The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued today the Labor Market Publication for the third quarter of 2024. According to the findings of the publication, the unemployment rate among Saudis in the third quarter of 2024 stood at 7.8%, reflecting an increase of 0.7 percentage points compared to the second quarter of the same year, yet demonstrating an annual decrease of 1.0 percentage points relative to the third quarter of 2023.

The publication further revealed that the overall labor force participation rate (including Saudis and non-Saudis) rose by 0.4 percentage points from the second quarter of 2024, reaching 66.6%. Additionally, the labor force participation rate among Saudi nationals increased by 0.7 percentage points during the third quarter of 2024, reaching 51.5%, which also represents an annual rise of 0.7 percentage points. The employment-to-population ratio for Saudis grew by 0.2 percentage points to 47.4%, reflecting an annual increase of 1.1 percentage points.

The results also highlighted a notable increase of 0.8 percentage points in the labor force participation rate of Saudi females, which reached 36.2%. Furthermore, the employment-to-population ratio among Saudi females rose by 0.5 percentage points to 31.3%. For young Saudi females aged 15-24, the labor force participation rate increased by 1.0 percentage point to 18.0%, while their employment-to-population ratio rose by 0.6 percentage points to 13.6% during the third quarter of 2024.

Among Saudi young males, labor force participation rose by 1.1 percentage points, reaching 34.6%. For Saudi males as a whole, the labor force participation rate increased by 0.6 percentage points, reaching 66.9%, while their employment-to-population ratio rose to 63.7%. Regarding Saudi nationals within the core working-age group (25-54 years), the labor force participation rate increased by 0.7 percentage points, reaching 69.4%, while the employment-to-population ratio rose by 0.3 percentage points, reaching 64.8%.

It is worth noting that unemployed Saudis adopt a diverse range of active job search methods, with an average of 5.0 methods utilized per job seeker. Among these, the most frequently employed method was seeking job opportunities through friends or relatives, accounting for 87.7%. This was followed by direct applications to employers, at 75.0%, while 71.2% utilized the Unified National Employment Platform (Jadarat).
 

GASTA announced today the results of the 2023 Food Security Statistics Publication in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the Publication, dates achieved the highest self-sufficiency rate among plant-based products in the Kingdom for 2023, reaching 119%, followed by figs and eggplants, each at 107%, then cucumbers at 102%, and zucchini at 100%. Potatoes recorded a self-sufficiency rate of 87%, tomatoes 76%, and onions 51%.

The results also indicated that shrimp achieved the highest self-sufficiency rate among animal-based products in the Kingdom for 2023, reaching 147%, followed by dairy products at 129%, and table eggs at 100%. Regarding meat, the self-sufficiency rate for poultry meat stood at 71%, while red meat reached 61%. For fish, the self-sufficiency rate was recorded at 48%.

The Publication also presented data on per capita supply (available for consumption). Among plant-based products, rice recorded the highest per capita consumption rate in the Kingdom for 2023, at 45.77 kg/year, followed by dates at 38.58 kg/year, and tomatoes at 22.25 kg/year. The per capita consumption of onions and potatoes stood at 17.52 kg/year and 16.08 kg/year, respectively. for fruits, the per capita consumption of bananas was 11.31 kg/year and oranges 10.64 kg/year, while coffee (beans) recorded 2.61 kg/year.

As for animal-based products, milk registered the highest per capita consumption at 70.19 liters/year, followed by poultry meat at 43.40 kg/year. The per capita consumption of eggs was 246 eggs/year, and red meat stood at 10.80 kg/year.

It is worth noting that the 2023 Food Security Statistics Publication provides comprehensive data on the four dimensions of food security: availability, accessibility, stability, and utilization. The bulletin was based on data from surveys and statistical reports issued by the General Authority for Statistics, as well as administrative records from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, the General Food Security Authority, and the Agricultural Development Fund.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today the results of the Comprehensive Economic Survey publication for 2023 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results included a set of key indicators reflecting the main structural features of the business sector.

The survey results revealed that the total operating revenues amounted to SAR 5,292 billion, while the total operating expenses reached SAR 2,165 billion. Additionally, the compensation for employees in the sector amounted to SAR 544.7 billion. The results also indicated that the total fixed capital formation value for this sector amounted to SAR 867.8 billion.

It is noteworthy that the results of the Comprehensive Economic Survey will contribute to the formation of highly accurate, comprehensive, and professional statistical data and indicators. These will highlight the real and actual economic growth in the Kingdom, meeting the requirements of statistical organizations and local, regional, and international entities.

It is worth mentioning that the Comprehensive Economic Survey serves as an integrated database for economic data. It directly contributes to providing and measuring a wide range of economic indicators. It offers precise, updated, and more detailed statistical data and indicators about establishments in the Kingdom, supporting decision-makers, policymakers, and investors and enabling them to develop and enhance the business sector in the Kingdom.

GASTAT announced today the results of Umrah statistics for the third quarter of 2024. The results revealed that the total number of Umrah performers reached 6,254,751 in Q3 of 2024, reflecting an increase of 35.0% compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Male Umrah performers constituted 57.4%, while female Umrah performers accounted for 42.6% of the total during the quarter. Saudi Umrah performers made up 10.7% of the total during Q3 of 2024.

The report indicated that the total number of Umrah performers from abroad reached 3,348,512 in Q3 of 2024, representing a 29.2% increase compared to Q3 of 2023. Among them, male performers numbered 1,707,514 (or 51.0%), while female performers numbered 1,638,743 (or 49.0%) of the total foreign Umrah performers during Q3 of 2024.

The results also showed that the total number of domestic Umrah performers reached approximately 2,906,239 in Q3 of 2024, reflecting a 42.4% increase compared to Q3 of 2023. Of these, 671,729 were Saudi nationals (23.1%), while 2,234,510 were non-Saudis (76.9%). Additionally, male Umrah performers from within the Kingdom numbered 1,883,199 (64.8%), while female performers numbered 1,023,040 (35.2%) of the total domestic Umrah performers during Q3 of 2024.

The report highlighted that foreign Umrah performers aged between 35 and 44 years formed the largest percentage, constituting 17.6% of the total foreign Umrah performers in Q3 of 2024. On the other hand, those aged over 65 years made up the smallest percentage at 9.2%. Conversely, domestic Umrah performers aged between 30 and 39 years represented the largest group, accounting for 29.2% of the total domestic Umrah performers in the same quarter.

The results further showed that the number of domestic Umrah performers who performed Umrah only once reached approximately 2,295,747. Among them, 64.0% were male, and 36.0% were female. August recorded the highest percentage of domestic Umrah performers who performed Umrah once, representing 40.1% of the total domestic Umrah performers for this category during Q3 of 2024.

The report also revealed that 60.8% of foreign Umrah performers arrived on Umrah visas, while 29.7% arrived on other types of visas. Meanwhile, 6.6% of the foreign Umrah performers arrived on electronic visit visas, and 2.9% arrived using GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) visas during Q3 of 2024.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued today the International Trade Statistics Publication for October 2024. According to the results of the publication, the value of merchandise exports reached 92.8 million SAR, with oil exports valued at 67.4 million SAR and non-oil exports (including re-exports) at 25.4 million SAR, compared to 22.5 million SAR in October 2023, representing a 12.7% increase. 

The publication also indicated that the value of merchandise imports for the Kingdom in October 2024 was 72 million SAR, compared to 74.9 million SAR in October 2023, a decrease of 3.8% amounting to 2.9 million SAR.

It is worth noting that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and research, analyzes data and information, in addition to the documentation and archiving of all statistical information and data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Furthermore, GASTAT registers, classifies, and analyzes data. It extracts the data indicators as well.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the Environment Statistics Publication 2023. According to the results of the publication, marine protected areas recorded an increase in their area for the year 2023 by 17.7% to reach 14 thousand square kilometers compared to 2022. The area of terrestrial protected areas also increased by 7.1% to reach 361 thousand square kilometers compared to the previous year, constituting 18.1% of the total land area of the Kingdom. 
The results of the publication indicated an increase in the annual rainfall rate by 152 millimeters, a 53.4% increase from 2022. The amount of flood water entering the dams in 2023 increased by 164.1% compared to the previous year, reaching 1,564 million cubic meters.

The results also revealed a 13.3% increase in the volume of treated water reused in 2023 compared to the previous year, representing 25.2% of the treated water volume for 2023. The results showed a 4.6% decrease in the amount of collected waste, which amounted to 19.8 million tons compared to 2022.

The publication also showed an increase in the area of green spaces in the municipal sector by 3.2%, and an increase in the area of parks and recreational areas in the municipal sector by 1.4% compared to 2022. The area of national parks reached 340 million square meters in 2023, with 2.6 million trees planted in them.

It is worth mentioning that the Environment Statistics Publication was prepared in accordance with the general framework for environmental statistics developed by the United Nations. The publication relies on two main sources: statistics from the General Authority for Statistics (censuses and sample surveys) and statistics from administrative records sources including the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the General Authority for Water, and environmental centers.

The President of the General Authority for Statistics, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, extended his congratulations to the members of the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) on Gulf Statistics Day, which falls on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. He commended the center's role in promoting statistical work and supporting national statistical and planning agencies in the GCC countries. Dr. Aldossari emphasized the importance of precise statistical data and indicators provided by statistical agencies, which play a vital role in supporting decision-makers and policymakers to make informed decisions and build successful national development policies.
Dr. Aldossari highlighted that statistical work is one of the fundamental pillars that contribute to enhancing strategic plans in GCC countries and achieving their sustainable development goals. This is due to the accurate statistical data, information, and indicators it provides, which aid in policy formulation and the analysis of indicators to achieve shared visions.
He further explained that by developing statistical work, overcoming its challenges, and removing obstacles, it is possible to provide a wealth of accurate data and statistical indicators. These resources enable the measurement of progress toward achieving future visions and contribute to the economic and developmental integration that the GCC countries aspire to achieve.
The President of the General Authority for Statistics expressed Saudi Arabia's aspiration to strengthen Gulf statistical work and strategic cooperation across various statistical fields. He also stressed the importance of continuous coordination among GCC countries to advance their economies and build a solid economic foundation supported by high-quality statistical data and information. These resources serve as a reliable reference for making critical decisions within the GCC, aiming for greater economic prosperity and well-being for its people.
It is noteworthy that the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), during its 141st session held in Manama, Bahrain, on November 24, 2016, approved the designation of an annual Gulf Statistics Day. The significance of this day lies in emphasizing the community's partnership with statisticians and shedding light on the vital role that statistics play in achieving sustainable development in the GCC. Furthermore, it highlights the strategic role of the Gulf statistical system in decision-making and the formulation of developmental policies in the region.
Saudi Arabia, as the first GCC country to implement a statistical system in 1349H (1930), recognized early on the importance of statistics and information as a cornerstone for building and development. This foundational approach supports any aspiring country seeking progress on solid and strong bases. The General Authority for Statistics joins other statistical agencies in the GCC in celebrating this year's Gulf Statistics Day under the theme: "The Future of Statistics Towards Sustainable Gulf Development."
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the 2024 Health Status Statistics Publication. According to the results, 97.4% of adults (aged 15 and above) rated their health as good or better.
The results revealed that 18.95% of adults (aged 15 and above) have a chronic disease, with the most common chronic conditions being diabetes (9.1%), hypertension (7.9%), cholesterol (3.6%), cardiovascular diseases (1.5%), and cancer (0.6%). Among children (under 15 years), 9.4% were found to have a chronic disease, with the most prevalent conditions being asthma (4.1%), allergies (2.0%), skin diseases (1.6%), hyperactivity (0.8%), autism (0.6%), diabetes (0.5%), and cancer (0.3%).
The Publication results indicated that 1.8% of adults (aged 15 and above) suffer from severe depression, with a higher prevalence among females at 2.5%, compared to 1.4% for males. Meanwhile, 0.2% of adults experience severe anxiety, with 0.4% of females affected, compared to 0.2% for males.
It is worth noting that the Health Status Statistics Publication for adults and children presents indicators based on self-reported data from the results of the 2024 National Health Survey and the 2024 Women and Child Health Survey, along with population estimates from the General Authority for Statistics for the year 2024.