Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, met with Ms. Intisar bint Abdullah Al-Wahibi, Director General of the Statistical Center for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, at GASTAT’s headquarters in the capital Riyadh. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation, reviewed opportunities for developing collaboration, and delved into various topics of mutual interest, particularly in the realm of statistical data. The two sides explored ways to strengthen mutual coordination in the field of statistical data. They also discussed the establishment and ongoing development of the statistical database, along with GASTAT’s strategies for statistical data, methods, quality assurance, and governance. Furthermore, they examined approaches to enhancing both human and institutional statistical capacities through a range of core activities offered by the Center. Among these activities, they highlighted the support program for countries and members, which aims to enhance statistical work and standardize and improve its quality. Aldossari pointed out that the recent years have seen considerable growth in statistical activities in the Kingdom. This transformation has been driven by statistical initiatives and projects led by the General Authority for Statistics. The objective has been to generate statistical data and indicators while continuously advancing the integration of diverse data sources. This has been facilitated by leveraging optimal data management infrastructure and governance practices, along with the consistent use of cutting-edge technology for ongoing enhancement. Additionally, the country has actively engaged in international workshops and conferences, prioritizing the development of national talent. Its worth noting that the Statistical Center for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States serves as the official source for data, information, and statistics pertaining to the GCC countries. Its mandate is to enhance statistical and informational work for national statistical centers and planning bodies within the GCC countries. The establishment of the center was approved by the Ministerial Council for the GCC in September 2011, and its statute was adopted by the Supreme Council of the GCC in December 2012. The Supreme Council consists of the Majesties and Highnesses, Heads of the member countries: the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.

GASTAT welcomed a delegation from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The meeting held at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh over three days, explored ways to enhance joint work in the statistical sector and opportunities for developing cooperation in statistical data. Various topics of mutual interest in the statistical field were also discussed, alongside gaining insights into Saudi Arabia’s experience in population censuses. The two sides discussed the stages of Saudi Census 2022 project, methods of calculating all statistical indicators and an introduction to the statistical database. They also covered the continuous development efforts that GASTAT is implementing in its statistical data strategy, aiming to provide updated statistical data to enhance joint efforts toward sustainable development goals. This includes ongoing advancements in indicator calculation methods, the exchange of statistical expertise, and the improvement of the quality of statistical data.

Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), met with Mr. Ian Diamond, Director of the UK Office for National Statistics, in London. This meeting was part of the delegation's visit to the United Kingdom. During the meeting they discussed ways to enhance joint work in the statistical field, reviewed recent developments, and strengthened the exchange of expertise between the two countries in this context, considering the agreement signed between the two entities.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Saudi Health Council aiming at enhancing cooperation, strengthening coordination, and integrating efforts in their respective areas of specialization. The memorandum sets a general framework for joint activities, tasks, and institutional capacities development between both parties, within the context of achieving partnership and integration among government sectors. The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Council's General Secretariat.  The Saudi Health Council was represented by Nahar bin Mazki Al-Azmi, Secretary-General of the Saudi Health Council, while GASTAT was represented by Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics.  The memorandum aims to exchange support, technical expertise, and knowledge between the two parties. It also aims to provide advice in the field of research, studies, publications, and statistics exchange in the healthcare sector. Additionally, it seeks to provide the necessary indicators to measure the performance and impact of the healthcare sector, which will contribute to supporting health policy formulation and decision-making processes. Furthermore, the memorandum covers cooperation in various aspects, including collaborative research projects and the development of human capacities for employees of both entities within their respective domains. This will be facilitated through training courses, seminars, scientific conferences, and workshops.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) launched the Comprehensive Agricultural Survey in all regions and governorates of the Kingdom. This survey aims to collect basic and structural data on agricultural activity in the Kingdom, covering both plant and animal sectors, with the goal of provideing an agricultural database on which decision-makers and policymakers can rely and use as a trusted reference, thereby aiding in the formation of agricultural activities plans and future goals. In the same context, the survey provides agricultural data to meet local, regional, and international statistical requirements. It also helps in the conduction of studies, analyses, and statistical comparisons in this field, in addition to supplying researchers, scholars, and interested parties with the necessary statistical data on agricultural activity. These data can be used in research and scientific studies to foster the advancement of agricultural activity in the Kingdom. GASTAT clarified that the Comprehensive Agricultural Survey will be implemented through telephone interviews, self-completion questionnaires, and field visits. It urges all concerned parties to actively participate in providing the required data for the survey. It assures that the information provided by citizens, residents, or establishments will be kept strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes. GASTAT welcomes all inquiries and requests for information through its representatives via the unified statistical telephone number (920020081), the customer support email (cs@stats.gov.sa), or its website (www.stats.gov.sa).

In Q4 of 2023, the net value of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows in the Kingdom amounted to SAR 13 billion, representing an increase of more than 16% compared to Q3 of the same year. This information is based on the Foreign Direct Investment Publication for the fourth quarter of 2023 from the General Authority for Statistics. The results of the Publication showed that the value of FDI inflows into the Kingdom's economy reached SAR 19 billion, an increase of 16.6% compared to Q3 of the same year, which was valued at SAR 16 billion. The Publication also indicated that the value of FDI outflows from the Kingdom's economy was about SAR 6 billion, representing an increase of 17.6% compared to Q3 of the same year, which amounted to SAR 5 billion.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued today the Labor Market Publication for Q4 of 2023. According to the results of this publication, the total unemployment rate (for Saudis and non-Saudis) decreased to 4.4% from Q3, 2023 by 0.7 percentage points, where it was 5.1%. The unemployment rate for Saudis also decreased to 7.7% in Q4 of 2023 compared to 8.6% in Q3, 2023. Additionally, the unemployment rate for Saudi females during Q4 of 2023 decreased to 13.7% compared to 16.3% in the previous quarter, while the unemployment rate for Saudi males remained stable at 4.6% in Q4 of 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the labor force indicators showed a decline in the total participation rate in labor force (for Saudis and non-Saudis) compared to Q3, 2023, reaching 60.4%. Moreover, the participation rate in labor force for Saudis dropped to 51.3%, compared to the previous quarter. The results of the Labor Market Publication also indicated a decrease in the participation rate in labor force for Saudi females during Q4 of 2023, with 35.5% compared to the previous quarter. However, the participation rate in labor force for Saudi males in Q4 of 2023 decreased to 66.6% compared to 66.8% in the previous quarter. It is worth mentioning that the Labor Market Publication bases its results on a household survey conducted by GASTAT falling under the social statistics. Data is collected through a representative sample of population from various administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by completing an electronic questionnaire containing several questions. This process provides estimates and indicators related to the labor force of population in the working age group (15 years and above) residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, estimating the population (inside and outside the labor force), and calculating key labor market indicators such as the unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, and others.

General Authority for Statistics participated in the fifty-fifth session of the United Nations Statistical Commission which took place from 27 February to 1 March 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Representatives of member states' statistical offices and representatives of United Nations statistical organizations involved in statistical work took part in the session. The session discussed topics related to international statistical activities, reviewed practices related to sustainable development indicators for the year 2023 and the progress made, as well as discussed indicators related to economic, social, spatial, and resource statistics. It also addressed developments in the methodologies of calculating statistical indicators and indices and their applications in participating countries, as well as new and improved data collection methods. Such sessions are important as they work on reviewing and setting statistical standards, developing concepts and methods used by official statistical offices worldwide and discussing new international statistical methodologies, standards, and classifications. They also shed light on reviewing key international statistics related to economic and social matters and discussing international efforts to develop the capabilities of statisticians. It is worth mentioning that the United Nations Statistics Division organizes the Statistical Commission session annually in the first quarter of each year. This session is one of the highest levels of international statistical sessions and serves as a reference for those interested in statistical field.

The city of Jeddah will host the 48th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Statistical Research. This session will take place on October 4 -5, 2023, and will discuss common statistical issues with the aim of providing accurate data to support comprehensive economic and social development plans at the regional Arab level. This will be achieved by supporting the official statistical systems in Arab countries to fulfill their developmental duties at both national and regional levels in providing accurate data and indicators that contribute to enhancing opportunities for better developmental policy-making. The official heads of Arab statistical centers will participate in these meetings, with Saudi Arabia hosting this 48th session as a confirmation of its leading role in the Arab world and its commitment to enhancing Arab communication and joint work in all fields, especially in the field of Arab statistical work. This aims to exchange experiences among member countries and provide statistical data to support development plans. The agenda includes various activities aimed at enhancing the production and dissemination of accurate statistical data in accordance with international methodologies and standards. Additionally, there will be efforts to develop a strategic vision to improve the level of Arab statistical work, improve the technical and scientific capabilities of human resources in the official statistical agencies of Arab countries, exchange statistical knowledge and experiences to strengthen Arab solidarity and cooperation, and develop high-quality statistics production to drive development forward.

Saudi Arabia will host the 12th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Statistical Commission (OIC-StatCom). The meetings of this session will be held in the city of Jeddah and will last for two consecutive days October 3-4, 2023. The meeting will be attended by the heads of official statistical centers in the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This is the first time that the meetings of this commission are held outside the headquarters country (Turkey). Saudi Arabia's hosting of this session reflects its international status and its Arab and Islamic position, affirming its keenness to enhance communication and joint work among Islamic countries to provide statistical data for the support of development plans and exchange experiences among member countries. The 12th session of OIC-StatCom aims to develop the technical and scientific capabilities of statistical personnel in the official statistical agencies of member countries and exchange statistical knowledge and experiences to support the member countries in producing high-quality statistics, guided by specific objectives and principles in order to enhance solidarity and cooperation among Islamic countries. The agenda comprises of a number of activities meant to improve the production and dissemination of precise and updated statistical data in compliance with international standards and procedures. Additionally, efforts will be made to develop a strategic vision to improve the level of statistical systems, implement and monitor short, medium, and long-term plans to achieve this vision, and enhance the technical capabilities of national statistical agencies in Islamic countries.

Based on its role in developing the statistical sector, the General Authority for Statistics adopted the chain-linked methodology in the national accounts to calculate the real GDP. The publication of Q4, 2023 and the annual publication of the same year will be published using the new methodology instead of the previous methodology that was based on utilizing the fixed base year. Saudi Arabia is the first country in the Gulf and Arab regions and among the first G20 countries that implement the chain-linked methodology. This dynamic methodology is thought to be a useful tool for estimating the real growth rates of national accounts and for measuring economic growth rates using weights and prices from the prior year as a benchmark to provide measurements within adjacent time periods. It accurately reflects the current economic conditions of any country that employs it. Expert statisticians in the field of national accounts have pointed out that the chain-linked methodology takes into account the impact of price changes, flexibility in dealing with economic activities along with their continuous updating and accurately reflects economic changes. It also considers production structure and consumption patterns, allowing for clearer international comparisons. International statistical organizations and bodies concerned with national accounts systems urge countries worldwide to adopt the chain-linked methodology instead of the previous methodology that used a fixed base year for weights and prices, in order to accurately reflect real growth at the national level and monitor developments and achievements effectively. It is worth mentioning that the Gross Domestic Product publication is one of the releases issued by the General Authority for Statistics on a quarterly and annual basis to provide estimates of the GDP for the relevant period, expenditure components, measure the contribution of economic activities and various regulatory sectors, as well as provide modern annual economic indicators such as GDP growth rates, relative contributions of economic activities, and regulatory sectors to the GDP according to the latest international systems. It also includes many analytical tables highlighting the tracks of the national economy. National accounts publications also contribute to meeting the requirements of the Kingdom Vision 2030, regional requirements to understand the national economy, including the statistical center of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab Monetary Fund, the League of Arab States, in addition to international requirements such as those of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and others. The General Authority for Statistics website provides more details about its statistical products.

The Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Arab League held its forty-ninth meeting in Cairo on September 26-27 of this year at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Arab League. The meeting was attended by delegations representing official Arab statistical agencies, as well as a number of specialized Arab organizations in the field of statistics. The delegation of Saudi Arabia was led by  Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics. During the sessions, various technical and administrative topics were discussed, including monitoring the implementation of recommendations from the previous committee meeting, highlighting statistical activities carried out by Arab official statistical agencies in the past period, as well as reports and recommendations from subcommittees. It is worth mentioning that the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics aims to enhance Arab statistical capabilities, exchange experiences, information, and technical advice among member countries, and provide the necessary statistical data and indicators to serve the common Arab statistical work.

The General Authority for Statistics and the Family Affairs Council signed a memorandum of cooperation yesterday, Monday September 4, 2023. The memorandum aims to enhance integration between the two entities in their respective fields of expertise, establish a general framework for joint activities and tasks, and develop their institutional capacities to serve common interests and goals. The memorandum was signed at the headquarters of the Family Affairs Council in Riyadh. Dr. Fahad Al-Dossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, signed on behalf of the authority, while Dr. Maimouna bint Khalil Al-Khalil, Secretary-General of the Family Affairs Council, signed on behalf of the council. The memorandum highlights the exchange of information and data between the two parties - each according to its expertise - in areas of mutual interest, cooperation in issuing statistical publications related to families, exchanging support and technical and knowledge expertise in areas of mutual interest, as well as exchanging advice in the areas of expertise of each party. This includes exchanging research and studies, publications, and making it possible for the staff of both parties to participate in training courses, seminars, scientific conferences, and workshops related to the areas of mutual cooperation agreed upon.

The team of the project of transition to accrual accounting was recognized by Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, for meeting the project's requirements and completing its main phases. This helped GASTAT to transit to the accrual accounting principles and be involved in the release of the first national unified financial center. It is worth mentioning that the transition to accrual accounting and the adoption of international accounting standards in the public sector are initiatives stemming from the National Transformation Program, which is adopted by the Ministry of Finance through its agency for financial and accounting affairs. The project will help provide complete, accurate, and timely information about the financial center, and results of the entities’ activities and cash flows. It will also enhance supervision over revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities, as well as develop financial departments in government entities and support decision-making processes.

Today, His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Prince of Qassim Region, received in his office Dr. Fahad Al-Dossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics. His Royal Highness the Governor of Qassim praised the role played by the General Authority for Statistics as the only official statistical reference for implementing, supervising, and regulating the statistical work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it provides statistical products in social, economic, and environmental fields to support policymakers and decision-makers in advancing the implementation of development plans.  The meeting included a review of the results of statistics and reports prepared by GASTAT in collaboration with all government entities and stakeholders in the region, providing accurate and comprehensive statistical data that cover all aspects of social, economic, and environmental dimensions in Qassim region.

Today, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, Prince of Al-Jouf Region, received in his office Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, along with several staff members, and GASTAT’s branch director in the region, Engineer Jarallah Al-Shamrookhi. During the reception, His Royal Highness was briefed on the works and efforts of GASTAT in providing population and housing statistics at the Kingdom level, specifically concerning Al-Jouf region, its provinces, and affiliated centers. He also listened to an explanation about the role of GASTAT in providing statistical data to support the development of the region, emphasizing the importance of its role and the information it provides to contribute to the development of all regions. His Royal Highness, the Prince of Al-Jouf, highlighted the wise leadership's interest in developing and enhancing the regions, praising the role of GASTAT in providing data and indicators that assist in making future decisions and directions for urban, population, and economic development, achieving goodness and prosperity for the country and its citizens. Dr. Fahad Al-Dossari expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness the Prince of Al-Jouf for his constant attention and continuous follow-up to GASTAT’s work in the region and his support for the branch's activities.

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, participated in the opening of the First Conference of the Saudi Association for Statistical Sciences, which was held in Madinah on Sunday, 11 February 2024, under the theme "Statistics and Health." The conference aimed to discuss the latest developments in the field of statistical data and enhance the desired integration with health authorities in issuing health and social indicators and data that contribute to supporting policymakers and decision-makers. In his speech at the conference, Dr. Aldossari expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Saudi Association for Statistical Sciences and the Saudi Society for Medical Education for their excellent organization and reception, while also commending the efforts made to ensure the success of the conference. Dr. Aldossari stated, "For the first time, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued six specialized health statistical products at the end of 2023, comprising more than 98 health indicators. GASTAT is keen to adopt a unified working methodology that aligns with the nature of each statistical product, by relying on the Statistical Business Procedures Manual, which is in line with the standards and procedures adopted by international statistical organizations and agencies." He further explained that the role of GASTAT lies in conducting several specialized health surveys, including the Health Condition Survey, Women's Health and Reproductive Care Survey, Health Determinants Survey, and Health Care Survey. He emphasized that GASTAT collected comprehensive and accurate data from all regions of the Kingdom, following an approved methodology for each survey, and applied best practices, methods, and quality models in data collection and analysis to produce the required health statistical publications and indicators. GASTAT’s President affirmed that the Authority is committed, within its strategy, to developing its statistical products in general, and health products in particular, in order to provide high-quality health data and indicators that can be relied upon to support all efforts aimed at developing healthcare services. This support aligns with the Sustainable Development Plans in the healthcare sector in the Kingdom and meets international health requirements that contribute to enhancing the Kingdom's international ranking. It is worth mentioning that the First Conference of the Saudi Association for Statistical Science is sponsored by the Prince Sultan Military Medical City and is held for the first time over a period of 3 days, from 11 February to 13 February 2024. The conference includes several main sessions and workshops on analyzing health insurance data, statistical analysis of medical data using the (R) program, advanced data analysis using the (MS Excel) program, as well as the presentation of scientific medical statistical posters by a group of specialists and speakers, with more than 24 scientific posters and 300 participants.

The Council of Ministers, in its session held yesterday, Tuesday, 6 February 2024, in Riyadh, issued a resolution appointing Ms. Sara Alsuhaimi as a member, and renewing the membership of Mr. David Kalisch in GASTAT’s board of directors as specialists in the field of  GASTAT's work, for a period of three years.

The General Authority for Statistics GASTAT has released the annual statistics publication of foreign direct investment FDI for the year 2022 and for Q3 of 2023 in Saudi Arabia. This is the first time GASTAT has announced these indicators after adopting its calculation methodology in October of last year.  According to the publication's results, the total balance of FDI in Saudi Arabia reached 762 billion SAR at the end of 2022. The total inflows of FDI in Saudi Arabia amounted to 123 billion SAR, while the total outflows reached 17 billion SAR. The net inflows of FDI in Saudi Arabia amounted to 105 billion SAR. In the same context, GASTAT published the statistics of FDI for Q3 of 2023, indicating that the total inflows of FDI in Saudi Arabia amounted to 17 billion SAR. The total outflows of FDI in Saudi Arabia reached 5 billion SAR, while the net inflows of FDI in Saudi Arabia amounted to 11 billion SAR. On this occasion, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, affirmed that Saudi Arabia's announcement of FDI for the first time adds a new global standard to improve the quality and transparency of the methodology for calculating FDI statistics. This is achieved by providing globally leading levels of transparency and governance. He also highlighted the joint efforts with the International Monetary Fund in this project and the integration of roles between the Central Bank and the Ministry of Investment to reach the methodology adopted by GASTAT for calculating the index. He explained that it will enable investors to make investment decisions based on reliable results that support decision-makers and policymakers, and to design investment policies that attract more foreign investments and inform investors about the best investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia. It is worth mentioning that the new methodology was adopted after alignment with the International Monetary Fund in the new methodology and the confirmation of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to apply the best practices and international standards according to the International Monetary Fund's Balance of Payments Manual. In addition, the World Bank supported the recommendations presented by the International Monetary Fund in its recent report on Saudi Arabia, which form the basis of the new methodology. The new methodology will contribute to enhancing governance levels and improving the quality of transparency in the statistical data and information for calculating direct foreign investment indicators as an investment destination in Saudi Arabia. FDI Index includes about 19 new indicators as part of the new methodology approved by the International Monetary Fund, including the balance and inflows of direct foreign investment by economic activity, investing countries, and regions of Saudi Arabia for the period from 2007 to 2022.

The ranking of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), has jumped 25 places in the Statistical Performance Index (SPI) issued by the World Bank. It ranked first in the Gulf and advanced four places in the same index among the G20 countries, coming in at 15th place after previously being ranked 19th in the 2019 assessment. The World Bank recently announced the results of the assessment of the maturity and performance of statistical systems (SPI), which included 186 countries. The assessment focuses on five main dimensions distributed over more than 52 indices, covering data sources, statistical products and services, and infrastructure. The Kingdom achieved 100% in the data use dimension and scored 80.8% in the assessment, a significant increase from the previous score of 63.4% in 2019. It was the highest progress among the G20 countries, with a progress rate of 17.4%.   Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, explained that the support and empowerment received by GASTAT in the past period contributed to achieving strategic transformations in the statistical production and technical infrastructure fields. This had a great impact on enhancing the statistical role played by GASTAT and achieving progress in comparison to many official statistical agencies around the world. It also contributed to building and calculating high-quality indices and statistical data that lauded by international organizations specialized in the statistical field. Moreover, it supported all sectors of the state with statistical data that assist decision-makers and policymakers. He emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration with partners to further develop statistical production. It is worth mentioning that this significant progress achieved by the Kingdom in the assessment of the national statistical agencies' performance index (SPI) is a continuation of the efforts of GASTAT in implementing the statistical transformation that aligns with the national transformation in various sectors and fields, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. GASTAT is making relentless efforts to anticipate the future in light of its transformation strategy, which includes developing the technical infrastructure, improving field surveys and statistical products, as well as enhancing partnerships with the government, private, and non-profit sectors. It also works on improving data availability and meeting statistical requirements at the local, regional, and international levels, while focusing on increasing customer satisfaction through continuous development of data presentation and statistical indices interactively and smoothly. In the same context, this achievement reflects the level of support and empowerment GASTAT receives from the wise leadership and the great confidence in its national role in providing statistical data, building, and measuring national statistical indices that support sustainable development plans and the development of the Saudi economy, and improving the quality of life in the Kingdom.