Tomorrow, Sunday, the activities of the First Statistical Forum for Universities and Professional and Scientific Statistical Associations will be launched, which is organized by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in collaboration with the Council of University Affairs and the Professional Association for Statisticians and Data Scientists. The forum is hosted by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) in Riyadh, with the attendance of university presidents, vice presidents, deans of specialized colleges, research center staff, heads and executive members of several professional and scientific statistical associations, and a number of academics and specialists in the statistical field.

This forum is the first of its kind that focuses on exploring ways to integrate the statistical and academic sectors in the Kingdom. It is part of GASTAT’s efforts to raise awareness about the practices of statistical work among specialists and other segments of society. This aims to achieve higher levels of effective and broad response to GASTAT’s fieldwork, ensuring the provision of data and information for various statistical indicators. The forum will involve the participation of academics, experts, and specialists in the fields of statistics and data science.

It is worth noting that the statistical sector in the Kingdom consists of several components, each playing a specific role in the field of statistical work. These components include GASTAT, statistical departments in universities, specialized research centers in statistical studies and research, and professional and scientific statistical associations specializing in data science. These associations serve as a link between the academic statistical side and the practical professional side.

The forum is part of the continuous efforts of GASTAT to enhance statistical scientific knowledge and launch initiatives that contribute to raising the level of statistical awareness in society. This ensures the sustainability of awareness about the importance of data and statistical indicators, and their vital role in supporting and empowering decision-makers and policy-makers to develop sustainable development plans in the coming years based on sound scientific principles and existing facts.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the results of the Livestock Statistics Publication 2023 for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the report, total raw milk production from dairy farms reached 2.8 billion liters, with 234 thousand dairy cows in specialized agricultural projects. The Riyadh region ranked first in raw milk production, with 1.6 billion liters, followed by the Eastern region in second place, producing 1 billion liters.
The publication’s results revealed that the total number of sheep was 29.4 million, with 22 million goats, of which 19.3% were male and 80.7% were female. The total number of goats was 7.4 million, while camels stood at 2.2 million. 32% of camels were under four years old, and 68% were four years or older.
Additionally, the Livestock Statistics Publication 2023 showed that total broiler chicken production exceeded 1.1 million tons across the various administrative regions. Riyadh region ranked first in broiler chicken production, with 282 thousand tons, followed by Makkah region in second place with 185 thousand tons, and Hail region in third with 171 thousand tons. Meanwhile, table egg production reached 7.9 billion eggs from laying chicken. Riyadh region again led in egg production, with 3 billion eggs, followed by Makkah with 1.4 billion eggs, and the Eastern region with 1 billion eggs, out of the total table egg production in the Kingdom in 2023.
It is worth noting that the Livestock Statistics Publication is based on data from the comprehensive agricultural survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics across the administrative regions of Saudi Arabia, as well as administrative data from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Agricultural Development Fund, the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, and the Saudi Central Bank. The publication provides up-to-date data on livestock numbers, poultry and birds, organic livestock, the quantity and value of animal product exports and imports, and the value of loans granted to livestock projects across the Kingdom's administrative regions.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has been awarded the Certificate of Platforms by the Digital Government Authority (DGA) in recognition of its pioneering role in meeting the requirements of the Unified System for Government Platforms through the unified platform. This achievement contributes to enhancing user experience and improving the Kingdom's ranking in international indices. GASTAT is among the first entities to comply with the regulations and specifications of the Digital Platform Code, which align with the latest global standards for digital portals. This initiative supports the digital transformation currently taking place within government entities in the Kingdom, enhances their digital performance, and improves the quality of digital services provided to meet the requirements of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Digital Government Authority hosted an event to honor government entities that have successfully implemented the Platform Code, during which GASTAT was recognized. The Certificate of Platforms was presented by H.E. the Governor of the Digital Government Authority, Eng. Ahmed bin Mohammed Alsuwayan, to the GASTAT Vice President, Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Rasheed. The event was attended by GASTAT’s team, along with distinguished guests, including senior officials, representatives from government entities, and private sector delegates.
It is noteworthy that the Digital Platform Code is an open-source design system developed by the Digital Government Authority. It standardizes government digital projects, catering to their specific requirements and supporting their mandates. The code establishes unified guidelines for the visual identity of government websites, including colors, fonts, and overall design, while preserving the distinctiveness of each entity and accommodating the unique needs of its platform users.

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, led the Saudi delegation at the Fifth United Nations World Data Forum, held in Medellín, Colombia, from November 12 to 15, 2024. The event brought together representatives from 193 UN member states, during which Saudi Arabia was officially awarded the right to host the forum's sixth edition in Riyadh in 2026.
During the forum, GASTAT President attended the official meeting of the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity Building in Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB). The meeting focused on the group's expectations for the sixth edition of the forum, which will be hosted in Riyadh in 2026, and discussed the key topics to be addressed as preparations begin. Aldossari reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's readiness to host the forum, ensuring all necessary resources are provided to make it an exceptional event that underscores the importance of statistical work. He highlighted the Kingdom's advanced capabilities to host the forum and expressed hope that the event would help advance efforts to deliver high-quality data and statistical indicators, contributing to more informed assessments of progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in member countries.
On another hand, Aldossari participated as a keynote speaker in the forum's sessions, where he shared Saudi Arabia's experience in statistical work. He highlighted the role of the General Authority for Statistics as an independent entity in producing statistical data, which has been developed based on the solid foundations of the official national statistical system established over 65 years ago as the official source of data. He also emphasized GASTAT’s contribution to supporting decision-makers and policymakers, praising the support and empowerment the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia receives in helping achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
In the same context, GASTAT President held several bilateral meetings with heads of international organizations, committees, and global statistical bodies. This included a discussion with the Director of the United Nations Statistics Division, Stefan Schweinfest, on the role of statistical data in sustainable development, its contribution to improving quality of life, and its support for policymakers and decision-makers in countries. Aldossari also met with his counterparts from the statistical offices of Palestine, Switzerland, and Colombia, emphasizing that the data produced by GASTAT, and its counterparts worldwide is a vital component of developmental work and the well-being of citizens. Furthermore, he highlighted how statistical data and indicators contribute to a comprehensive vision that helps build development plans on scientific foundations and called for the exchange of expertise and the sharing of experiences between countries to achieve mutual benefit and integration.
On the sidelines of the forum, GASTAT President also held separate meetings with the CEO of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, the President of the Open Data Organization, and the President of the Paris 21 Organization, which focuses on statistics for development. They discussed opportunities for collaboration and how to leverage the experiences provided by these organizations. Dr. Aldossari also highlighted the General Authority for Statistics' efforts in developing its statistical system and its international initiatives to strengthen cooperation in the field of global statistics.
It is worth noting that the Fifth United Nations World Data Forum, held in Colombia, Latin America, focused on updating the global action plan for sustainable development data. Over 3,000 leaders in the field of statistics from governments, national statistical offices, the private sector, academic institutions, civil society, and other organizations involved in statistical work took part in the forum. The event provided a platform to present and discuss innovations in data usage, as well as to strengthen trust, protection, partnerships, and coordination within the sector.
As all countries around the world strive to implement their programs for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, the data and statistics community at the Fifth United Nations World Data Forum worked to launch an updated sustainable development action plan. This plan includes 12 new priorities along with a series of actions and commitments aimed at achieving high-quality, accurate, and comprehensive data to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The updated action plan represents the second generation of the Cape Town Global Action Plan for Sustainable Development Data, which was first introduced at the inaugural United Nations World Data Forum in 2017.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today the results of the 2024 Health Determinants Statistics Publication for Saudi Arabia. According to the publication, the obesity rate among population aged 15 and above is 23.1%, while 45.1% of individuals in this age group are classified as overweight. Additionally, the prevalence of obesity among children aged 2 to 14 years stands at 14.6%, with 33.3% of children in this age range being overweight.
The publication also reported that 10.2% of the population meet the recommended daily intake of five or more servings of fruit and vegetable. The majority of individuals aged 15 and above (84.8%) consume between one and four servings of fruit and vegetable daily. Only 5% of the population do not consume any servings of fruit or vegetable on a daily basis.
It is important to mention that the Health Determinants Statistics Publication relies on self-reported data from individuals, the National Health Survey, the Women and Children’s Health Survey 2024, and population estimates from the General Authority for Statistics 2023. This bulletin offers a comprehensive view of the community's health status during a specific period, highlighting the importance of tracking and assessing public health and health indicators across different population groups.

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, officially received the hosting rights for the 6th UN World Data Forum 2026 on behalf of Saudi Arabia. This announcement came at the conclusion of the 5th edition of the forum, held in Medellín, Colombia, from November 12 to 15, 2024. The forum gathered representatives from 193 UN member states. The High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics welcomed Saudi Arabia’s selection as the host for the next forum in Riyadh, following its success in securing the majority vote within the group. The Kingdom’s outstanding bid and capabilities were commended by the group. This achievement highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in statistical work and the significant advancements in its statistical system. It also reflects the impact of the Kingdom’s data in demonstrating its role in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On this occasion, Dr. Fahad Aldossari, extended his congratulations, on behalf of himself and GASTAT employees, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Prime Minister. He expressed gratitude for the support and empowerment GASTAT has received in recent years, which has significantly strengthened its local and international presence, enabling it to excel in statistical work and compete on the global stage. Aldossari noted that Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 6th UN World Data Forum in Riyadh in 2026 reflects the Kingdom’s significant advancements across various sectors, including its statistical system. He emphasized that the event presents a valuable opportunity to share technical expertise in statistics and establish strategic partnerships with national statistical offices worldwide.
In his speech, Aldossari expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Colombia, the United Nations, and the National Department of Statistics (DANE) for hosting and organizing this global event. He also extended his appreciation to all representatives of national statistical offices, the program team, and members of the HLG-PCCB for their dedication and hard work in preparing the program. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment, through the General Authority for Statistics, to enhancing the quality and transparency of statistical data across various fields. He highlighted the Kingdom’s exemplary leadership and outstanding performance in the region, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing statistical excellence.

The UN World Data Forum is a major international event attended by over 20,000 participants, including representatives from governments, national statistical offices, international and regional organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The forum serves as a platform to discuss challenges facing the global data and statistics system and to foster collaboration among policymakers and experts from around the world. It reflects the growing level of cooperation across diverse data systems and underscores the critical importance of data and statistics.
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics, will host the 6th UN World Data Forum in 2026 in Riyadh. The High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda (HLG-PCCB) announced Saudi Arabia’s selection by majority vote, following a review of competing countries’ bids and an assessment of their hosting capabilities. This decision reflects the Kingdom’s prominent global standing and its pivotal role in advancing efforts to provide high-quality data and statistical indicators. It also highlights the exceptional contributions of the General Authority for Statistics to the field of statistical work, reaffirming the Kingdom’s leadership in the global statistical community.

In October 2024, the annual inflation rate in Saudi Arabia stood at 1.9%, compared to the same month last year. This rate is among the lowest within the G20 countries.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the changes in prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of 490 goods and services. This basket was selected based on the results of the 2018 Household Income and Expenditure Survey. Relevant prices are collected through field visits to points of sale, and CPI statistics are published monthly in Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), continued its significant advancement in the Statistical Performance Indicators (SPI) issued by the World Bank. In the 2023 assessment, Saudi Arabia advanced by 22 positions compared to 2022, ranking first in the Arab World and among GCC countries. At the level of the G20 countries, GASTAT achieved 14th place, up from 18th in 2022.
The World Bank recently announced the results of the SPI assessment, covering 187 countries, based on the new methodology for calculating the SPI 2023. This update included a time series from 2016 to 2023 for all countries. The assessment covers five main pillars across more than 51 indicators, addressing data use, data services, statistical products, data sources, and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia ranked among the top seven G20 countries in the fifth pillar, achieving a score of 95% in 2023.
Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, explained that the attention and support provided by the wise leadership have greatly contributed to the development of the statistical sector. This had a significant impact on strengthening GASTAT’s role and advancing its global standing among official statistical entities, enabling it to produce accurate, comprehensive, and high-quality statistical data and indicators. This progress supports decision-makers and policymakers with solid information, aiding in the formulation of sustainable development plans needed across various sectors of the country.
This remarkable progress in the SPI reflects the General Authority for Statistics' efforts to implement a statistical transformation strategy focused on enhancing GASTAT’s technical infrastructure, improving field surveys and statistical products, strengthening partnerships with government, private, and non-profit sectors, enhancing data accessibility, and meeting local, regional, and international statistical requirements. The authority also strives to increase customer satisfaction by continuously improving the presentation and accessibility of statistical data and indicators in an interactive and user-friendly way.

The 42^nd meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics of the Arab Economic and Social Council was held in Jeddah on November 6–7, 2024, under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Over two days, representatives from official statistical agencies of Arab countries convened to share expertise, exchange statistical knowledge, and strengthen capacities to advance collaborative Arab statistical work.

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of GASTAT, opened the meeting by welcoming the participating delegations and expressing gratitude to the Arab League and the Statistics and Data Management Division for their efforts in fostering cooperation among member states. He emphasized the critical role of member states in advancing Arab statistical collaboration and the importance of providing accurate and comprehensive data for sustainable development indicators. Discussions included data monitoring, collaboration with regional and international organizations, and the production of tourism sustainability indicators, as well as enhancing mechanisms for data exchange among official statistical agencies in Arab countries.

The meeting addressed various topics over two sessions. The first session reviewed the implementation of recommendations from the 41st meeting, explored the activities of the Statistics and Data Management Division, and discussed the use of modern technology in statistical work. The second session focused on work plans for 2025, updates on population censuses, tourism statistics, and other topics related to shared statistical efforts across Arab countries. Experiences from member countries were also shared, including Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive agricultural survey and Egypt’s study on labor supply and demand and the labor market’s need for technical skills.

The Permanent Technical Committee for Statistics was established in 1972 and held its first meeting in Cairo. The committee’s mission is to develop official statistical systems in Arab countries, enhance their capacity across various stages of statistical activity, and facilitate the implementation of technical programs supported by the Arab League’s General Secretariat. This meeting continues the committee’s efforts to promote the development of statistical capabilities in support of shared Arab goals.