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The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) will organize a panel discussion on Wednesday evening, 11 February 2026, titled “Beyond Numbers - The Social Dimensions of Data”. The panel discussion is part of a series of panel discussions previously held under Road to Riyadh events, launched in preparation for hosting the 6th UNWDF in Riyadh in November.

In addition, it represents a significant milestone in highlighting the growing role of Saudi women in the fields of statistics and innovation, and in strengthening inclusivity within the national statistical ecosystem. The panel discussion will showcase national and international experiences in empowering women and youth in the statistical data sector, highlight leadership initiatives that have supported women’s participation in statistical fields, and discuss global and local strategies for empowering women across various sectors.
It is noteworthy that the panel discussion will bring together a distinguished group of experts, academics, specialists, and officials from leading local and international institutions, centers, and universities. It aims to raise awareness of the human and social dimensions of statistical data and to foster the role of statistics as a tool for identifying societal transformations and supporting more inclusive, responsive decision-making in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
 

أكدت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء استمرار أعمال جمع البيانات في المسوح الإحصائية للعام 2026 والتي تهدف إلى توفير منتجات إحصائية لدعم صُنّاع القرار وراسمي السياسات عبر ببيانات إحصائية موثوقة تسهم في تطوير الخطط التنموية الاقتصادية والاجتماعية. وتشتمل مرحلة جمع البيانات الإحصائية على عدة طرق، تتضمن: الاستيفاء الذاتي، والاتصال الهاتفي، والزيارات الميدانية، وتستهدف منشآت القطاعين العام، والخاص، والأسر، والأفراد.
وفي ذات السياق اعلنت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء إطلاق خدمة الاستيفاء الذاتي لعدد من المسوح الإحصائية وأكدت على التزامها بسرية البيانات التي تجمعها من الفئات المستهدفة، وتُستخدم حصرًا للأغراض الإحصائية. مشيرة إلى أن الاستيفاء الذاتي يتوافق مع مستهدفات التحول الرقمي ورؤية السعودية 2030.
ودعت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء جميع فئات المجتمع في المنشآت والأسر والأفراد إلى النهوض بمسؤوليتهم الوطنية عبر الاستجابة لدعوة الهيئة للمشاركة في استيفاء البيانات الخاصة بالمسوح الإحصائية، من جانب آخر اتاحت الهيئة عددًا من وسائل التواصل للرد على الاستفسارات عبر الهاتف الموحد (199009) أو البريد الإلكتروني لدعم العملاء (info@stats.gov.sa) أو من خلال حسابات الهيئة في منصات التواصل الاجتماعي.
 

GASTAT President Fahad Aldossari received, at GASTAT headquarters, a delegation from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), headed by Ms. Lucinda Eggleton and Ms. Alison Bailey, as part of the British side’s annual visit program. During the meeting, both sides discussed aspects of cooperation in the statistical fields.
In the same context, Fahad Aldossari reviewed during the meeting GASTAT’s efforts in digital transformation and the development of statistical methodologies in line with the latest international best practices, as well as its main statistical products, the innovation mechanism in data collection and analysis, and the integration of data sources to support decision-makers efficiently and effectively.
The visit included a tour of the Innovation Lab and the Statistical Surveys Operations Center, during which the delegation was briefed on the latest technical initiatives, the mechanism for monitoring indicators, and the integrated management of statistical operations. Technical sessions were also held during which the joint work plan for 2026 was discussed, and the priorities of cooperation between the two sides were identified.
This visit comes within the framework of activating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two sides, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership, which contributes to enhancing statistical capacities, exchanging expertise, developing statistical work, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
 

GASTAT President Fahad Aldossari opened the high-level workshop entitled “Big Data Policies”, organized by the International Monetary Fund in Riyadh on Monday, 19/01/2026. The workshop explored ways to leverage big data in support of macroeconomic statistics and enhance the quality of government decision-making.
The workshop aims to enhance high-level dialogue among senior officials from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on integrating big data with official statistics and developing regional cooperation in innovative solutions. It also seeks to build institutional capacities in the use of data sources to support economic and development planning, as well as decision-makers and policy-makers.
During his participation, Aldossari reviewed the Kingdom’s key achievements in the field of data and statistics, highlighting the National Strategy for Statistical Development and the General Population and Housing Census 2022, which received wide recognition at both regional and international levels. He also referred to the Kingdom’s progress in several international statistical indicators in accordance with approved international classifications, as well as GASTAT’s efforts to enhance the technical infrastructure, adopt advanced analytical tools, and expand the scope of local and international partnerships, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, affirming the role and importance of big data in developing national statistical systems.
Aldossari concluded his participation by referring to the Kingdom’s ongoing preparations to host the prominent global event, the 6th United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF), in November 2026, and the launch of the Road to Riyadh series of events. He highlighted the forums, seminars, workshops, and in-person and virtual dialogue sessions held during the past period and scheduled for the coming months, which aim to showcase the Kingdom’s readiness for hosting the forum, keep pace with rapidly evolving global developments in statistical work, and strengthen its strategic partnerships at both the regional and international levels. 
It is worth noting that GASTAT hosted members and representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) who participated in the workshop to brief them on the Kingdom’s latest statistical developments, including initiatives and programs implemented throughout 2025.