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The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported that the value of Saudi Arabia’s services exports reached SAR 58.2 billion in Q3of 2025, while the value of services imports into Saudi Arabia amounted to SAR 120.8 billion during the same period.
According to the publication’s results, travel services ranked first among the Saudi Arabia’s  services exports, with a value of SAR 33.8 billion, followed by transport services in second place at SAR 9.7 billion. On the imports side, transport services ranked first with a value of SAR 32.3 billion, while travel services came second at SAR 30.8 billion.
GASTAT emphasized that it adopts a statistical methodology based on international best practices, in accordance with the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6) and the Extended Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS 2010). Data quality is ensured through the treatment of missing values and the review of internal and temporal consistency, in line with internationally recognized standards and practices.
 

The results of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Statistics for Q3 of 2025 indicated that net inflows reached SAR 24.9 billion, representing an increase of 34.5% compared to the same quarter of the previous year, amounting SAR 18.5 billion. Net inflows also recorded a 5.2% increase compared to the previous quarter, during which they totaled SAR 23.7 billion. According to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Statistics publication for Q3 of 2025 issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). 
Publication’s results indicated that FDI inflows reached approximately SAR 27.7 billion in Q3 of 2025, representing a 4.4% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024, reaching SAR 26.5 billion. In addition, inflows rose by 3.3% compared to the previous quarter, during which they totaled SAR 26.8 billion.
Publication’s results indicated that FDI outflows amounted to approximately SAR 2.7 billion in Q3 of 2025, reflecting a decrease of 65.7% compared to the same quarter of 2024, reaching SAR 8.0 billion. In addition, outflows declined by 11.4% compared to the previous quarter, reaching SAR 3.1 billion.
It is noteworthy that FDI reflects a long-term relationship and a permanent interest of economic entities residing in an economy other than the Saudi economy. This means that an individual foreign investor or a group of foreign investors owns 10% or more of the voting power of shareholders’ rights.
 

Results of the Digital Economy Survey 2024 indicated an increase in the digital economy’s share in Saudi Arabia’s GDP, reaching 16.0% compared to 15.6% in 2023, an increase of 0.4 percentage points. According to the digital economy classifications, the core digital economy contributed 2.7%, while the narrow digital economy accounted for 2.4%. The broad digital economy represented the largest share, amounting to 10.9% of GDP.
Publication’s results indicated that the operating revenues of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector reached SAR 249.8 billion in 2024. Telecommunications activities recorded the highest revenues, amounting to SAR 133.9 billion, followed by computer programming activities with revenues of SAR 31.1 billion.
Operating expenditures for the sector totaled SAR 122.2 billion, while employee compensation reached SAR 29.2 billion. Telecommunications activities also ranked first in this category, with compensation amounting to SAR 16.1 billion.
In terms of foreign trade, the results indicated an increase in imports of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) goods from SAR 54.9 billion in 2023 to SAR 67.9 billion in 2024, representing a growth rate of 23.5%. Telecommunications equipment accounted for the largest share of these imports, with a value of SAR 36.8 billion.
Meanwhile, the value of exports and re-exports of ICT goods rose significantly, reaching SAR 25.8 billion in 2024 compared to SAR 11.8 billion in 2023, reflecting a growth rate of 118%
It is noteworthy that Digital Economy Statistics are based on a unified methodological framework that follows the Statistical Business Process Model and adheres to the international standards outlined in the Handbook on Measuring the Digital Economy issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD, 2020). The methodology is also aligned with the G20 roadmap for measuring the digital economy. The digital economy is classified into three levels: core, narrow, and broad according to the nature of economic activities and the extent of their reliance on digital inputs.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the Waste Accounts publication for 2024. According to its results, the quantity of recorded waste generated from various economic activities, in addition to household waste, reached 135.1 million tons, compared with 111.4 million tons in 2023.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing activity recorded the highest quantity of waste at 46.9 million tons, followed by construction activity at 32.2 million tons, then households at 20.5 million tons. Waste generated by manufacturing industries amounted to 18.3 million tons during 2024.
Results also showed that organic waste constituted the largest share of total recorded waste in 2024, accounting for 45.7%, with a quantity of 61.7 million tons. This was followed by construction materials waste at 22.8% and plastic waste at 5.8% of total waste.
In addition, industrial sector waste increased to 26.7 million tons, compared with 22.1 million tons in 2023. Waste from manufacturing industries accounted for 68.6% of total industrial sector waste, followed by waste from mining and quarrying at 26.4% and waste from electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply at 5.0%
Waste Accounts publication was prepared in accordance with the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Central Framework issued by the United Nations Statistics Division. It is based on data from GASTAT, as well as administrative data from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Center for Waste Management.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Labor Market Statistics for Q3 of 2025, which showed a year-on-year decline in the unemployment rate and a notable improvement in females’ participation in economic activity indicators. The survey results indicated that the unemployment rate among Saudis reached 7.5% in Q3 of 2025, down by 0.3 percentage points compared to Q3 of 2024.
The publication’s results also showed a year-on-year decline in unemployment among Saudi females, reaching 12.1% and down 1.5 percentage points compared to Q3 of 2024. This reflects the effectiveness of programs and initiatives aimed at supporting women’s empowerment and enhancing their employment opportunities.
The results also indicated an increase in the Saudi males’ economic participation rate, reaching 64.3% an increase of 0.3 percentage points. Meanwhile, the employed Saudi females rate rose by 3 percentage points over the past five years to reach 29.7% reflecting positive shifts in the structure of the Saudi labor market.
The total labor force participation rate reached 66.9% reflecting a quarterly decline of 0.2 percentage points, while marking a year-on-year increase of 0.3 percentage points. Meanwhile, the employment-to-working-age population ratio stood at 64.6% marking a decrease of 0.4 percentage points compared to Q2 of 2025, while recording a year-on-year rise of 0.5 percentage points compared to Q3 of 2024.
GASTAT emphasized that these indicators reflect the ongoing national efforts to develop the Saudi labor market and provide opportunities for social engagement in building a thriving economy while achieving balance and sustainability in the labor market. This aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and its related programs focused on human capital development and fostering economic growth.
 

Pursuant to Council of Ministers’ Resolution No. (11) dated 13/01/1437 AH, approving the Regulations of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), as the entity responsible for statistics and the sole official reference for conducting statistical work. GASTAT announces the commencement of its statistical activities and field, telephone, and self-reporting surveys in the economic, social, and environmental and spatial domains. These activities are being carried out across Saudi Arabia’s regions, including cities and their affiliated governorates, to collect accurate data for the 2026 statistics.
These surveys target individuals, households, and establishments across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, aiming to collect accurate and comprehensive data that supports decision-making, and the formulation of evidence-based development policies. In conducting these activities, GASTAT employs the latest data collection methods and internationally recognized statistical practices, ensuring the quality and accuracy of its statistical outputs.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT provides the necessary statistical information and data as part of its vital national role, contributing to the monitoring of performance indicators for Saudi Vision 2030 and measuring progress toward achieving SDGs.
In addition, GASTAT urges all individuals, households, and establishments targeted by these surveys to respond and cooperate in fulfilling this national duty by providing updated data. GASTAT also emphasizes that all collected information is kept strictly confidential in accordance with official regulations and is used solely for statistical purposes, following the principles and standards governing statistical work. For inquiries, GASTAT has provided a unified contact number (199009).
 

President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, met today with Chairman of Najran Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bader Hamod Almojel, to discuss potential cooperation between the two parties in exchange of statistical data and information. The meeting took place during a visit by a GASTAT delegation to the region.
The discussion focused on the importance of collaboration in their respective fields, leveraging accurate statistical indicators to support development plans, and improving the efficiency of commercial and industrial projects in the region, in line with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
This meeting reflects GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic partnerships with entities and institutions across all sectors, utilizing its statistical outputs to support national initiatives and objectives and advance development across various regions of Saudi Arabia.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and Najran University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and integrating efforts in statistics, research, and statistical studies. The MoU was signed during a visit by a GASTAT delegation to Najran Region, where the delegation also met with H.R.H. the Governor of Najran Region and several officials from relevant entities.
The MoU was signed by GASTAT President, Fahad Aldossari, and Najran University President ‏Prof. Abdulrahman Alkhedhairi‏. It seeks to enhance cooperation between the two parties through the exchange of expertise and knowledge transfer, the establishment of a general framework for joint activities and tasks, and the development of institutional capabilities, in support of shared goals and interests.
The cooperation covers the exchange of technical and knowledge-based expertise in areas of mutual interest, joint research, studies, and publications, and enabling staff from both sides to participate in professional development programs, seminars, scientific conferences, and workshops. It also includes support for innovation, the development of joint initiatives, and the application of best practices in research and statistical studies. In addition, the MoU provides cooperative training opportunities for Najran University graduates in line with GASTAT policies, as well as collaboration in raising awareness of statistical work and data analysis.
This MoU reflects GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to expand its partnerships with public and private sector entities, contributing to the advancement of statistical work and the achievement of national objectives.