The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today, Monday, June 24, 2024, the results of international trade for April 2024, and published them on its official website at www.stats.gov.sa. The publication results indicated an increase of 12.4% in non-oil exports in April 2024 compared to April 2023. The results also reported a 1.6% increase in the value of national non-oil exports (excluding re-exports), while the value of re-exported goods saw a 56.4% increase in April 2024 compared to April 2023, reaffirming the Kingdom's pivotal role in international trade as a global gateway for international goods. The publication highlighted that "Plastics, rubber, and their products" rank among the most important non-oil export goods, accounting for 26.2% of total non-oil exports, showing a 20.5% annual increase compared to April 2023, reflecting the care for the promising Saudi economy and its diverse sectors. Moreover, the results of the publication showed an increase in the ratio of non-oil exports (including re-exports) to imports in April 2024, reaching 37.1% compared to 32.6% in April 2023; this was a result of the increase in non-oil exports by 12.4% and the decrease in imports by 1.3% during this period. Meanwhile, the value of merchandise imports decreased by 17.4%, and the trade balance recorded a 36.0% increase compared to March 2024.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced that the total number of pilgrims for the 1445H Hajj season amounted to (1,833,164) pilgrims, with (1,611,310) pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom through various entry points and (221,854) internal pilgrims, including citizens and residents.  GASTAT’s statistical results for this year's Hajj season revealed that the total number of male pilgrims, both internal and external, amounted to (958,137) pilgrims, while the total number of female pilgrims stood at (875,027) pilgrims. Regarding pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom, GASTAT explained that the percentage of pilgrims from Arab countries reached (22.3%), while pilgrims from Asian countries, excluding Arab countries representing (63.3%) of the total. Additionally, the percentage of pilgrims from African countries, excluding Arab countries, comprising (11.3%) of the total, whereas the percentage of pilgrims from Europe, America, Australia, and other uncategorized countries constituting (3.2%) of the total. Regarding the ways of arrival for pilgrims from outside the Kingdom, (1,546,345) pilgrims arrived through air entry points, while (60,251) pilgrims arrived through land entry points, and (4,741) pilgrims arrived through sea entry points.  It is worth mentioning that the General Authority for Statistics relied on administrative records as the main data source for issuing statistical data and indicators for the 1445 H/2024  Hajj season. These records were provided by all relevant government and private entities responsible for serving the guests of Allah, following a unified model encompassing various elements. The Hajj Statistics Publication provides a breakdown of the total pilgrim number by gender, nationality, and way of arrival. It is worth noting that GASTAT serves as the official and sole statistical reference for statistical data and information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, undertaking all statistical activities, providing technical oversight, conducting field surveys, research, data analysis, and managing documentation, preservation, and tabulation of statistical information across all aspects of life in the Kingdom. On this occasion, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, for their provision of amenities to the pilgrims, praying for Allah's acceptance of the pilgrims' Hajj and success for all government entities in delivering exceptional services. To view the executive summary of Hajj statistics 1444 AH, please visit the following link: https://www.stats.gov.sa/system/tdf/file_manger/Hajj%20Report%201445H-EN...

On Sunday June 9, 2024, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the report of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and National Accounts Indicators for the first quarter of 2024 via its official website www.stats.gov.sa. According to estimates, the real GDP witnessed a decrease of 1.7% compared to the first quarter of 2023, affected by a decline in oil activities by 11.2%. In parallel, both non-oil activities and government activities achieved growth rates of 3.4% and 2.0% respectively. Meanwhile, the seasonally adjusted real GDP during the first quarter of 2024 increased by 1.4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. It is worth mentioning that non-oil activities maintained their growth rates, constituting 50% of the GDP at current prices. This aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to establish a thriving economy that showcases the success of vision programs and legislative reforms, while also demonstrating progress in major projects and national strategies.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) hosted a delegation from the Sultanate of Oman at its headquarters in Riyadh. The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Labor, the National Center for Statistics and Information, and the National Center for Records and Data. The visit aimed to explore GASTAT's expertise in its areas of specialization. Both parties emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise, strengthening complementary roles among governmental institutions and sectors, and sharing knowledge to achieve the objectives of joint Gulf cooperation.
The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to meet with experts and learn about GASTAT’s role in tourism sector statistics, mechanisms of collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem, and methods of data collection, analysis, and dissemination to support policymakers, decision-makers, and those interested in tourism activities in both countries. Additionally, the delegation explored the modern technologies used in the field of statistics and discussed ways to localize these technologies within the relevant agencies in both countries.