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Shura Council confirms that it agrees with the transformation program of the statistical sector The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat): Shura's Comments about the Annual Report Are of Our Concern GaStat thanked the Chairman of the Shura Council and all the members for their comments and suggestions about the work of the Authority at its twenty-fifth meeting of the second year of the seventh session, in which the Council discussed the annual report of GaStat for the fiscal year 1437/1438. The official spokesman of the Authority, Mr. Tayseer Al-Mufrraj, said that GaStat is committed to consider the comments to deepen the positive impact in the development of the statistical sector in the Kingdom and to lead the statistical work. He stressed that the comments made by the members of the Shura Council are in line with the transformation program of the statistical sector carried out by the Authority.

It links data to a geographical location to analyze and extract reports GaStat Launches an “Interactive Map" to Present Statistical Data for the Services in Saudi Arabia As part of its efforts to support decision makers and policy makers and enable their customers to use statistical data and access them based on their needs, GaStat  has launched the "Interactive Map" on its official website www.stats.gov.sa  for the Services Guide that was recently released by the Authority, which is the unified reference for the services available in different regions of the Kingdom’s cities and villages. The interactive map is a technical tool that reviews statistical data by linking the statistical data to the geographical location to show the spread of the services on an interactive map for the Kingdom. This will add extra features and enable the user to make logical questions as well as spatial analysis on the services database. It also enables the user to reach the statistical data of the geographical location clearly for the different distribution of the services at the Kingdom’s level. Moreover, the interactive map provides basic data for planners, policy makers and decision makers based on the names in the administrative regions. It depends on the data classification in five major groups that include: health services, education services, higher education services, public services, statistical reports of services. The map can review the details of each service according to the service provider, which allows the user to perform a search by specifying the names that contain a specific service within a specific search, or to identify the nearest populated area on the map. It also displays the distribution of services according to the type of service or the administrative areas. Additionally, it includes a "service calculator" which is a tool for making logical queries on the database. The “services calculator” enables a logical search of all the elements of the database and it reviews the results on the map to understand the form of geomagnetic distributions of any search and the possibility to extract the results on an Excel file. The interactive map provides the totals, components and distributions of the services in Saudi Arabia at the level of its administrative regions, illustrated by graphs and geographical maps. It also offers an application designed to release statistical reports for various services at the level of the administrative region, governorate, municipality or populated area based on the needs of the user and with the possibility to print a report for the search results.

Including Aseer Region, Al baha, Jazan and Najran The General Authority for Statistics Starts the Second Phase of Updating the Guidebook for the Populated Areas, in Preparation for the 2020 Population Census In preparation for the population and houses census project (2020- 1441 AH) GaStat started to work according to a series of steps and in coordination with a number of government agencies on the technical arrangements of the implementation “for updating the populated areas guidebook”. It is considered the first field steps proceeding the census 2020 project. These steps are according to a timetable that includes all the stages of updating the guidebook for the populated names for different regions of the Kingdom and it includes: Aseer Region, Al baha Region, Jazan Region and Najran Region. In addition, there will be a number of stages that covers all the Kingdom regions during this year 2018. This project aims to update the guidebook for the populated areas in the field and to process its data by observing all the changes occurred in the guidebook. Moreover, during the updating process, the number of dwellings and establishments in the populated areas are considered and distributed to statistical work areas, also linking the populated areas to the national address, identifying the populated areas on maps and making any necessary divisions.  As well as counting the rugged areas, Badia areas and areas requiring prior coordination. On the other hand, the General authority for statistics (GaStat) has recently held the first specialized workshops to discuss the census form (2020) within a series of workshops related to the form. And that was with the participation of some experts and specialists from the GaStat, and a number of relevant government agencies. The project of population and housing census (2020- 1441 AH) aims to collect and publish the demographic, social and economic data of the population to provide the requirements of the government of basic data on population and housing to build the development plans, also the needs of researchers and planners, and to provide a new framework for all of the specialized statistical researches that are conducted based on the sample method. Additionally, finding a broad base of data and using it as a reliable source to conduct studies and researches required by the development programs, providing the data and indicators of population periodically to measure the population characteristics changes over the time, making local, regional and international comparisons, and to review, evaluate the population estimates in the future.

In order to develop the statistical sector and to follow up sustainable development goals Saudi Arabia Ends its Participation in the Works of the United Nations Statistical Commission (49th Round)   Saudi Arabia Ends its Participation in the Works of the United Nations Statistical Commission (49th Round). It started last Tuesday until yesterday evening at the United Nations headquarters which is in New York City . In addition, the delegation headed by his Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, president of the General Authority for Statistics. He indicated that the participation was an extension of the authority strategy for international participation. Also, to benefit from the best statistical practices because it reflected on the development of the statistical sector in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, he added that the kingdom of Saudi Arabia reviewed number of development axes for the statistical sector. During the works of 49th round, there was several presentations and interventions from co-sponsor delegation over four days. AL-Tekhaifi showed the statistical transformative experience was one of the axes where the authority addressed the road map and the dimensions on which it relied. Which is focusing on the importance of the client, quality and the development of the statistical sector. He mentioned that the KSA experience concerned the participants, and the progress of the statistical surveys reflect the affectivity and the importance of the listening to the clients from government entities and data users. Where the average of the surveys perversely were not over than eleven surveys in one year, but now in 2017 there are more than forty-two field surveys. In order to meet the requirements of the government entities and data users accordance with the regional and international requirements. At the level of the international statistical classification, the president of authority indicated that the authority focused on developed the statistical sector in KSA in several trends, Such as unified the use of international statistical classifications in the statistical surveys and administrative registers of ministries, government entities and privet sectors. Moreover, its first steps were unified the use of international industrial classification for economic activities in administrative registers (ISIC4), for all sectors and entities in the country. While, sector workshops were hold and meet bilaterally to define and to raise awareness of the classification. Also, to explain the mechanism of the application, and the importance of the study of the technical fields for all entities that related to. In order to ensure the access to the identical results based on one axis for the guide. Furthermore, the authority will continued the same approach for the rest of international classifications. Where, the same approach of national classification of occupation is applied recently (ISCO-08). The work of (49) round dealt with the household surveys, while authority confirmed that the household surveys is an important and main source for the different social statistics. That's because they are an active element for all the statistical systems, which based on provide several social indicators. It also considers as an important element to provide the related data of monitor progress in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development, under multitude requirements and challenges which faced by the available data.  GaStat Have focused on conducting a share amount of survey on household in that matter. In 2017 Among all the Surveys 17 of them was a household survey, and planning on doing 20 Household survey this year. The Authority is paying a great importance in register data, and has launched a numerous number of partnerships, initiatives and projects to link all the concerned institutions in the direction to come up with data that provides a lot of statistical indicators, also reducing the need for field survey. United Nation Statistical Commission agenda included a number of topics, surrounding the open data. The participant delegators have indicated a number of steps taken by The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on activating the Open data, to establish a high-level national committee for open data, at a ministerial level, led by The General Authority of Statics. To supervise the work regarding open data in Saudi Arabia, and strengthening coordination and partnership between the parties concerned. In addition to that, the project of Saudi Statistical Portal, which the authority is working on with a number of governmental institution, that offers statistical information’s in an up-to-date and easy-to-use way. Also, applying the best technical tools to access the information quicker and better, and applying the standards of data disaggregation as an open data, by international standards. As well as developing the digital content of the portal (e-content). And Increasing the level of e-reediness, In addition, further development of legislative and regulatory framework. The portal wouldn’t be only for the Authority, it would allow the all the institution, Authority’s and Government Institutions, to display their statistics in the same modern way, and working on strengthening the content with open data. The portal will support the social participation; it will allow visitors to publish their articles. The delegators have declared that this project consist of processing the basic data of GaStat, in addition to the other governmental data and the privet sector, to serve as convertible data which could be interactive graphics. GaStat has represented Saudi Arabia in this field lately as a member of the International Labour Organization of Big data and Official States-UN, whose membership includes 22 countries and 9 international authorities’. On the other hand, GaStat have presented, through their participation, about their current experience in National Statistical Data(MASDAR) for conducting data and statistical indicators from the concerned authorities, and work with them to provide, publish and exchange data and national statistical indicators through Databases and specify electronic portals. Which support making decision in Saudi Arabia, also it’s a solid Informational bank to support Saudi Arabia 2030 Vision and National Transformation Programme 2020. GaStat have declared through the presentation that the goal of this programme is to build a comprehensive national statistical database which have all the statistical data from all the inner and outer sources to produce tabulations, indicators and analysis where the users and analysts need those data in or out of the Authority for statistical references to support decision, and making all of the development plans. On the margins of the round the participant Saudi delegates met with a number of statistical commissions relevant to housing, social and economic statistics, as well as the South Korean delegates to discuss the road map of reinstate the agreement between the two countries. It started at the United Nations headquarters which is in New York City, on the last Tuesday until yesterday evening. In addition, the delegation headed by his Excellency Fahad Ibn Sliman AL-Tekhaifi who is the president of the general authority for statistics. He indicated that the participation was an extension of the authority strategy for international participation. Also, to benefit from the best statistical practices because it reflected on the development of the statistical sector in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, he added that the kingdom of Saudi Arabia reviewed number of development axes for the statistical sector. During the work of (49) round there was several presentations and interventions from co-sponsor delegation over four days. AL-Tekhaifi showed the statistical transformative experience was one of the axes where the authority addressed the road map and the dimensions on which it relied. Which is focusing on the importance of the client, quality and the development of the statistical sector. He mentioned that the KSA experience concerned the participants, and the progress of the statistical surveys reflect the affectivity and the importance of the listening to the clients from government entities and data users. Where the average of the surveys perversely were not over than eleven surveys in one year, but now in 2017 there are more than forty-two field surveys. In order to meet the requirements of the government entities and data users accordance with the regional and international requirements. At the level of the international statistical classification, the president of authority indicated that the authority focused on developed the statistical sector in KSA in several trends, Such as unified the use of international statistical classifications in the statistical surveys and administrative registers of ministries, government entities and privet sectors. Moreover, its first steps were unified the use of international industrial classification for economic activities in administrative registers (ISIC4), for all sectors and entities in the country. While, sector workshops were hold and meet bilaterally to define and to raise awareness of the classification. Also, to explain the mechanism of the application, and the importance of the study of the technical fields for all entities that related to. In order to ensure the access to the identical results based on one axis for the guide. Furthermore, the authority will continued the same approach for the rest of international classifications. Where, the same approach of national classification of occupation is applied recently (ISCO-08). The work of (49) round dealt with the household surveys, while authority confirmed that the household surveys is an important and main source for the different social statistics. That's because they are an active element for all the statistical systems, which based on provide several social indicators. It also considers as an important element to provide the related data of monitor progress in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development, under multitude requirements and challenges which faced by the available data. GaStat Have focused on conducting a share amount of survey on household in that matter. In 2017 Among all the Surveys 17 of them was a household survey, and planning on doing 20 Household survey this year. The Authority is paying a great importance in register data, and has launched a numerous number of partnerships, initiatives and projects to link all the concerned institutions in the direction to come up with data that provides a lot of statistical indicators, also reducing the need for field survey. United Nation Statistical Commission agenda included a number of topics, surrounding the open data. The participant delegators have indicated a number of steps taken by The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on activating the Open data, to establish a high-level national committee for open data, at a ministerial level, led by The General Authority of Statics. To supervise the work regarding open data in Saudi Arabia, and strengthening coordination and partnership between the parties concerned. In addition to that, the project of Saudi Statistical Portal, which the authority is working on with a number of governmental institution, that offers statistical information’s in an up-to-date and easy-to-use way. Also, applying the best technical tools to access the information quicker and better, and applying the standards of data disaggregation as an open data, by international standards. As well as developing the digital content of the portal (e-content). And Increasing the level of e-reediness, In addition, further development of legislative and regulatory framework. The portal wouldn’t be only for the Authority, it would allow the all the institution, Authority’s and Government Institutions, to display their statistics in the same modern way, and working on strengthening the content with open data. The portal will support the social participation; it will allow visitors to publish their articles. The delegators have declared that this project consist of processing the basic data of GaStat, in addition to the other governmental data and the privet sector, to serve as convertible data which could be interactive graphics. GaStat has represented Saudi Arabia in this field lately as a member of the International Labour Organization of Big data and Official States-UN, whose membership includes 22 countries and 9 international authorities’. On the other hand, GaStat have presented, through their participation, about their current experience in National Statistical Data(MASDAR) for conducting data and statistical indicators from the concerned authorities, and work with them to provide, publish and exchange data and national statistical indicators through Databases and specify electronic portals. Which support making decision in Saudi Arabia, also it’s a solid Informational bank to support Saudi Arabia 2030 Vision and National Transformation Programme 2020. GaStat have declared through the presentation that the goal of this programme is to build a comprehensive national statistical database which have all the statistical data from all the inner and outer sources to produce tabulations, indicators and analysis where the users and analysts need those data in or out of the Authority for statistical references to support decision, and making all of the development plans. On the margins of the round the participant Saudi delegates met with a number of statistical commissions relevant to housing, social and economic statistics, as well as the South Korean delegates to discuss the road map of reinstate the agreement between the two countries.

Aiming to raise statistical awareness among students by using a scientific and attractive way GaStat starts receiving students in “ The smart statistitician” exhibition in cooperation with “Scitech” Khobar As part of its plan to raise statistical awareness among all society categories including school students, GaStat organizes the exhibition of “ The smart statistitician” in cooperation with Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Centre for Science and Technology “ Scitech” in Al Khobar city. The exhibition events are held in the centre during the period 9-20 Jumada the second 1439 H corresponding 25th of February- 8th of March 2018.  The exhibition which targets the students of intermediate schools, aims at showing how important is statistics in the life of students by using a scientific and attractive way. It also aims at identifying the most distinct concepts associated with statistics, in addition to raising the level of statistical awareness among students. Furthermore, this exhibition enhances the students’ recognition of the role of statistical entities and field statisticians, and the role of provided data accuracy on development as students are considered effective tools in conveying what they learn to their households.  The exhibition starts receiving the students by a demo video, so the students can get new scientific information in an attractive and entertaining way. The video will introduce statistics, the difference between statistics and mathematics, the General Authority for Statistics’ role, the role of students and households in GaStat work, and the way statistical research are implemented by simulating this experience and making students act like statisticians in their household visits.  The exhibition, which opens at 9 AM and closes at 1 PM (week days), includes many competitions such as the competition of the regions and numbers which aims at providing information about the population numbers in each region. There is also the competition of statistical symbols which teaches students about the importance of population and housing census and all statistical surveys in general.

The Prince of the Eastern Province, Prince Ahmad Bin Fahad Values the Role of GaStat in Providing Updated Data and Statistics to All Government Entities His Royal Highness the deputy prince of Eastern Province, prince Ahmad bin Fahad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz welcomed his excellency the President of the General Authority for Statistics, Dr. Fahad bin Salman Altukhifi and his delegation at his office in the principality court today Sunday. His Highness reviewed the latest data of the Eastern Province within the Services Guide 2017, released by the Authority through its website. Additionally, he stressed that this high-level movement comes from the support and follow- up by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may Allah protect them. Furthermore, it aims to push forward the Comprehensive Economic Development, as well as it spurs all government bodies including GaStat to work positively with the requirements of the stage. Also, he appreciated the role of GaStat in providing updated data and statistics to all government entities that support decision and policy makers. His excellency the President of GaStat, Dr. Fahad Altukhifi clarified that the Eastern Region is witnessing a development on various levels led by his Highness the prince of the province and his deputy that lead us to follow these steps in the General Authority for Statistics, reflecting the numbers which are important indicators for the development across all governorates and regions. Moreover, he pointed out that the Services Guide 2017 published by the Authority through its website, includes statistics of services for the kingdom’s cities and villages. As well as it considers a unified official reference to the services of all governmental and non-governmental bodies available at different regions of the kingdom at the level of its cities and villages. Where it contributes to the processes of planning and establishing future visions for development services to benefit the citizens in all kingdom’s regions. The Guide, in which 27 governmental entities contributed to its preparation to be as a source of information for data, aims to provide geographic database for each populated area that has an accredited service, database on educational services, health services, social and development services, beside public services, administrative services, financial and banking services, as well as providing database for the most important service facilities at the level of kingdom’s regions.

After joining the program of international comparisons and experts of tourism satellite accounts, and to confirm its role in the international statistics map “Saudi Statistics” is a member in the Global Work Group on big data for official statistics After being a board member in the international comparison program and the international experts team for developing tourism satellite accounts 2017, Saudi Arabia, represented in the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat), has become a member in the Global Work Group (GWG) on big data for official statistics which pertains to the United Nations. This group includes 22 countries and 9 international authorities. Saudi Arabia has decided to be a member in this group to reflect the positive role of GaStat in the UN different statistical programs. It also wants to show its progress in the field of big data. GaStat is represented in this group by three statistical and technical leaders who are considered experts in big data; dr. Mohammed Alahmed, vice president of statistical innovation and customer service, Mr. Khalid Aldalqan, deputy of information technology, and Dr. Aseel Almansour, director-general of statistical innovation department. Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, GaStat president, asserted that Saudi Arabia has decided to be a member in the global work group on big data for official statistics to confirm the effective role of Saudi Arabia in the international statistics map. This membership will reflect the results of the Saudi statistical sector’s strategic transformation which Saudi Arabia is really concerned about and support for its role in enhancing the national development decisions. He added, joining this group will enhance the role of Saudi Arabia in the field of big data internationally. The participation of GaStat in this group is represented through capacity building and raising awareness about the importance of big data, in addition to joining the global platform for data, services, and applications. Altekhaifi indicated that the participation of those three national leaders among an elite of worldwide data and statistics experts under the umbrella of the United Nations Statistical Commission is considered an opportunity to benefit from the group works’ outputs. It will contribute in developing the use of big data in Saudi Arabia as these data are one of the very important recent sources of information, in addition to the field surveys and register data. Moreover, it will have an essential role in addressing issues pertaining to methodology, quality, technology, data access, legislation, privacy, and management. It will also pave the way for collaborations with the most distinct statistical organizations such as the international institutions, data producers, and big data experts. This might increase the quality of statistical products provided by GaStat to support decision and policy makers. Furthermore, the group works and results will collaborate in raising the level of information exchange about the big data projects in the statistical community. It is worth mentioning that the creation of the Global Working Group (GWG) on Big Data for Official Statistics was agreed at the 45th session of the UN statistical commission which was held last November. The group work aims at investigating the benefits and challenges of Big Data, including the potential for monitoring and reporting on the sustainable development goals. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the Global Work Group includes 21 representatives and some international organizations: Eurostat, GCC-Stat, ITU, OECD, UNECE, UNESCAP, UNSD, UN Global Pulse, World Bank

It Shows the Housing Characteristics of Dwellings Occupied with Saudi Households Housing Survey 2017 Findings Now Released by GaStat The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) released on Thursday, 8 Jumada Al-Awal 1439H (25 January 2018)  the findings of the Housing Survey 2017, through its official website www.stats.gov.sa.com. This survey was implemented during the period (17/7 - 22/8) / 1438H) corresponding to (14/4 - 18/5/2017). Furthermore, it was prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and it shows the housing characteristics of dwellings occupied with Saudi households. On other hand, Housing Surveys are one of the most important data sources necessary for development planning in the economic and social fields in general and for housing initiatives in particular, both at the national and local levels. Moreover, Housing Surveys aim to: provide data about the dwellings occupied with households at the administrative level of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, study the influence of the surrounding environment and the housing characteristics, create database for housing in order to provide the requirements of the government and the needs of the planners and researchers from the main data about the housing characteristics required by the development plans, provide data and indicators on housing periodically to measure changes in housing characteristics over time and to make local, regional and international comparisons and measure the improvements and the growth in the housing fields by type of dwelling, age of dwelling occupied with the household. In addition, (owned) dwellings and occupied with Saudi households amounted to (49.91%) according to the Housing Survey 2017 findings. (Owned) dwellings that were built by using non-reinforced concreate (clay, stone, bricks, slabs) are excluded from this, in which their rate recorded a decrease down from (13.38%) in 2016 to nearly (10%) in 2017.  Furthermore, (rented) dwellings and occupied with Saudi households represent (38%), and (1.69%) for dwellings provided by employer. It is worth mentioning that findings of this survey did not show the individuals’ ownership of dwellings rate but it discusses the housing characteristics such as: type of tenure of the household’s dwelling included in the field survey. Additionally, villas occupied with Saudi households accounted for (29.44%) of the total number of dwellings occupied with Saudi households, the percentage of apartments occupied with Saudi households was (43.67%) and (7.73%) was for floors in villas occupied with Saudi households. On the other hand, the findings showed that the predominant material used in the construction of dwellings occupied with Saudi households was the reinforced concreate by (87.95%). Dwellings occupied with Saudi households, in which (brick) was used in its construction accounted for (11.88%). In terms of household energy, the findings showed that the percentage of dwellings occupied with Saudi households that depend on the public water network as a source of water recorded (74.28%) of the total number of dwellings occupied with Saudi households, and (99.8%) of dwellings depend on the electricity public network as its main source. In addition, (7.88%) was for dwellings occupied with Saudi households for less than (5) years, (25.38%) was for dwellings occupied with Saudi households between (5 and less than 10 years), and dwellings occupied with Saudi households between (10 to 20 years) accounted for (30.09%). Moreover, GaStat indicate that census surveys conducted every ten years depend on the comprehensive inventory of all dwellings. However, housing surveys depend on the sampling method of selected households chosen in a scientific manner. The survey form includes accurate details to support housing initiatives in which it allows the possibility of studying housing characteristics in a more comprehensive and detailed manner. The findings reveal the housing characteristics of the dwellings occupied with Saudi households at the administrative regions of the Kingdom. Many indicators can be extracted through this survey, such as: dwelling type, approximate age of the dwelling, building material, flooring material, type of possession, source of water, drinking water, source of electricity for the dwelling and other housing indicators related to the dwelling.

Within the Results of the Labor Market Bulletin for the Third Quarter of 2017 The General Authority for Statistics: Stability in the Unemployment Rate of the Saudi Population at (12.8%) and a Decline in the Total Unemployment Rate to Reach (5.8%) The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa  the Labor Market Bulletin for the third quarter of 2017, which provides comprehensive data and indicators on the labor market in the Kingdom from the estimates of the labor force survey conducted by the Authority on a quarterly basis, in addition to the labor market data from the administrative records of the relevant entities (Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Service, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund and National Information Center). The results of the bulletin for the third quarter of 2017 showed stability in the unemployment rate of the Saudi population at its previous level during the second quarter of 2017, where it stabilized at (12.8%), (7.4%) for males and (32.7%) for females, and a decline in the total unemployment rate (15 years and above) compared to the second quarter of 2017, where it reached (5.8%) in this quarter (3.2%) for males and (21.1%) for females. The total number of workers from the data of administrative records in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached (13,758,064) indivisuals, the total number of Saudis jobseekrs from the records of administrative reached (1,231,549) individuals, (190,822) are males and (1,040,727) are females. The highest percentage of Saudis jobseekers in the age group (25-29) was represented by 31.3%. Moreover, the results showed that nearly half of the Saudi jobseekers hold Bachelor degrees and their percentages reached (45.8%). According to the administrative records of the relevant entities, the total number of work visas issued reached 509,180. (22.3%) for the public sector, (37.8%) for the domestic sector and (39.9%) for the private sector. The bulletin included a large number of detailed data on workers according to the regulations they are subject to, and according to the nationality, gender, age, administrative region and educational level, as well as data on job seekers, average monthly wage, working hours and domestic workers. On the other hand, the official spokesman of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Mr.Tayseer Al-Mafarj, clarified that there is a difference between job seekers and unemployed. The "unemployed" according to the Labor Force Survey are the individuals (15 years and above) who were jobless during the period of the time reference (the survey period): the previous week of the household visit and have been looking for a job seriously during the four weeks prior to the household visit (they have at least taken one way to look for a job). This includes those who did not search for work during the four weeks prior to the household visit because they were waiting for a job or starting their own business in the coming period, where they had already been looking for work before the time reference period and at the same time they were able to work and were ready to join it (If available), during the week preceding the household visit. Additionally, the definition of job seekers is the Saudi individuals (males or females) enrolled in the job search programs of the Ministry of Civil Service (Jdarah or Saed) and the Human Resources Development Fund (Hafiz). And they register their personal data, qualifications, practical experiences and CVs through an electronic system. It is worth to mention that job seekers in the administrative records are not subject to the internationally recognized standards and conditions of unemployment approved by the ILO and therefore are not considered to be unemployed. Hence, not every job seeker is considered unemployed, he may be looking for work and is working in another job, this is the case in job seekers in government entities who are working, for example, in the private sector.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Held an Introductory Workshop and Issued the Unified Guide Government Entities Start to Implement the National Guide for Economic Activities (ISIC4) in the Middle of the Current Month The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) explained that it has completed the preparations for enabling the government entities related to economic activities to implement the "National Classification for Economic Activities", the classification was taken from the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities, the forth version (ISIC4), and was issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Council. And it is considered as an approved Classification for Economic Activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia starting next Monday 14 Rabi Thani, 1 January 2018. The official spokesman of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Tayseer Al-Mafraj, confirmed that the Authority has held several workshops for the relevant entities during the past period of time and prepared a unified guide and an electronic room for operations and communication in preparation for the start of the adoption of the National Classification for Economic Activities that can be defined as the way in which counting units can be collected according to a serial order and defined by homogeneous groups with a view to creating a general framework for comparison of statistical data at the local, regional and international levels. He also pointed out that the data of economic activity can be divided according to the guide prepared for this to specific levels in a manner similar to the characteristics of economic activities classified in one rank.  The official spokesman added that the implementation of the Unified Classification for the Economic Activities aims at creating a general framework for comparing statistical data at the local, regional and international levels, and providing a set of statistical data classified according to the economic activity. In addition, the implementation of the Unified Classification for Economic Activities contributes to the organization and restructuring of all sectors, supports the project of electronic connectivity between different entities, improves the quality of administrative records data of the relevant entities, and provides a comprehensive framework of economic activities to facilitate the handling of descriptive formulas automatically. It should be noted that the original version of the Classification was adopted in 1948. Most countries have applied this Classification as their national classification to become an important tool for comparing statistical data on economic activities at the international level. The first version (ISIC_1) of the International Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities was issued in 1958, the second version (ISIC_2) was issued in 1968 and the third version (ISIC_3) was issued in 1990. Finally, in 2006, the United Nations Economic and Social Council adopted the Fourth Amendment to the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC4). The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) uses the Classification in all its economic and social products, and follows up the updates on the classification and recently it has been authorized to enable the government entities to apply it as an approved Classification for Economic Activities in the Kingdom.

Congratulating The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince, On the occasion of announcing the largest expenditure budget in the history of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi: Growth budget, development and transparency trends, and emphasis on the accuracy of the objectives On his behalf and on behalf of all members of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and all the statistical sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi congratulates The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz AL-Saud and his Crown Prince HRH Prince Mohmmad Bin Salman ALSaud, On the occasion of announcing the budget for the fiscal year 1439/1440 H as the largest expenditure budget in the history of Saudi Arabia. This achievement was a result of the directives of the wise leadership of this country to reduce the budget deficit for the current fiscal year by more than (25%) compared to the previous fiscal year despite the high expenditure. Dr. Altekhaifi stressed that the contents of the speech of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the budget declaration came to confirm the continuation of the development and improvement towards achieving the vision of the Kingdom (2030) to increase the size of the national economy and keep its growth. As well as, the continuation to diversify the economic base and income sources to enhance the ability to adapt to the developments and overcome the challenges and to ensure that the private sector can play a greater role in the development. Moreover, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in the budget declaration, stressed on the need to ensure that the burden on citizens will be minimized, he also stressed on dealing with the potential effects as well as supporting the private sector, identifying the objectives to reduce the budget deficit for next year to be less than (8%) of GDP despite the large and expanding budget and the continuation to reduce the dependence on oil. He also emphasized on the continuation to fight corruption and maintain the public money to pursue a bright future for the country. In addition, Dr. Altekhaifi added that this speech confirms the keenness of the wise leadership to ensure that prosperity will prevail in all regions of the Kingdom and that was confirmed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques also that this budget will continue to be disbursed to various development sectors in all regions of the Kingdom at high rates. The Custodian of the two Holy Mosques concluded his speech ensuring that he had kept in mind that he would continue to work towards comprehensive and balanced development to all regions of the Kingdom and that there is no difference between these regions. The president of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) stressed that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' directive to all officials to raise the level of performance, develop government services, enhance the efficiency of expenditure and transparency to meet the aspirations and obtain the satisfaction of citizens for the services provided to them is a road map to be used by all government entities and in all areas of development. On the other hand, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi said that all the important changes in the structure and mechanisms of the Saudi budget are considered strong cornerstones for the future on the intermediate and long terms. The budget included anticipations about the economy performance on the intermediate term “five years” which assured how clear and accurate are the objectives that the country works on to achieve a financial balance in 2023.  The announcement of these anticipations will be a fundamental base in managing the economic growth in all developmental fields. It will also enhance the transparency and disclosure values, which are values adopted by Saudi Arabia as strategic values in achieving the financial balance program as they comply with the announced objectives of the 2030 Saudi vision. Moreover, the announcement of the developmental funds and the investment fund collaborations in the capital and investment expenditure which exceeded the budget capital expenditure in the past years, in addition to the continuity and increase of the capital expenditure will have a strong impact on the economic development. Altekhaifi indicated that the 2018 budget statement is a result of the new political and economic policies which rely on strong bases both economically and administratively. It also asserts that we are going through the right path toward the future which started to be obvious through the wise economic management that the economic and development affairs council represents. The economic reforms that started with the announcement of the ambitious vision pushed the country towards a change through implementing a financial and economic policies system to improve the efficiency of the government expenditure, and found new non-oil income sources to create a kind of financial balance as a strategic objective on the intermediate term. This will be reflected on the economy of the country and will improve the citizen’s living standard.  GASTAT president added that the announced investments will affect the development positively, as it will enhance the economic growth, collaborate in improving the main services provided to citizens, and motivate the private sector which gets an unlimited support as it is considered a fundamental partner and a main axis in the development process. Furthermore, the high-yield investments that affect development in general and human resources in particular will contribute in increasing the Saudi citizen living standards.  He also mentioned that the budget with all its components will guarantee achieving an effective contribution to improve the efficiency of the government expenditure on one hand, and the quality, accuracy, and transparency of the financial accounts on the other hand. However, moving from cash basis accounting to accrual basis accounting will collaborate in increasing the financial efficiency which will be reflected on the projects outputs that the citizen get benefited from. GASTAT president concluded with prayers to this country “May God keep this country secured and prosperous”

Within the joint committee meetings events on the occasion of completing 55 years in the capital city Seoul  Saudi Arabia and South Korea Signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Statistics    Saudi Arabia and South Korea signed on Friday 7th of Safar 1439 H (27th of October 2017) in Seoul the capital city of South Korea a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the field of statistics. It aims to establish a cooperation between the two countries in the field of statistics by exchanging administrative and technical experiences that are related to the work of official statistical entities. Moreover, the signing ceremony was held within the “Saudi-Korean” joint committee meetings events on the 26 and 27 of this October. These events were held in the capital city of Korea on the occasion of completing 55 years of relationship between The Kingdom and Korea. The memorandum was signed by his excellency the president of GaStat Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tukhaifi from the Saudi side and by the official commissioner of the Korean statistics Mrs. Hwang Soo Kyeong from the Korean side. A number of the two countries officials have attended the ceremony. In addition, his excellency the president of GaStat Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tukhaifi expressed in his speech for this occasion his thanks to the Korean side for the warm reception and gracious hospitality that the Saudi delegation had. He also assured on the deep cooperative relationship between the two countries since 55 years ago until now in a noticeable improvement. He said" we are here today and more than half century of relationship between our countries have passed where the relations have improved remarkably in different fields, in which the economic interests have gathered the experts of the two countries on the tables of the commercial cooperation. Additionally, the special political relationships between the two countries have attributed in the advancement towards cooperation fields that are more distinguished. Since the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Korea have agreed on establishing diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on 16th of October 1962 until this day, the two countries are keeping a strong cooperative relationship as partners and they represent a special model for the West-East convergence”. Dr.AL-Tukhifi added that signing the statistical memorandum between the two countries came along with the new Saudi Vision 2030 where it opens wider horizons for cooperation. The statistical partnership is a qualitative partnership to transfer successful experiences and effective cooperation in the fields of statistical data and information which is considered the strongest cornerstone towards future. It is noteworthy to mention that the statistical memorandum between Saudi Arabia and south Korea includes points for cooperative work in developing technical mechanisms necessary for collecting and publishing statistics according to international standards, determining the fundamentals of statistical databases in different statistical fields, exchanging experiences concerning the necessary requirements for establishing an information central system that is linked automatically with all public entities [and their activation mechanisms], developing statistical work in governmental entities in addition to developing government statistical plans, policies, and mechanisms, exchanging statistical awareness programs and organizing joint seminars and workshops which discuss cooperation issues.

GaStat Enumerates Pilgrims Every Year Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve nearly 24 million pilgrims in 10 years According to the official statistics of the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat), the total number of pilgrims that Saudi Arabia has been honored to serve during the last ten years has reached 23,935,354 pilgrims. The last Hajj season (1437H) recorded the lowest number of pilgrims during the last ten years as it reached 1,862,909 pilgrims. While the year (1433H) recorded the highest number of pilgrims during the last ten years as it reached 3,161,573 pilgrims. The official spokesman of Gastat, Mr.Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the task of pilgrims enumeration every years is one of the tasks that Gastat has the honor of. It started since 1390H since Gastat was called (the Central Department of statistics), in order to provide accurate information that helps all state agencies in planning and development of everything related to serving Hajj visitors. This mission continued during all these years to witness developments and enhancements in the enumeration techniques every year to be more accurate and comprehensive. Mr. Almofarrej added that the Hajj statistics program aims at the completion of all future planning programs to ensure providing the necessary services needed by the guest of Makkah, whether social, health, security, food, or transportation services. This is done through using a time series of accurate data about the number of pilgrims, in addition to the estimation of labor forces needed for providing the necessary services for pilgrims during Hajj season every year. The data and number of pilgrims is also used by relevant systems who studies the preparations and main facilities in Makkah city and holy places, and take it into consideration when preparing the necessary plans. In addition, accurate data and information about Hajj statistics is provided to researchers, students, and individuals who are interested in this field. The data is also used in the evaluation of activities and events made by relevant entities who serve pilgrims, in addition to identify the method of arrival of domestic and international pilgrims. The official spokesman stressed that GaStat will be announcing the number of pilgrims periodically starting from the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah. GaStat will also announce the final and official number of pilgrims on the evening of the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah through the Hajj statistics bulletin. The Bulletin will include detailed results about: number of domestic pilgrims, international pilgrims, pilgrims by gender, pilgrims by nationality, pilgrims by arrival destination, number of cars carrying pilgrims by type, and other detailed data. It is worth mentioning that the number of pilgrims in the last ten years exceeded 3 Million pilgrims in one time, and it exceeded 6 Million pilgrims 6 times. The number was lower than 2 Million in 3 Hajj seasons, and last year was the lowest according to the following table:

Based on record data from the Ministry of Justice GaStat Issued the Real Estate Price Index for the 2nd Quarter- 2017 On Monday  1 Dhu al- Qa’dah, 1438H (July 24, 2017), the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) issued the Real Estate Price Index in Saudi Arabia, which is based on record data available at the Ministry of Justice about real estate transactions. GaStat described the Real Estate Price Index as an important tool to support stakeholders in making economic and statistical decisions regarding the movements of real estate prices and future forecasts during different periods of time. The index includes three main sectors consisting of several types of real estate: Residential sector consisting of the following types (land, Apartment and house), commercial sector consisting of (land, building, showroom/ store or commercial centre), agricultural sector consisting of one type which is agricultural land. The Real Estate Price Index showed a decline in real estate prices for the second quarter of 2017, which reached 0.6% compared to the previous quarter (1st quarter 20170) . the index also recorded a decline of 8.6% in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the same quarter last year (2nd quarter 2016). The report, which was published today, attributed the decline in Real Estate Price Index for the 2nd quarter of 2017 compared to the previous quarter (1st quarter 2017) to the decline witnessed in two of the main sectors comprising the index: the commercial sector 2.2% and the agricultural sector 0.2%, while The housing sector rose 0.2%. The decline in the Real Estate Price index for the second quarter of 2017 compared to the previous year (second quarter 2016) is the result of the decline in all the main sectors comprising the index: the commercial sector 10.9%, the residential sector 7.9%, the agricultural sector 1.0% . As part of its duties as an official reference for statistics in Saudi Arabia and as a supervisor and organizer of the statistical sector, the General Authority for Statistics has taken care to monitor the movements of the prices of the constituent units of the real estate sector and monitor the value of their transactions in various regions of the Kingdom and follow the changes that occur from time to time through the statistical product “Real Estate Price Index” which is prepared based on data  provided by the Ministry of Justice in this field, within the framework of integration and cooperation between the various governmental bodies aimed at advancing sustainable development in the Kingdom. This product aims at finding unique real estate indices that measure the performance of real estate market in the Kingdom and fill the data gap in this sector. It is an important tool to support economic decision makers. Its data benefit individuals interested in the economic and statistical analysis of real estate movements and future forecast during different periods of time.

In cooperation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority GaStat starts to visit more than 57,000 households next Thursday The General Authority of Statistics (GaStat) will start next Thursday, 19 Shawwal 1438H (13 June 2017), to visit more than 57,000 households in all regions of the Kingdom in coopereation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority to conduct 3 household surveys: the survey of ICT’s access and use for households and individuals, sports survey for households, and the labour force survey for the third quarter. GaStat calls upon all citizens and residents to cooperate with the statisticians working in the field in 13 regions of the Kingdom including their cities and provinces. The work of than 450 field researcher will continue until 25 Dhu al-Qa’dah 1438 H (17 august 2017). GaStat official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that the household sport survey is one of the requirements of the Saudi Vision 2030 in cooperation with the General Sport Authority. It aims to provide recent indicators about the extent of playing sports for households. Through its results, stakeholders will learn about the reasons for playing sports or not and they will get updated statistics about the relationship of households with sports. It will also provide a comprehensive picture on the size of community participation in sports and physical activity. In addition, it will provide data on the ratio of sports practitioners within the household who practice sports on a regular basis, at least once a week. It also provides data on the percentage of sports practitioners in public facilities, clubs or sports centres, and the number of times a person is engaged in sports during the week, and the reasons why a person may not exercise. Mr. Almofarrej added that this survey coincides with the Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of this year which aims to provide detailed data about national labour force, measure the rates of employment and unemployment, provide data on employed and unemployed individuals, identifying the average monthly wages of the workers, provide data on the average weekly actual working hours by occupation, and economic activity of workers, and data on formal and informal workers. The results will be published in the Labour Market Bulletin, which was recently launched by GaStat. Regarding the survey of ICT’s access and use for individuals and households, GaStat’s official spokesman said that in cooperation with the Communication and Information Technology Commission aims at providing updated data and indicators on the extent of household and individual’s access to information and communication technologies. It includes: the availability of communication and information technology devices, the extent of using mail services by households and household access to ICTs. The survey will also provide individual data including: the extent to which information technologies are used for individuals, age groups, educational and occupational status, difficulties, places of use and reasons for not using ICTs. On the other hand, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej confirmed that the GaStat has been keen to involve all relevant parties from data producers and users in developing its statistical products from creation to publishing through integrated partnership. A training program was recently held for the supervisors of these surveys, in which the Communications and Information Technology Commission and the General Sport Authority has participated. GaStat has confirmed that all information will be treated as an information basis which is reliable and can be used by development decision-makers in all relevant government entities that will serve the interest of citizens and residents. Gastat also has mentioned that al statistical researchers carry official badges and they are officially authorized to collect data to be kept confidential in accordance with the general statistics system issued by the Council of Ministers. GaStat also made available on its official website www.stats.gov.sa the opportunity for students and interested individuals to view field search forms on which the data will be collected. All households and establishments may inquire through the toll free number 8001240440 about this work or other coming work.

Administrative-based Census and Centralized Data System Included Cabinet Okays Statistical Cooperation with Netherlands and Korea As part of its continuous support for statistical sector in Saudi Arabia, the Cabinet has approved in its sessions held on Ramadan 3rd and 17th respectively, the mandate to the Minister of Economy and Planning or his nominee for holding discussions with the Dutch and Korean sides on statistical development, and to sign memorandums of understanding (MoU) with them in this regard. His Excellency President of the General Authority for Statistics (GAStat) Dr. Fahad Sulaiman Altekhaifi hailed the decision stressing:  “The statistics sector in Saudi Arabia receives ongoing support from our leaders at all levels; establishing the importance of statistics in development. These agreements aim to develop our statistical endeavors based on the world’s best practices in the field. Also, our discussions with the Dutch side will address developing modern mechanisms to implement register-based census in compliance with the internationally recognized standards, including a defined statistical approach to run censuses, document data, and to store them in statistical archives. Also, this includes developing the necessary technical tools to create a comprehensive system from census databases, and leverage them in statistical surveys and studies, those implemented by GAStat, public or private agencies. The bilateral cooperation between KSA and Netherlands enhances sharing statistical awareness programs to ensure community participation and to share success stories, to boost the exchange of expertise between both countries, and to take part in statistics-related training courses, conferences, forums, seminars and workshops." As far as cooperation with Korea is concerned, GAStat President noted: “It features the development of technical mechanisms to collect and publish statistics in accordance with the internationally recognized standards, to identify basics needed to create a comprehensive system using various statistical databases and to share expertise as to the requirements to build a centralized data center, which will automatically be connected to all public agencies. Also, this is meant to secure the tools needed to activate these centers, and to develop public policies and mechanisms to provide statistics-based technical and advisory services to both public and private entities. It should be noted that GAStat has undertaken a series of preparatory steps with several local and international organizations towards finalizing the preparations for the (1440H – 2020) census, which will be the first register-based census using administrative records (civil registration number, national ID number, resident ID number), as well as the national home address. Unlike earlier censuses, this census features a comprehensive electronic connectivity with a number of stakeholders, including the National Information Center, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Housing, the Saudi Post, as well as various sectors in concern with the citizen, resident and housing data.

According to the human development report issued by a UN program with a remarkable progress Saudi Arabia is “the second country on the Arab world level and the thirty eighth internationally” within the very high-level human development countries Saudi Arabia registered the second rank on the Arab world level and the thirty eighth internationally within the very high-level human development countries according to the human development report issued by the UN developmental program 2016. Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi, GaStat president, clarified that Saudi Arabia has reached that remarkable progress which was reflected in the human development report issued by the UN developmental program 2016. He added, Saudi Arabia was classified within the countries that have the highest levels of human development.  His Excellency assured that the report is one of the annual reports issued by the UN developmental program since 1990. In addition to the main topics it discusses and resolves annually, the program includes many statistical tables of various indicators, the most important of which is a table that contains the human development guide classified by the level of human development all over the world. This guide is considered a standard that summarizes all achievements in the field of development through three main dimensions: individual health life, knowledge acquisition, and the proper living standard.  He indicated that this improvement in the Saudi level of human development is continuous one. During the past three years, Saudi Arabia registered the (39th) rank last year, the (55th) rank in 2010, and the (77th) rank in 2005. This progress is attributed to the noticeable improvement in all elements of the human development guide which are represented in the expected age of birth, the expected average of studying years which means the expected number of studying years that a child is expected to spend since he/she starts going to school, supposing that the rates of this process by age groups remain stable during all times. The guide elements also include the gross national income per capita which is calculated by the purchase power rate in Dollar.  It is worth mentioning that the human development report divides the world into four groups by value of human development guide’s indicator. Countries with low-level human development have a value of (0R550), whereas countries with intermediate-level human development, their value ranges between (0R550) and (0R699). However, countries with high-level human development have a guide value that ranges between (0R700) and (0R799), and countries with a very high-level of human development have a value of (0R800) or more. The Saudi indicator mentioned in the 2016 report registered (0R847).  Dr. Fahad stressed that this report reflects the level of human development that Saudi Arabia witnesses in many fields. It shows the exerted efforts on many levels. These efforts were achieved as a response to the continuous directions of the custodian of the two holly mosques, his crown prince, and his deputy crown prince. It also reflects the goals upon which the 2030 Saudi vision is made, the vision that represents a promising document that aims at achieving the sustainable development and coping with all rapid developmental changes internationally.

First: Recommendations to improve efficiency of statistical entities: Second: Recommendations to improve efficiency of statistical products: Third: Recommendations to follow up indicators of sustainable development: Fourth: Recommendations to activate statistics technology use: Fifth: Recommendations to raise statistical awareness: Sixth: Recommendations to improve private sector efficiency: Seventh: Recommendation to develop inter-Gulf statistical work:

Based on 3 Strategic Pillars Riyadh Announces 14 Recommendations at the Conclusion of the First GCC Statistical Forum The First GCC Statistical Forum held in Riyadh concluded by announcing 14 recommendations, co-drafted by decision and policy makers, academia, private sector, in addition to the leaders of the statistical data and information authorities, systems and centers in the GCC countries and international and regional organizations. The participants in the Forum, organized by the General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia and the GCC Statistical Center, stressed the importance, moving forward, of strengthening and increasing the effectiveness of the ongoing efforts in the various related fields, based on three strategic pillars (Partnerships, Development and Harmonization, and Resources). The participants also agreed on the importance of holding the Forum on a regular basis ever two years, to monitor progress and achievements in the areas of joint work and collaboration, and discuss the latest developments in the demand for and the production and dissemination of official statistics. The next forum will take place, in Muscat, in March 2019. This announcement came along with the Forum participants’ acknowledgment of the extra burden put on the national statistical authorities, centers and systems by the ever increasing and evolving demand for better quality statistics. The recommendations on the Partnerships Pillar stressed the need to (i) Strengthen the cooperation and dialogue mechanisms between statistics users and producers at the national level, so that the needs of users are met and the priorities are set in a better way; (ii) Enhance coordination and cooperation between producers of statistics in countries, to share knowledge and best practice, avoid duplication of efforts, and increase the quality of official statistics; (iii) Improve coordination and cooperation at the regional and international levels, to keep pace with and ensure contribution to and benefit from relevant developments, and to exchange expertise and experiences; (iv) Explore the potential of public private partnerships in statistics, to increase the frequency of data and develop new data sources; and (v) Foster collaboration and partnerships with the academic community in the GCC region, to serve a wide array of objectives including improving statistical literacy, adding value to statistical production, increasing the correct use of data, and strengthening training and capacity development.    In terms of the Development and Harmonization Pillar, the participants recommended to (i) Improve the quality and comparability of official statistics, to meet the needs of users; (ii) Incorporate contemporary international statistical standards and classifications; (iii) Enhance the use of administrative registers to produce official statistics; (iv) Take full advantage of modern statistical tools and technologies; and (v) Promote the correct use of statistics and statistical awareness and culture in society. Finally, regarding the Sources Pillar, the participants’ recommendations included to (i) Operate statistical agencies in an efficient, cost-effective and results-based manner; (ii) Attract and keep qualified GCC nationals in the statistical work; (iii) Increase the effectiveness and coverage of capacity development programs; and (iv) Explore alternative sources of funding and cost sharing outside the framework of official statistics including with the private sector. For the recommendations of the first Gulf Statistical Forum | Press here

8 days until the beginning of the 1st GCC statistical forum events After 8 days, the 1st GCC statistical forum events will begin in Riyadh under the theme " enhancing statistical collaborations to support economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region". The forum will be under the patronage of the custodian of the two holly mosques king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and organized by the general authority for statistics and the GCC statistical center on 21-23 Jumada second 1438 H corresponding to 20-22nd of March 2017.  The forum, in which there will be 40 speakers from the gulf region and other countries, other people who are specialized in statistics such as data producers and users, and people from the academic sector, focuses on main axes which are: statistical data and information request resulted from the national developmental tracks, sustainable development agenda and international economic issues, discussing the provision of statistical products and services to support the national developmental tracks and sustainable development in the GCC region, in addition to discussing the statistical collaborations between data producers and users to support the economic policies and sustainable development in the GCC region.  The first day will witness the opening event. Many political personalities will attend such as ministers, GCC general secretariat leaders, ambassadors, statistical organizations heads, international and regional organizations representatives, statistical sector specialists, media, and other participants.  The forum events will begin with 4 sessions on the first two days. On these sessions, the first axe will be discussed from an international perspective which is about statistical data and information request. Also, the sessions will discuss the international issues and their impact on the policies and reforms all over the world and on the gulf region in particular. Data needs and gaps will be taken into consideration too. Data request will be discussed also from a national and regional perspective. There will be a general session titled " statistics production and publication: the strategic motives of the national statistical organizations works". It will be followed by another general session that discusses the third axe which is about collaborations " next steps: towards sustainable framework and mechanisms for cooperation and dialogue between users and producers". Along with the forum events, there will be 6 seminars; the first will discuss measuring the progress in achieving the sustainable development goals, the second is about enhancing the statistical knowledge. Whereas the third will focus on statistical media, and the fourth is about the mechanisms od statistical development by using information and telecommunication technologies. On the fifth seminar, data revolution will be discussed, it will present the cooperation between Arab countries to benefit from data revolution in enhancing statistics production and publication. After that, there will be two presentations about the preparations and challenges, they will be presented by one of the GCC countries and the GCC statistical center. As for the last seminar, collaborations between the public and private sectors in the field of statistics will be discussed.