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The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) updated the methodology for calculating the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in Saudi Arabia as part of its efforts to develop price statistics, keep pace with economic developments and changes, and apply relevant international statistical practices and standards.
The updated methodology includes several improvements, including updating the reference year and relative weights, enhancing geographical coverage, updating and expanding the basket of goods, increasing the number of pricing points and price quotations, and updating the classification used. These improvements enhance the comprehensiveness of the index and its representativeness of wholesale markets in Saudi Arabia.
GASTAT has adopted 2023 as the new reference year for the index, replacing the previous reference year of 2014. The relative weights of the index items have also been revised based on the 2023 Supply and Use Tables, import values, and agricultural census data. Furthermore, an annual chain-linking methodology has been introduced, enabling the relative weights to be updated each year to reflect the relative importance of domestic and imported goods included in the index basket and considering developments in the structure of goods traded in wholesale markets.
The updated methodology also expands the basket of goods from 343 to 554 items and introduces a revised product classification system. In addition, the number of cities covered by the index has increased from 3 to 23, ensuring coverage of all 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. These changes were accompanied by updates to the sample design and the sampling frame of pricing points, as well as the use of geospatial technologies and data to distribute the covered pricing points.
It is worth noting that the WPI is a periodic statistical product among the economic statistics published monthly by GASTAT. The results will be published tomorrow, Thursday, in accordance with the updated methodology.

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, held a bilateral meeting with a delegation from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) on the sidelines of the statistical meetings held in Jeddah from September 26 - 30, 2026. The meetings include the 51st Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics; the 44th Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States; and the 15th Session of the Statistical Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).
The Indonesian delegation included Dr. Sonny Harry Budiutomo Harmadi, Vice Chief Statistician; Dr. Nasrul Wajdi, Deputy Chief Statistician for Social; and Mr. Rizki Tri Anggara, Chief Statistician.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed GASTAT’s efforts in statistical transformation, including diversifying data sources, developing statistical products, and adopting international standards and practices in statistical work.
Furthermore, the meeting is part of GASTAT’s efforts to foster international statistical cooperation and support the development of statistical work, contributing to improved statistical products and the provision of reliable statistical indicators that support development and decision-making.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Diaa Awad Kadhim, President of the Commission of Statistics and GIS of the Republic of Iraq, on the sidelines of the statistical meetings held in Jeddah from September 26 - 30, 2026. The meetings include the 51^st Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics; the 44^th Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States; and the 15^th Session of the Statistical Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).

The meeting was held as part of the two sides’ commitment to fostering statistical cooperation and exchanging technical expertise, contributing to the development of the statistical ecosystems in both countries.

The two sides discussed opportunities for cooperation in implementing joint projects in emerging statistical fields, in addition to emphasizing the invitation extended to Iraq to participate in the UN World Data Forum 2026 (UNWDF) in Riyadh.

During the meeting, Aldossari showcased GASTAT’s efforts in statistical transformation, which are based on diversifying data sources, developing methodologies, upgrading digital infrastructure, and adopting international standards and practices. These efforts contribute to improving the quality of statistical products and expanding their scope to meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, including individuals, organizations, and the private sector.

Furthermore, the meeting is part of GASTAT’s efforts to foster statistical cooperation and partnerships, supporting the development of statistical systems and enhancing data quality to contribute to development policies and decision-making.

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Anas Radwan Salim, President of the Syrian Planning and Statistics Commission, on the sidelines of the statistical meetings held in Jeddah from September 26 - 30, 2026. The meetings include the 51st Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics; the 44th Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States; and the 15th Session of the Statistical Commission of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC).
The meeting included discussions on several topics related to the development of statistical work and fostering cooperation between the two sides in areas of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Aldossari showcased the national vision for statistical transformation and GASTAT’s efforts, which involve diversifying data sources, developing methodologies, upgrading digital infrastructure, and adopting international standards and practices. These efforts contribute to improving the quality of statistical products and expanding their scope to meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, including individuals, organizations, and the private sector.
Furthermore, the meeting is part of GASTAT’s efforts to foster international statistical cooperation and support the development of statistical capacities, contributing to improving the quality of data and indicators and advancing statistical work in support of development objectives.