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‌This policy aims to ensure the implementation of the integrated administrative systems requirements within GASTAT by tracking and following up to achieve the strategic objectives of GASTAT and maintaining the satisfaction of the beneficiaries through the provision of high-quality services and full compliance with the regulatory and legislative requirements as follows:
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Publication for Q1 of 2026. According to the publication 's results, real GDP recorded a growth rate of 3.0% compared with the corresponding quarter of 2025. This growth was driven by a 2.9% increase in both oil and non-oil activities, in addition to a 1.5% rise in government activities. On a seasonally adjusted basis, real GDP declined by 1.2% in Q1 of 2026 compared with Q4 of 2025.
The results also showed that non-oil activities were the main contributor to real GDP growth in Q1 of 2026, contributing 1.7 percentage points. Oil activities contributed 0.8 percentage points, while government activities and net taxes on products contributed positively by 0.3 and 0.2 percentage points, respectively.
It is worth noting that all economic activities recorded positive year-on-year growth rates. Financial and insurance activities, along with business services, posted the highest growth rate in Q1 of 2026 at 5.4%, followed by manufacturing activities excluding oil refining, which grew by 4.0%.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, participated in the 14th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States. The meeting was held virtually and organized by the GCC Statistical Center, with the participation of heads of national statistical offices from the member states. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation and coordination, advance Gulf statistical work, and support sustainable development across the GCC countries.

Participants discussed several agenda items, most notably updates on preparations for the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) 2026, which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The meeting also reviewed the “Road to Riyadh” events and efforts to enhance the engagement of partners and stakeholders in the Forum, while promoting international cooperation in the fields of data and statistics.

The committee further reviewed the Strategic Plan for Joint GCC Statistical Work (2026–2030), which seeks to strengthen statistical integration among GCC member states and advance joint initiatives and projects. The plan aims to improve the efficiency of Gulf statistical work and unify efforts that support decision-making and sustainable development. Heads of statistical offices approved the strategic document and agreed to submit it to the GCC Ministerial Council for final approval.

The meeting also examined the project to develop the GCC Framework for Statistical Standards and Methodologies. Participants emphasized the importance of adopting modern statistical methodologies, internationally recognized classifications, administrative records, advanced data sources, and artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the quality and comparability of statistical outputs at both the regional and international levels. They also stressed the importance of data confidentiality and the implementation of approved governance frameworks and standards to ensure data security and privacy in accordance with national policies across member states.

In addition, the meeting explored ways to strengthen statistical integration and coordinate joint efforts in light of rapidly evolving economic conditions. In this context, a working group was established to review priorities, programs, and statistical activities, while promoting knowledge-sharing and the exchange of expertise among member states to ensure the continuity and integration of GCC statistical work.

President of GASTAT emphasized that joint GCC statistical work represents a successful model of regional integration and cooperation. He noted its important role in developing the Gulf statistical system and maximizing the value of data in supporting public policies and development programs. He also highlighted the importance of continuing collaborative efforts to adopt modern statistical practices and methodologies and to strengthen national capabilities in line with rapid developments in data and emerging technologies.

It is worth noting that the 14th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work of the GCC States forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance statistical integration among GCC member states and advance cooperation in the fields of data and statistics. These efforts contribute to decision-making and improve the efficiency and future readiness of Gulf statistical systems in addressing emerging developmental challenges.
 

Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), headed the GASTAT delegation participating in the Global Data Festival 2026, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 2 to 5, 2026. The event brought together a wide range of leaders and experts in data, statistics, technology, and innovation from around the world to discuss ways to advance data ecosystems and strengthen their role in supporting sustainable development and data-driven decision-making.
During his participation as a keynote speaker at the festival’s closing ceremony, Aldossari highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen data and statistical ecosystems, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation, promoting international cooperation, and leveraging data and emerging technologies to advance sustainable development. He also underscored the importance of integrating statistical systems, geospatial information, and artificial intelligence technologies to address global development challenges.
On the sidelines of the festival, GASTAT President held a series of bilateral meetings with international and statistical organizations. These included a meeting with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), represented by Director General Dr. Macdonald George Obudho, who also serves as Co-Chair of the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda (HLG-PCCB).
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the strategic priorities of the 2026 UN World Data Forum, scheduled to be held in Riyadh next November. They also explored mechanisms for aligning and integrating the outcomes of the Global Data Festival in Nairobi with those of the Forum, discussed the initial direction of the outcome document, and reviewed ongoing efforts to ensure the success of the event through the “Road to Riyadh” activities. In addition, they explored opportunities for collaboration within the framework of the High-level Group
GASTAT President also met with Ms. Jenna Slotin, representative of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD), to discuss the Partnership’s priorities and areas of work. The meeting reviewed GASTAT’s preparations for hosting the 2026 UN World Data Forum and its strategic vision for the event.
The two sides also explored opportunities for collaboration and engagement during both the preparatory phase and the Forum itself, while laying the groundwork for future partnership and cooperation in support of international efforts aimed at harnessing data for sustainable development.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT’s participation in the Global Data Festival reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance Saudi Arabia’s presence in specialized international forums and reinforce its position as an active partner in advancing data and statistical ecosystems at both the regional and international levels.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today hosted a panel discussion titled “Data for Sustainable Future” as part of “Road to Riyadh” events. The event forms part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum 2026 (UNWDF), scheduled to take place in Riyadh this coming November, with broad participation from national and international experts and specialists in the fields of data, statistics, and sustainable development.

The session coincided with World Environment Day and highlighted the pivotal role of environmental data and statistics in advancing sustainability efforts, enhancing the effectiveness of decision-making, and measuring progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

It aimed to promote environmentally sustainable practices, raise awareness of the importance of environmental statistical indicators, and underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to global sustainability priorities and the SDGs. It also sought to strengthen collaboration between producers and users of environmental data to maximize its value in supporting development policies and decision-making.

The session brought together a distinguished group of local and international experts and practitioners. It was moderated by Mohammed Alsaad, Director of Private Sector Partnerships at GASTAT, and featured contributions from Dr. Bahjat Hamouh, Executive Vice President for Vegetation Cover Development and Management at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification; Golestan Radwan, Chief Digital Officer at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Dr. Mubarak Alrashedi, Director General of Environmental Quality at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture; Ian Townsend, Deputy Director for Environmental Economy at the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS); and Dr. Abdullah Al Thunayan, General Supervisor of Environmental and Spatial Statistics at GASTAT.

Participants explored a range of topics related to the future of sustainability and emerging innovations in environmental measurement. Discussions also covered leading international methodologies and best practices for advancing environmental statistics, strengthening data integration, and fostering partnerships between statistical offices and environmental data stakeholders. These efforts contribute to building more sustainable environmental statistical systems, improving the quality and reliability of indicators, and leveraging advanced technologies for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of environmental data in line with rapidly evolving global trends.

It is worth noting that the “Road to Riyadh” event forms part of GASTAT’s broader efforts to showcase the Kingdom’s statistical transformation under Saudi Vision 2030 and to enhance national readiness and coordination for hosting the 6th UN lWDF 2026, one of the world’s foremost international platforms dedicated to data and sustainable development.