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The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes a panel discussion titled “Data for Sustainable Future” on Friday, 5 June 2026, as part of “Road to Riyadh” events. The event is being held within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) 2026 in Riyadh this coming November.
This panel discussion is held in conjunction with World Environment Day and aims to highlight the role of data and statistics in supporting sustainable development efforts, informing decision-making, and measuring progress toward achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
 It addresses a number of key themes, including the evolution of environmental data methodologies and guidelines, strengthening environmental statistics through innovative solutions, leveraging environmental data to advance sustainability initiatives, and fostering partnerships between statistical offices and relevant stakeholders.
‏ It is noteworthy that the “Road to Riyadh” events comprises panel discussions, conferences, and workshops. These events are designed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s statistical achievements under Saudi Vision 2030 and to strengthen coordination and readiness efforts in advance of hosting the UNWDF.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today that the total number of pilgrims during 2026 reached (1,707,301), with external pilgrims arriving through various entry points making up (1,546,655), while internal pilgrims, comprising citizens and residents, reached (160,646).
GASTAT indicated in its statistical results for the 2026 Hajj season that the number of male pilgrims out of the total number of internal and external pilgrims reached (893,396), while the number of female pilgrims reached (813,905).
Regarding statistics on external pilgrims, GASTAT outlined the ways of arrival, indicating that (1,485,729) arrived by air, while (54,429) arrived by road, and (6,497) arrived by sea.
Additionally, GASTAT relied on administrative records data from the Ministry of Interior as the primary source for issuing statistical data and indicators for the 2026 Hajj season. It provides highly accurate and reliable register-based Hajj statistics through a unified model comprising multiple elements, in line with the statistical methodology adopted over the past six years. 
It is noteworthy that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Hajj Statistics Report for 2026 can be accessed via the following link:

https://www.stats.gov.sa/documents/d/guest/hajj-report-1447h-en

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) participated in the 42nd meeting of the United Nations High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB), which was held virtually with the participation of heads of statistical offices and representatives of regional and international statistical organizations and agencies that are members of the group.
The meeting was held as part of the preparations for the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF), scheduled to take place in Riyadh from 9 to 12 November 2026. During the meeting, participants reviewed updates on the Forum’s overall program and hosting arrangements, in addition to discussing several international initiatives related to data governance, development financing, and statistical capacity-building.
Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, affirmed during the meeting the continued progress in the Kingdom’s preparations to host the Forum, as well as the ongoing coordination with the United Nations Statistics Division and international partners. He noted that these efforts reflect the Kingdom’s readiness to host this specialized international event and further strengthen its position as an active partner in supporting the global data and statistics agenda.
Aldossari also highlighted the continued progress of the “Road to Riyadh” events, which contribute to strengthening international dialogue and the exchange of expertise in data, statistics, and innovation. He further emphasized their role in supporting cooperation among relevant international entities and institutions, thereby contributing to the development of statistical systems and enhancing the utilization of statistical data in policymaking and decision-making. He affirmed that the Kingdom remains committed to supporting all international efforts and initiatives related to data and sustainable development.
It is noteworthy that the 6th UNWDF 2026 is one of the most prominent international platforms focused on data and sustainable development. It brings together a distinguished group of representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society to discuss the future of data and its role in supporting public policies and fostering global innovation. Hosting this event in Riyadh reflects the international  confidence in Saudi Arabia’s standing and capabilities in the fields of data and statistics.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Short-term Business Statistics Publication for March 2026, which showed that the Operating Revenues Index increased by 10.2% compared to the corresponding month of 2025. This growth was driven by the performance of several economic activities, most notably the mining and quarrying activity, which rose by 25.5%, the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles activity, which increased by 4.6%, in addition to a 4.8% increase in construction activity and a 17.6% increase in financial and insurance activities.
Monthly, the Operating Revenue Index recorded an increase of 8.1% in March 2026 compared to February 2026, supported by a 4.4% increase in manufacturing activities, a 38.6% increase in mining and quarrying activity, and a 0.2% increase in the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles activity. Financial and insurance activities also increased by 2.6%, while information and communication activities rose by 0.6%, respectively.
It is noteworthy that the Short-term Business Statistics Publication is one of the economic statistical products aimed at measuring the short-term performance of various economic sectors through monthly indicators that monitor developments and growth rates across each activity. It covers all economic activities of establishments operating in the business sector in Saudi Arabia.