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

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

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

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

GASTAT's Board of Directors, headed by His Excellency the Minister of Economy and Planning, Mr. Faisal bin Fadhil Al-Ibrahim, issued a decision to appoint Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari as GASTAT's President, starting from today, Sunday, to lead the work in GASTAT in order to achieve the goals of transformation in GASTAT, and to complete the development of the system Statistical work. His Excellency the Minister expressed his congratulations to Dr. Al-Dossari on this occasion, wishing him success in leading GASTAT and achieving its goals during the next critical period of the strategic transformation phase. On behalf of the members of the Board, the Minister expressed his thanks to Dr. Konrad Pesendorfer for his efforts during his presidency, and for his role in upgrading the work in GASTAT, developing its statistical products, leading the transformation project, overcoming the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 during the past two years, and  implementing the Saudi Census Program 2022, looking forward to continuing his efforts as an advisor to the Chairman of GASTAT's Board of Directors. Dr. Al-Dossari has held a number of leadership positions, the last of which was Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia, which included the areas of systems analysis, economic research, and statistics. He also had a membership in many governmental and professional committees along with boards of directors of local and international funds and banks. GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all the statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and researches, analyzes data and information, in addition to documenting and archiving all works of information and statistical data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Data are written, classified, and analyzed; their indicators are extracted as well.

Prior to conducting the General Population and Housing Census: The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has started its work of the pilot census, which targets a specific sample of governorates and households, as a step towards preparing for the implementation of the General Population and Housing Census in Saudi Arabia, after it had been postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19 and the pilot phase will finish on 12 October 2021. The pilot census phase aims to test the Saudi census questionnaire, its operational model, and the various technical systems that will be applied in the census operations. During the previous stage of suspending the census work, GASTAT took advantage of the opportunity to improve its tools for implementing the census and introduce various technologies and software that will contribute to raising the level of effectiveness of the census work and its results. GASTAT will allow citizens and residents to conduct self-enumeration, where field researchers will not need to visit households, and the head of the household can electronically fill the census questionnaire through a dedicated website.  The pilot census goes through several stages, including numbering and enumerating buildings and enumerating the components of buildings such as housing units and households, in addition to counting the population and identifying their demographic characteristics, counting individuals in labor gatherings and public housing, and collecting their social, economic, and demographic characteristics. It is worth noting that only tablets will be used during this phase to collect data in the field and to extract results in an accurate and timely manner. In order to achieve the highest level of quality control for the pilot census operations, the application of high-quality standards was followed. This will help to effectively contribute to the evaluation and study of the results, as well as in the conclusion of lessons learned, which will prove beneficial during stages of the actual census. The results of the experiment will be used to finalize the census methodology and questionnaires in accordance with international recommendations, and to meet the needs of data users. The participation of all community members targeted in the census is a national duty that contributes mainly to the success of this experiment, and to reflect its outputs on the stage of the actual census; referring to the royal orders which emphasized on the importance of cooperating and responding to the requirements of carrying out the General Population and Housing Census, of which the pilot census phase is one of its main components.  GASTAT will adhere to the highest levels of privacy and confidentiality towards individuals residing in Saudi Arabia participating in the population census. When publishing the census results, data privacy and confidentiality principles will be adhered to, as GASTAT will not disclose to any person, entity or body any identifying information or data related to individuals, or any other data provided in the census survey. The collected data enjoys the highest levels of protection. This is done by following detailed procedures to monitor and control the disclosure of information and statistical data. Where this method ensures that no personal information relating to identity, or any of the identifying features for individuals can be disclosed.  In order to raise the level of communication, GASTAT has launched a special website for the census that includes detailed information about the concept of the census and its implementation methods. The website also includes various tools that raise awareness about the census and its importance and highlight the value of the results through its contribution towards national development plans. GASTAT has also provided through the census portal various media and awareness material that can be used in transferring knowledge, building a comprehensive national culture towards the census, and communicating with GASTAT’s employees to obtain any additional information that contributes to serving GASTAT’s clients.

The General Authority for Statistics is seeking the opinion and comments of the public for the proposed Statistics Law Based on the principles of openness and transparency, the General Authority for Statistics is inviting the public to express their opinions and suggestions regarding the proposed statistics law via e-mail (SLR@stats.gov.sa), before 09/04/1442 AH corresponding to 24/11/2020. The statistics law project has twenty-five articles and aims to regulate the statistical work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The statistics law project has been drafted after carefully reviewing the International best practices and laws related, and based on regulations and processes to adopt laws in the Kingdom. The statistics law project aims to enhance the statistical ecosystem, by establishing the legal framework for the development, production and dissemination of official statistics. This is to contribute to providing accurate data that serve sustainable economic development in various fields, and to provide an effective framework in order to provide reliable data and statistics. Official statistics help to properly plan for development based on evidence, and to meet the needs and requirements of the government and private sector, and to fulfill the Kingdom's obligations and regional and international statistical requirements such as the ones by the Arab League, ESCWA, the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the G20 and others. It is agreed by many officials, senior planners, experts and specialists around the world on the importance of accurate data and information for sustainable development in various fields and sectors of work and production. Based on this, the General Authority for Statistics provides accurate and reliable official statistics, information and indicators about the Kingdom's economy and the society in Saudi Arabia. Educational, environmental and various activities, and the living conditions of citizens and residents in the Kingdom, classifying these data, analyzing them and issuing them according to scientific standards in the statistical field, on the basis that the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) is the official body responsible for preparing official statistics in the Kingdom. GASTAT applies scientific methods in accordance with internationally recognized professional standards. The General Authority for Statistics had provided access to the Statistics Law Project through its website to seek the opinion of the public on the articles therein, through the form below, and sending them to the e-mail SLR@stats.gov.sa before November 24, 2020. Those wishing to review the Statistics Law project documents and express an opinion can access the following link: https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/page/295

1,141 medical and first response field teams provide their services 24/7  GaStat: Over 30,000 employees are ready to provide health services for pilgrims, with 16 hospitals in Mecca and the Holy Sites, 125 health centers, and 132 ambulance centers The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is investing all its human and material capacities in the service of pilgrims to the Holy Sites, as government entities come together to offer health services to pilgrims. The General Authority for Statistics (GAS) announced on Tuesday 5 Dhu'l-Hijjah 1440 Hijri that the workforce dedicated to providing health services and first aid to pilgrims this Hajj season has reached 30,908 people (of whom 8,685 are women). The numbers were published on the Authority’s website (www.stats.gov.sa( and include employees form the Ministry of Health, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, and the Saudi Food & Drug Authority. They are joined in providing health services by teams from the security and military sectors. This brings the total of medical and first response field teams at the Holy Sites during the Hajj season up to 1,141 teams. The GAS explained that health, treatment, and prevention services for pilgrims are offered by the Ministry of Health in the shape of free specialized medical services through a dedicated team of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, technicians, and administrative employees exceeding 27,797 individuals. Treatment services made available to pilgrims include:   open heart surgeries, cardiac catheterization, dialysis - both hemodialysis and peritoneal -, endoscopies, birth procedures, and other specialized medical services. Currently,  16 hospitals are available inside Mecca and the Holy Sites, along with 125 health  centers  fully equipped for medical and emergency response, and 68 field teams operating at the Holy Sites and inside and outside Mecca.  The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has itself dedicated 132 permanent and temporary first response centers, 370 ambulances, 20 bikes, and 2,811 individuals for emergency and medical services in Mecca, Medina, and the Holy Sites.  All health and emergency response teams are operating 24/7 in Mecca and the Holy Sites until Wednesday 20 Dhu'l-Hijjah. The concerned authorities have already set the necessary comprehensive programs and plans to guarantee the provision of all capacities and requirements needed to deal with emergencies and disasters, if any, and to provide medical and emergency aid, treatment, and prevention services to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors. The plans have been rolled out effectively and efficiently based on a unified approach and using the most advanced medical and first aid provision methods. The services also seek to reinforce health security at the Holy Sites and the roads leading to them, and at land, air and maritime entry points. They are not limited to land services provided through ambulances but also cover Saudi Air Ambulance, motorbikes, fast response teams, and field teams at the Great Mosque and Al Masjid an Nabawi and their surroundings. These efforts rely on available human capacities and a group of male and female volunteers.  The Saudi Food & Drug Authority has assigned a team of 300 employees to monitor foods, medicine, and medical equipment and products imported by pilgrims and pilgrimage groups. This team is also in charge of supporting the concerned monitoring authorities in their inspection of establishments offering food to pilgrims in Mecca, Medina and the Holy Sites. The Authority’s seven key services include: inspecting foods, medicine, and medical equipment imported through entry points; health inspection of food establishments in the Mecca region; health inspection of food establishments in the Medina region; health inspection of animals sacrificed at Mina; field studies concerning food safety; raising awareness among pilgrims on the safety of food, medicine, and medical equipment and products; and inspecting transportation means entering Mecca and the Holy Sites. - End -

The survey is based on the "holding" as the economic unit of both plant and animal agricultural production  GASTAT releases the results of the Agricultural Holdings Survey for 2018 On Dhu al-Qidah 29, 1440 (August 1, 2019), the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued its results on the "Agricultural Holdings Survey for 2018" on its official website, www.stats.gov.sa. The Agricultural Holdings Survey is one of the periodic surveys conducted by GASTAT every three years. It aims to provide an updated database from the agricultural census framework 2014-2015 on the main characteristics of the agricultural holdings such as the number of agricultural holdings, their area, the legal entity and the type of holdings. It also provides data on agricultural workers, in addition to a large number of data that support decision makers, policymakers, workers in the agricultural sector and those interested in this field. GASTAT carried out the "Agricultural Holdings" survey of 2018 in accordance with the recognized international practices in the statistical agencies. Since the "holding" is the economic unit of the agricultural production in both plant and animal, it is under one administration and includes all animals in it and all lands used in whole or in part for agricultural production purposes regardless of the ownership, legal form or area. The results of the survey showed that the total number of agricultural holdings in Saudi Arabia’s administrative regions in 2017 was (283,788), with a total area of (34) million dunums. The percentage of traditional holdings is (88.4%) out of total number of agricultural holdings in Saudi Arabia with an area of (10.9) million dunums. Traditional holdings are the predominant type in most of the agricultural holdings in Saudi Arabia. This type of holdings does not have to take prior approval or licenses from the concerned parties and their activity may be plant, animal or mixed production. However, the specialized holdings (projects) reached  (11.6%) of the total number of agricultural holdings in Saudi Arabia with a total area exceeded (23.3) million dunums, including the specialized holdings (projects) that were approved and have been granted licenses from the concerned parties after the technical and economic study to establish such specialized holdings, whether it was specialized in plant production, animal, poultry farms, fish farming, or those projects which mainly follow modern non-traditional methods in the irrigation system, or they use agricultural mechanization and modern technology in agricultural production and they are specialized in the production whether exposed or protected agriculture,  raising cows to produce milk, or in fattening of calves, sheep and poultry . The results of the survey also showed that (93.38% )of the agricultural holdings were owned by the holders and (6.58%) of the holdings were leased. The remaining holdings percentage (0.04%) was distributed among the other land holding systems. Regarding legal entity, "Individuals" ranked first with (98%) of holders. In terms of the main purpose of production, (86.4%) of the landholdings production was allocated for "sale" and the rest of the holdings’ production was allocated for consumption, representing (13.6%). In terms of the main activity of agricultural holdings, the plant holdings reached the highest percentage (91.8% ) of the total number of agricultural landholdings, while animal holdings came second with (8%). The results of the survey revealed that (20.1%) of the holders work in agriculture as the main occupation, and the remaining percentage (79.9%) are holders their main occupation is other than agriculture. The results also showed that the percentage of Saudis working in agriculture as a main occupation reached (99.5%) of the total number of holders who work in agriculture as their main occupation. According to the detailed survey results on the main source used for irrigation water, the number of artesian and manual wells in agricultural landholdings reached (319,393). As for the agricultural holdings where the main source of irrigation depends on rain, it reached (96,627) holdings, with the area of holdings reaching (294,573) dunums out of the total irrigated areas.

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

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

More than 450 Statisticians Started this morning GaStat Launches the “Statistical Calendar” for 1438H Hajj Season Through its official website www.stats.gov.sa, the General Authority for statistics (GaStat) launched the statistical calendar for the 1438H Hajj season. It shows the publishing dates of services provided by the Kingdom to pilgrims, in addition to the statistics of domestic and international pilgrims. GaStat official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the statistical calendar with its content, from statistics and numbers, aims to show the efforts made to pilgrims from more than 45 public and private entities. On the second day of the current month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the statistics of services provided to pilgrims from health and medical services, public services, transportation sector services and telecommunication services will be announced respectively. Then, the number of domestic and international pilgrims arriving to Makkah will be published and updated daily until the evening of the 9th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah when the total number of pilgrims will be announced. Mr. Almofarrej added that GaStat will issue the detailed bulletin of Hajj statistics the morning of Eied day (10 Dhul Al-Hijja ), he also added that all information will be available at GaStat official website on schedule.  On the other hand, GaStat official spokesman explained that the enumeration of pilgrims coming to Makkah has started the morning of Wednesday (1st of Dhu Al-Hijjah), by more than 450 statisticians, administrative and technicians from GaStat. They are distributed on all main centers in Makkah, Medina, Jeddah and Alta’if, and they work 24 hours until the sunset of Arafah day, next Thursday (9th of Dhu Al-HIjjah). GaStat called all pilgrims coming to Makkah for Hajj to provide the necessary statistical data required in all Pilgrims enumeration centers this year which are (Makkah/Jeddah Highway) Road , (Makkah/old Jeddah)Road, Altan’eim center(the connection road between Medina and Makkah), AlShrai’e center (the connection road between Makkah city and Alta’if city through AlSail), Alkar center (the connection road between Makkah and Alta’if through Alhada), and the Southern center ( Allaith -Jazan road  near Als’adeiah village) in addition to the Hajj statistics supportive centers in Jeddah at King Abdulaziz international airport, mass transportation stations, and other locations in Jeddah, Medina center (Abiar Ali and ‘Ashirah), and Alta’if center (Alsail Alkabeer).

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the flash estimates of the real GDP growth rate for Q3 of 2024 on its official website. Accordingly, the real GDP during Q3 of 2024 achieved a growth rate of 2.8% compared to the same period of the previous year.

The flash estimates revealed that oil activities recorded a growth of 0.3% during Q3 of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year, while non-oil activities achieved a positive growth rate of 4.2% compared to the same period of the previous year. Additionally, government activities recorded a positive growth rate of 3.1% compared to the same period of the previous year.
The report's results indicated that the seasonally adjusted real GDP during Q3 of 2024 increased by 0.8% compared to Q2 of 2024.

According to the results of the labour market bulletin for the second quarter of 2019, the unemployment rate of the total population decreased to (5.6%) GASTAT: A decrease in the unemployment rate of total Saudis to (12.3%) and an increase in the economic participation rate of Saudi females to (23.2%) On Thursday, Muharram 13th, 1441H. (September 12th, 2019), GASTAT released the Labour Market Bulletin for the second quarter of 2019 on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . The bulletin is based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey conducted by GASTAT on a quarterly basis as well as the labour market data from the administrative records of the relevant entities (Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Service, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund, and National Information Center). The results of the second quarter of 2019, based on the estimates of the labour force Survey, showed a decrease in the unemployment rate of total population (15 years and above) which reached (5.6%) compared to (6%) in the first quarter of 2019. With regard to Saudis’ unemployment rate, the results showed a decrease in the unemployment rate of total Saudis (males and females who are 15 years old and above) reaching (12.3%) based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey (2019, Quarter 2) compared to (12.5%) in the first quarter of the same year. The results of the survey also showed an increase in the economic participation rate of total Saudis (males and females (15+)) reaching (45.0%) in the second quarter of 2019 compared to (42.3%) in the previous quarter. The economic participation rate among Saudi females increased to reach (23.2%) compared to (20.5%) in the previous quarter.  Based on the data of the administrative records of the second quarter of 2019, the results of the bulletin also showed that the total number of employed Saudis (males and females) recorded a decrease reaching (3.090.248) employee in the second quarter of 2019 compared to (3,112,029) in the first quarter. According to the results of the bulletin and based on the data from the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarah and Sa’ed) and the data from the Human Resources Development Fund (Taqat), the total number of Saudi job seekers reached (1.002.855) based on the administrative records in Saudi Arabia during the second quarter of 2019. GASTAT has defined jobseekers as Saudi individuals (males and females) registered in job seeking programs of the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarh and Sa’ed) as well as Human Resources Development Fund (Taqat) where they entered their personal data, qualifications, experiences, and CVs electronically. Jobseekers included in the administrative records are not subjected to the internationally recognized criteria and conditions of the International Labor Organization (ILO); hence, not all of them are considered unemployed individuals. Therefore, not every job seeker is an unemployed individual; they may be looking for a work while still working in another job, as in the case of job seekers in the government sector where they work for their own business and not registered as employees in the governmental administrative records (Civil Service, Social Insurance, commercial registers, and municipal licenses).

From 1390 H until last year 1439 H   General Authority for Statistics: Over 95 million Hajj pilgrims hosted and served by KSA over the last 50 years The task of counting the numbers of pilgrims every year is one of the most important tasks assigned to the General Authority for Statistics (GAS). The task was entrusted to GAS in 1390 H back when it still operated under the designation of Department of Statistics and Information. This aimed at providing accurate information to assist all government entities in the planning and development of everything related to the service of the guests of Allah. The task continued throughout these years, witnessing year after year developments in counting and inventory methods and statistical outputs including data and indicators. The Authority is tasked with completing three statistical projects during every Hajj season (inventory of the numbers of pilgrims, statistics of services offered to pilgrims, and Hajj work management indicators) with the goal of providing the largest amount of data needed to support decision- and policy-makers in achieving the highest levels of accuracy and comprehensiveness. The Authority indicated that the total number of pilgrims served by the Kingdom during the last 50 years amounted to 95,853,017 pilgrims, noting that the numbers exceeded 2 millions in 19 Hajj seasons, while the numbers of pilgrims during the last 25 years reached 54,465,253 pilgrims.  Moreover, the numbers of pilgrims during the last 10 years reached 23,796,977 pilgrims, as per the GAS official statistics. The hajj statistics program is aimed at complementing all other future plans and programs in order to provide necessary services for the Hajj pilgrim, including social, health, security, food, and transport services.This is done by producing timed and accurate data on the numbers of pilgrims and estimated size of workforce needed to serve pilgrims and maintain their security and comfort during the Hajj season every year. The pilgrims data and numbers are also used by entities entrusted with studying basic installations and facilities in Mecca and holy sites and are taken into consideration when preparing necessary plans for this end. Accurate information and data on Hajj statistics is also provided to researchers, academics, beneficiaries, and those interested in the field and is used as well in the evaluation of activities and events held by pilgrim service entities and for learning about trends and patterns of national and foreign pilgrims. GAS will publish the final and official number of Hajj pilgrims on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the evening through the bulletin of Hajj statistics which will include the following detailed results: Number of national pilgrims, number of foreign incoming pilgrims, number of pilgrims by gender, nationality, and country of departure, numbers and models of vehicles transporting pilgrims, and other detailed data.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the “Household Energy Survey (2019)” on its official website www.stats.gov.sa.  It is a field survey that collects data of household energy from a sample of households covering all 13 administrative regions in the Kingdom. The survey provides data on the type of housing, its components, the areas that are air-conditioned and heated, and data on household uses of fuel of all kinds, in addition to identifying the patterns of energy consumption and the forms of energy used in the domestic sector. The results of the household energy survey showed that (100%) of households use electricity in their houses. (99.50%) of their houses are connected to the public electricity network. However, (0.38 %) use a private network as a source for electricity, while (0.12 %) use a generator as a source of electricity, the results also showed that the percentage of households using solar energy at homes reached (1.60 %). The results also showed that the percentage of households using an independent electric meter reached (85.29 %), while (14.71 %) are using an electric meter shared with other houses, whereas (18.01 %) use power regulator at home. Regarding the use of fuel in cooking, the results showed that about (89.34 %) of households use gas as the main source of fuel for cooking, while (10.18 %) of households use electricity for cooking. In addition, (0.30 %) of households use wood as a main source of fuel for cooking. The results also showed that (8.64 %) of households use (wood, coal and agricultural waste). However, the use of wood at home for heating and cooking reached (12.73%). Regarding the patterns and behavior of households in the rationalization of power consumption, the results showed that (55.29 %) of households are interested in cutting expenses or rationalizing power consumption. The results also showed that (37.69 %) of households are likely interested in power consumption rationalization while only (7.02 %) of households are not interested at all in cutting expenses or rationalizing power consumption. Moreover, the results revealed that (36.30%) of households have power savers at their houses while (63.70 %) of households do not have power savers to rationalize consumption. Furthermore, the results of the Household Energy Survey demonstrated that the total consumption of household fuel (fuel oil), kerosene and LPG reached more than 1 billion liters (1,049,620,514) in all regions of the Kingdom. The volume of consumption of diesel (fuel oil) reached about (4,246,564) four million and two hundred and forty-six thousands five hundred and sixty-four liters, which represents about (0.40 %) of total consumption volume, while the consumption of gas (kerosene) reached more than nineteen million L (19,539, 976) representing about 1.87 % of the total size of consumption. The size of gas consumption (LPG) reached over one billion liters (1,025,833,974), representing (97.73%) of the total size of consumption. In addition, The results indicated that (22.15%) of households in the Kingdom spend less than 5% of their income on electricity and other sources of fuel, while (34.49%) spend between (5-10%) of their income, while (22.53%) of households spend between (15-11%) of their income and (13.62%) Spend between (20-16%) of their income on electricity and other sources of fuel, while we found that (7.21%) of households spend more than (20%) of their income. It is worth mentioning that the Household Energy Survey, 2019 is the third survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics on an annual basis since 2017.

The General Authority for Statistics announced today the results of Oil and Gas Statistics Publication 2023 for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the publication's results, the total crude oil production in the Kingdom for 2023 decreased by 9.3% compared to 2022, reaching 3.506 million barrels. Meanwhile, the quantity of crude oil exports recorded a decrease of 9.6%, amounting to 2.431 million barrels compared to 2022.

The total production of gasoline in 2023 decreased by 2.6% compared to 2022, with a production quantity of 224 million barrels. Regarding kerosene and jet fuel, there was an increase in production quantity, reaching 57 million barrels, an increase of 2.7% compared to 2022, based on the results.

The total consumption of gasoline in 2023 increased by 1.8% compared to 2022, with a consumption quantity of 186 million barrels. In terms of kerosene and jet fuel, there was also an increase in consumption, reaching 35 million barrels, up by 32.8% compared to 2022, according to the publication.

 

The publication showed a decrease in total fuel oil exports for 2023 by 10.3% compared to 2022, with export quantities amounting to 67 million barrels, while imports increased, totaling 88 million barrels with a growth rate of approximately 25.9%. As for gas/diesel oil, there was a decrease in export quantities, which amounted to 206 million barrels, marking a decline of 15.7% compared to 2022, while imports rose to 33 million barrels, with an increase of 43.8%.

It is noteworthy that the Oil and Gas Statistics Publication covers energy data at the level of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to the International Standard International Energy Product Classification (SIEC), with data available in a time series for the period (2010-2023).

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, received Mr. Erki Kilu, Minister of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Estonia, along with Ambassador Maria Belolfas and the accompanying delegation at GASTAT’s headquarters. During the meeting, they reviewed various topics of mutual interest and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the field of statistical work between the two sides.
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Fahad Aldossari welcomed the Minister of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Estonia and his accompanying delegation. He provided an overview of GASTAT’s key activities and its efforts in digital transformation, showcasing GASTAT’s main products, which include 70 statistical products, and the development of data collection tools and methodologies. The significant role played by GASTAT in updating the base year for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) according to chain-linked series, in line with internationally accepted practices among global and statistically advanced references, was also reviewed. In addition, updates to the Real Estate Index and geographic maps were discussed.
Aldossari also highlighted various regional and international projects, mentioning that the General Authority for Statistics was selected to host the sixth United Nations World Data Forum, set to take place in 2026.
For his part, the Minister of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Estonia expressed his gratitude to the President of the General Authority for Statistics for the warm welcome and congratulated GASTAT on its outstanding achievements. He highlighted the strong relations between the two friendly countries and praised the visit by GASTAT delegation to Estonia, along with its positive impact on various areas of cooperation between both sides.
Estonian Ambassador Maria Belolfas also delivered remarks, expressing her appreciation for the visit and commending the strong relations between the two countries, particularly in the economic sector.
It is worth noting that this meeting follows a visit by a delegation from the General Authority for Statistics to the Republic of Estonia last August, during which they met with officials from the Estonian Statistics Office and held meetings with several other officials involved in statistical work.

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.