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“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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.