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General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Food Security Statistics 2024 results, which showed an increase in self-sufficiency ratios for several plant and animal-based food products compared to 2023. For animal-based food products, the results showed that the self-sufficiency ratio for shrimp reached 149% followed by 131% for dairy products, and 103% for table eggs. The results also indicated that self-sufficiency ratios for vegetables reached high levels, with 105% for eggplant, 102% for okra, 101% for cucumbers, and 100% for zucchini. Meanwhile, dates recorded the highest self-sufficiency ratio among fruits at 121%, followed by figs with a self-sufficiency ratio of 99%
Regarding the increases in self-sufficiency ratios achieved by certain food products in 2024 compared to 2023, self-sufficiency in onions rose by 41.2% followed by tomatoes with 9.2% while fish recorded an increase of 8.2% and poultry self-sufficiency increased by 1.4% In addition, the Food Security Statistics 2024 publication results showed that rice was the highest among plant products in the Saudi Arabia, reaching 52 kg per capita per year, followed by dates at 36 kg per year. For vegetables, per capita share per year from the total available was 20.50 kg for onions, and 19.56 kg for tomatoes. As for animal products, the results indicated that the per capita share of milk was 70.3 liters per year. For poultry meat, the per capita share reached 46.9 kilograms per year, while table eggs averaged 235 eggs per person per year. 
It is noteworthy that these results are based on data from field surveys conducted by GASTAT, in addition to administrative records from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the General Food Security Authority (GFSA), and the Agricultural Development Fund. The data were collected and analyzed using precise methodologies and high-quality standards to ensure the reliability of the indicators and to support national policies in the field of food security.
 

Today, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organized a panel discussion titled “International Statistical Standards and the Role of GCC Statistical Offices in Development and Implementation” as part of “Road to Riyadh”. The discussion coincided with the Kingdom hosting the 13th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The discussion was attended by the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari; CEO of the National Center for Statistics and Information in Oman, Dr. Khalifa Al-Barwani; CEO of the Information and eGovernment Authority in Bahrain, Mohammed Al-Qaed; Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center in the UAE, Hanan Ahli, and Director of the National Center for Statistics in Qatar, Ahmed Al-Obaidly. The dialogue was moderated by Intisar Wahaibi, Director General of GCC Statistical Centre.
 It is noteworthy that this discussion is part of the “Road to Riyadh” organized by the GASTAT, as part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th UNWDF in Riyadh in November 2026. It aims to promote knowledge exchange, highlight developments in the statistical sector at both regional and international levels, and showcase the Kingdom’s advancements in statistics as it keeps pace with rapidly evolving global trends.
 

GASTAT hosted the 13th meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work at its headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting was attended by President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari; Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center in the UAE, Hanan Ahli ; CEO of the Information and eGovernment Authority in Bahrain, Mohammed Al-Qaed; CEO of the National Center for Statistics and Information in Oman, Dr. Khalifa Al-Barwani; Director of the National Center for Statistics in Qatar, Ahmed Al-Obaidly;  Director General of the Central Statistical Bureau in Kuwait, Wafaa Al-Yahya and Director General of GCC Statistical Centre, Intisar Al-Wahaibi.

During the opening discussion, the President of GASTAT expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the role played by the GCC-STAT in coordinating efforts and strengthening Gulf integration in the statistical field. He emphasized the importance of unifying statistical efforts across GCC and developing joint work mechanisms to keep pace with international developments. He also affirmed GASTAT’s commitment to continuing its collaboration with GCC statistical offices to achieve an integrated statistical system aligned with the development visions and programs of the GCC countries. He noted that statistical integration among GCC member states is a fundamental pillar for advancing economic and social development and enhancing the region’s presence in international reports and indices.
The meeting discussed most notable statistical developments and reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation and integration in various statistical domains in support of decision-makers and the requirements of sustainable development. The meeting also addressed the progress of implementing joint GCC statistical initiatives and projects and discussed the strategic plan for joint GCC statistical work for the period 2026–2030.
The meeting concluded with the issuance of several recommendations aimed at strengthening the exchange of expertise and best practices and advancing the statistical infrastructure across the GCC. The recommendations also called for expanding joint programs to build national capacities in the statistical field.
These regular meetings form a key element of the GCC countries’ ongoing efforts to strengthen the framework of joint statistical work and improve its tools to support development strategies and elevate the region’s standing in the global statistical domain, keeping pace with rapidly evolving global changes.
 

Represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Saudi Arabia will host the 13th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh. It will bring together heads and directors of GCC statistical offices, GCC-STAT, as well as several experts and specialists in the statistics field.
This meeting is part of the ongoing GCC’s efforts to strengthen statistical cooperation and develop national systems in line with international standards. It serves as a key platform for discussing ways to harmonize statistical policies and exchange expertise among national offices, contributing to informed decision-making and the formulation of development policies.
Alongside the meeting, a panel discussion titled “International Statistical Standards and the Role of GCC Statistical Offices in Development and Implementation” will take place as part of “Road to Riyadh” organized by GASTAT in preparation for hosting the 6th UNWDF from November 9-12, 2026. They aim to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange among data and statistical transformation specialists at both regional and international levels, while showcasing the latest global practices and trends in this vital sector. These events also serve as a platform to highlight the Kingdom’s leadership in statistical work and its significant advancements in the field, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.