women ,General Authority for Statistics, and Alwaleed Philanthropies for the survey study which included 15 thousand households from different Saudi regions- in addition to the works of this conference- represent an ideal model of the developmental Saudi administrative work Which affirms that the collaboration between different entities paves the way to overcome any challenges and achieve desired goals. Mohammad Naciri, UN Women Regional Director for the Arab States and Asia-Pacific said that there are false impressions about women in GCC region and in Saudi Arabia particularly. The international media significantly contributed in spreading these impressions based on superficial analyses. He commended the efforts of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the Women in Development Study. Furthermore, he confirmed that the results of the indicator adopted by (the National Observatory for Women, General Authority for Statistics, and Alwaleed Philanthropies) reflect the lived realities of Saudi women, and show improvement and progress in the fields of health and education. On the other hand, HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed AL-Saud the Secretary General at Alwaleed Philanthropies pointed out that woman’s development indicator, which is the first of its kind came to express appreciation to the Saudi women’s efforts for their contributions in various fields and sectors.  All data included in the indicator will help in launching distinctive initiatives and programs that will identify the social and economic obstacles facing women in Saudi Arabia as well as enhancing the cooperation with local and international partners to increase efficiency in dealing with these obstacles and overcome them with the possibility to measure the improvement and the impact of such initiatives, she added. The results were based on three factors: first, gathering strong evidence about our current situation and next destination, which will guide us to reach to the target groups in the right place and time. Second, transparency, since we are very keen to share true stories about women in Saudi Arabia and discuss them in clearly to achieve the desired progress as we cannot take effective steps without understanding the full picture of it. Third, partnership that has emerged as a result of the importance of cooperation between the right institutions to reach to the desired results and change; as a matter of fact, this cannot be achieved without an effective collaboration between the relevant parties, HRH clarified. The vice rector for Planning and Development at King Saud University Dr.Yousif Abdu Asiri mentioned that the National Observatory for Women’s participation in development  (NOW) is a great platform that attracted experts of women’s affairs,  monitor women’s participation and provide decision makers and relevant entities with results, indicators, statistics, and database to be as a supportive reference for the social research, developmental projects, and for everything related to family and community from regulations, institutions to initiatives. The observatory is consistent with 2030 vision in which it supports human researches and enables the developmental role of them, it became a clear symbol of the institutional research at King Saud University and has achieved a lot in a short period of time besides its effective efforts and positive role. During the opening of the conference, King Saud University has announced the launching of the new website of NOW which provides an interactive platform for researchers to modify the equations to calculate specific relations between the five dimensions of the indicator of woman’s participation in development, or to identify different categories, for example, calculating woman’s participation in development by age group or by educational level or by administrative region. Additionally, results released in the conference of (Woman’s role in development “towards vital community”) included data provided by the General Authority for Statistics GASTAT which were obtained from field surveys. These data were analyzed by NOW by using a certain methodology and research tools. The results focus on key measurements of international studies related to men and women: health, education, economic opportunities, organizational structure, and social context. The study evaluates a number of variables between 8 to 20 variables in each one of these five dimensions. The conference held two main sessions and three local sessions with a participation of a number of experts and officials. The first session includes (the main legislations of woman’s participation in development) which discusses: legislations that guarantee woman’s participation in the public judiciary, legislative frameworks of personal affairs, legislative frameworks of woman protection, the role of law in promoting women’s rights, and women’s rights in health care. On the other hand, the second session includes: (social capital and its role in promoting woman’s participation in development) which discusses: social capital “the modern approach to development”, sustainable development between community trust and interrelationships, and the social dimension of “the indicator of woman’s participation in development”. In addition, the local round table session has discussed in its first session the strategies and future aspirations of Saudi women, the second session was about woman’s participation in development from a global perspective, while the third session has showed some examples of woman’s participation in development.

GASTAT Releases Real Estate Price Index for Q1, 2019 General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has released the report of Real Estate Price Index for Q1, 2019. The report has been published on the official website of GASTAT www.stats.gov.sa. The real-estate price index has edged down to 4.0%, compared to the previous quarter (Q4, 2018), where its indicator has reached (80.1) in Q1, 2019, compared to (80.4) in Q4, 2018.  This decline can be attributed to the decrease in the main sectors composing the indicator: the housing sector (5.0%), the commercial sector (4.0%), and the agricultural sector (2.0%), compared to Q4 in 2018. Regarding residential sector, the residential lands have witnessed a decrease in Q1, 2019 reaching (0.5%), compared to the previous quarter (Q4, 2018), and residential buildings have dropped to (0.6%). However, the following categories have increased recording in villas (0.1%), apartments (0.2%), and houses (0.2%). On the other hand, the commercial sector has showed a decline compared to the previous quarter for both commercial land plots and (exhibitions/ shops), recording (0.4%) and (0.3%), respectively, while commercial centers have risen by (0.3%).  At the level of agricultural sector, agricultural lands have fallen to (0.2%). It is worth noting that the index is based on registered-based data of real-estate transactions available at the Ministry of Justice. It is an essential tool that supports entities making economic and statistical decisions regarding the movements of real - estate prices and future forecasts during different periods of time.  Moreover, the index has three main sectors consisting of several types of real estate classes: housing sector which includes (plot of land, building, villa, apartment, and house), commercial sector including (plot of land, building, exhibition/commercial center and shop), and agricultural sector with one category which is the agricultural land. The real estate price index aims at finding accurate real estate statistical indicators that will help in measuring Saudi Arabia’s real estate market in line with global norms and standards.

The implementation will subject to monitoring and evaluation system that guarantees achievement at the level of all engaged entities, HE assured GASTAT Board of Directors’ Chairman Thanks the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for the Kind Approval on the National Strategy for Statistical Development The chairman of board of directors of GASTAT, the Minister of Economy and Planning Ministry Mr. Mohmmad AL-Tuwaijri appreciated the kind approval of the Council of Ministers on the national strategy for the statistical development in the meeting that was held on Monday 18th of Sha’ban 1440.  HE thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and HRH the Crown Prince for the kind approval on the strategy. It is the first national strategy for the statistics sector in Saudi Arabia. In fact, the strategy was set to enhance and boost the information and statistical work in Saudi Arabia to reach to an effective response that can meet the increasing demand of statistical data and information. Moreover, the strategy will serve the development path of Saudi Arabia to fulfill its international, regional and national duties. It was based on an ambitious future vision up to 2030 with medium and long-term objectives to be achieved. The strategy has adopted five axes: First, the use of statistical information and data (demand axis), that aims at ensuring the improvement in the use of statistical information and data in Saudi Arabia, and meeting all users’ needs by providing easy-to-use statistical information and data in a timely manner. Second, statistical information and data production (supply axis), which seeks to develop administrative records to be gradually relied upon as a primary source of data, improve field operations, such as censuses, surveys and research, and apply the latest standards, methods and classification policies when collecting, analyzing and disseminating data. Third, the axis of modern technologies, that aims at using the latest technologies in all statistical work stages, and ensuring a high-quality infrastructure system. Fourth, the axis of communication and awareness, which aims at strengthening the society’s statistical knowledge through promoting education and raising awareness, and establishing a culture of communication among key actors within the Statistics & Information Sector. Fifth, the axis of governance through which GASTAT seeks to consolidate the principles that govern the Statistics & Information Sector’s activities, establish a culture of results-based management, ensure the sustainable development of human resources, and attract highly-qualified individuals. Implementation of this strategy will be subjected to monitoring and evaluation system that guarantees accurate implementation at the level of all engaged entities, HE affirmed. On the other hand, an annual report will be prepared and published on this matter, and two evaluations will be conducted for each five years. The strategy will be updated on a regular basis based on these elements and based on relevant updates as well; occurring inside and outside Saudi Arabia. GASTAT will work hand in hand with all engaged entities as well as all the components of the statistical sector in accordance with the approved strategies to achieve and meet the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision and the initiatives of the National Transformation Program 2020, he added.

GASTAT: Releases Internal Trade Survey’s Results Q3- 2018 The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released on its official website www.stats.gov.sa the results of the "Internal Trade Survey for the Third Quarter of 2018". The survey is about a set of economic statistics and data for short-term use to measure the performance of the trade sector in order to assess its growth, and identify its strengths or weaknesses. Moreover, it is an important economic activity that contributes to increase employment and GDP, exactly like the retail activity which connects producers with consumers, and focusses on the features and components of establishments engaged in the activities of vehicles sale and repair as well as wholesale and retail sale trade. The survey showed that the number of Saudi females’ workers of internal trade establishments increased by 4%, compared to the previous quarter. The workers’ number of internal trade sector in Saudi Arabia reached about one million six hundred ninety-three thousand workers by the end of the third quarter of 2018, including almost one million two hundred fifty-five thousands of non-Saudi workers. However, the number of Saudi workers of the same sector was approximately four hundred thirty-eight thousand workers. Rate of worker’s productivity in internal trade activity increased by 1.12% compared to last year 2018, results showed. They also indicated that the total operating revenues(sales) of internal trade sector reached (151,389 million) one hundred and fifty billion, three hundred eighty-nine million riyals during the second quarter of 2018.   The total operating expenses of the sector during the same period reached (90,224 million) ninety billion, two hundred twenty-four million riyals. Therefore, the operating surplus of the three sectors activities during the third quarter of 2018 was about (49,424 million) forty-nine thousand, four hundred twenty-four million riyals.            Based on the results of the survey, the operating surplus of the wholesale trade was the highest among all the activities of the internal trade and was about (19,153 million) nineteen thousand, one hundred fifty-three million riyals during the third quarter of 2018. On the other hand, the operating surplus of the retail trade activity reached around (16,008 million) one thousand, six hundred eight million riyals. Finally, the operating surplus of the sale and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles activity accounted to almost (14,262 million) fourteen thousand, two hundred sixty-two million riyals.

GASTAT releases the Labour Market Bulletin, Quarter (4) 2018 GASTAT: Saudis’ Unemployment Rate Decreases During the fourth Quarter of 2018 Compared to the Previous Quarter On Sunday Rajab 24th, 1440H. (corresponding to March 31st, 2018) GASTAT released the Labour Market Bulletin for the fourth quarter of 2018 on its official website  (www.stats.gov.sa). The bulletin is based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey that is conducted by GASTAT on a quarterly basis as well as the labour market data from the administrative records available at the related entities (Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Affairs, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund, and National Information Center).   The results of the 2018 fourth quarter bulletin, based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey, showed a decrease in the total unemployment rate of Saudis (15 years and above) reaching (12.7%) compared to (12.8%) in the previous quarter. The Saudi males’ unemployment rate reached (6.6%), whereas the unemployment rate of Saudi females reached (32.5%) in the fourth quarter of 2018. The unemployment rate for the total population (15 years and above) stabilized at (6.0%) in the fourth quarter of 2018. The results of the survey also showed that the economic participation rate of total Saudis (15 years and above) reached (42.0%) in the fourth quarter of 2018. The economic participation rate reached (20.2%) among Saudi females, and (63.0%) among Saudi males in the fourth quarter of 2018. Also, the bulletin indicated that the total employed Saudis (males and females) reached (3,111,199) based on the data of the administrative records. According to the results of the bulletin and based on the data of the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarah and Sa’ed) and the data from the Human Resources Development Fund (Taqat), the total number of Saudi job seekers reached (970.229) in the fourth quarter of 2018. GASTAT has defined jobseekers as Saudi individuals (males and females) registered in job seeking programs of the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarh and Sa’ed) as well as Human Resources Development Fund (Taqat) where they entered their personal data, qualifications, experiences, and CVs electronically. Jobseekers included in the administrative records are not subjected to the internationally recognized criteria and conditions of the International Labor Organization (ILO); hence, not all of them are considered unemployed individuals. Therefore, not every job seeker is an unemployed individual; they may be looking for a work while still working in another job, as in the case of job seekers in the government sector where they work for their own business and not registered as employees in the governmental administrative records (Civil Service, Social Insurance, commercial registers, and municipal licenses) .