The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued today the International Trade Statistics Publication for October 2024. According to the results of the publication, the value of merchandise exports reached 92.8 million SAR, with oil exports valued at 67.4 million SAR and non-oil exports (including re-exports) at 25.4 million SAR, compared to 22.5 million SAR in October 2023, representing a 12.7% increase. 

The publication also indicated that the value of merchandise imports for the Kingdom in October 2024 was 72 million SAR, compared to 74.9 million SAR in October 2023, a decrease of 3.8% amounting to 2.9 million SAR.

It is worth noting that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and research, analyzes data and information, in addition to the documentation and archiving of all statistical information and data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Furthermore, GASTAT registers, classifies, and analyzes data. It extracts the data indicators as well.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the Environment Statistics Publication 2023. According to the results of the publication, marine protected areas recorded an increase in their area for the year 2023 by 17.7% to reach 14 thousand square kilometers compared to 2022. The area of terrestrial protected areas also increased by 7.1% to reach 361 thousand square kilometers compared to the previous year, constituting 18.1% of the total land area of the Kingdom. 
The results of the publication indicated an increase in the annual rainfall rate by 152 millimeters, a 53.4% increase from 2022. The amount of flood water entering the dams in 2023 increased by 164.1% compared to the previous year, reaching 1,564 million cubic meters.

The results also revealed a 13.3% increase in the volume of treated water reused in 2023 compared to the previous year, representing 25.2% of the treated water volume for 2023. The results showed a 4.6% decrease in the amount of collected waste, which amounted to 19.8 million tons compared to 2022.

The publication also showed an increase in the area of green spaces in the municipal sector by 3.2%, and an increase in the area of parks and recreational areas in the municipal sector by 1.4% compared to 2022. The area of national parks reached 340 million square meters in 2023, with 2.6 million trees planted in them.

It is worth mentioning that the Environment Statistics Publication was prepared in accordance with the general framework for environmental statistics developed by the United Nations. The publication relies on two main sources: statistics from the General Authority for Statistics (censuses and sample surveys) and statistics from administrative records sources including the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the General Authority for Water, and environmental centers.

The President of the General Authority for Statistics, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, extended his congratulations to the members of the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) on Gulf Statistics Day, which falls on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. He commended the center's role in promoting statistical work and supporting national statistical and planning agencies in the GCC countries. Dr. Aldossari emphasized the importance of precise statistical data and indicators provided by statistical agencies, which play a vital role in supporting decision-makers and policymakers to make informed decisions and build successful national development policies.
Dr. Aldossari highlighted that statistical work is one of the fundamental pillars that contribute to enhancing strategic plans in GCC countries and achieving their sustainable development goals. This is due to the accurate statistical data, information, and indicators it provides, which aid in policy formulation and the analysis of indicators to achieve shared visions.
He further explained that by developing statistical work, overcoming its challenges, and removing obstacles, it is possible to provide a wealth of accurate data and statistical indicators. These resources enable the measurement of progress toward achieving future visions and contribute to the economic and developmental integration that the GCC countries aspire to achieve.
The President of the General Authority for Statistics expressed Saudi Arabia's aspiration to strengthen Gulf statistical work and strategic cooperation across various statistical fields. He also stressed the importance of continuous coordination among GCC countries to advance their economies and build a solid economic foundation supported by high-quality statistical data and information. These resources serve as a reliable reference for making critical decisions within the GCC, aiming for greater economic prosperity and well-being for its people.
It is noteworthy that the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), during its 141st session held in Manama, Bahrain, on November 24, 2016, approved the designation of an annual Gulf Statistics Day. The significance of this day lies in emphasizing the community's partnership with statisticians and shedding light on the vital role that statistics play in achieving sustainable development in the GCC. Furthermore, it highlights the strategic role of the Gulf statistical system in decision-making and the formulation of developmental policies in the region.
Saudi Arabia, as the first GCC country to implement a statistical system in 1349H (1930), recognized early on the importance of statistics and information as a cornerstone for building and development. This foundational approach supports any aspiring country seeking progress on solid and strong bases. The General Authority for Statistics joins other statistical agencies in the GCC in celebrating this year's Gulf Statistics Day under the theme: "The Future of Statistics Towards Sustainable Gulf Development."
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the 2024 Health Status Statistics Publication. According to the results, 97.4% of adults (aged 15 and above) rated their health as good or better.
The results revealed that 18.95% of adults (aged 15 and above) have a chronic disease, with the most common chronic conditions being diabetes (9.1%), hypertension (7.9%), cholesterol (3.6%), cardiovascular diseases (1.5%), and cancer (0.6%). Among children (under 15 years), 9.4% were found to have a chronic disease, with the most prevalent conditions being asthma (4.1%), allergies (2.0%), skin diseases (1.6%), hyperactivity (0.8%), autism (0.6%), diabetes (0.5%), and cancer (0.3%).
The Publication results indicated that 1.8% of adults (aged 15 and above) suffer from severe depression, with a higher prevalence among females at 2.5%, compared to 1.4% for males. Meanwhile, 0.2% of adults experience severe anxiety, with 0.4% of females affected, compared to 0.2% for males.
It is worth noting that the Health Status Statistics Publication for adults and children presents indicators based on self-reported data from the results of the 2024 National Health Survey and the 2024 Women and Child Health Survey, along with population estimates from the General Authority for Statistics for the year 2024.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the Tourism Establishments Statistics Publication for Q2 2024. According to the results, the total number of employees in tourism activities reached 959,175 during the second quarter of 2024, showing an increase of 5.1% compared to the same quarter in 2023. The number of Saudi employees was 245,905, accounting for 25.6% of the total. Meanwhile, the number of non-Saudi employees was 713,270, making up 74.4% of the total labor force in tourism activities.
The results revealed that the number of male employees in tourism activities reached 831,076, accounting for 86.6% of the total labor force. Meanwhile, the number of female employees in tourism activities was 128,099, making up 13.4% of the total labor force in tourism activities during the second quarter of 2024.
The results also indicated that the percentage of employees in tourism activities was 5.7% of the total labor force in the economy during the second quarter of 2024, showing a decrease of 0.2% compared to the same quarter in 2023. Additionally, the percentage of employees in tourism activities in the private sector was 8.6%, reflecting a decrease of 0.5% compared to the second quarter of 2023.
The results showed that the hotel room occupancy rate was approximately 55.4% in the second quarter of 2024, showing an increase of 0.5% compared to the same period in 2023. Furthermore, the occupancy rate for serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities reached 52.4% in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting a rise of 1.5% compared to the same quarter in 2023.
The Publication demonstrated that the average daily room rate in hotels reached approximately 725.5 SAR during the second quarter of 2024, marking a 0.4% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2023. Meanwhile, the average daily room rate for serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities stood at 254.3 SAR in the same period, reflecting a 15.2% increase from the second quarter of 2023.
The results revealed that the average length of stay for guests in hotels was approximately 5.2 nights during the second quarter of 2024, representing a 17.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, the average length of stay for guests in serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities was around 2.1 nights during the same quarter, reflecting a 10.9% decrease from the second quarter of 2023.
It is worth mentioning that the data of Tourism Establishments Statistics for the second quarter of 2024 are based on several sources to provide comprehensive information about tourism activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These sources include administrative records, statistical surveys, and secondary data.

The annual inflation rate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 2.0% in November 2024, compared to the same month last year. This inflation rate is considered one of the lowest among the G20 countries.
It is worth mentioning that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects changes in the prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of goods and services, consisting of 490 items. This basket was selected based on the results of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey conducted in 2018. The relevant prices are collected through field visits to retail outlets, and the CPI statistics for the Kingdom are published on a monthly basis.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the 2024 Women's Health and Reproductive Care Statistics report today. According to the report's findings, the natural birth rate in the Kingdom was 71.4%, compared to 28.1% for cesarean births in the age group of 15-49 years. Additionally, the percentage of births attended by skilled health professionals was 99.6%.
The results indicated that 99.5% of women had at least one visit to a healthcare provider before childbirth. Furthermore, 66.1% of births took place in public hospitals, while 32% occurred in private hospitals.
The report's results showed that 65% of women breastfed their newborns within the first hour of birth. Additionally, 53.2% of infants were breastfed during the day prior to the visit.
The report's results revealed that 29.9% of married women are currently using any form of family planning. Furthermore, 56% of married women of reproductive age have successfully met their family planning needs using modern methods. The percentage of women who decide independently or jointly with their husbands to use contraceptive methods is 74.9%, while 89.8% of women make decisions either independently or in collaboration with their husbands regarding healthcare.
It is worth noting that the Women's Health and Reproductive Care Statistics rely on data from the Women's and Child Health Survey, which is conducted annually by the General Authority for Statistics through a sample of women in the age group of 15-49 years.

The Ministry of Education (MoE), in collaboration with the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), launched the Statistical Knowledge Program in public schools. The initiative aims to cultivate a generation equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle accurate data and information from reliable sources. The program seeks to empower students to confidently and professionally utilize data, enhance their research and analytical abilities, and promote statistical literacy within the school community.
The program includes the Statistical Knowledge Competition, targeting intermediate and secondary school students in public and private schools. Participants can answer a set of questions online, based on data published on GASTAT portal. Running for ten days, from Sunday, December 15, to Thursday, December 26, the competition aims to enhance research and data usage skills while fostering statistical awareness.
The Ministry encouraged students to participate by registering through GASTAT’s portal, which provides resources to assist participants in accessing the necessary data. Participants will be awarded electronic certificates acknowledging their involvement, which can also be shared on social media. Furthermore, the most interacting educational departments, determined by participant numbers, will be recognized and honored.
The Statistical Knowledge Program features a variety of activities, including utilizing school broadcasts to educate students about the importance of statistical work and its role in development. The program also includes field visits by GASTAT  representatives to schools, offering practical and enriching sessions. Additionally, it provides specialized knowledge guides covering statistical terminology, occupational classifications, and number writing policies.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the Statistical Quality Assurance Framework, which provides principles and standards for collecting, processing, and publishing official statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The framework's provisions are based on the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics issued by the United Nations, aligned with the United Nations' Quality Assurance Framework, taking into consideration the regulation of the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Statistical Quality Assurance Framework consists of four levels: statistical system management, institutional environment management, statistical processes, and statistical products. These levels include eighteen principles, which are further divided into a set of standards and methods that contribute to ensuring compliance with these principles.
GASTAT has made the Statistical Quality Assurance Framework available on its official website in both Arabic and English. It is designed to benefit professionals in the field of statistics, researchers, enthusiasts, as well as government and private sector institutions.
GASTAT encourages those interested to visit its online portal at (www.stats.gov.sa) to explore the Statistical Quality Assurance Framework. The authority is also open to answering any questions or providing further information, which can be obtained by contacting its representatives through the unified statistical number at (199009) or via the client support email at (info@stats.gov.sa).

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the field of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), enhance coordination, and integrate efforts between the two entities. The MoU was signed by Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of GASTAT, and Mr. Eltayeb Adam, Regional Representative for UNICEF’s Gulf Area Office in Saudi Arabia, at the headquarters of GASTAT in Riyadh.
The MoU aims to foster collaboration in conducting the MICS, exchange expertise and information between the two parties, organize visits between experts and specialists in related fields, and host conferences, seminars, and workshops related to the survey.
In this context, Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, emphasized that GASTAT's statistical work is driven by Saudi Arabia's regional leadership in the field of statistics, achieved through the development and measurement of statistical indicators. He also noted that collaboration with UNICEF supports efforts in conducting relevant surveys and achieving the objectives of national visions and sustainable development. This is accomplished through joint efforts to enhance performance, particularly in the exchange of statistical data, and to promote cooperation between the two organizations.
It is worth mentioning that GASTAT serves as the official body responsible for statistical activities in Saudi Arabia, acting as the sole authoritative reference for conducting statistical work and overseeing its technical and organizational aspects. GASTAT's duties include collecting statistical data and information from public and private entities and individuals and analyzing and studying this data to calculate various statistical indicators. Additionally, GASTAT provides statistical consultations, reports, and services related to surveys, research, and other statistical functions as part of its mandate.
 

The General Authority for Statistics released the results of the Industrial Production Index for the month of October 2024. According to the publication, the Industrial Production Index increased by 5% compared to the same month of the previous year (October 2023), supported by growth in all subeconomic activities that make up the index, including mining and quarrying, manufacturing industry, electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply, water supply, sanitation, and waste management, and treatment activities.
The results showed a 0.4% increase in the subindex of mining and quarrying activity on an annual basis, a 12.4% increase in the subindex of manufacturing industry activity, and increases of 6.2% and 8.4% in the subindexes of electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply activities; water supply, sanitation, and waste management; and treatment activities, respectively.

The results also indicated a 5.4% increase in the subindex of oil activities and a 4% increase in non-oil activities compared to the same month of the previous year.

It is worth noting that the General Authority for Statistics issues the Industrial Production Index monthly, which is an economic indicator reflecting relative changes in the volume of industrial production based on industrial production survey data conducted on a sample of industrial establishments operating in the targeted industrial activities.

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, participated in the celebration of Gulf Statistics Day for GCC countries, held today, Monday, in Muscat, Oman, under the patronage of His Excellency Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, the Secretary-General of the GCC. The event, which was held under the theme "The Future of Statistics Towards Sustainable Gulf Development," highlights the strategic role of the Gulf statistical system in promoting awareness of the pivotal role of statistics in supporting decision-making, building development policies, and achieving the developmental goals of the visions in the member states.
On this occasion, Dr. Fahd Al-Dosari congratulated those working in the statistical sector, praising the role of the Statistical Center for the GCC countries in coordinating between national statistical centers and planning agencies in the member states. He emphasized that the cooperation between the GCC countries has contributed to building shared visions to strengthen statistical work, exchange expertise, and integrate efforts at the Gulf level.
It is worth noting that the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which met in Manama, Bahrain, on November 24, 2016, approved the designation of a day each year to celebrate Gulf Statistics Day during its (141) session. The significance of this day lies in emphasizing the partnership between the community and statisticians, as well as highlighting the vital role of statistics in achieving sustainable development and promoting statistical work aimed at providing statistical data that supports the development plans of the GCC countries.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued today the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and National Accounts indicators for Q3 of 2024. According to GASTAT's estimates, the real GDP achieved a growth rate of 2.8% during Q3 of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year, supported by a 4.3% growth in non-oil activities compared to the same period of the previous year.

Oil activities also recorded a slight growth of 0.05% during Q3 of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year, while government activities achieved a positive growth of 3.1% compared to the same period of the previous year.

Based on the results of the publication, the seasonally adjusted real GDP rose by 0.9% in Q3 of 2024 by 0.9% compared to Q2 of 2024.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today the results of Healthcare Statistics Publication 2024 for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the publication, 100% of Saudi citizens had basic healthcare coverage in 2024, while the coverage rate for the entire population of the Kingdom was 95.9%.
The publication also highlighted that the rate of visits to healthcare providers by residents of the Kingdom over the past 12 months was 1.9 visits per person. Furthermore, 13.1% of the population consulted a dentist within the same period, with 55.6% rating their most recent dental visit as excellent.
The results of the publication released by GASTAT revealed that 94.8% of adults in Saudi Arabia (15 years and above) had basic healthcare coverage, whether through government healthcare programs or private insurance.
Additionally, the publication highlighted that 96.1% of children under 15 years in the Kingdom were covered by basic healthcare services, either through government health coverage or private insurance.

These results highlight the Kingdom's progress in providing comprehensive access to healthcare for all segments of society.
The results of the publication indicated that the rate of visits to a healthcare provider over the past 12 months among the adult population (15 years and above) in the Kingdom was 1.9. This rate was higher among Saudis, reaching 2.6, compared to1.2 for non-Saudis. The rate was also higher among females at 2.5, compared to 1.6 among males.
The publication results also indicated that the rate of visits to a healthcare provider over the past 12 months among children and adolescents was 2. This rate was higher among Saudis at 2, compared to 1.6 for non-Saudis.
Based on the publication,  55.6% of the population rated their last visit to a dentist as excellent, while 30.4% rated their experience as good.
The publication results indicated that 24.3% of adults (15 years and above) accessed their electronic medical records online, 20.5% used the internet to obtain health-related information (such as illness, disease, nutrition, and health improvement), and 4.5% used teleconsultation services to consult with healthcare providers.
It is worth noting that the Healthcare Statistics Publication is a valuable source for understanding healthcare indicators for both the adult and child populations in the Kingdom, based on the results of the National Health Survey and the Women and Child Health Survey 2024, as well as population estimates provided by the General Authority for Statistics for the same year.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has achieved eight certifications in accordance with the international standards of the ISO organization. These certifications contribute to improving the quality of services provided by GASTAT and enhancing its ability to achieve its objectives. Obtaining these certifications is a culmination of its efforts to raise levels of quality and excellence.  
The certifications obtained by GASTAT are IT Service Management System to improve the quality and efficiency of technical services, Business Continuity Management System to ensure the continuity of operations during crises and emergencies, Enterprise Risk Management Guidelines for systematic risk assessment and mitigation, and Compliance Management System to enhance governance and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.  They also include Project Management Guidelines to improve project success rates and performance measurement, Legal Risk Management Guidelines for evaluating and ensuring compliance with legal risks, Competency Management Guidelines for employee training aligned with GASTAT’s objectives, and Code of Ethics and Conduct Management Guidelines to enhance customer satisfaction and engagement.  
It is noteworthy that these certifications are awarded to organizations that commit to applying a comprehensive set of global standards in laws, policies, and procedures.  

The Vice President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Mr. Mohammed Al-Rshaid, welcomed Mr. Jean-Baptiste, Head of the Regional Economic Department for the Arabian Peninsula at Embassy of France in Abu Dhabi , along with his accompanying delegation, at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting aimed to strengthen mutual cooperation between the two parties in the field of statistics. During the discussion, the delegation was briefed on GASTAT's transformation journey, its key activities, and its statistical products.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Vice President of GASTAT welcomed the members of the French delegation, emphasizing that the meeting aligns with efforts to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise in the field of statistical work. Al-Rshaid highlighted GASTAT's efforts in advancing statistical transformation in the Kingdom, including modernizing methodologies for various statistical products, enhancing methods for calculating statistical indicators, and establishing a mechanism to provide an accurate statistical database. This database enables policy formulation and supports decision-makers in formulating development plans across various sectors, contributing to the realization of the goals and objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
For his part, the head of the French delegation, along with his accompanying team, presented an overview of their statistical work and discussed ways to enhance cooperation within the framework of exchanging statistical expertise and knowledge. The meeting was attended by several experts and stakeholders in statistical affairs from both sides.

As part of efforts to enhance joint cooperation in the statistical field and exchange expertise and statistical knowledge between the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and the Department of Statistics, Dr. Fatimah Al Waef, Director General of Social Statistics, welcomed Dr. Ali Al-Shibl, Deputy Executive Director of the General Population and Housing Census, Director of Operations and Head of the Jordanian Statistical Delegation, at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh.

The visit aimed to gain insights into GASTAT’s experience with the (Saudi Census 2022) and discuss ways to strengthen opportunities for cooperation in statistical fields, along with other topics of mutual interest.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Al-Waif warmly welcomed the Jordanian delegation, commending the fraternal relations between the two countries. She emphasized that this meeting falls within the framework of enhancing these relations and exchanging expertise in the field of statistical work. Dr. Al-Waif highlighted GASTAT's efforts in Saudi Arabia's statistical transformation, including updating methodologies for various statistical products, developing methods for calculating statistical indicators, and creating an accurate statistical database to support policymaking and decision-makers in developing developmental plans for various sectors, aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

On his part, Dr. Ali Al-Shibl, head of the Jordanian delegation, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to GASTAT for hosting this visit and the efforts made. He also commended the warm reception and hospitality, emphasizing the delegation’s eagerness to benefit from Saudi Arabia's pioneering experience in the population census. Dr. Al-Shibl praised the progress and rapid development in the statistical field in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing statistical transformation and expressed his desire, along with the accompanying delegation, to develop joint statistical cooperation and strengthen ties to further benefit from Saudi Arabia's experience in enhancing statistical work.

The meeting was attended by statistical experts from both sides. The three-day visit took place from November 10–12, 2024, during which the phases of the Saudi Census 2022 project were reviewed. The discussions included the statistical standards and methodologies applied, the mechanisms and procedures of self-enumeration used, as well as various aspects of statistical work, including data collection, analysis, processing, storing , and publication methods.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Jordanian side expressed a strong desire to enhance the partnership between the two sides in all aspects of statistical work, aiming to exchange expertise and statistical knowledge between the two countries. The Saudi side reiterated its full commitment to providing necessary support to the Kingdom of Jordan in the field of census and other diverse areas of statistical work.

The General Authority for Statistics announced today the results of the Household Environment Statistics Publication 2023  in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results indicated that bottled water is the primary source of drinking water used by households in Saudi Arabia, with a reliance rate of 57.24%. This is followed by public network water at 23.56%, tanker water at 18.60%, and other sources at 0.60%.
Based on the publication, the percentage of households showing interest in environmental topics reached 87.98%, while 3.94% indicate a lack of interest, and 8.08% are neutral toward environmental topics. The results also showed that 33.48% of households use electrical devices or tools to conserve water, while 66.52% of households do not use water conservation devices or tools.

The results indicated that 47.34% of households complain about visual pollution, 43.33% suffer from noise pollution, and 38.10% experience air pollution. Meanwhile, 6.56% of households reported being bothered by light pollution. 99.44% of total households dispose of household waste in public waste containers, while 0.38% of households burn their waste, 0.02% bury it, and 0.17% use other disposal methods.

The results demonstrated that 60.08% of households have a first aid kit, 40.57% have a fire extinguisher, and 16.84% have fire alarm systems. The results also showed that 17.51% of households have trees at their homes, 7.32% have palm trees, 5.47% have bougainvillea trees, 4.31% have Indian jasmine, and 2.70% have Sidr trees.
The Household Environment Statistics Publication is based on the data of the Household Environment Survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), by collecting data through CATI for a sample covering all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data was also collected from the sources of administrative records from relevant entities. The survey aims to fulfill the requirements of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators, in addition to providing indicators that support decision-makers and strategic planning.

The General Authority for Statistics announced the results of the Household Energy Statistics Publication 2023  in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results indicated that Riyadh region had the highest electrical energy consumption, making up 28.1%, followed by Makkah region at 25.5%. The Eastern region accounted for 16.7% of the consumption, while Al-Baha region recorded the lowest electrical energy consumption at 0.9% among all administrative regions .
In 2023, the average weekly operating hours for water heating appliances was 62.1 hours, while air conditioning units operated for an average of 51.5 hours per week. Heating appliances averaged 17.9 hours of operation weekly, and cooking appliances were used for an average of 6.8 hours per week. 

In 2023, 92.1% of households showed strong interest in energy conservation. Additionally, 83.6% of households followed energy-saving practices when using household appliances. Furthermore, 55.2% of households expressed a willingness to invest in replacing old appliances with newer, more energy-efficient models. The results also revealed that 42.3% of households were interested in using solar energy in their homes across the Kingdom.

In 2023, 98.4% of households in the residential sector used different energy sources for cooking, 89% used gas (cooking gas), and 9.3% used electricity for cooking. The remaining 0.1% of households used other types of energy for cooking.

The Household Energy Statistics Publication relies on two primary sources including data from the Household Energy Survey and administrative records from the Ministry of Energy. The results of the publication also present data on the use of different forms of energy in dwelling by types of dwellings and their ownership in Saudi Arabia.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today that non-oil exports increased by 22.8% in September 2024. Additionally, national non-oil exports, excluding re-exports, rose by 11.6%, while the value of re-exported goods increased by 65.4% during the same period, according to the International Trade Publication, September 2024.
The results also indicated a decline in total merchandise exports by 14.9% in September 2024, while the ratio of oil exports to total exports dropped from 79.7% in September 2023 to 70.7% in September 2024. The results further revealed a 15.0% increase in the Kingdom’s imports in September 2024. As for the trade balance, the surplus decreased by 56.9% compared to September 2024.
Moreover, the publication showed that the percentage of non-oil merchandise exports reached 37.1% in September 2024, due to the significant increase in non-oil exports (22.8%) in contrast to the rise in imports (15.0%).