GASTAT Releases Results of Household Health Survey, 2018 GASTAT released the results of Household Health Survey, 2018 on its official website. The importance of this survey lies in the data and indicators provided for health. It includes indicators for health status of individuals, population suffering from chronic diseases, periodic health check-ups performed by individuals, in addition to indicators of family planning procedures, fertility rates, and child mortality.  Results showed that the percentage of (Saudi and non-Saudi) population (15+) who have good to very good health has increased, and that is based on their own assessments where the percentage hit (95%) compared to (%94.2) in 2017. In regard to Saudis, the percentage of Saudi males who have good to very good health reached to (%94.2) based on their own assessments, while the percentage of Saudi females who have good to very good health was at (%92.3) based on their own assessments.   Results also showed that (%24.3) of total population (15+) perform periodic check-ups to check their health at least once a year. Additionally, percentage of (Saudi and non-Saudi) population who are covered with health insurance reached (%38.6).  On the other hand, results of the survey indicated that the percentage of population who are suffering from chronic diseases in the age group (15+) has decreased to (%15.9) compared to (%16.4) in 2017.  Based on the survey’s results, total fertility rate of women between (15-49 years) was (1.92) birth per woman. As for Saudi females, the total fertility rate was (2.33) births per woman. The results indicated that (%32.9) of married women between (15-49 years) are using modern contraceptive methods.   Moreover, mortality rate among children under five years was (8.5) deaths per 1,000 live births, while mortality rate among infants under one year in Saudi Arabia was (6) deaths per 1,000 live births. Results revealed that percentage of population (15+) who were diagnosed with diabetes reached (%8.5). The percentage of population (15+) who were diagnosed with heart diseases was at (%1.21). On the other hand, the percentage of population (15+) who were diagnosed with hypertension was (%7.6).   Household Health Survey also includes other indicators such as: distance between households and health centers, percentage of children under two years who are committed to vaccination, average number of hospital admissions per 1000 individuals, in addition to other indicators.

Within GASTAT surveys that are implemented for the first time  (16.8%) of Saudis contribute in voluntary works, and the average voluntary working hours of total population reached (52.2) hours during the twelve months preceding the survey On Friday Shawwal 18th 1440 H corresponding June 21st 2019, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of “ Voluntary Works Survey 2018” on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . this survey is implemented kingdom-wide for the first time within the requirements of Saudi Vision 2030. GASTAT vice president Mr. Abdullah Albatil said that this survey aims to identify the percentage of individuals’ contribution in voluntary works, provide up-to-date statistics on the percentage of volunteers out of total Saudi and non-Saudi population (males and females), and the average working hours of those volunteers.  In addition, it identifies the nature of voluntary works performed by society members and the fields of practice. The survey also gives detailed data on voluntary works by occupations and economic activities. Hence, it supports decision and policy makers, researchers, and those who are interested in getting up-to-date and comprehensive statistics that are related to voluntary work in Saudi Arabia. The survey would enable both the public and the private sectors to study the variables of voluntary work to use them in preparing the future developmental, social, and economic programs in Saudi Arabia, increasing the efficiency of voluntary work, and providing the academic sectors with the requirements of social and economic studies and research. The vice president expressed his appreciation to all the concerned entities including the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, in addition to a number of voluntary institutions and associations for their participation in the survey questionnaire. The results of Voluntary Work Survey 2018 showed that the percentage of total volunteers (Saudis and non-Saudis) out of total population (15 years and above) during the twelve months preceding the survey reached (14.7%). However, the percentage of Saudi volunteers (15 years and above, males and females) during the twelve months preceding the survey reached (16.8%), where Saudi males registered (22.6%) and Saudi females registered (10.8%).  According the survey results, the average working hours of total volunteers (Saudis and non-Saudis) reached (11.2) hours during the four weeks preceding the survey, whereas the average working hours of total volunteers (Saudis and non-Saudis) reached (52.2) hours during the twelve months preceding the survey. However, the average working hours of Saudi volunteers reached (11.4) hours during the four weeks preceding the survey, whereas the average working hours of Saudi volunteers reached (52.6) hours during the twelve months preceding the survey. The results also demonstrated reasons of voluntary work for Saudis, where (40.6%) of Saudi volunteers (males and females) said that the desire to help others motivates them to volunteer. (28.7%) said that volunteering is a national obligation, whereas (8.5%) of Saudi volunteers think that volunteering is a good opportunity for communication. However, (4.3%) believe that volunteering contributes in developing one’s skills. It is worth mentioning that the survey has covered all voluntary work fields which include any unpaid work performed by an individual in public social activities or for a certain governmental or private organization covering all humanitarian works such as providing people in need with support and donations which helps improving their lives. Saudi Arabia is well known for its volunteering works during Hajj and Umrah seasons.

GASTAT Releases Real Estate Price Index for Q2, 2019   General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the report of Real Estate Price Index for Q2 of 2019. The report was published on the official website of GASTAT www.stats.gov.sa.    The real-estate price index recorded an increase by (4.0%), compared to the previous quarter (Q1, 2019), where its indicator reached (80.4) in Q2, 2019, compared to (80.1) in Q1, 2019.  This increase can be attributed to the changes in the main sectors composing the indicator, where housing sector in addition to commercial sector showed an increase by (2.0%) and (8.0%), respectively, whereas agricultural sector edged down to (1.0%), compared to Q1 of 2019.   In detail, residential sector witnessed an increase in residential lands as well as apartments, reaching (0.2%) and (0.5%), respectively in Q2, 2019 compared to the previous quarter. However, a decrease was recorded in three groups: residential buildings (0.3%), villas (2.7%), and houses (0.3%). Regarding commercial sector, commercial land plots and commercial centers rose by (0.8%) and (2.1%), respectively, while exhibitions (shops) dropped to (1.9%). At the level of agricultural sector, agricultural lands fell to (0.1%). It is worth noting that the index is based on register-based data of real-estate transactions available at the Ministry of Justice. It is an essential tool that supports entities making economic and statistical decisions regarding the movements of real - estate prices and future forecasts during different periods of time.  The index has three main sectors consisting of several types of real estate classes: housing sector which includes (plot of land, building, villa, apartment, and house), commercial sector including (plot of land, building, exhibition/commercial center and shop), in addition to agricultural sector with one category which is the agricultural land.

GASTAT Launches “Self-enumeration System” and e-portal for Saudi Arabia’s 2020 Census Minister of Economy and Planning and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Muhammad Bin Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri launched on Mondy 14/10/1440H (June 17th ,2019) the e-portal for Saudi Arabia’s 2020 census, as an awareness platform for everything related to the fifth census of housing, populations, and establishments 1440H-2020 through its official websites www.stats.gov.sa A detailed presentation for the e-portal including its objectives as well as the preparations of the census was reviewed by HE. In fact, the e-portal of Saudi census 2020 is an official platform for all census’s news and everything related to it including announcing and publishing results, it is also a platform for spreading statistical awareness in general, deputy of GASTAT for strategic communication and clients support Taiseer AL-Mofarrej said. The e-portal has special windows for the past four censuses and their results, it also includes windows for news and awareness content that shed light on the preparations made until now for Saudi Arabia’s 5th census, AL-Mofarrej clarified. He also added that citizens and expatriates will be able to complete the census form online through (self-enumeration system) via the website on March 2020, which is considered one of the most important modern methods for population census, as it will enable heads of the households to register all data of the family without the need for the visit of the statistical researcher to their places. This system will be used as one of the tools to collect statistical data from households in Saudi Arabia’s census 2020. On the other hand, spreading the statistical awareness among the society will lead to success of the self-enumeration experience since knowledge of technology is now considered as a feature of the Saudi society in all age groups, he added. It is worth mentioning that the Council of Ministers has approved the implementation of the General Population and Housing Census for 2020 as the fifth census of Saudi Arabia. Tuesday’s evening, 22 Rajab 1441 (17 March 2020) will be the beginning of the actual enumeration for the 5th census of population and housing in Saudi Arabia. This date shall be the approved date for the time reference of all census works, data and information. 2020 census will provide a huge database that will be used as a reliable reference to conduct studies and researches required by the development plans and programs in Saudi Arabia, in addition to statistical data and indicators for measuring the change in the characteristics of population that occurred by time, also to make international, regional, and local comparisons, as well as reviewing and evaluating future estimates of population. Saudi Arabia has implemented the first official census in its comprehensive sense in 1394 AH (1974). The second census was in 1413H (1992). The third census was conducted in 1425H (2004). 1431H (2010) census was the fourth census and was carried out by the Department of Statistics and Information before being transformed into the General Authority for Statistics.

GASTAT provides development opportunities through big data Saudi Arabia concludes its participation in the first meeting of the friends of the chair group on economic statistics of the United Nations within 11 countries On Thursday May 30, 2019, Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), concluded its participation in the first meeting of the friends of the chair group on economic statistics of the United Nations within 11 countries, which was held at UN headquarter in New York city. The three-day meeting discussed the institutional transformation issues of national statistical bodies, in addition to the new methods, services and roles played by such statistical agencies. GASTAT president, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, who led the Saudi delegation, confirmed that GASTAT 's participations with international organizations and experts of the international statistical agencies in their meetings are useful opportunities to highlight KSA's efforts in development with statistical figures and to develop statistical work according to international standards. Altekhaifi said statistical offices are challenged by changes in data gathering brought about by new technology. He added that big data could replace traditional statistical activities as an innovative way of producing official statistics or providing additional information to support the currently available official statistics, hence new indicators might be produced to support all decision makers in different developmental fields. The shift towards big data to be one of GASTAT official statistics sources reflects Saudi Arabia tendencies to benefit from the digital transformation in producing economic, social, and cultural statistics that support government bodies in accepting the rapid developmental changes which must be applied and reflected through official statistics. GASTAT president indicated that using big data as a new (complementary or alternative) source of data creates some challenges that should be overcome by statistical entities. These challenges include the methodological aspects of data, determining data access methods, unifying statistical concepts, completing and processing data and other practices, in addition to ensuring a certain level of quality and enabling international comparisons. However, the organizational factors include other fields such as updating the organizational structure, working on statistical capacity development, establishing collaborations with the private and public data sources, and communicating with users. Altekhaifi mentioned that the national statistical agencies must overcome these challenges to guarantee the usefulness of big data in the production of official statistics, especially for databases, computing and digitization. Statistical entities need to adopt national statistical strategies that deal with plans, strategies, implementation methods and development mechanisms in the national statistical environment. In addition, they need to enhance coordination and partnerships between the national statistical agencies and the different sources of data, whether governmental or private. However, all databases of government and private statistical entities must be electronically linked, while maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of data when exchanging data. Furthermore, statistical indicators definitions, concepts, and methodologies must be unified among all partners to avoid misunderstandings of statistics that result from the use of different concepts and methodology. This includes the use of official international statistical classifications such as ISIC 4 by all partners from the public and private sectors to facilitate work on databases and get coordinated and comparable data that are ready for all statistical purposes. Moreover, it is important for all statistical entities to have a road map through which they can use big data to provide official data. GASTAT has reviewed all Saudi Arabia’ efforts to benefit from big data by approving the National Strategy for Statistical Development, electronic linkage projects, and international classifications. In addition to unifying the definitions and methodologies, and encouraging the initiatives of digital transformation in all public and private sectors. It is worth mentioning that many international experts in the statistical and economic fields have participated in the discussions of the first meeting of the friends of the chair group on economic statistics of the United Nations. Topics discussed included the future of economic statistics within the Sustainable Development Goals from the perspectives of the international organizations and the national statistical entities. They also included digital infrastructure, and maintaining an interactive economic system, in addition to discussing a number of experiments on the institutional transformation of the national statistical offices, and methods of using data sources.

GASTAT Releases Results of Umrah Statistics Bulletin (2018) On Tuesday 2nd of Ramadan, 1440H corresponding May 7, 2019, General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of Umrah Statistics Bulletin (2018). The report contains a number of Umrah-related indicators and results which have been taken from Umrah Survey (domestic Umrah performers), and the registered- based data of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (foreign Umrah performers).  The total number of Umrah performers reached (18,311,111) performers, (6,765,614) of whom are from outside Saudi Arabia as showed in the registered- based data of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. On the other hand, the total number of domestic Umrah performers (Saudis and non-Saudis) hit (11,545,497) performers. The percentage of Umrah performers for Saudis as well as non-Saudis coming from inside Saudi Arabia recorded (46.17%) and (53.83%), respectively, according to the Umrah Statistics Bulletin’s results.  Vast majority of domestic Umrah performers (Saudis and residents) carry out Umrah within one day, with a percentage of (67.5%) out of the total number of Umrah times they performed during 2018.  However, they prefer to perform Umrah during Ramadan, where their percentage accounted for (59%), the Umrah Survey’s results showed. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah registered the highest percentage regarding foreign Umrah performers with (62%), while the percentage of Umrah performers coming through Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina was (29.31%). It is worth mentioning that all the Umrah Survey’s data are available on GASTAT’s website www.stats.gov.sa, to serve researchers and those who are interested in such data, and to provide decision makers with detailed field results.

Issued every five years and considered the second most important statistical product, and its results contribute to the calculation of several social and economic indicators GASTAT Releases the Results of the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey (2018) On Wednesday Sha’aban 26th, 1440 H (May 1st, 2019), the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the results of the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey (2018) in a press conference held in GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh city. At the beginning of the conference, HE the President of GASTAT, Dr Fahad Bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, valued the main role of the households selected in the survey sample in reaching statistical results of high importance in a number of developmental directions. The Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey is one of the most important statistical household products of statistical agencies in all countries. The results of this survey provide the necessary statistical data for the development of economic and social development programs and plans aimed at achieving the well-being and progress of the communities. The data of this survey are the basis of many studies and research conducted by government agencies and international organizations. The statistical agencies classify it as one of the field surveys (households sampling) in social statistics, and provide data on patterns of expenditure in society and show the impact of demographic, social and economic factors on families. According to international recommendations, the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey is carried out every 5 years. It has been implemented in Saudi Arabia in 1970, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1999, 2007, and 2013). The collection of data takes (five quarters of two calendar years). The current survey was carried out within 13 months starting from February 28th, 2017 until March 31st, 2018. HE explained that the length of data collection is due to the fact that many of the variables of the study are vulnerable to different seasons during the months or seasons of the year. There are goods and services people spend on during certain months of the year more than others. The household interview in the survey does not end with one field visit, but needs a number of visits to follow-up with the household during the period specified, to collect all the required data. Altekhaifi added that all these factors necessitate the follow-up of field implementation for more than a year, including all seasons to measure the change in expenditure patterns and levels due to seasonal, occasional and periodic changes, which can be measured accurately in a relatively long period of time compared to the rest of the household surveys conducted by GASTAT throughout the year. The president of GASTAT confirmed that the Authority has fulfilled its obligations in implementing the international standards adopted for indicators of household income and expenditure in order to enable international organizations to conduct a periodic comparison between all countries. The results of the survey, which were announced today, are the basis for a number of socio-economic statistical products. The results of the survey provide the data of qualitative weights used in the preparation of the consumer price index. Through this survey, the basket of goods and services is updated, which is a relatively fixed collection of consumer goods and services which are estimated on an annual basis. This basket is used to track inflation in each country. The goods of the basket are periodically adjusted based on the results of the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey to take into account changes in consumer habits. The basket of goods and services is used as a basis to calculate the Consumer Price Index and wholesale prices. The results of this survey also provide data on the patterns of expenditure in society, the impact of demographic, social and economic factors on the household, provide data on household expenditure on goods and services as a component of the final expenditure in GDP, and provide data necessary for national accounts related to the final consumption and household sector income. He added that the results of the survey contribute mainly in identifying patterns of expenditure in society and indicating the impact of demographic, social and economic factors on them. It also provides policy and decision makers with all statistics on Saudi and non-Saudi household expenditure on consumer goods such as food, drinks, clothes, as well as non-consumer goods, such as remittances and capital goods such as purchasing of buildings, lands, stocks, donations, etc. Through these statistics, weights are provided showing the importance of consumer expenditure items, and it can be used to identify levels of income distribution and expenditure levels, by category (low, medium, high). On the other hand, GASTAT confirmed that the results of this survey play a major role in supporting projects related to income and expenditure of households such as social protection, social development and family affairs projects. It also contributes to the development of important social indicators such as indicators of sustainable development goals, human development indicators and other international indicators. The results of the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey (2018) showed that the average monthly income of the household reached 11,984 SAR (eleven thousand nine hundred and eighty-four riyals), while the average monthly income of the Saudi household reached 14,823 SAR (fourteen thousand eight hundred and twenty-three riyals). The results of the survey also showed that the average monthly income of "individuals with income" reached 6,346 SAR (six thousand three hundred and forty-six riyals), while the average monthly income of "Saudi individuals with income" reached 7,940 SAR (seven thousand nine hundred and forty riyals). In terms of expenditure, the average monthly expenditure of households in Saudi Arabia reached 12,818 SAR (twelve thousand eight hundred and eighteen riyals), while the average monthly expenditure of the Saudi household reached 16,125 SAR (sixteen thousand and one hundred and twenty-five riyals). The average monthly “consumption” expenditure reached 11,728 SAR (eleven thousand seven hundred and twenty-eight riyals) , While the monthly “consumption” expenditure of the Saudi household reached 14,584 SAR  (fourteen thousand five hundred and eighty-four riyals). During the press conference, GASTAT clarified that the Authority made a number of measures to ensure the quality of the data. GASTAT used the method of the direct visit to the household, used tablets to complete survey questionnaire data based on the specific time frame, and applied (data auditing rules) to ensure consistency, accuracy and logicality of the data on the survey form (electronic rules that detect the discrepancy of answers). They have been built by linking the logical relationship between the answers to the questionnaire and its variables so that the field researcher and the observer can detect any error directly through the form during the collection of data from the head of the household. These programmed rules do not allow errors to be passed if the answer is inconsistent with information, or with another answer in the form. The data was verified by reviewing the collected data. All the work areas were subjected to a process of monitoring and reviewing from the data quality room at the headquarters of GASTAT. A sample of households were contacted by telephone and asked some questions in the questionnaire to verify the integrity of the researcher data, obtain lost data that have not been received yet if any, and validated the location where the questionnaire have been completed by matching the coordinates with the coordinates recorded in the sample file. On the other hand, GASTAT published the results of the Household’s Income and Expenditure Survey (2018) on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. The result’s data has been provided in the form of open templates to be utilized in studies and analysis. It is worth mentioning that GASTAT intends to carry out the survey every three years from 2021 in accordance with the local, regional and international requirements of the data.

With a collaboration between the National Observatory for Women, General Authority for Statistics, and Alwaleed Philanthropies “The Role of Saudi Woman in Development” conference announces the indicator of woman development with five axes and (56) variables to support decision makers On Saturday 22nd of Shaaban, 1440 H corresponding 27th of April, 2019, Minister of Labour and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Alrajhi opened The conference of the Role of Saudi Woman in Development (Towards a Dynamic Society) in Riyadh. The conference was organized by the National Observatory for Women in King Saud University, General Authority for Statistics, and Alwaleed Philanthropies, with the participation of UN Woman. The National Observatory for Women’ indicators were launched in this conference. These indicators are considered tools that support the periodical measurement of Saudi woman participation in development. They are also considered one of the tools for developing strategies related to woman in Saudi Arabia to ensure the role of Saudi woman in development towards a dynamic society. These indicators complement all the National Observatory for Women’ previous indicators. However, the indicator that was launched today contains (56) variables distributed on five main axes; educational axis that supports the future of generations, health axis which concerns society protection, organizational axis which supports progress, economic axis for financial, industrial, and economic leadership in Saudi Arabia, in addition to the finally added one which is the social axis that contains the indicator of woman participation in development. At the opening of the conference, Minister of Labour and Social Development asserted that (Saudi Vision 2030) has determined the road map and specified all national goals that empower woman, so that she becomes a real and active partner in developing our country. The vision also has developed executive programs and initiatives which will transfer all our hopes into real achievements. He added, we believe in women empowerment in our country with total conviction that is derived from the Islamic principles which give woman all her rights while offering her psychological and social protection. Since the foundation of our country, and its recent take off, the government has paid attention to woman basic rights and needs. To achieve this tendency, women empowerment programs have been designed especially in labour and education. Saudi woman nowadays registers high scores in both work and education. Moreover, she participates in many outstanding scientific research both locally and internationally. She also succeeds in the business sector, in addition to the management of corporations, banks and non-profit associations. For his part, GATAT president, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi indicated that the United Nations approved The Eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) until 2015. Many countries prepared reports to measure what goals have been achieved based on the issued official statistical indicators (either issued by official statistical entities, statistics of government entities, or statistics of international organizations). This experiment has undergone assessment and development. Committees and work teams have already started working on new SDGs until 2030 with (17 goals), and Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries who addressed SDGs. The SDGs governance was set by the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP) as the responsible entity for SDGs file, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) as the responsible entity for building statistical indicators, in addition to other government ministries, authorities, and institutions which contribute in the planning and implementation of these goals in accordance with their nature of work. SDGs were also considered within the national strategies (Statistical indicators within the National Strategy of Statistical Development, and other strategies related to household, women, and childhood). As a result, Saudi Arabia submitted the voluntary report– within certain countries- last year in the United Nations. Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi stated that the model of the National Observatory for Women, and the tripartite partnership between the National Observatory for Women ,General Authority for Statistics, and Alwaleed Philanthropies for the survey study which included 15 thousand households from different Saudi regions- in addition to the works of this conference- represent an ideal model of the developmental Saudi administrative work Which affirms that the collaboration between different entities paves the way to overcome any challenges and achieve desired goals. Mohammad Naciri, UN Women Regional Director for the Arab States and Asia-Pacific said that there are false impressions about women in GCC region and in Saudi Arabia particularly. The international media significantly contributed in spreading these impressions based on superficial analyses. He commended the efforts of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the Women in Development Study. Furthermore, he confirmed that the results of the indicator adopted by (the National Observatory for Women, General Authority for Statistics, and Alwaleed Philanthropies) reflect the lived realities of Saudi women, and show improvement and progress in the fields of health and education. On the other hand, HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed AL-Saud the Secretary General at Alwaleed Philanthropies pointed out that woman’s development indicator, which is the first of its kind came to express appreciation to the Saudi women’s efforts for their contributions in various fields and sectors.  All data included in the indicator will help in launching distinctive initiatives and programs that will identify the social and economic obstacles facing women in Saudi Arabia as well as enhancing the cooperation with local and international partners to increase efficiency in dealing with these obstacles and overcome them with the possibility to measure the improvement and the impact of such initiatives, she added. The results were based on three factors: first, gathering strong evidence about our current situation and next destination, which will guide us to reach to the target groups in the right place and time. Second, transparency, since we are very keen to share true stories about women in Saudi Arabia and discuss them in clearly to achieve the desired progress as we cannot take effective steps without understanding the full picture of it. Third, partnership that has emerged as a result of the importance of cooperation between the right institutions to reach to the desired results and change; as a matter of fact, this cannot be achieved without an effective collaboration between the relevant parties, HRH clarified. The vice rector for Planning and Development at King Saud University Dr.Yousif Abdu Asiri mentioned that the National Observatory for Women’s participation in development  (NOW) is a great platform that attracted experts of women’s affairs,  monitor women’s participation and provide decision makers and relevant entities with results, indicators, statistics, and database to be as a supportive reference for the social research, developmental projects, and for everything related to family and community from regulations, institutions to initiatives. The observatory is consistent with 2030 vision in which it supports human researches and enables the developmental role of them, it became a clear symbol of the institutional research at King Saud University and has achieved a lot in a short period of time besides its effective efforts and positive role. During the opening of the conference, King Saud University has announced the launching of the new website of NOW which provides an interactive platform for researchers to modify the equations to calculate specific relations between the five dimensions of the indicator of woman’s participation in development, or to identify different categories, for example, calculating woman’s participation in development by age group or by educational level or by administrative region. Additionally, results released in the conference of (Woman’s role in development “towards vital community”) included data provided by the General Authority for Statistics GASTAT which were obtained from field surveys. These data were analyzed by NOW by using a certain methodology and research tools. The results focus on key measurements of international studies related to men and women: health, education, economic opportunities, organizational structure, and social context. The study evaluates a number of variables between 8 to 20 variables in each one of these five dimensions. The conference held two main sessions and three local sessions with a participation of a number of experts and officials. The first session includes (the main legislations of woman’s participation in development) which discusses: legislations that guarantee woman’s participation in the public judiciary, legislative frameworks of personal affairs, legislative frameworks of woman protection, the role of law in promoting women’s rights, and women’s rights in health care. On the other hand, the second session includes: (social capital and its role in promoting woman’s participation in development) which discusses: social capital “the modern approach to development”, sustainable development between community trust and interrelationships, and the social dimension of “the indicator of woman’s participation in development”. In addition, the local round table session has discussed in its first session the strategies and future aspirations of Saudi women, the second session was about woman’s participation in development from a global perspective, while the third session has showed some examples of woman’s participation in development.

GASTAT Releases Real Estate Price Index for Q1, 2019 General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has released the report of Real Estate Price Index for Q1, 2019. The report has been published on the official website of GASTAT www.stats.gov.sa. The real-estate price index has edged down to 4.0%, compared to the previous quarter (Q4, 2018), where its indicator has reached (80.1) in Q1, 2019, compared to (80.4) in Q4, 2018.  This decline can be attributed to the decrease in the main sectors composing the indicator: the housing sector (5.0%), the commercial sector (4.0%), and the agricultural sector (2.0%), compared to Q4 in 2018. Regarding residential sector, the residential lands have witnessed a decrease in Q1, 2019 reaching (0.5%), compared to the previous quarter (Q4, 2018), and residential buildings have dropped to (0.6%). However, the following categories have increased recording in villas (0.1%), apartments (0.2%), and houses (0.2%). On the other hand, the commercial sector has showed a decline compared to the previous quarter for both commercial land plots and (exhibitions/ shops), recording (0.4%) and (0.3%), respectively, while commercial centers have risen by (0.3%).  At the level of agricultural sector, agricultural lands have fallen to (0.2%). It is worth noting that the index is based on registered-based data of real-estate transactions available at the Ministry of Justice. It is an essential tool that supports entities making economic and statistical decisions regarding the movements of real - estate prices and future forecasts during different periods of time.  Moreover, the index has three main sectors consisting of several types of real estate classes: housing sector which includes (plot of land, building, villa, apartment, and house), commercial sector including (plot of land, building, exhibition/commercial center and shop), and agricultural sector with one category which is the agricultural land. The real estate price index aims at finding accurate real estate statistical indicators that will help in measuring Saudi Arabia’s real estate market in line with global norms and standards.

The implementation will subject to monitoring and evaluation system that guarantees achievement at the level of all engaged entities, HE assured GASTAT Board of Directors’ Chairman Thanks the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for the Kind Approval on the National Strategy for Statistical Development The chairman of board of directors of GASTAT, the Minister of Economy and Planning Ministry Mr. Mohmmad AL-Tuwaijri appreciated the kind approval of the Council of Ministers on the national strategy for the statistical development in the meeting that was held on Monday 18th of Sha’ban 1440.  HE thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and HRH the Crown Prince for the kind approval on the strategy. It is the first national strategy for the statistics sector in Saudi Arabia. In fact, the strategy was set to enhance and boost the information and statistical work in Saudi Arabia to reach to an effective response that can meet the increasing demand of statistical data and information. Moreover, the strategy will serve the development path of Saudi Arabia to fulfill its international, regional and national duties. It was based on an ambitious future vision up to 2030 with medium and long-term objectives to be achieved. The strategy has adopted five axes: First, the use of statistical information and data (demand axis), that aims at ensuring the improvement in the use of statistical information and data in Saudi Arabia, and meeting all users’ needs by providing easy-to-use statistical information and data in a timely manner. Second, statistical information and data production (supply axis), which seeks to develop administrative records to be gradually relied upon as a primary source of data, improve field operations, such as censuses, surveys and research, and apply the latest standards, methods and classification policies when collecting, analyzing and disseminating data. Third, the axis of modern technologies, that aims at using the latest technologies in all statistical work stages, and ensuring a high-quality infrastructure system. Fourth, the axis of communication and awareness, which aims at strengthening the society’s statistical knowledge through promoting education and raising awareness, and establishing a culture of communication among key actors within the Statistics & Information Sector. Fifth, the axis of governance through which GASTAT seeks to consolidate the principles that govern the Statistics & Information Sector’s activities, establish a culture of results-based management, ensure the sustainable development of human resources, and attract highly-qualified individuals. Implementation of this strategy will be subjected to monitoring and evaluation system that guarantees accurate implementation at the level of all engaged entities, HE affirmed. On the other hand, an annual report will be prepared and published on this matter, and two evaluations will be conducted for each five years. The strategy will be updated on a regular basis based on these elements and based on relevant updates as well; occurring inside and outside Saudi Arabia. GASTAT will work hand in hand with all engaged entities as well as all the components of the statistical sector in accordance with the approved strategies to achieve and meet the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision and the initiatives of the National Transformation Program 2020, he added.

GASTAT: Releases Internal Trade Survey’s Results Q3- 2018 The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released on its official website www.stats.gov.sa the results of the "Internal Trade Survey for the Third Quarter of 2018". The survey is about a set of economic statistics and data for short-term use to measure the performance of the trade sector in order to assess its growth, and identify its strengths or weaknesses. Moreover, it is an important economic activity that contributes to increase employment and GDP, exactly like the retail activity which connects producers with consumers, and focusses on the features and components of establishments engaged in the activities of vehicles sale and repair as well as wholesale and retail sale trade. The survey showed that the number of Saudi females’ workers of internal trade establishments increased by 4%, compared to the previous quarter. The workers’ number of internal trade sector in Saudi Arabia reached about one million six hundred ninety-three thousand workers by the end of the third quarter of 2018, including almost one million two hundred fifty-five thousands of non-Saudi workers. However, the number of Saudi workers of the same sector was approximately four hundred thirty-eight thousand workers. Rate of worker’s productivity in internal trade activity increased by 1.12% compared to last year 2018, results showed. They also indicated that the total operating revenues(sales) of internal trade sector reached (151,389 million) one hundred and fifty billion, three hundred eighty-nine million riyals during the second quarter of 2018.   The total operating expenses of the sector during the same period reached (90,224 million) ninety billion, two hundred twenty-four million riyals. Therefore, the operating surplus of the three sectors activities during the third quarter of 2018 was about (49,424 million) forty-nine thousand, four hundred twenty-four million riyals.            Based on the results of the survey, the operating surplus of the wholesale trade was the highest among all the activities of the internal trade and was about (19,153 million) nineteen thousand, one hundred fifty-three million riyals during the third quarter of 2018. On the other hand, the operating surplus of the retail trade activity reached around (16,008 million) one thousand, six hundred eight million riyals. Finally, the operating surplus of the sale and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles activity accounted to almost (14,262 million) fourteen thousand, two hundred sixty-two million riyals.

GASTAT releases the Labour Market Bulletin, Quarter (4) 2018 GASTAT: Saudis’ Unemployment Rate Decreases During the fourth Quarter of 2018 Compared to the Previous Quarter On Sunday Rajab 24th, 1440H. (corresponding to March 31st, 2018) GASTAT released the Labour Market Bulletin for the fourth quarter of 2018 on its official website  (www.stats.gov.sa). The bulletin is based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey that is conducted by GASTAT on a quarterly basis as well as the labour market data from the administrative records available at the related entities (Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Affairs, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund, and National Information Center).   The results of the 2018 fourth quarter bulletin, based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey, showed a decrease in the total unemployment rate of Saudis (15 years and above) reaching (12.7%) compared to (12.8%) in the previous quarter. The Saudi males’ unemployment rate reached (6.6%), whereas the unemployment rate of Saudi females reached (32.5%) in the fourth quarter of 2018. The unemployment rate for the total population (15 years and above) stabilized at (6.0%) in the fourth quarter of 2018. The results of the survey also showed that the economic participation rate of total Saudis (15 years and above) reached (42.0%) in the fourth quarter of 2018. The economic participation rate reached (20.2%) among Saudi females, and (63.0%) among Saudi males in the fourth quarter of 2018. Also, the bulletin indicated that the total employed Saudis (males and females) reached (3,111,199) based on the data of the administrative records. According to the results of the bulletin and based on the data of the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarah and Sa’ed) and the data from the Human Resources Development Fund (Taqat), the total number of Saudi job seekers reached (970.229) in the fourth quarter of 2018. GASTAT has defined jobseekers as Saudi individuals (males and females) registered in job seeking programs of the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarh and Sa’ed) as well as Human Resources Development Fund (Taqat) where they entered their personal data, qualifications, experiences, and CVs electronically. Jobseekers included in the administrative records are not subjected to the internationally recognized criteria and conditions of the International Labor Organization (ILO); hence, not all of them are considered unemployed individuals. Therefore, not every job seeker is an unemployed individual; they may be looking for a work while still working in another job, as in the case of job seekers in the government sector where they work for their own business and not registered as employees in the governmental administrative records (Civil Service, Social Insurance, commercial registers, and municipal licenses) .

GASTAT: Wholesale Price Index Increases in February 2019 On Wednesday, the 13th of Rajab 1440 H/ 20th of March 2019 AD, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released its the monthly indicator of Saudi wholesale price index for February and it was published on its website www.stats.gov.sa . The indicator recorded (116.5) points with 0.1% increase in February 2019, compared to last month (January) where it recorded (116.4) points. The indicator includes five main sections; agriculture and fisheries products, raw materials and metals, Food products, beverages, tobacco and textiles, metal products, machinery and equipment, and other goods.  The report attributed that increase to the outcome of the changes of the five main sections composing this indicator; metal products, machinery and equipment increased to 1.0%. On the other hand, raw materials and metals decreased by 1.0%, agriculture and fisheries products went down 0.5%, and other goods 0.5%. However, food products, beverages, tobacco and textiles remained without any changes.  Saudi Arabia's wholesale price index measures the average changes in the prices of goods and services sold in primary markets and takes into account the change in price only. Accordingly, all changes resulting from differences in quality, quantity discount, Shipping method, and other influencing factors in order to obtain the net price only after excluding all the mentioned effects. This number is general for all and is prepared in all parts of the Kingdom. It is worth mentioning that the wholesale price index is used to monitor the changes in the prices of local or imported goods, which are dealt with in the market, and consequently to determine the price trends and the conditions of the market variables. The wholesale price index is one of the important tools used to prepare national accounts, by clearing income and national groups from the impact of price changes.

GASTAT: Consumer Price Index (CPI) Decreases by 0.2% in February, 2019   On Tuesday, Rajab 12th, 1440 H (corresponding to March 19th, 2019), The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released its monthly report of Saudi Arabia’s Consumer Price index (CPI) for last February. The report was published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. (CPI) went down 0.2% in February and reached (105.7) points compared to (105.9) points in January at the same year. On the other hand, the report attributed the monthly decline of the index to the declines of the six sections composing it, which are: housing, water, electricity and gas section with 0.6%, home furnishing and equipment section with 0.4%, food and beverages section with 0.2%, culture and entertainment section with 0.2%, transportation section with 0.1%, and finally telecommunication section with 0.1%. In contrast, two of the main sections witnessed an increase, which are: restaurant and hotels sections with 0.3 %, and personal goods and services section with 0.2%. Tobacco section, clothing and shoes section, health and education sections remained stable with no change.

Small enterprises’ revenues increase by (0.9%) “GASTAT” releases the indicator of SMEs contribution to private sector for the third quarter of 2018     On Monday 18th of Rajab 1440 H corresponding 25th of March 2019, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of SMEs contribution to private sector’ indicator for the third quarter of 2018. The indicator is published on GASTAT official website www.stats.gov.sa. It measures the contribution of SMEs in the growth of the private sector, while reflecting the development of these enterprises.  The results showed an increase in the revenues of small enterprises which employ (6 to 49) workers in the private sector with a percentage of (0.9%) compared to the third quarter of last year (2017). However, the revenues of medium enterprises that employ (50 to 249) workers in the private sector registered (113,654,809) SAR in quarter 3, 2018.  The results also demonstrated an increase in the number of small enterprises workers as they recorded (1,627,482) workers in quarter 3, 2018 with a percentage of (1.8%) compared to the same quarter of 2017.  Regarding the numbers of workers in medium enterprises which employ (50 to 249) workers in the private sector, they increased to reach (917,847) workers in quarter 3, 2018 with a percentage of (2.5%) compared to quarter 3, 2017.    The results of the indicator of SMEs contribution to private sector (quarter 3, 2018) indicated a decrease by (2.4%) in the numbers of workers in micro enterprises which employ (less than 5 workers) in the private sector with (2,015,019) workers during the third quarter of 2018, compared to the third quarter of 2017. On the other hand, the results also revealed a decrease in the revenues of micro enterprises that employ (less than 5 workers) in the private sector during the third quarter of 2018, with a percentage of (3.0%) compared to the third quarter of 2017, where they registered (171,256,482) SAR.

Tuesday Evening March 17th, 2020 is the Beginning of the Fifth Census’ Actual Enumeration GASTAT: Saudi Arabia is One Year Away Until the Saudi Arabia Census 2020 The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) revealed that the fifth census of population, housing and establishments in Saudi Arabia “Saudi Arabia Census 2020” will start on Tuesday, March 17th, 2020, which is the beginning of the actual enumeration “evening of time reference”. The census will provide a broad statistical database to be used as a reliable basis when conducting studies and research required by the development programs and plans in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Vision 2030. Furthermore, it provides statistical data and indicators to measure changes in population characteristics over time, conducts local, regional and international comparisons, and review and evaluate future population estimates. In this Census, GASTAT will rely on different methods to ensure getting accurate information through linking data together in addition to the cooperation with the National Information Center and the Saudi Post. This is done in accordance with the preparations made by GASTAT and their partners in order to implement the “Saudi Arabia Census 2020”. This census will be different from previous censuses due to the change in the enumeration method by integrating the register-based data with field data. The official spokesman of GASTAT , Mr. Taiseer Al-Mufrrej, said that GASTAT has completed the updating of the populated areas directory in all regions of the Kingdom, in addition to updating the postal addresses in several administrative regions, which are: Makkah, Madinah, Jazan, Najran, Al-Baha, the Northern Border, Tabuk, Hail and Al-Qassim. He also explained that during the month of Sha'ban the postal addresses in the city of Riyadh and the eastern region will be updated. He also added that the preparation of the operational plans for manpower, training, and publishing has been initiated. This is the first phase of the Saudi Arabia Census 2020, which will be followed by the second phase (the actual enumeration phase), then the third phase (data processing phase) then finally the announcement of the results. The first official census in Saudi Arabia was conducted in 1394H. (1974), then the second was conducted in 1413H. (1992), followed by the third in 1425H.(2004). Finally, the fourth census made by the Central Department of Statistics and Information prior to the transformation into the General Authority for Statistics was conducted in 1431H. (2010). The total population in the 2010 census was (27,136,977) people.

Saudi Arabia Ends its Participation in the Works of the United Nations Statistical Commission (50th Round) Yesterday 9, Mar 2019, Saudi Arabia Ends its Participation in the works of the United Nations Statistical Commission (50th Round). It started last Tuesday until yesterday evening at the United Nations headquarter in New York City. The delegation was headed by his Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, president of the General Authority for Statistics. The participation was an extension of the Authority strategy for international collaboration, Altekhaifi said. Also, to benefit from the best statistical practices to be reflected on the development of the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia, he added. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has reviewed a number of development axes for the statistical sector. The works of the (50th) meeting dealt with a number of important topics related to the role of statistical data in the development process, the fundamental principles of official statistics, open data and national quality assurance frameworks, regional statistical development, discussing all the matters related to national accounts and price, international trade statistics, industrial statistics, and statistics related to disasters, in addition to education statistics. the General Authority for Statistics of Saudi Arabia will publish a statistical report of the goals of sustainable development indicators with social, economic and environmental dimensions in time series that will ensure measuring the progress in achieving them, President of GASTST clarified. Saudi Arabia is working alongside with international organizations of the indicators to measure all the indicators correctly, he added. The Authority participated in the Works of the United Nations Statistical Commission through a variety of themes and issues, including: educational Statistics which indicated that training and education sector in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnesses an increasing attention under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and national transformation program which has developed many initiatives related to the development of education and training and aims to raise the quality of education and training outputs, make them relevant to the labor market and encourage creativity and innovation in scientific research as the policy-making and planning in this field requires accurate and comprehensive data to support decision makers. It has also developed register-based data of education, through conducting a household survey regularly every three years for training and education. General Authority for Statistics will provide a quality services in order to reach the expectations and the needs. It will also provide high quality services through statistical data collection as well as analyzing, keeping and publishing the data. Also, through implementing and improving the quality system. It seeks to fully implement the National Accounts System 2008 which helped in developing many forms of economic and household surveys to assist obtaining the necessary data to apply all the accounts in accordance with the concepts of the System of National Accounts 2008, GASTAT is also working to build national accounts and economic statistics capabilities to enable them to carry out their tasks in accordance with the recommendations of international standards. GASTAT also stressed on the importance of understanding the system of national accounts for urgent economic developments, and prepare accessories to the System which clarifies how to address these developments through theoretical framework and applied framework as well as show experiences of countries. It is worth mentioning that Saudi Arabia has been chosen with (11) countries globally to fill the membership of the board of directors of the International Comparison Program in the United Nation of the period 2017-2019, based on the vote of the Statistics Division of the United Nation and Data Development Group of the international bank to represent the countries of Western Asia. Saudi Arabia has been chosen to this membership as appreciation to the positive role of GASTAT in various statistical programs organized by the United Nation. The formation of the administrative structure of the International Comparison Program includes: United Nation Statistical Commission, management board (GASTAT membership), the joint work teams among agencies, consulting and technical coordination committees, as well as the implementing international agency (World Bank), regional offices, the Statistical Office of the European Union (Euro stat), the Organization of Cooperation and Development, and the participating national statistical offices.

GASTAT Participates in ICP Board of Directors Fourth Meeting (2019) The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has participated in the International Comparison Program (ICP) board of directors fourth meeting held in New York, USA, on Sunday Jumada Al-Thani 26th, 1440 H. (March 3rd, 2019). Dr Fahad Altekhaifi, the President of GASTAT, indicated that the board of directors comprises eleven state members including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which represents West Asia. It discussed the progress reached so far in the implementation of the ICP of 2017, the communication and dissemination strategy, the preparation for the forthcoming session in 2020 in addition to the discussion of several other topics relevant to statistical work.   Dr Altekhaifi also added that the selection of Saudi Arabia to be a member in the ICP board of directors for the years 2017-2019 comes as a recognition of GASTAT positive role in the various statistical programs organized by the United Nation. He also said that it is an affirmation of the Kingdom’s active role in the world’s statistical map, and reflects the results of the statistical sector strategic transformation in the Kingdom, which is supported by the government due to its role in supporting national development decisions. The World Bank's International Comparison Program is a global statistical partnership program based on a statistical system that is integrally connected to the economic analysis. It uses statistical methods to derive the necessary data to calculate the PPP for about 200 countries and economies worldwide. It will facilitate the use of PPP as currency converters, which will allow the comparison of the total economic indicators and the economic conditions of countries worldwide which helps to allow users to track progress towards achieving sustainable development goals and effectively guide programs towards their goals. The program is geographically divided into six regions under the supervision of the ICP office at the World Bank. Altekhaifi confirmed that the program’s work and results will help shape policies for global comparison to support statistical products of the participating countries. It will also enable GASTAT to access the best statistics global practices to improve and develop the statistical work. It is noteworthy to mention that the ICP board of directors is compiled of, chairpersons, directors and leading experts in 11 statistical agencies participating in the program. They are distributed according to the regional areas: Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands, Latin America, the Caribbean, West Asia, Commonwealth of Independence States, European Union, non-European Union States, members of the organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, representatives of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, UN Statistics Division, and the Inter-Agency Coordination Group.

According to Households Sport Practice Survey in Saudi Arabia GASTAT: (17, 40%) of population are practicing sports for more than 150 minutes on a weekly basis GASTAT has released today the results of Households Sports Practice Survey, 2018. Households Sports Practice is one of the Saudi Vision 2030 requirements. In addition, this kind of practice includes indicators that are targeted by 2030.The data of survey allows conducting many developmental studies and plans in general, and in the sports field in particular. These studies and plans should support the development of many programs and initiatives that do increase the rate of Households Sports Practice. The survey methodology and form considered international standards and recommendations issued by ILO. According to the survey results, the percentage of individuals (15 years and over) who are engaged in sports activities for more than 150 minutes weekly reached (17, 40%) compared to (82,60%) of individuals who do not practice sport. Saudi males and females practicing sport activities for 150 minutes or more per week hit (13.08%) of the total population of the Saudi Arabia for those aged 15 years and over. The percentage of Saudi males was (10.14%) while it hit (2.94%) for Saudi females. On the other hand, the percentage of non-Saudi males and females practicing sports activities for the same category was (4.32%). The results of the survey showed that the percentage of individuals practicing walking activity was (56.05%) of the total number of sports participants. Walking is the most practiced activity by individuals in Saudi Arabia, followed by football activity where it reached (25.69%) out of total number of sport participants. In addition, the percentage of individuals who are engaged in bodybuilding activity reached (5.80%) out of total sport participants, running activity on the other hand hit (2.72%) out of total sport participants. Swimming activity is the least practiced sport activity by individuals according to the survey results where it reached (2.34%) out of total sport participants. (8.46%) represent the percentage of other types of sport practiced by individuals out of total sport participants. The survey results revealed that the reasons of not practicing sports among Saudi population varied. Some individuals have no desire to practice sport with a percentage of (44.73%), followed by those who do not have the time to practice sport with (29.74%) out of total number of individuals who do not practice sport. Those who didn’t have accessible facilities inside the district which reached (13.09%) out of total number of individuals who do not practice sport. Additionally, individuals who cannot practice sport due to injury or disability reached (10.83%) out of total number of individuals who do not practice sport. Finally, individuals who cannot practice sport due to other reasons reached (1.64%) out of the total number.  Field survey of Household Sport Practice aim to provide recent statistical data and indicators about the extent of sport practice for households as well as identifying the reasons behind not practicing sports according to the kind of relationship with the household head. The classification was by gender, nationality, educational status, age and marital status. The survey also provides data about the percentages of sport practice by households at the administrative regions level.

GASTAT Releases Labor Market Bulletin for Q3 of 2018 GASTAT: Saudi Unemployment Rate Falls in Q3 of 2018 General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has released Labor Market Bulletin for Q3 of 2018. It has been published on GASTAT's official website www.stats.gov.sa, in accordance with surveys of labor force conducted by the Authority on a quarterly basis, together with data of labor market, based on administrative records of relevant entities. Such entities include: Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Service, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund, and National Information Center. The economic participation rate of total population (15 years and above) has risen by (56.4%)for Q3, compared to (56.2%) for Q2.  During the same period, the economic participation rate for total Saudis, at (42.0%), and for Saudi males (15 years and above) at (63.5%), has not changed in Q3. However, the economic participation rate of Saudi females (15 years and above) has increased to (19.7%), compared to (19.6%)in the previous quarter, results showed. According to the survey's data, unemployment rate of total Saudis (15 years and above) has fallen to (12.8%), compared to Q2(12.9%). Moreover, unemployment rate of total population (15 years and above) has stabilized at (6.0%) in Q3 of 2018.  Concerning genders unemployment rate, it has decreased for both sexes, reaching (30.9%), compared to (31.1%) in Q2 for (Saudi females), in addition to (7.5%), compared to (7.6%) in Q2 for (Saudi males). The total number of workers, according to administrative records of Saudi Arabia, has witnessed a decline in 2018 by (12,688,042) persons for Q3, compared to (13,018,066) persons for Q2, with a decrease of (330,024) persons. Regarding Saudis, the number of workers, based on administrative records, has edged down to (15,356) persons, reaching (3,109,987) persons, compared to (3,125,343) persons for Q3 and Q2, respectively, the report noted. For non- Saudis, the number of male workers, based on administrative records of Saudi Arabia for 2018, has fallen to (8,622,890) persons in Q3, compared to Q2 (8,927,862) persons, with a decrease of (304,972) persons. Additionally, the number of female workers has dropped by (9,696) persons, reaching (955,165) persons in Q3, compared to (964,861) persons in Q2, according to the results. Based on the bulletin's results, data of Ministry of Civil Service (Jdarah and Saed programs), and data of Human Resources Development Fund (Hafiz and Taqat programs), the total number of Saudi job seekers, according to Saudi Arabia's administrative records, has decreased by (195,297) persons, recording in Q3 (923,504) persons, compared to (1,118,801) persons in Q2. It is worth mentioning that job seekers have been defined by GASTAT as:  Saudi individuals (males or females) enrolled in job search programs of Ministry of Civil Service (Jdarah or Saed), and Human Resources Development Fund (Hafiz). Further, they register their personal data, qualifications, occupational experiences, and CVs through an electronic system. It is important to keep in mind that job seekers are not subject, in administrative records, to the internationally recognized standards and conditions of unemployment approved by the ILO; therefore, they are not considered to be unemployed. Hence, not every job seeker is considered unemployed, s/he may be looking for work, and is working in another job at the same time. This also applies in situations of self - employed workers, who are looking for government entities job, and are not registered as workers in government records (Civil Service, Social Insurance, commercial records, and municipal licenses). For example, self-employed persons who do not work inside establishments.

“Owned dwellings” increases, rented dwellings decreases with the growth of households numbers GASTAT Releases Housing Bulletin to Describe Households’ Dwellings Until the Mid of 2018 On Saturday 20th of Jmadah AL-Awal 1440 (January 26th ,2019), GASTAT released Housing Bulletin on its official website www.stats.gov.sa which combines the results of the field survey that was held between 17/7/1439 and 22/8/1439 corresponding to (14/4/2018 to 18/5/2018) as well as record-based data provided by Ministry of Housing related to housing support . The bulletin aims at providing data of dwellings occupied with Saudi households (owned, rented, employer-provided housing) at Saudi Arabia’s administrative level. Additionally, the bulletin studies the characteristics of the dwelling and its surrounding environment, creates a database for dwellings, meets the local and international requirements as well as the needs of researchers and planners related to dwellings characteristics that are required by developmental plans. The bulletin also provides periodical data and indicators to measure the change in dwellings over time as well as conducting international, regional and local comparisons. Finally, it measures the improvements and the growth of the housing fields according to the type and age of the dwelling occupied by the household. On the other hand, Housing Bulletin showed that the number of Saudi households increased to (3.591.098) until the mid of 2018. For the same period, the results showed that the number of owned dwellings occupied with Saudi households increased (3.43%) compared to the same period of 2017 where owned dwellings occupied with Saudi households and used all construction materials reached (60.49%). Moreover, owned dwellings excluding dwellings that were built with “non-reinforced” construction materials reached (51.70%) compared to (41.91%) in the middle of 2017. The percentage of rented dwellings occupied with Saudi households decreased by (37.63%) in the middle of 2018 compared to (38%) in the middle of 2017. However, these percentages do not reflect the percentage of individuals who owned dwellings but the type of dwelling (owned, rented, employer-provided housing) that may be occupied by one household or more. In addition, the bulletin showed that the number of dwellings occupied with Saudi households in Saudi Arabia increased (2.46%) in the middle of 2018 compared to the middle of 2017. Dwellings occupied with Saudi households (owned, rented, employer-provided housing) until the mid of 2018 reached (64.2%) out of total dwellings in Saudi Arabia where the highest percentage was recorded in Makkah with (24.96%) followed by Riyadh with (23.68%), then in the Eastern Region with (14.31%), Asir (8.55%), Madina (6.92%), Jazan (4.93%), AL-Qassim (4.64%), Tabuk (3.37%), Hail (2.22%), Najran (1.90%), AL-Baha (1.88%), AL-Jouf (1.60%), finally, Northern Boarders (1.04%). In regard to the materials used in dwellings construction and occupied with Saudi households (owned, rented, employer-provided housing), the results showed that reinforced construction increased by (4.31%) compared to the mid of 2017. Dwellings occupied with Saudi households (owned, rented, employer-provided housing) and were built with (bricks) decreased by (9.2%) in the mid of 2018 compared to the mid of 2017 where dwellings occupied with Saudi households and were built with reinforced construction reached (89.54%) and dwellings occupied with Saudi households and were built with (bricks) reached (10.44%). The results also showed that the majority of dwellings (99.85%) occupied with Saudi households (owned, rented, employer-provided housing) depend on a public network as main source for electricity and are occupied with (99.86%) out of total Saudi households’ individuals. GASTAT confirmed that the results of the Housing Survey indicate the status of Saudi households’ dwellings until the mid of 2018. On the other hand, the record-based data of the Ministry of Housing showed the number of beneficiaries of the subsidized housing provided by “Sakani” program reached (67.070) Saudi households at the administrative level during 2018.

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Released Real Estate Price Index Q4, 2018 On Thursday,  18th of Jumada al-Awwal 1440H corresponding to January 24, 2019,  General Authority for Statistics(GASTAT) released the report of Real Estate Price Index, Q4 2018 on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . The real-estate price index has recorded a decline by (2.3%) compared to the previous quarter (Q3, 2018), where the indicator of the Real Estate Price index reached (80.4) in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to (82.3) in (Q3, 2018). This decline can be attributed to the decrease in the main sectors composing it:  housing sector (2.6%), commercial sector (1.7%), and agricultural sector (0.1%) compared to the third quarter of the current year. In fact, the housing sector witnessed an increase in the residential houses by (0.5%) during the 4th quarter of 2018 compared to the previous quarter. On the other hand, residential lands decreased by (0.6%) as well as villas (1.7%), residential buildings (0.6%), apartments (0.2%), commercial plots (0.7%) compared to the previous quarter. Commercial centers have also decreased by (0.2%) and the agricultural sector recorded a decline by (0.1%). It is worth mentioning that real estate price index is based on record-based data available at the Ministry of Justice. This indicator is an important tool to support economic and statistical decision makers regarding the changes of property prices and future forecasts during different periods of time. Real estate price index includes three main sectors consisting of several categories of real estate: housing sector which includes the following (plot of land, building, villa, apartment and house), commercial sector includes (plot of land, building, exhibition/ commercial center and shop), and the agricultural sector with only one category which is the agricultural land. The real estate price index aims at finding accurate real estate statistical indicators that measure the real estate market in Saudi Arabia according to internationally recognized scientific principles and standards. It also aims at filling the data gaps related to the real estate field and is considered as an important tool to support economic decision makers in this field.

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT): Stability in Wholesale Price Index, December 2018 On Wednesday, the 17th of Jumada al-Awwal 1440H corresponding January 23, 2019, The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released its monthly indicator for Wholesale Price Index (December 2018) on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. The wholesale price index stabilized at (116.9) in December 2018, and did not record any change compared to the previous month (November 2018). The indicator includes five sections, which are: agriculture and fishery products section, ores and minerals section, food and beverages products, tobacco and textiles section, mineral products, machines and equipment section and other goods. Today’s report attributed the index’s stability of the wholesale prices of December to the changes of the five sections composing the index, where two of them have increased; which are: mineral products, machines and equipment section (0.5%) and other goods (0.1%). In turn, three sections went down, which are: agriculture and fishery products section (1.4%), food, beverages, tobacco and textiles (0.4%), raw materials and metals (0.1%). Wholesale price index in Saudi Arabia measures average changes in goods prices and services sold in primary markets taking into consideration that the change is only in price, so consequently, all changes resulting from variation in qualities or discount in quantities or variation in method of shipping and other influential factors are excluded to get only net price after excluding all the mentioned indicators. This number is for everyone and it is prepared based on Saudi Arabia Additionally, wholesale price index is used to monitor changes in the prices of local or imported goods, which are dealt with in the market, consequently to identify price trends and market conditions. The wholesale price index is an important tool to prepare national accounts, by saving income and national accounts from the impact of price change.

GASTAT: Consumer Price Index (CPI) Decreases by 0.3% in December, 2018 On Tuesday, Jumada al-Awwal 16th, 1440 H (corresponding to January 22th, 2019), The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released its monthly report of Saudi Arabia’s Consumer Price index (CPI) for December. The report was published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. (CPI) went down 0.3% in December compared to the previous month (November 2018). (CPI) in Saudi Arabia decreased to (106.2) index points in December from (106.5) points in November of 2018 with 0.3% change, report showed. The report attributed the monthly decline of the index to the declines in six of the main sections of the consumer price index, which are: food and beverage by 0.5%, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel by 0.5%, transport by 0.2%, home furnishing and equipment by 0.1%, communications by 0.1% and finally miscellaneous goods and services by 0.1%. Tobacco, clothes, footwear, health, culture and entertainment, education, restaurants and hotels remained stable with no change. On the other hand, annual change of the general CPI increased 22.2% compared to the same month last year reaching (106.2) points in December 2018 compared to (103.9) points in December 2017 with 2.2% change. The ten sections composing the CPI contributed to the annual change, which are: transportation 12.0%, tobacco 10.2%, restaurant and hotels 7.3%, food and beverages 7.1%, home furnishing and equipment 5.0%, entertainment and culture 4.6%, health 4.0%, telecommunication 1.1%, personal goods and services 0.8% and education 0.2%. On the other hand, two of the main sections witnessed a decline, which are: housing, water, electricity and gas section and with 5.1% as well as clothing and footwear with 3.2%.

GASTAT Releases Labour Market Bulletin Q2, 2018   (Saudi and Non-Saudi) Unemployment Rate Drops to 6%, and Stabilizes at 12.9% for Saudi Citizens On Thursday 9th of Safar corresponding to October 18, 2018, GASTAT releases the Labour Market Bulletin for the 2nd quarter of 2018 on its official website  (www.stats.gov.sa); the bulletin is based on the estimates of the Labour Market Survey that is conducted by GASTAT on a quarterly basis as well as the administrative records available at the related entities (Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Affairs, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund, and National Information Center).  The Bulletin’s results showed a decrease in the number of total employees in the 2nd quarter based on the administrative records available in Saudi Arabia where the number reached (13.018.066) individuals compared to (13.333.513) individuals in the previous quarter; about (315.447) individuals from the previous quarter. The number of Saudi employees based on the administrative records edged down by (25.066) individuals where it reached (3.125.343) individuals compared to (3.150.409) individuals in the previous quarter. On the other hand, the number of Saudi male employees decreased by (14.787) individuals and the number of Saudi female employees edged down by (10.279) individuals.    According to the estimates of 2nd quarter 2018 survey, the economic participation rate of total population (15 years and above) rose to (56.2%) compared to (55.5%) in the previous quarter. Saudi economic participation increased by (42.0%) compared to (41.9%) in the previous quarter. Saudi male economic participation rate stabilized at (63.5%); on contrary, Saudi female economic participation edged up to (19.6%) compared to (19.5%) in the previous quarter. Furthermore, the data of the Labour Market Bulletin Q2,2018 showed a stability in the unemployment rate for total Saudis (15 years and above) based on the survey’s estimates compared to the previous quarter where it reached (12.9%). On the other hand, the results also showed a decrease in the unemployment rate for the total population where it reached (6.0%) compared to (6.1%) in the first quarter of 2018; a decrease of (0.1%). In contrast, the unemployment rate of Saudi females edged up to (31.1%) compared to (30.9%) in the previous quarter; however, the unemployment rate of Saudi males stabilized at (7.6%).  The number of Saudi jobseekers for the 2nd quarter of 2018 rose to (1.118.801) individuals based on the administrative records available in Saudi Arabia compared to (1.072.162) individuals in the previous quarter; with an increase of (46.639) individuals most of them are bachelor holders (42.894) individuals. On the other hand, the number of Saudi female jobseekers reached (34.238) jobseekers. It is worth mentioning that the criteria of measuring the number of jobseekers will be updated in the coming Labour Market Bulletin (Q3,2018) and that is based on a study that was conducted for job applicants through (Jadarh, Sa’ed, Taqat) by distributing a survey to job applicants in order to update their data.   GASTAT has defined jobseekers as Saudi individuals (males and females) registered in job seeking programs of the Ministry of Civil Affairs (Jadarh and Sa’ed) as well as Human Resources Development Fund (Hafez) where they entered their personal data, qualifications, experiences, and CVs electronically. In fact, jobseekers included in the administrative records are not subjected to the internationally recognized criteria and conditions of the International Labor Organization (ILO); hence, not all of them are considered unemployed individuals. Therefore, not every jobseeker is an unemployed individual; they may be look for a work while still working in another job, as in the case of jobseekers in the government sector where they work for their own business and not registered as employees in the governmental administrative records (Civil Affairs, Social Insurance, commercial registers, and municipal licenses) such as those who work for their own business outside the establishments.

Coinciding with the Gulf Statistics Day GASTAT Releases the Manual of Statistical Definitions, Concepts and Terms The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) will participate in the events of the gulf statistical day which occurs on December 24th of each year. The slogan of this year is “Statistics Towards Sustainable Development”. It emphasizes the role of the statistical centers and authorities of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the sustainable development industry through providing accurate data of statistical indicators. The aim of the Gulf Statistics day is to highlight the achievements and challenges of the statistical work in the region, raise awareness of the importance and role of statistics in the social and economic development of GCC countries, emphasize the importance of the society cooperation with statisticians, highlight the importance that GCC countries attach to statistical work. GASTAT official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that coinciding with this occasion, GASTAT releases the Manual of Statistical Definitions, Concepts and terms used in GASTAT. The manual includes more than 1200 definitions. It is a rich scientific work presenting the key terms and concepts of the statistical products issued by GASTAT to facilitate handling these products. This guide is based on the standardization of definitions, concepts and statistical terminology used in the GCC countries. GASTAT updated and added some new concepts in order to contribute in enhancing transparency in statistical work, as well as to raise awareness to all producers and users of statistical data, information and indicators. Mr. Almofarrej added that the manual covers the concepts and terms used in the field of statistics including, terms related to the general population and housing census, agricultural census and its concepts, population and vital statistics, government services statistics, geographic statistics, National concepts accounts statistics concepts, foreign trade, prices statistics, business and industry statistics and other statistical terms and concepts used in GASTAT. It is worth mentioning that GASTAT is keen to enhance and enrich the statistical arabic content, provide statistical linguistic culture to interested individuals and specialists and disseminate vital statistical information and indicators about Saudi Arabia. You can view the Manual of Statistical Definitions, Concepts and Terms on this link: https://www.stats.gov.sa/ar/992

“GASTAT’’ Releases Results of (Industrial Economic Environment) Survey 2017 GASTAT released the results of Industrial Economic Environment Survey 2017 which was published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. The survey includes results related to the amount of consumed water in (industrial economic establishments) with its different sources as well as wastes produced due to economic industrial activities and ways of disposal. The results also include types of energy used in industrial economic establishments. 97% of industrial economic establishments purchase the water they consume. The amount of purchased water consumed in these establishments reached (978 million cubic meter) in 2017.  On the other hand, results showed that wastes resulted from activities of (industrial economic establishments) reached (20.2) tons, as follows: solid chemical wastes are the largest among them with 36% followed by liquid chemical wastes with 12%, then ferrous metal wastes with 10%, lastly, non-ferrous metal wastes with 6%  . The most used energy in industrial economic establishments during 2017 were natural gas (66%), diesel (18.7%), and gasoline 91 (10.3%), results showed. In addition, types of energy used in industrial economic establishments include natural gas (66%), diesel (18.7%), gasoline 91 (10.3%), cooking gas (2.2%), crude oil (1.9%), and gasoline 95 (0.7%).

GASTAT: Consumer Price Index (CPI) Decreases and Annual Index Rises in November 2018 General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released its monthly report of Saudi Arabia's Consumer Price Index (CPI) for November. The report was published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . (CPI) went down to 0.2% in November compared to the previous month (October 2018). (CPI) in Saudi Arabia decreased to (106.5) index points in November from (106.8) in October of 2018 with 0.2% change, (GASTAT) report showed. On the other hand, the report attributed the monthly decrease of the index to the declines of the five main sections composing it, which are: housing, water, electricity and gas section with 0.8%, restaurants and hotels sections with 0.2%, food and beverages sections with 0.1%, clothing and footwear sections with 0.1%, and finally telecommunication section with 0.1%. In contrast, two of the main sections witnessed an increase, which are: home furnishing and equipment section, and transportation section with 0.2%. Tobacco, health, culture and entertainment, education, and personal goods and services sections remained unchanged. The year-over-year (YOY) of CPI registered an increase of 2.4% in November 2018 compared to the same month last year reaching (106.5) in November 2018 compared to (103.6) in November 2017 with 2.8%. This increase was ascribed to the ten sections composing the CPI, which are: transportation 12.0%, tobacco 10.2%, restaurants and hotels 8.6%, food and beverages 7.7%, home furnishing and equipment 4.6%, health 4.0%, culture and entertainment 3.8%, telecommunication 1.3%, personal goods and services 0.6%, and finally education 0.2%, On the other hand, two of the main sections witnessed a decline, which are: clothing and footwear section as well as housing, water, electricity and gas section by 4.5% and 3.1% respectively.

With the participation of GASTAT (SESRIC) board of directors holds its 41st meeting As a representative of Saudi Arabia, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) participated in the 41st meeting of the Board of Directors of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) on 18th December 2018 in Ankara city. Saudi Arabia is a board member of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), which includes nine member states, seven of which are elected for 3- year period. Saudi Arabia participation reflects the positive role of GASTAT in the different statistical programs. It also shows the progress achieved by Saudi Arabia in the statistical field, which highlights the effective role of Saudi Arabia in the international statistics map. In addition, it reflects the results of the statistical sector’ strategic transformation in Saudi Arabia, which the country always supports as it has a crucial role in making national development decisions. The vice president of GASTAT, Mr. Abdullah Albatil said that this meeting discussed all the center works conducted in 2018 in many activities and events such as providing statistical data and information about the member states, facilitating the cooperation projects and statistical integration plans between the member states, enriching the center’s statistical database and expand its coverage,  being up-to –date with all digital developments in the field of statistical publication and presentation, in addition to strengthening and enhancing the performance of the national statistics system in all member states in order to produce high-quality national statistics, for the purpose of supporting and assisting decision and policy makers, and enhancing the technical capabilities of the national statistics offices in the member states. Albatil added that many studies and research about the challenges facing all member states have been prepared. Furthermore, two reports have been published about the services trade and the e-government services as a part of the Islamic Cooperation Organization related reports. Regarding the technical training and cooperation, GASTAT vice president stated that technical cooperation has been enhanced between all member states. Moreover, many programs have been launched and implemented to strengthen their capabilities within a number of social and economic fields. The efforts of these states have been also supported to enhance the potentials of their human resources and national institutions by exchanging experts, holding workshops, and making study visits. Albatil also said that the 41st SESRIC board of directors’ meeting shed light on all completed activates that GASTAT participated in such as attending a meeting with the representatives of the national statistics offices of ICO member states in the United States of America last March, which was held as part of the events of the 49th session of the United Nations Statistical Committee in New York. As for the activities of the member states ‘statistical capacity building, Albatil mentioned that the results of a statistics course titled (Analyzing data in Saudi Arabia) have been reviewed, along with the results of many study visits to some member states including:  a study visit to Brunei about (labor statistics), a study visit to Malaysia about (Population and migration statistics), a study visit to Indonesia about (Education statistics), a study visit to Egypt about (Income and consumption statistics), and other visits to benefit from the most outstanding statistical experiences. GASTAT vice president confirmed that the project of peer review of the national statistical offices of the ICO member states was established and that there is a memorandum of understanding between GASTAT and (SESRIC), within the project implementation in collaboration with SESRIC. It is worth noting that SISREC is the most important statistical institution at the level of Islamic countries. It provides various services in the field of capacity building and the exchange of statistical expertise, and exerts efforts to strengthen relations of mutual cooperation and exchange visits between member states. It also prepares lists of all experts and technicians in order to develop mechanisms of the visits between those experts according to the needs of the states, in a way that serves the building of their statistical capacities.

Congratulating the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his crown prince on announcing the largest budget in the history of Saudi Arabia Dr.Fahad AL-Tukhaifi: the budget adopts an “organized planning’’ as a new approach for development On his behalf and on behalf of all GASTAT’s employees as well as all the statistical sectors in Saudi Arabia, president of GASTAT, Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tukhaifi congratulates the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and his crown prince HRH Prince Mohmmad Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz on announcing the budget of 1440/1441 H as the largest expenditure budget in the history of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it reflects the directions of the wise leadership in the country that helped to reduce the budget’s deficit by (4.2%) of GDP. AL-Tukhaifi confirmed that the budget proves that organized planning is the adopted approach used for development in Saudi Arabia at the present time and for the future as well. In addition, numbers that were included in the budget were achieved by organized planning, remarkable procedures, and a clear vision and aim. He added that the speech of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques during the budget’s announcement emphasized the ongoing support to boost the economic growth in Saudi Arabia, enhance the expenditure’s quality, and to attain financial sustainability and balance. Moreover, this can be reached by accomplishing Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision objectives through increasing the size of the national economy and keeping its growth. Also, by heading towards economic reform, financial management and control, enhancing transparency and enabling the private sector. The custodian of the Two Holy Mosques directs all officials to quickly start the implementation of the budget which reflects his constant concern that all government entities will be able to meet citizens’ expectations and moving from only providing services to surpassing in providing these services. Dr. AL-Tukhaifi said:” the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques concludes his words by affirming that the comprehensive development will continue and will cover all regions of Saudi Arabia and that is his main concern; this shows the commitment of the leadership that the development covers all the regions of Saudi Arabia and in all fields as well’’. On the other hand, GASTAT’s president confirmed that the parts included in the budget will guarantee an effective contribution to enhance the government expenditure, also to enhance the quality, accuracy and transparency of financial accounts. Therefore, financial efficiency level will increase and benefit of projects will be maximized and that will be reflected on what is obtained by the citizen from the outputs of these projects. May God protect this country and keep its safety and prosperity, he concluded.

GASTAT Releases for the First Time Industrial Activity Survey's Results-2017 On Thursday, Rabi al-Thany 6th,1440 H (corresponding to December 13th ,2018), the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the " Industrial Activity Survey for 2017" to support the national development. This Survey was carried out for the first time by GASTAT and is considered outputs of the statistical transformation in Saudi Arabia which have been started since the beginning of the last year. The Authority has released so far more than sixty-five statistical products including economic, social, demographic, and Umrah statistics. In addition to other statistics related to labor market, energy, knowledge, environment, culture, sport, entertainment, security and safety. The Industrial Activity Survey is an annual survey based on field data collected by visiting establishments all over Saudi Arabia's regions. The results of the Survey include more than nineteen statistical indicators related to the features and components of private and public sectors establishments. The Survey concerns the activities of mining, quarrying, manufacturing, electricity, gas, and steam supply, air conditioning, water supply, sanitation, in addition to waste management and process. The results also provide detailed and accurate data to meet the needs of the relevant parties in line with the international recommendations specialized in industrial activity surveys. The Authority appreciated the role of all the relevant governmental and private entities that contributed to the design of the survey's form, and submitted their proposals according to the needs of data and information for the economic sector generally and industrial sector particularly. This is done through mutual team works and continuous workshops in order to ensure that the statistical product outputs have met all the requirements. The results of the Industrial Activity Survey showed that the number of industrial establishments made up (112,785) one hundred twelve thousand, seven hundred eighty-five establishments, with 31% of Saudi workers. According to the results, the operating expenses of the industrial establishments exceeded about (484.712 million) four hundred eighty-four billion, seven hundred twelve million SAR, whereas the value of the operating revenues of the industrial establishments reached in 2017 around (1,516,844,817,326) one trillion, five hundred sixteen billion, eight hundred forty-four million, eight hundred seventeen thousand, three hundred twenty-six SAR. The percentage of Saudi workers working at the following establishments: crude oil and natural gas, other manufacturing, as well as coke and refined petroleum products reached 84%, 80% and78% respectively out of the total number of Saudi workers in the industrial establishment, the results showed. It is worth mentioning that GASTAT releases, in addition to the survey of industrial activity, a number of products related to the industry sector. Such as, index of industrial production survey which measures the relative change and any developments in the quantities of material and commodities production. Additionally, environment economic survey (industry) that reflects the norms of water and energy consumption in Saudi Arabia by the establishments and wastes resulting from these activities and potential ecological effects. The Industrial Activity Survey is the third statistical product published by the Authority in the field of industry. It aims to provide comprehensive industrial statistics in different regions of Saudi Arabia, for instance: statistics and compensations of industry workers as well as operating and transfer expenses. In addition to the size, revenues value, and contribution to GDP of industrial production. GASTAT has published the Survey's results, field research forms and others results on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . The products are in various information formats, so researchers, scholars and decision-makers can benefit from them and conduct data analysis.

“GASTAT” Releases the Results of the Household Energy Survey for 2018 The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the “Household Energy Survey (2018)” on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. It is a field survey that collects household energy data from a sample of households covering all 13 administrative regions across the Kingdom.  This data can calculate many estimates and indicators about energy consumption in the domestic sector. The Household Energy survey aims at providing data related to the housing characteristics such as the type of housing, its components, the areas that are air-conditioned and heated, the impact of economic, social and geographical variables on energy consumption, household uses of fuel of all kinds to supplement the primary consumption coverage of various energy forms, which contributes to the preparation of energy balance, identifying patterns of energy consumption and the forms of energy used in the domestics sector. The results of the household energy survey showed that (100%) of the households use electricity in their houses. (99.85%) of their houses are connected to the public electricity network. (0.11%) use a private network as a source for electricity, while (0.04%) use a generator as a source of electricity. The results also showed that the percentage of households using solar energy at homes reached (1.45%). The results also showed that the percentage of households using an independent electric meter reached (84.33%), while (15.67%) are using an electric meter shared with other houses, whereas (15.38%) use power regulator at home. Regarding the use of fuel, the results showed that about (90.72%) of households use gas as the main fuel for cooking, while (8.74%) of households use electricity for cooking. In addition, (8.22%) of households use (wood, coal and agricultural waste) at home for heating and cooking. Regarding the patterns and behavior of households in the rationalization of power consumption, the results showed that (59.84%) of households are interested in 65cutting expenses or rationalization of power consumption. It also showed that (35.75%) of the households are likely interested in power consumption rationalization while only (4.41%) of the households are not interested at all in cutting expenses or rationalizing power consumption. The results showed that (29.35%) of the households have power savers at their houses while (70.65%) of households don’t have power savers to rationalize consumption Furthermore, the results of the Household Energy Survey showed that the total consumption of household fuel (fuel oil), kerosene and LPG reached more than 1 billion liters (1,023,585,906) in all regions of the Kingdom. The volume of consumption of diesel (fuel oil) reached about (3,519,261) three million five hundred thousand liters, which represents about (0.34%) total consumption volume, while the consumption of gas (kerosene) reached more than nineteen million L (19,691,996) representing about 1.92% of the total volume of consumption. The volume of consumption of gas (LPG) reached about one billion liters (1,000,374,649) in 2018, representing (97.74%) of the total volume of consumption. The results of the Household Energy Survey showed that (35.14%) of households in the Kingdom spend less than 5% of their income on electricity and other sources of fuel, while (43.08%) of the households spend between (5-10%) on energy, while (15.76%) of households spend between (11-15%) on energy. (4.01%) of households spend between (16-20%) of their income on energy and (2%) Spends more than (20%) of its income on electricity and other fuel sources. It is worth mentioning that the Household Energy Survey of 2018 is the second survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics on an annual basis.

Within GASTAT efforts to raise statistical awareness among all society classes. GASTAT concludes its awareness week in Aseer region As part of its plan to raise statistical awareness among all society classes, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) concluded the statistical week in Aseer region. The statistical week included the meeting of His Excellency the president of GASTAT, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi with businessmen and the board members of Abha Chamber. During the meeting, they discussed the role of the private sector in the statistical process, in addition to the statistical products that are related to Aseer region. “The Smart Statistician” exhibition has been also held during the statistical week in cooperation with the General Administration of Education in Aseer region. The exhibition events took place in “ Aseer’s Educational Center”  during the period 17-21 Rabi Al Awal 1440H, with the participation of more than 35 schools. The exhibition aims to clarify the role of statistics in the student life.  In addition, it aims to explain the statistical concepts and raising the level of students’ awareness. Moreover, it presents the statistical process steps and stages in a simple and scientific way, and enhances the student’s realization of the statistician role. However, the exhibition demonstrates the impact of data accuracy (data provided by the household head) on development, as the student is considered an effective method in raising households’ awareness. It is worth mentioning that the student journey inside the exhibition starts by moving between the different sections that provide students with scientific information in an entertainment and attractive way. The sections include an identification of statistics, the difference between statistics and mathematics, the role of the General Authority for Statistics, how students and households are relating to the authority work, and how statistical researches are implemented on the field through simulating the process by students, where a student takes the role of the “statistician” when he visits a household to fill an electronic form designed especially for the research. However, many awareness lectures were held in Khamis Mushait governorate during this week an attended by a number of the governorate schools’ students. On the other hand, King Khalid University hosted the event of (We share you your academic journey) during the same period. This event targets university students, faculty members, and all university staff. It presents GASTAT statistical products and services, and explains how to use them for the purpose of conducting academic studies and research.

GASTAT: Consumer Price Index (CPI) Decreases and Annual Index Rises in October,2018 General Authority for Statistics GASTAT released its monthly report of CPI in Saudi Arabia for October. The report was published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . The Consumer Price Index CPI decreased 0.3% in October compared to the previous month (September 2018). GASTAT report showed that the Consumer Price Index CPI in Saudi Arabia decreased to (106.8) Index Points in October from (107.1) in September of 2018 with 0.3% change. On the other hand, the report attributed the monthly decline of the index to the declines of the eight sections composing it, which are: housing, water, electricity and gas section with 0.8% , home furnishing and equipment section with 0.4%, clothing and shoes section with 0.3%, transportation section with 0.3%, personal goods and services section with 0.2%, health section with 0.1%, culture and entertainment section with 0.1%, and finally restaurants and hotels sections with 0.1%. In contrast, two of the main sections witnessed an increase, which are: food and beverages section with 0.2% and tobacco section with 0.1%. Telecommunication and education sections remained stable with no change. The year-over-year (YOY) of CPI registered an increase of 2.4% in October 2018 compared to the same month last year reaching (106.8) in October 2018 compared to (104.3) in October 2017. The ten sections composing the CPI contributed to year-over-year increase, which are: transportation section 11.5%, tobacco 10.2%, restaurants and hotels 8.7%, food and beverages 7.3%, health 4.0%, culture and entertainment 3.2%, home furnishing and equipment 2.8%, telecommunication 1.4%, education 0.2%, personal goods and services 0.1%. On the other hand, two of the main sections witnessed a decline, which are: clothing and shoes section with 5.0% as well as housing, water, electricity and gas section with 3.6%.

Number of Saudi Females Workers Increased in Internal Trade Activity GASTAT Releases Internal Trade Survey Results Q2- 2018 The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released on its official website www.stats.gov.sa the results of the "Internal Trade Survey for the Second Quarter of 2018". The survey is defined as a set of economic statistics and data that can be used for short-term to measure the performance of the trade sector in order to assess its growth, and identify its strengths or weaknesses. Moreover, it is an important economic activity that contributes to expand employment and raise GDP, exactly like the retail activity. This activity connects producers with consumers, and focusses on the features and components of establishments engaged in the activities of vehicles sale and repair as well as wholesale and retail sale trade. The survey showed that the number of Saudi females workers of the internal trade activity establishments increased by 2%, compared to the previous quarter. The workers’ number of internal trade sector in Saudi Arabia reached about one million six hundred eighty-five thousand workers by the end of the second quarter of 2018, including almost one million two hundred fifty thousand non-Saudi workers. However, the number of Saudi workers of the same sector was approximately four hundred thirty-four thousand workers. The employees of the retail trade made up (1,054,460) one million, fifty-four thousand, four hundred sixty workers, including (771,650) seven hundred seventy-one thousand, six hundred fifty non-Saudi workers. However, the number of Saudi employees in this activity was (282,810) two hundred eighty-two thousand, eight hundred ten workers, the survey showed. The results of the survey also indicated that the total operating revenues(sales) of the internal trade sector during the second quarter of the current year 2018 amounted to around (148,987 million) one hundred forty-eight thousand, nine hundred eighty-seven million riyals. Nonetheless, the total operating expenses of the sector during the same period recorded about (89,312 million) eighty-nine thousand, three hundred twelve million riyals. Therefore, the operating surplus of the three sector activities during the first quarter of 2018 was about (48,052 million) forty-eight thousand, fifty-two million riyals. Based on the data of the survey, the operating surplus of the wholesale trade was the highest among all the activities of the internal trade, where its number was about (18,928 million) eighteen thousand, nine hundred twenty-eight million riyals during the second quarter of the current year 2018. On the other hand, the operating surplus of the retail trade activity reached around (15,72million) one thousand, five hundred seventy-two million riyals. Finally, the operating surplus of the sale and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles activity accounted to almost (13,401 million) thirteen thousand, four hundred one million riyals.

Included the whole salary “basic, allowances, bonuses, overtimes, and other compensations” GASTAT: Saudi Workers Monthly Average Wage in Four Sectors: 10.238 SAR The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) spokesman, Taiseer Almofarrej said that according to the labor market bulletin of the second quarter, 2018, the average monthly wage of Saudi workers who get paid for their work in four sectors; public sector, private sector, non-profit organizations, international and regional agencies, and other sectors reached (10.238) SAR. Regarding the calculation method of this average, Almofarrej stated that it was measured based on estimating the average wages of all Saudis (males and females) in the above mentioned four sectors either inside Saudi Arabia or outside it, in addition to the wages of workers in other sectors which were taken from the field survey that GASTAT conducts quarterly by asking households about their monthly wages. Almofarrej indicated that the wages about which households are asked differ from the wages registered in the administrative records of the different sectors, where the head of the household disclose the monthly wage for any work which may not include a job salary or any related allowances or bonuses. However, Almofarrej said that the average wages of Saudis (males and females) who work in these sectors registered (11.198 SAR) in the public sector, (7.339 SAR) in the private sector, (4.750 SAR) at non- profit organizations, and (16.257 SAR) in the other international and regional agencies and sectors. As for the difference between the statistics issued by GASTAT and the ones issued by other entities such as GOSI, Almofarrej illustrated that the statistics issued by GOSI represent the basic salary average registered by the employer. They do not include any additions such as allowances, compensations, or bonuses. Therefore, it is normal to have an average that is less than the average derived from the answers of households’ heads in the field survey based on which GASTAT issue its statistics. Regarding the reasons why the Bulletin of the labor market revealed statistics that were not shown in previous years, Taiseer Almofarrej confirmed that what was issued earlier is the results of the Labor Force Survey, this is the results of the fieldwork that GASTAT conducts every quarter. Since the results of the fourth quarter of 2016, GASTAT has begun to issue a more comprehensive release under the name "Bulletin of the labor market." What distinguishes the bulletin is that it is an integrated work between government institutions (the General Authority for Statistics, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, the Ministry of Civil Service, in addition to the National Information Center (NIC), the results of the field survey and the registered data provide a panoramic and comprehensive picture of the labor market. As a result of this statistical integration, the Bulletin contains a large number of detailed data on employees according to the rules and regulations to which they are subject, Gender, age, administrative region, and educational level. It also includes data of jobseekers, average monthly wages, working hours, and domestic workers. The aim is to support policy and decision makers.

GASTAT Launches its Awareness Week for Students of General and Higher Education in Al-Jouf Region As part of its plan to raise statistical awareness among all segments of the society, including the students of general education and higher education, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organized the "Smart Statistician" exhibition in cooperation with the General Directorate of Education in Al-Jouf Region. The exhibition will be held at Al-Sudairiya School in Sakaka city, during the period from 20th  to 24th of Muharram 1440 AH, where more than 70 schools from the region were invited to visit and participate. The exhibition, which is intended for students in the upper grades of the primary and intermediate levels, aims to highlight the importance of statistics in the life of the student, introduce the most important concepts related to statistics, help students in reaching a high level of awareness of the importance of statistics, as well as the steps and stages of the statistical process in a scientific and exciting way. In addition, it enhances the students' understanding of the role of statistical systems, the statistical field researchers and the impact of the accuracy of data provided by (households and establishments) on development in all its fields, considering that the student is an influential media in the family as he transfers everything that he learns in school to his family. The exhibition starts its activities with an introductory video. The student will begin to move among the sections that contain scientific information presented in a fun and entertaining way by learning about statistics, the difference between statistics and mathematics, the role of the General Authority for Statistics, how to carry out field statistical research through a practical experiment conducted by the student by playing the role of a "statistical researcher" and visiting a household using the electronic form of field research, to simulate the reality of statistical researcher. The exhibition, which opens from 9 am to 1 pm during the week, includes a number of shows and competitions, such as the competition of regions and numbers, which aims to identify the population of the regions, the statistical signs competition, which aims to enhance the student's understanding of its importance in the census and statistical surveys in general. On Wednesday, Muharram 23rd, 1440 AH, GASTAT will also present a lecture on the importance of statistics hosted by Dumat Al-Jandal Intermediate School in the presence of a number of students from the governorate schools. On the other hand, in the same period, Al-Jouf university will hold the event of (We are with you in your academic trip). In this event, an awareness booth will be set up to introduce all university students, faculty members and employees at the university with GASTAT products, statistical services and how to obtain them and benefit from them in research and academic studies. The event will conclude with an awareness lecture to be held at the University Theater on Thursday, 24th of Muharram, during which the students will be introduced with the role of the college student in the development as well as their role in spreading of awareness among the society.

GASTAT: Index of Industrial Production Increased during the Second Quarter of 2018 On its official website www.stats.gov.sa , GASTAT released the results of the industrial production survey for the second quarter of 2018. This survey measures the relative change or any developments in the quantities of commodities and material production. The survey results indicated an increase by 4.17% in the industrial production index during the second quarter of 2018, compared to the first quarter of the same year. The index registered 137.87 points during the second quarter, 2018.  As for the industrial production index activities, the mining and quarrying indicator rose by 1.89%, whereas the manufacturing production increased by 5.07%. However, the production of the electricity and gas supply registered an increase with 83.46% when compared to the first quarter of 2018. The results also showed an increase by 5.84% in all industrial activities compared to the second quarter of 2017. The growth in mining and quarrying production reached 1.95%, while the manufacturing production growth registered 16.44%. However, the production of electricity and gas supply decreased by 0.30%. In this context, industrial production means transforming raw material (inputs) into consuming material in its final shape as (outputs) so that the producing establishment may gain a profit in return. On the other hand, the extractive industries mean raw material extracted from the ground. They depend on non-renewable natural resources such as oil and mining. However, manufacturing concerns all industries whose activity is all about transforming raw material into final products or intermediate products. It is worth mentioning that the idea of index means the measurement of any change in a given value during a specific period of time called the comparison period which compares the values during different periods of times. The Industrial Production Index is considered the fourth statistical product that GASTAT conducts as an index. It is conducted after Consumer Price Index, Wholesale Prices Index, and Real-estate Prices Index.

Within GASTAT’s plan to raise statistical awareness among all society classes Qassim's Students Participate in Smart Statistician Exhibition The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), in cooperation with the General Directorate of Education in Qassim, organized the “Smart Statistician Exhibition” as a part of its plan to raise statistical awareness among all society classes, including the students of general and higher education. The exhibition was held at the student’s house in Buraydah Region during the period 26-29 Safar, 1440H with participation of more than 30 schools in the region to visit and participate.  The exhibition targeted the students in the higher classes of primary and intermediate school. It aims at clarifying the role of statistics in the life of students, in addition to explaining the statistical concepts, and raising the level of students’ awareness. Moreover, it presents the statistical process steps and stages in a simple and scientific way, and enhances the student’s realization of the statistician role. However, the exhibition demonstrates the impact of data accuracy provided by (establishments and households) on development, as the student is considered an effective method in raising households’ awareness. In the beginning of the exhibition, the students were asked to view an introductory video featuring statistics in general, then they visited the sections of the exhibition which contain significant information presented in an entertainment way.  The sections include information on the difference between statistics and mathematics, GASTAT’s role, and the role played by the student and household in the Authority’s work.  Additionally, the students learned the procedures of conducting filed statistical research through a practical experiment, where the student embodied the role of the “statistician”, and visited a household using an electronic form of field research in order to simulate the reality of being statistician. The exhibition opens from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm during weekdays. It involves a number of competitions, such as “Regions and Numbers Challenge”, to know the number of the region’s population, and the competition of “Statistical Signs” to boost the student's understanding of the importance of such signs in conducting census and statistical surveys. GASTAT also gave an awareness lecture on the importance of statistics hosted by the Department of Education in Unayzah Region in the presence of many students of governorate’s schools. However, during this week, Qassim University hosted the event of (We Share You Your Academic Journey) which targets university students, faculty members, and all university staff. This event presents the statistical products and services of the Authority, and explains how to use them to conduct academic studies and research.

GASTAT: Number of Saudi Workers Working at Private Establishments Rose to 5.7% On Wednesday 29/2/1440 H corresponding to 7/11/2018 , GASTAT released the results of the “Economic Indicators Survey (Q2, 2018)” on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . The results provide short-term indicators about the number of workers by gender and nationality as well as the paid compensations, operating expenses and operating revenues as a periodical study that focuses on the features and the components of the working institutions practicing one economic activity or several economic activities in public and private sectors. The results of the survey showed that the total number of workers working at private establishments increased by 3.6% compared to the same quarter of 2017. It also showed an increase of 5.7% in the total number of Saudi workers working at private establishments compared to the same quarter of 2017. In addition, the total paid compensations of workers working at private establishments rose to 8.9% compared to the same quarter of 2017, results showed. According to the survey’s results, the total operating expenses of private establishments increased by 10.2% compared to the same quarter of 2017. The total operating revenues of private establishments also increased by 9.9% compared to the same quarter of 2017.  Economic indicators are a set of economic statistics and data which can be used as a short-term plan to measure the performance of the various economic sectors in order to evaluate the economic situation and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of economy.

Three Economic Indicators Suggest an Economic Growth GASTAT: Per Capita GDP, Current Account of the Balance of Payments and Total Savings of the 2nd Quarter of 2018 Increased      On its official website www.statts.gov.sa , GASTAT published three economic indicators which are: GDP per capita  for the 2nd quarter (2018),  the surplus or deficit in the current account of the balance of payments for the 2nd quarter (2018), and the total savings index for the second quarter of 2018. Furthermore, per capita share at current prices reached (21.997) riyals with an increase of (14.91%) compared to the 2nd quarter of 2017. On the other hand, GDP per capita reached (22.272) riyals for the 2nd quarter of 2018 with an increase of (14.20%) compared to the same quarter of the previous year. The above-mentioned indicator reflects the individual’s ability to obtain consuming goods and services, shows the average income per capita in Saudi Arabia on a quarterly basis, also it can be used to measure the economic development around the world and to compare between countries as well, GASTAT clarified.    In regard to surplus and deficit in current account for the 2nd quarter of 2018, the current account indicator of the balance of payment achieved a surplus amounted to (9.82%) to GDP during the 2nd quarter of 2018; and the deficit was (3.24%) in the current account of the balance of payments in the 2nd quarter (2018).   GASTAT also published the total savings indicator for the second quarter of 2018 where it reached 242 billion and 497 million riyals with an increase of (29.13%) compared to the same period last year 187 billion and 793 million riyals. The total savings rate to GDP edged up to (33.09%) in the 2nd quarter of 2018 compared to (30.18%) in the same period of the previous year.

To develop the statistical departments The coordination committee is holding its third meeting with 17 governmental entities The third meeting of the coordination committee was held on Wednesday 21/2/1440H corresponding 31/10/2018 at the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) head office to facilitate the exchange of data and information with various government agencies.  The official spokesman of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the coordination teams discussed several topics, including the program of developing the statistical departments which aims at establishing organizational rules and fundamentals to found statistical departments in the governmental entities. Furthermore, it aims to build an official statistical system and to make the statistics, information, and indicators basic parts of the governmental work to enhance the quality of statistical work in Saudi Arabia. The mechanism of classifying government statistical units was also discussed in the meeting. Moreover, the committee reviewed the statistical works carried out during the last period.  On the other hand, Almofarrej said that the coordination committee of the General Authority for Statistics includes a number of representatives including the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency , General Authority for Investment, Ministry of Health,  Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saudi Customs, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Ministry of Labor and Social Development, National Information Center, Ministry of Economy and Planning, and Saudi Post.  It is worth mentioning that the coordination committee was formed permanently to coordinate the statistical work between the General Authority for Statistics and related entities, in accordance with the Ministers Cabinet resolution number (11) dated 13/1/1437 H of the authority organization, which aimed at activating and organizing the statistical work through the establishment of a comprehensive, accurate and unified statistical system, in addition to the follow-up of its implementation. It also develops the plans and programs necessary for fulfilling statistical needs; in order to serve the developmental plans, scientific research, and other activities.

The index includes housing, commercial and agricultural sectors GASTAT: Real-Estate Prices Index Decreased During Q3, 2018 The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the report of Real Estate Price index for the third quarter, 2018 on the official website of the Authority www.stats.gov.sa       The real-estate price index has recorded a decline by (1.6%), compared to the previous quarter Q2 2018, where the indicator of the real estate price index reached (82.3) in the third quarter of 2018, compared to (83.6) in the second quarter of 2018. This decline can be attributed to the decrease in the main sectors composing the indicator: the housing sector (2.1%), the commercial sector (0.5%), and the agricultural sector (0.1%) compared to the second quarter of the current year. At the level of the housing sector, the third quarter of 2018 witnessed a decline in residential lands by (2.1%), compared to the previous quarter, where the villas, apartments and houses decreased by (1.4%), (2.0%), and (0.3%) respectively. On the other hand, residential buildings increased by (0.2%). Regarding the commercial sector, commercial plots decreased by (0.5%), compared to the previous quarter.  However, the agricultural sector witnessed a decrease by (0.1%) in agricultural lands. Additionally, the index is based on the data records about real-estate’s transactions available at the Ministry of Justice, and it is an important tool to support economic and statistical decision makers regarding the changes of property prices and future forecasts during different periods of time.  The index has three main sectors consisting of several types of real estate: housing sector which includes the following (plot of land, building, villa, apartment and house), commercial sector includes (plot of land, building, exhibition/ shop or commercial center), and the agricultural sector with only one category which is the agricultural land. It is worth mentioning that the real estate price index aims at finding accurate real estate statistical indicators that measure real estate market in Saudi Arabia according to universally recognized scientific norms and standards, and filling the gap of data in real estate sector. It is considered an essential tool to support entities which make economic decisions in this field, and to contribute to a development process in the real estate sector in order to achieve the vision of 2030.

During the Second UN World Data Forum Al Tekhaifi: Saudi Arabia seeks to be one of the first countries in the world to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through building statistical indicators and creating development policies The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) concluded its participation in the second United Nations Data Forum hosted by the United Arab Emirates from 22 - 24 October 2018, under the patronage of H.H. Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai. The forum was held with the participation of a group of leaders, decision-makers and more than 2500 experts and specialists in the field of data from more than 120 countries in the world. H.E. Dr Fahad Al Tekhaifi, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, congratulated the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority in the United Arab Emirates on the success of hosting this international statistical event. He praised the achievement of the session’s goals through the wide participation of the countries, organizations, government systems, and research and academic society. Al Tekhaifi stressed that the participation of GASTAT in the UN World Data Forum of 2018 – which is held for the first time in the Gulf region in Dubai – comes within GASTAT plan to benefit from the best international practices in the data field, communicate with the international organizations and strengthen the partnerships with them. In addition, the topics of the forum are one the important topics for all statistics systems especially in view of the transformation in the region from depending on gas and oil to an economy based on diversity for a sustainable development. The three-day forum discussed the exploitation of the information revolution for a sustainable development.   Moreover, the forum discussed improving the use of data and statistics to achieve change towards a better future for human societies in line with the Sustainable development goals 2030.  GASTAT president pointed that Saudi Arabia presented its first voluntary national report at the high-level political forum concerned with the sustainable development last July at the UN headquarters in New York despite it being voluntary, believing in the importance of pioneering in sustainable development for the national, regional and global transformation.  Saudi Arabia has made rapid progress in achieving the goals of sustainable development, which confirms the keenness of the leadership on this, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. Saudi Arabia as a member of the United Nations General Assembly seeks to be one of the first countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Since the adoption of the goals, Saudi Arabia developed work mechanisms to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals are aligned with the 2030 Saudi Vision as well as other national strategies and programs. Saudi Arabia developed a clear governance for the responsibilities and roles assigned to all relevant government sectors. GASTAT is considered the official body for building the indicators of sustainable development in Saudi Arabia. Al Tekhaifi explained through his participation in one of the forum sessions that Saudi Arabia dealt with the sustainable development as goals and indicators in an effective way through three parallel tracks (Legislative, coordination, and technical).  In the legislative track, a Royal Decree was issued assigning His Excellency the Minister of economy and Planning, the Chairman of the Board of Directors in GASTAT, to follow-up the profile of sustainable development goals beyond 2015. In addition, the Ministers cabinet approved the organization of GASTAT as the only official reference to implement the statistical work in all fields, as well as the entity responsible of producing statistical data and information at the national and international level. In the coordination track, a number of Statistics’ coordination committees have been formed with the participation of relevant government entities in different social, economic and environmental fields. In the technical track, GASTAT works with the participation of government entities on the national statistical data program “Masdar” which is a program that aims to to build a comprehensive national statistical database in which all statistical data from various internal and external sources are gathered to produce the categories, indicators and analyses needed by data users and analysts inside and outside the GASTAT to use it as a statistical reference to support decision making and the development of various development plans. It is worth mentioning that the UN World Data Forum is a global platform for official statistics, and a collaborative environment for research and development of this area, using working models of global task forces for a number of statistical projects, in partnership with technology companies, data providers and academia in order to invest the digital data as inputs in the production of a reliable statistics, and make it available to serve the community in various fields.

More than 10,000 Employees Provide Services in the Two Holy Mosques for the Guests of Allah GASTAT: More than 278 thousand prayers,107 thousand circumambulations of the Kaaba every hour and 42 scientific study and research to support the development On Saturday, 7th of Dhul Hijja 1439H. ,In the Hajj statistical calendar, GASTAT released the number of prayers and Kaaba circumambulations in the Holy Mosque of Makkah by hour. The number of prayers in the Holy Mosque of Makkah exceeded 278,000 in every hour, whereas the number of circumambulations of Kaaba exceeded 107,000 in every hour. In the Hajj season, these people are served by more than 10,000 employees from the General Presidency for Two Holy Mosques Affairs around the clock. The employees are supported by 54,501 machinery and equipment to provide cooled Zamzam water in locations near prayers, Hajj and Umrah performers inside the two holy mosques and the holy places. In addition, 2000 tons of Zamzam water is pumped in the Holy Mosque of Makkah, 300 tons in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on a daily basis. Moreover, the General Presidency for Two Holy Mosques Affairs prepares 25,000 (Zamzam thermoses), which are filled daily and around the clock to facilitate the prayers and pilgrims drinking process. Furthermore, the Presidency provides multiple types of carts for people with special needs for free. It provided more than 13,650 carts, including 700 electric carts. The various work teams in the presidency provide comfort for pilgrims to perform their tasks easily and supervises the performance of the imams (leaders in prayers) and Muazzins who call to prayers. 20 Muazzins call for prayers, and 10 imams lead prayers alternately. Their speeches are organized, recorded in tapes and CDs, and indexed. In addition, the work progress is monitored inside the organization and its units to ensure that the regulations and procedures are adopted in a comprehensive manner, and to contribute to the guidance and counselling as well as providing Tawaf services (circumambulations of Kaaba) for men and women, where there are more than 123 guides in the areas of the Holy Mosque. The Presidency takes care of the mosque areas, provide the Holy Quran, translate and transmit the meanings of the Holy Quran into the languages of: (English, French, Urdu and Malay), and work on the safety of the people visiting the mosque as well as the people who serves the visitors. In addition, it supervises the cleanliness of the two holy mosques and their care around the clock, guards the doors of the Two Holy mosques and organises its opening, follows up the manufacturing stages of the Kaaba covering by supervising the King Abdulaziz organization of Kaaba covering, contributes to the safety and comfort of the Holy Mosque visitors in cooperation with the security authorities and the departments working in the Holy Mosques. Moreover, the presidency monitors the crowded places and follows up the observations concerning the crowds in all sites of the Holy mosque. On the other hand, The Institute of Hajj and Umrah Research provides (42) research and scientific studies in order to develop an integrated and sustainable system for Hajj, Umrah and visiting. The institute tasks focus on conducting scientific studies and research that aims at facilitating the performance of rituals and providing better services to pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosque. This is done through studying the current conditions, collecting detailed data and information about various aspects of Hajj and Umrah and visiting, the needs and requirements of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors and the services and facilities provided to them, in order to obtain a clear picture of the prevailing situation, and then to develop its pros and overcome the disadvantages. The most prominent research and studies that the institute works on this year (1439H.) are: an analytical study for the periods of the procedural stages that the pilgrim faces since his/her arrival to the air-port until arriving to his/her residence, simulation of the Tawaaf System, demographic statistics on pilgrims and Hajj performers for the year 1439H., interactive touch screen technology in awareness and guidance during Hajj, the role of the public relations’ publications in health education for pilgrims of different nationalities, The role of the Saudi embassies in educating guests in the Holy Mosque for the year 1439H, evaluating the health environment of the prayers in the Holy Mosque (1439H), various means of transportation between the holy, the monitoring of the religious guidance locations in the Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque and its role in the religious awareness of the Umrah pilgrims, the media inspection of the awareness publications provided to the pilgrims and its impact on their religious and behavioural awareness, and the role of embassies in raising the awareness of the guests with the lawful behaviours. The Hajj statistical Calendar (1439H), issued by GASTAT, contains details of these statistics, according to the entities, and can be found on its official website www.stats.gov.sa

With total operating revenues of 162 billion SAR GASTAT Releases the Results of the Finance and Insurance Survey 2017 The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of " Finance and Insurance Survey (2017) " , which conducted annually by the Authority, on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . This survey is an important source for presenting and analyzing the economic data of finance and insurance establishments, such as employees, compensations paid to them, other expenses, revenues and capital formations. The survey results showed that the number of establishments engaged in the finance and insurance activity increased by 1.14% in 2017, compared to the previous year 2016.  However, the total number of establishments engaged in the finance and insurance activities amounted to 6,664 establishments distributed among 14 sub-activities. The sub-activities include banking and holding companies, financial leasing, other loan- granting forms, insurance, financial market management, securities contracts, insurance agents and brokers, money management as well as other activities. Furthermore, finance and insurance survey results revealed that the total number of employees in this sector reached 113,728 employees, where 82,308 of them are Saudi employees and 31,420 are Non-Saudi employees. Therefore, the number of Saudi employees in finance and insurance establishments increased by 3.32% during 2017 compared to the previous year 2016. According to the finance and insurance survey results, the total amount paid to finance and insurance establishment's employees for wages, benefits and allowances made up 22 billion and 920 million SAR during 2017. Additionally, the results of the survey indicated that the operating revenues of the establishments engaged in the finance and insurance activity increased during 2017 by 10.3%, compared to the last year 2016.  It should be noted that the total number of revenues reached about 162 billion SAR, while the total number of operating expenses of these establishments was approximately 47 billion and 312 million SAR in the year of 2017. The finance and insurance survey was conducted based on an evident methodology according to the international standards. The methodology is to study the establishments that carry out their main operations in finance and insurance field in private and public sectors. It is worth mentioning that the finance and insurance survey is important in providing detailed data on finance and insurance activity at the level of Saudi Arabia. These data contribute to measuring the participation of this activity in the economic development process, in addition to providing the basic data necessary for preparing and composing national accounts.

The Advisor of the Custodian of the Two Holly Mosques Honors GASTAT as One of the Success Partners The Advisor of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince of Makkah Region, Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal has honored the General Authority for Statistic (GASTAT) as one of the (success partners) for the Hajj campaign " Pilgrimage is Cult and Civilizational Behavior 11", under the slogan " Hajj is a message of peace "headed by, Mr. Fahd Al-Fuhaid GASTAT deputy of operations and methodologies.  This was during the inauguration of His Highness the Hajj campaign in Jeddah Emirate, with the participation of 30 entities representing the public and private sectors. Additionally, the Hajj campaign "Pilgrimage is Cult and Civilizational Behavior 11" works on the implementation of its plan in the current season in order to provide peace among pilgrims through four stages. It is worth mentioning that GASTA works during Hajj Season on the enumeration process of pilgrims coming from inside Saudi Arabia through many statistical centers located over Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah ports, in order to provide statistical data that contribute in supporting decision and policy makers to support development plans.

More than 130 statistical products to support studies and research in the academic sector GASTAT concludes its awareness week in Al-Jawf region The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) stated that more than 130 statistical products are available for university students, faculty members, and researchers in the economic, social, environmental, cultural, humanitarian, demographic, and agricultural fields. These products will be available on GASTAT official website www.stats.gov.sa with open access, so that they may support the research activity in the Saudi academic sector.   During a lecture that was held on Thursday, Muharram 24, 1440H in Al-Jawf university, GASTAT spokesman, Taiseer Almofarrej said that GASTAT gave researchers, university students, and faculty members an attention by considering them clients who receive services for the purpose of supporting academic activity, as this activity is considered an important component of the statistical sector.  Almofarrej added, the university student has a significant role in raising awareness and interacting positively with statistics which represents the main concern of researchers and academics. Furthermore, the university student can disseminate knowledge among households and society in general, especially when speaking about his/her role in supporting statistical works that target households, as providing accurate and comprehensive data by the household head is an important step of the statistical process that supports developmental plans and programs.   Meeting the university students and faculty members was the last event in the awareness week of GASTAT in Al-Jawf region which was held during the period 20-24 Muharram, 1440H (30 September- 4 October 2018).  It is worth mentioning that this awareness week is one of the many statistical awareness programs that GASTAT conducts to raise awareness among all society classes. However, during this week, Al-Jawf university hosted the event of (We share you your academic journey) which targets university students, faculty members, and all university staff. This event presents GASTAT statistical products and services, and explains how to use them to conduct academic studies and research.  On the other hand, more than 560 students representing 70 elementary and intermediate schools visited the “Smart statistician” exhibition which was held in Skaka. The exhibition was organized by GASTAT in cooperation with the General Administration of Education in Al-Jawf region. It aims at clarifying the role of statistics in the life of students, in addition to explaining the statistical concepts and raising the level of students’ awareness. Moreover, it presents the statistical process steps and stages in a simple and scientific way, and enhances the student’s realization of the statistician role. However, the exhibition demonstrates the impact of data accuracy (data provided by the household head) on development, as the student is considered an effective method in raising households’ awareness. The awareness week also included an interactive lecture that was held in Domat Al-Jandal governorate and attended by more than 200 students from different schools.  It is noteworthy that GASTAT, in cooperation with different departments of education, works hardly to educate students with the impact of statistics on development, in addition to the impact of student- either school students or university students- on raising his/her household awareness to provide GASTAT with required data and information over the year.

Targeting 190,000 households and 40,000 Establishments GASTAT Conducts 9 Field Surveys that Continue Until the Beginning Of  Rabi’ Al-Thani 1440H. The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) called upon all citizens and residents, as individuals or in corporations, to cooperate with the statisticians working in the field in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who their statistical work will continue until the beginning of Rabi’ Al-Thani 1440H. GASTAT asserted that all information and data will be treated as an information basis which is reliable and can be used by development decision-makers in all relevant government entities that will serve the interest of citizens and residents. GASTAT spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej said that about 3437 statisticians are conducting 9 social and economic field surveys during this period and until the beginning of Rabi’ Al-Thani 1440H.  These surveys target about 190,000 households and 40,000 establishments in all (13) administrative regions, including cities and governorate. The results of these surveys are one of the most important pillars when taking decisions that are relevant. The households will be visited in the areas designated to conduct the Household Heath Survey, Food and Drugs Survey, Non-profit Sector Survey (Household), Labor Force Survey, Umrah Survey, estimate of Makkah pilgrims survey, Household Culture and Entertainment Survey, Use of Time Survey and household Economic Survey.    He added that the Household Health Survey for the fourth quarter of 2018 aims to provide data to help health planners to develop, update and follow up the implementation of some health policies and strategies. In addition, it provides data enabling decision makers and health policy makers to conduct regional and international comparisons to develop the health field in Saudi Arabia to Standards, as well as creating a database that can be used as a reliable basis in providing local, regional and international organizations with health information and indicators. Furthermore, it provides accurate data to help monitor the implementation of and assess the impact of certain health programs, such as, programs related to chronic diseases, lifestyles and child mortality, as well as provide accurate data that help identify the disadvantaged groups, and thus contribute to targeting these categories with relevant strategic health initiatives and programs.   In the field of economic statistical surveys, the official spokesman of GASTAT said that the surveys will be conducted on the non-profit sector (households and establishments) in order to identify the size of this sector in reality and its contribution to the Saudi National Product. In addition, it measures the contribution of the community members in volunteer work, and aims at measuring the perceptions of the community members for the role of voluntary organizations and their final outputs in supporting development plans, and supporting decision makers and planners in the process of maximizing the outputs of the non-profit activity helping in achieving the Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision seeking to increase the contribution of the charitable sector to the GDP and to increase the number of volunteers. The Food and Drug Survey aims at identifying data on the quality of medicines in houses, in addition to providing data on the storage and disposal of medicines, as well as the extraction of health indicators of the drugs to meet the local, regional and international requirements in this field. All these field surveys aims at providing accurate and detailed data that helps to know the growth rates of the economic and social activities in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Almofarrej clarified that the general statistics system issued by the ministers’ cabinet, states that all data and information provided by any citizen, resident, or establishment are kept and dealt with confidentiality. He added that the people’s cooperation with statisticians would guarantee the success of these works, and using them in supporting economic and social development accordingly.  It is worth mentioning that GASTAT carries out a large number of field surveys throughout the year, following the international standards adopted in the selection of the sample for these statistical works. It is required that the sample is representative of the society studied and include its characteristics, so that the results are circulated as official statistics. GASTAT immediately publish the surveys after the completion through its official website www.stats.gov.sa

Based on the second-quarter National Account Indicators Report 2018 GASTAT: GDP rose by 17.76% at current prices     On Sunday 20 Muhrim 1440H / 30 September 2018, GASTAT released National Accounts Indicators Report for the 2nd quarter of 2018 on its official website www.stats.gov.sa The report showed an increase of 17.76% in Saudi Arabia’s GDP at current prices during the 2nd quarter of 2018 compared with the same period last year. The contribution of oil sector to GDP soared to 44.02% at current prices and 1.33% at constant prices compared with the same period in 2017. Government sector’s contribution to GDP at current prices hit 18.01% and 4.01% at constant prices compared with the second quarter of 2017.  During the second quarter of 2018, private sector recorded an increase of 3.95% at current prices and 1.79% at constant prices, report added. National Accounts Indicators Bulletin is issued by GASTAT on a quarterly basis and includes tables of GDP by economic activities and regulatory sectors at current and constant prices as well as the contribution of the regulatory sectors and the economic activities, government consumption expenditure, private consumption expenditure, capital formation, exports and imports.

To prepare 189 health indicators and to establish a national monitor for health indicators Collaboration between Ministry of Health, GASTAT, and Saudi Health Council to Provide Health Database for Development Support With the aim of improving health indicators, Ministry of Health, GASTAT, and Saudi Health Council are working together to provide 189 health indicators through field and register-based statistical works, supporting the establishment of the national monitor for health indicators, preparing and publishing statistical health reports, meeting  international, regional and local requirements of health indicators specially those related to World Health Organization (WHO) or to the Sustainable Development Indicators. More importantly, providing a health database that can be used by policy and decision makers and can also support researchers and those who are interested in the social field in general and in health in particular. In addition, official spokesman of GASTAT, Tayseer AL-Moferraj, clarified that the integrated work between the three entities comes from the joint responsibility for health data and information in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, GASTAT is the official statistical entity and regulator responsible for statistical works at the national level. Also, it is responsible for collecting data and information from the administrative records available at public entities and private establishments. Not to mention its responsibility in classifying and analyzing data as well as extracting its indicators. Moreover, GASTAT found a complete and a comprehensive combination of national statistical database of various fields in addition to centralized information system that is automatically linked with all public entities. On the other hand, Ministry of Health is the responsible entity for providing, assessing and evaluating health care services in Saudi Arabia. It also collects vital and health data about health activities, prepares related reports and makes, conducts and analyzes studies and scientific researches. At the same time, Saudi Health Council is in charge with studying and evaluating the level of health services. It is also concerned with establishing the national monitor for health, identifying the requirements of health sector, taking the necessary recommendations about distributing all types of health services in Saudi Arabia as well as improving the quality of health services.  AL-Moferraj added that the joint work which started with a number of meetings for the technical teams from the three entities has included cooperation, coordination, and provision of statistical and technical support to improve the national monitor for health, exchange data and health indicators that serve the production of national statistics and statistical database by linking the related entities through the Global Safety Network (GSN). Additionally, the joint work will also support the requirements of statistical field works as well as provide and improve data and statistical indicators given by the related entities and set for the statistical data program “Masdar”.  On the other hand, Tayseer AL-Moferraj clarified that the 189 health indicators that are going to be prepared and produced will contain new indicators as well, all of which are within Saudi Arabia’s commitment to publish health indicators related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), such as: adults between (15-60 years old) mortality rate, under-five children mortality rate, infants mortality rate, newborn mortality rate, tuberculosis mortality rate, total fertility rate, new cases of vaccine-targeted diseases, cancer incidence rate, rate of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, prevalence of anemia among children, pollution level in cities, prevalence of hypertension among adults (18 years and above), diabetes among adults (18 years and above),  salt intake for adults (18 years and above), lack of physical activity among adults (18 years and above) ( including teenagers), request for health care due to pneumonia, the coverage rate for each vaccine included in the nationally approved immunization schedule, easy access to health service (which means the percentage of individuals who live 5 Km away from a health facility), total expenditure on health (as a percent) of GDP, and other indicators that can be utilized for health planning.  It is worth mentioning that GASTAT has released the report of Household Health Survey 2017 results last July. It includs more than 85 indicators of health and social phenomena as well as household health in Saudi Arabia; in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. The above-mentioned report which was published on GASTAT website contains a number of indicators related to the health status in Saudi Arabia in addition to childhood and motherhood indicators and other indicators about the community’s healthy lifestyle. The report also includes data about smoking phenomena, accidents injuries, studies related to marriage, family planning, fertility and children mortality.

in order to transfer international practices and benefit from statistical experiences Saudi Arabia and South Korea sign a joint work agreement to develop statistical work in both countries On Thursday Muharram 3, 1440-H, corresponding to September 13, 2018, in the Saudi capital Riyadh,  the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in  Saudi Arabia and Korea's statistics in the Republic of South Korea signed a joint work agreement related to the development of statistical aspects in order to activate the memorandum of understanding between the two countries for cooperation in the field of statistics that took place in the  Korean capital “Seoul” last year and adopted by the Council of Ministers on 25/08 / 1439H corresponding to 10/5/2018.  Additionally, the agreement was signed by the President of GASTAT Dr. Fahad S. Altekhaifi from the Saudi side , and by the official commissioner deputy of the Korean statistics  , Mr.Sungwook Choi from the Korean side. GASTAT official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that under these agreements, the Authority will benefit from best international  practices in developing technical mechanisms  necessary to collect and publish statistics according to international standards,  identify statistical databases basics in various fields of statistics and exchange of experiences related to the requirements necessary to establish a central information system that is automatically linked with all public entities. It is noteworthy that this is what GASTAT is currently working on, through the National Statistical Data Program “Masdar” which operates according to three main dimensions: First,  a statistical dimension that addresses the numerous sources of data and statistical indicators and their inconsistencies, their multiple classifications, as well as their collection in a traditional way. Second,  availability and dissemination dimension that addresses the limited access to information in their time series and overcome some of the difficulties faced by data users and researchers to reach them. Third, the technical dimension, as “Masdar” is considered a safe and comprehensive technical solution that addresses the enormity of statistical data and the absence of central data repositories, to serve as a national statistical data bank and provide a variety of analytical tools that meet the needs of all analysts, researchers or decision makers. Almofarrej also added that the agreement  with the South Korean side included defining joint work mechanisms in exchange of experiences and benefiting from experts in the fields of establishing statistical departments in governmental entities as well as in the fields of statistical awareness programs, which will have a positive impact on the Authority, as it is currently working with a number of governmental entities in the Kingdom with a goal to activate the statistical sector. Furthermore, he pointed out that  the Korean experience in the statistical field is considered  one of the most  distinct experiences internationally, and is the Saudi experience which characterized  by  the achievement of "statistical transformation. The South Korean delegation, during their visit to GASTAT, reviewed the work mechanisms  that were carried out by the Authority during the last three years in the program of statistical transformation that was  featured by integration with other governmental  entities to maximize the use of data in supporting of decision-making and policy-making.  Moreover, The Korean delegation reviewed work mechanisms  in raising data quality level that operated by the Authority through an administrative and technical  system in order to reach the highest level of data quality. On the other hand,  the head of  the Korean delegation expressed his deep gratitude to the Saudi side for the hospitality and  generosity after concluding the visit of the Korean delegation, which lasted two days with a number of meetings and workshops. He  also stressed the deep relations between the two countries, which span more than half a century as well as how Saudi and South Korea's relations have  significantly developed in all fields especially in the economic field.

Expressing His Gratitude to All Private and Governmental Entities Which Contributed in Showing the Efforts of the Kingdom in Serving the Pilgrims The President of GaStat Congratulates the Leadership on the Success of the Hajj Season for This Year On behalf of GaStat employees and on his own behalf, Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tukhaifi congratulates The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz AL-Saud,  and HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al-Saud Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia, May Allah protect them, on the success of the hajj season for the current year 1439 H. Assuring that the directions of the King and the Crown Prince to provide all amenities for the pilgrims were the fundamental for the GaStat and all private and governmental entities to implement their programs to serve the pilgrims. Moreover, he has indicated that the concern of the leadership, May Allah protect them, was the reason behind the all successes  that have been achieved during the hajj season of this year, where all sectors have worked closely to achieve the expectations of the leadership in reality.   Moreover, the president of GaStat,  has extended his congratulations to HRH Prince Khalid ALFaisal Bin Abdulaziz , the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Governor of Makkah Province and the Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, for his effective role in following-up the implementations of the Hajj’s plans up to date and for his concern to ensure comfort for pilgrims by providing all the means that could help them to perform the rituals easily. In addition, Dr. AL-Tukhaifi congratulates HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif Bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior and the Chairman of the High Hajj Committee, on the success of  the 1439 hajj season as well as his own implementation plans, with Allah’s help.  Moreover, He has praised the great role that has been played by the employees of the Ministry of Interior from all security sectors for the success of the hajj for this year. As usual, they were distinguished with their dedication in showing the honor of serving the pilgrims. Dr.AL-Tukhifi also wishes all the best and success for them and for everyone. Additionally, the president of GaStat has announced the success of the hajj statistical plan for this year, with Allah’s help, and with the early preparation and teamwork spirit of GaStat employees , where they have worked closely with all governmental and security entities to implement the hajj statistical program. They were also able to provide a comprehensive and accurate statistical outputs to support all decision makers and hajj development policies makers through the detailed statistical bulletin for hajj statistics, which includes 40 statistical outputs. Also, by publishing the statistics of the efforts of Saudi Arabia in serving pilgrims through “the statistical calendar for 1439H hajj season” which has been published for the second year respectively through GaStat. The president of GaStat has expressed his gratitude to all governmental entities which provided their data to GaStat, in advance, to be used to show the efforts of the Kingdom by numbers and a scientific and accurate statistical method. It is worth mentioning that the GASTAT has  announced on the evening of the day of 'Arafa the results of hajj statistics for the current  year 1439H, where the total number of pilgrims reached (2.371.675) pilgrims, including (1,758.722) pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom, while the number of pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom made up of (612.953) pilgrims.

The Detailed Bulletin for Hajj Statistics Will Be Issued on Eid day with (40) Statistical Outputs GASTAT: The Final Announcement of Pilgrims’ Total Number in 1439 H is after the Sunset of the Day of Arafah As it continues publishing up-to-date statistics every six hours, GASTAT announced that the enumeration of pilgrims for the hajj season of this year 1439 H, which is through the ports of Makkah, will stop at 6:30 along with the sunset of (the day of Arafah) on Monday, the ninth of Dhu AL-Hijjah. Moreover, the time of the final announcement of the total number of pilgrims will be few hours later on the same day. However, the time of publishing the detailed bulletin of Hajj statistics 1439H will be on Tuesday (Eid day) at  11 A.M.  The vice president of the statistical works Mr.Abdullah AL-Batil assured that the hajj statistical bulletin which will be published on Eid day includes (40) main statistical outputs to support the planning of serving pilgrims and the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques. AL-Batil illustrated that the bulletin includes accurate and comprehensive data and information about the numbers of pilgrims according to the ways and dates of arrival. It also includes a number of main tables and charts such as: the number of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia by gender and way of arrival, the arrival of Saudi pilgrims by way of arrival, Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia classified according to gender and nationality, the Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside classified by way of arrival, comparing the number of Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside according to their nationalities, the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside to the city of Makkah according to the vehicle type and the date of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and way of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and the date of arrival, comparing the number of pilgrims from outside according to the way of arrival. These data will be available with more than one template including the statistical hajj map which facilitates the access to any information that is related to hajj statistics. On the other hand, the vice president of statistical works assured that the program of hajj statistics which is implemented by GASTAT aims to provide accurate and detailed statistics, data, and information about the number of pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia to help and support the concerned entities of Saudi Arabia in the future planning programs for the purpose of ensuring the necessary services for pilgrims and visitors of the holy mosque, including all social, health, security, food, and transportation services. That is through using time series of accurate data about the numbers of pilgrims, estimating the necessary labor force to serve the pilgrims and maintain their safety and comfort during the hajj season every year, examining the equipment and the main utilities in the city of Makkah and its Holy places with taking that into consideration when preparing the necessary plans, applying the necessary annual traffic plans including the plan of the mass movement of pilgrims (Tasaeed and Nafrah), in addition to supporting the researchers and other beneficiaries who are interested in this field, evaluating the activities and the events arranged by the concerned entities of serving pilgrims, and identifying the change in the way of arrival. About the inclusiveness of the enumeration process and whether it includes buses and vehicles drivers, Mr.Abdullah AL-Batil clarified that the enumeration unit of Hajj statistics is the pilgrim. Which means that the procedure of the enumeration of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia is restricted to pilgrims who were enumerated at the Hajj statistical centers that are located in the entry ports of the city of Makkah, the driver will be enumerated in case he was a pilgrim. The enumeration procedure includes all Saudi and Non-Saudi individuals (males and females) arriving from inside Saudi Arabia to the city of Makkah with Hajj intention. However, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia will be enumerated by the General Department of Passports at the entry ports of Saudi Arabia. GASTAT will be provided with their numbers to be added to the total number of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia.

Hajj statistics updates every (6 hours) via an interactive map on the site GaStat operates an advanced technical system in the implementation of "Hajj statistics" The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) is currently implementing a comprehensive technical system, with more than 470 statistical researchers working in six main entrances to Makkah and three support centers in Medinah, Jeddah and Al Tai’f. The system is connected to a secure electronic network for simultaneous and immediate data flow to the main centers.  Moreover, the GaStat updates the interactive statistical map of  Hajj  every six hours through its official website www.stats.gov.sa   Mr. Khalid Al-Dalqan, Information Technology Under Secretary at GaStat, said that GaStat is working continuously to develop the methodologies and programs needed to collect, process, analyze and disseminate data to achieve comprehensiveness, reliability and timeliness in data dissemination through the use of modern technology that contributes to reducing the time and place factors which may delay data processing speed and accuracy as well as the speed of extraction and data dissemination during Hajj.  GaStat has applied a modern method of collecting field data using the latest technology and software by using electronic forms on tablets when counting pilgrims, which allow quick access to daily data and total results of the number of pilgrims classified according to their nationalities, centers and times of arrival. He added that all statistical researchers in Mekkah have been trained to use modern technology and devices effectively to implement the Hajj statistics program using tablets connected with the main servers in Riyadh in addition to the link to backup servers in all statistical centers that work offline if needed.  Moreover, Al-Dalqan said that the Authority has allocated a technical support team working around the clock ( in order to train all employees categories to use Hajj systems, know  how to extract daily reports, follow up the productivity of field work groups and solve all technical problems that may face the work groups during data collection), Furthermore, it has dedicated other work teams for the preparation  distributed to all main and support statistical centers. GaStat provided analysis and design teams as well as a team to develop data collection systems, including the tablet  system used to collect field data that includes a digital form to count pilgrims containing all data on the results of pilgrims enumeration numbers arriving in Makkah connected to the coordinates of the information gathering site. These devices work via a remote control systems that allow the tracking devices to provide remote technical support.    On the other hand, Information Technology Under Secretary at the GaStat pointed out that the Hajj statistics platform of the technical system was added to Hajj  of this year for the main center and the main counting centers. This allows the specialists to review the pilgrims statistics of this year updated in comparison to the historical data at the level of arrival centers of pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom,  their nationalities, arrival time and types of vehicles, in addition to the statistics of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom as well as the pilgrims of Mekkah. It is worth mentioning that GaStat has standardized the definitions and terminology used in Hajj statistics, where the pilgrim is the counting unit. The process of counting pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom is limited to the persons wearing Ihram who are already been counted at the centers of Hajj statistics at the entrances to Makkah. The counting includes All Saudi and non-Saudi individuals, males and females, coming from different regions of the Kingdom to Makkah for the purpose of performing Hajj, with the addition of the total number of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom counted by the General Directorate of Passports at the points of entry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

To know the statistics details of pilgrims arriving to Makkah every (6) hours GASTAT launches the “Hajj statistical map” to publish data and facilitate information access The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) launched the “ Hajj statistical map” on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . This map is considered one of the most important references that clarifies the details of pilgrims’ statistics data, and facilitates information access to media, researchers, and governmental entities, so that they can use them in details and with the most advanced methods of “geo-spatial” data publishing. The map can be viewed via different multimedia.   Taiseer Almofarrej, GASTAT spokesman, said that the process of letting people view Hajj statistics data complements GASTAT efforts in publishing statistical data. Everyone can view the numbers of pilgrims arriving to Makkah through all ports in an updated way (every six hours), starting from Saturday the 7th of Dhu-Al-Hijjah until the end of pilgrims’ enumeration on Monday the 9th of Dhu-Al-Hijjah at 7 P.M. This map will be an interactive statistical reference for Hajj statistics.  Almofarrej indicated that the Hajj statistical map has two tracks; the first is the news track through which hajj statistics can be accessed in an updated way (every six hours) via the map. The numbers of pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia, and the numbers of pilgrims coming from inside Saudi Arabia (Saudis and Non-Saudis) can be accessed too. Moreover, this track includes the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia by type of vehicle, the number of licenses given to pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia, and the traffic map in the holy places area.  However, the second track, as stated by GASTAT spokesman, is a statistical reference track. Starting from Tuesday, the tenth of Dhu-Al-Hijjah, the interactive map will be one of the Hajj statistics’ detailed bulletin templates through which all governmental entities, researchers, media, and all those who are interested can get the numbers of pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia, the statistical distributions of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia at the level of enumeration centers, number of Saudi and Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia, number of Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia by groups of countries, estimating the numbers of pilgrims in Makkah, number of labor forces serving pilgrims by gender and sector, and the numbers and types of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia during the period (from 1st  to 9th  of Dhu-Al-Hijjah). The interactive map will provide details of gender and nationality by entry, in addition to the time series of pilgrims during the past ten years.   It is worth mentioning that GASTAT is working on diversifying the methods of getting data in a detailed and immediate way through all available means. It has also launched the “statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season” in which it published the services provided by Saudi Arabia to pilgrims.