The General Authority for Statistics Participates in the Gulf Statistics Day ... The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, on the twenty-fourth of November 2016, approved to set a day for Gulf statistics every year. The Gulf Statistics day   is set to show emphasize on the importance of the society’s collaboration with statisticians, and the vital role of statistics is playing in achieving sustainable development for GCC member states.  It also shows the strategic role of the Gulf statistical ecosystem in decision making and policy development in the region. The General Authority for Statistics participates with national statistical organizations (NSOs) in GCC countries in celebrating the Gulf Statistics Day this year on Thursday, the 24th of December. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed the beginnings of statistical work and started to produce statistics in the 1930s, where the Kingdom realized the importance of statistics and information as a pillar of development in any country that aims to advance based on solid foundations. About three decades later, The General Statistics Law was issued by a royal decree, so that the statistical work is organized under a legal framework. The Gulf Statistics Day this year under the slogan "Smart data ... the future of official statistics” shows the importance that GCC countries give to smart data, that could facilitate data classification and data exchange, and builds the foundations to produce quality statistics. Hence, this will enhance participation to use statistics and foster institutional innovation. The Statistics Center of the Gulf Cooperation Council was established to be the official source of data, information and statistics in relation to the countries of the Council, and to enhance the statistical work of the national statistical centers and the planning agencies in GCC countries. The establishment of the center was approved by the Ministerial Council of the GCC countries in September 2011, and its main system was approved in December 2012 by the Supreme Council of the GCC, which is composed of Their Majesties and Highnesses Heads of Member States. The General Authority for Statistics produces many statistical products that are important to making development plans. These products draw on multiple sources, including surveys, administrative data as well as big data. Making statistical information, analytical publications, and statistical indicators available to decision makers and the broader public and hence supporting evidence based decision making is the Authority’s main task and objective.

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

GASTAT Releases the Real-Estate Price Index report for the 3rd Quarter 2020 The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released on Thursday, 5 Rabie Al-Awal 1442H, , corresponding to 22/10/2020, the report of the Index of the Real- Estate Price Q3 2020 in Saudi Arabia and published it on its official website www.stats.gov.sa.com Real- Estate Price index recorded an increase by (0.5+%) in the third quarter 2020 (compared to the same quarter of the previous year) effected by the increase of  the “residential” real- estate price by (+ 2.1%), as the price of the “agricultural” real estate recorded a slight increase by (+ 0.3%), Whereas the price of the “commercial” real estate registered a decrease of (-2.5%), which limit the increase of the General index. The report indicated that the residential piece of land prices witnesses an increase by (+ 2.1%) on an annual basis in the third quarter of 2020, which contributed to an increase in the "residential" real- estate price, which in turn led to an increase in the general index; Due to its large weight in the index, The report attributed that among other "residential" real estate villas prices increased by (+ 0.8%) and apartments prices by (+ 1.5%), while buildings prices decreased by (-0.9%)  residential houses by (-3.1%) also The "agricultural" real- estate Price increased by (+ 0.3%) effected by the increase of the agricultural lands prices by (+ 0.3%). The report pointed out that the Real- Estate Price index decreased by (-0.6%) in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the previous quarter (second quarter of 2020),Due to the decrease in the "residential" real estate average price (-0.5%) In particular the residential piece of land which witnessed a decreased by (-0.5%),among other "residential" real estate, villas prices decreased by (-0.1%), apartments prices decreased by (-0.1%) and house prices by  (-0.2%) whereas Residential buildings prices increased by (+ 0.1%). The average price of commercial real estate decreased by (-0.7%) especially the prices of commercial piece of land (-0.7%), while shops increased by (+1.0) whereas the prices of buildings and commercial centers recorded a stability and did not record any significant change, as well as the prices of agricultural lands. It should be noted that the Real- Estate Price index is a statistical tool to measure the relative change in the Real- Estate Price in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and it is based on a set of data of the real- estate  transactions available at the Ministry of Justice as it is the only official reference and the source of the Real- Estate  data in the Kingdom ,this data set are the result of the Electronic registration and documentation operations that takes place in the ministry, it also includes various variables in the real estate transactions such as: value, location, sector, and type, GASTAT calculates the index (Real- Estate Price) based on these variables on a quarterly basis based on the sector and the type of the property of all administrative regions In the Kingdom, the base year of this indicator is 2014.

At the end of his statistical work journey GASTAT president honors Albatel after a successful career path that lasts for 40 years. In the presence of a number of leaders and employees of the General Authority for Statistics, GASTAT President, Dr. Konrad Pesendorfer, honored Mr. Abdullah Albatel, the president’s advisor, and ex- vice-president, on the occasion of reaching the retirement age, at GASTAT headquarters in Riyadh. In the honoring ceremony, GASTAT president thanked and appreciated Mr. Albatel for the efforts he made throughout his work, and for his dedication and sincerity, wishing him success in future endeavors. In his speech, Mr. Albatel was keen to confirm the continuity of work development from one generation to another. On the other hand, Mr. Albatel expressed his sincere thanks, appreciation and gratitude to GASTAT president for the kind initiative in honoring him at the end of his statistical career. He affirmed his pride in his colleagues at the authority with their great confidence and capabilities the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia has, stating: “I do not remember that the authority faced a challenge that could not be addressed by my colleagues, and this is clear evidence that the authority relies on competences and sincere national experiences that distinguished the statistical work system in the Kingdom". Albatel stressed the importance of accurate statistical data and indicators that transparently reflect the reality of all fields in Saudi Arabia, to be presented to decision-makers, policy-makers and those interested, so that everyone can benefit from their acquired data to help them develop future actions and draw up integrated sustainable development plans. Mr. Albatel said with pride: “The statistical work has contributed to the growth and development of the Kingdom and the provision of the appropriate environment and tools necessary for the success of the Saudi Vision 2030 by supporting and coordinating efforts among all components of the statistical sector to enhance its role in supporting this ambitious vision”. It is noteworthy that Mr. Albatel is one of the most prominent statistical figures in Saudi Arabia, as his career path in the statistical sector spans for over 5 decades. His keen experience contributed to the development of statistical work during his career in the Central Department of Statistics and Information and the General Authority for Statistics. Mr.Albatel started his career path as a statistician, and progressed to later becoming the vice president of the Authority. Moreover, Mr.Albatel contributed to the completion of four general census of population, housing and establishments, in addition to statistical work in economic and social statistics, among others. It is worth noting that Mr. Albatel has also represented the Kingdom in many forums, conferences, both in local and international meetings. He also contributed in drafting the systems, regulations and decisions that led to the development of statistical work up to what is has become today. He was honored by GASTAT’s president, Dr. Konrad Pesendorfer, in appreciation of the important and prominent role he played throughout his career, and his enrichment of statistical work in the Kingdom. During the ceremony, Mr. Mohammed Al-Dukhaini, Strategic Communication and Client Support deputy, and GASTAT spokesperson delivered a speech on behalf of GASTAT employees, in which he expressed the sincerest appreciation and gratitude for Mr.Albatels’s support for them reflecting by his gentleness of morals, nobility, and with his long practical experience. Mr.Albatel will always be an important reference for following generations in the Authority.

For the second quarter in a row: a decrease in unemployment rates and an increase in the economic participation rate of Saudis GASTAT: The unemployment rate of the total population and the Saudis decreased during the first quarter of 2019 compared to the last quarter of 2018 On Sunday Ramadhan 28th, 1440H. (corresponding to June 2nd, 2019), GASTAT released the Labour Market Bulletin for the first quarter of 2019 on its official website  (www.stats.gov.sa). The bulletin is based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey that is conducted by GASTAT on a quarterly basis as well as the labour market data from the administrative records available at the related entities (Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Affairs, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund, and National Information Center). The results of the 2019 first quarter bulletin, based on the estimates of the Labour Force Survey, showed a decrease in the unemployment rate of total Saudis (15 years and above) which reached (12.5%) compared to (12.7%) in the previous quarter. In the first quarter of 2019, the Saudi males’ unemployment rate reached (6.6%), whereas it reached (31.7%) for Saudi females.  The unemployment rate of the total population (Saudis and non-Saudis) (15 years and above) decreased to (5.7%) compared to (6.0%) in the fourth quarter of 2018. The results of the survey also showed that the economic participation rate in the first quarter of 2019 for total Saudis (15 years and above) increased to (42.3%) compared to (42.0%) in the previous quarter. The economic participation rate among Saudi females increased to (20.5%) compared to (20.2%) in the previous quarter, and increased to (63.3%) compared to (63.0%) in the previous quarter. Also, the bulletin showed that the total employed Saudis (males and females) according to administrative records data increased slightly compared to the fourth quarter of last year, where the number of Saudi employees (males and females) reached (3,112,029). 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 (945,323) based on the administrative records in Saudi Arabia for the first 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) .

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the "Labor Market Statistics Q1 2020” on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. Data in these statistics do not yet reflect the impact of Covid-19 crisis as they were collected early in the first quarter. The total unemployment rate stood at (5.7%) in Q1 2020. The Labor force participation rate for the total population (aged 15 years and over) increased by (1.8) percentage points compared to Q1 of 2019, reaching (58.2%). Male Labor force participation rate was (80.4%), while the rate of participation of women in the Labor force was (25.4%), the Labor Market Statistics results noted. Compared to Q4 of 2019, Saudi unemployment rate decreased from (12.0%) to (11.8%) in Q1 2020. Saudi female’s unemployment rate reached (28.2%), a decrease of (2.6) percentage points. Saudi male’s unemployment rate (aged 15 years and over) reached (5.6%), with an increase of (0.7) percentage points. Based on the administrative data, Saudi and non-Saudi employees amounted to (13,635,612) individuals. The total number of Saudi employees (males and females) reached (3,203,423) individuals, (2,066,553) Saudi males (1,136,870) and Saudi females, based on the Labor Market Statistics results. Saudi job seekers (males and females), based on the administrative sources, is at (1,015,820) individuals, where Saudi males accounted for (186,969) and Saudi females accounted for (828,851). The participation rate in the Labor force for Saudi males and females (aged 15 years and over) fell by (0.5) percentage points to (46.2%) compared to Q1 2020. The Saudi male participation rate in the Labor force fell by (0.8) percentage points from the previous quarter, reaching (65.8%), while the Saudi female participation rate fell by (0.1) percentage points from the previous quarter, reaching (25.9%), compared to the previous quarter. GASTAT has two main data sources to produce the Labor Market Statistics. The Labor Force Survey conducted by GASTAT and administrative data sources. Survey data are collected from a representative sample of households spread out across all administrative regions in Saudi Arabia. The administrative sources include data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Human Resources Development Fund, General Organization for Social Insurance, and National Information Center.

Al-Fuhaid: Those who exist in the two holy mosques, hospitals and hotels will be counted on the first day of the actual enumeration stage The Director of the 2020 Saudi Census project, Mr. Fahd Al-Fuhaid, revealed that according to the plan prepared to implement the actual enumeration stage, the priority will be to count the population who move quickly such as those in the two holy mosques, hospitals and hotels in all regions of the Kingdom, starting from Tuesday evening, 22-23 Rajab corresponding to 17-18 March 2020. However, the census work represented in the visit of researchers to households, begins on Wednesday, 23 Rajab corresponding to March 18, 2020. Al-Fuhaid attributed that to the fact that the citizens, residents, and visitors in these places are moving more rapidly than those who are in their houses and usual places of residence. Indicating that the General Authority for Statistics has taken several technical and statistical measures to increase the accuracy and quality of statistical data aiming to obtain detailed information about population and housing, such as demographic, social and economic data of population in those places. Al-Fuhaid stated that work is still underway to implement the building numbering stage, which started on Monday 9 Jumad Al-Thani, 1441 AH, corresponding to February 3, 2020 over 33 days, and continues until Friday 11 Rajab , 1441 AH, corresponding to 6 March, 2020, where there are approximately 11 thousand monitors working in the field to meet the head of the household and put a sticker containing the building number, real estate unit number, total number of real estate units, and details of the sub and the main entrances of the buildings . Researchers also take preliminary data of the household, number of individuals, type of building, occupancy of real estate units, in addition to determining households who want to use the self-enumeration. Self-enumeration is one of the modern technological methods used in population censuses, where households do not need to be visited by the researcher, and may complete the census questionnaire electronically. It should be noted that the Fifth Census of Population, Housing and Establishments in the Kingdom "Saudi Census 2020" will provide a broad base of statistical data to be used as a reliable basis in conducting studies and research required by the programs and plans of development in the Kingdom and achieving Vision 2030, In addition to providing statistical data and indicators to measure the change in population characteristics over time, making domestic , regional and international comparisons, and reviewing and evaluating future population estimates .

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 employees of the General Authority for Statistics celebrate the 89th National Day The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) employees celebrated on Tuesday morning Muharram 25th, 1441H. (September 24th, 2019), the 89th National Day of Saudi Arabia at the headquarter of the Authority in Riyadh. The ceremony included many activities and various events. On his behalf and on behalf of all GASTAT’s employees as well as all the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia, president of GASTAT, Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tekhaifi congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and his crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz on this blessed occasion. On the other hand, GASTAT’s president confirmed that our wise government will continue to achieve Saudi Arabia’s aspirations and goals, and continue to support the process of development and prosperity, including unlimited support to develop the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia. He pointed out that the occasion of our National Day is a precious one and we are waiting for it every year to be inspired by the lessons of sacrifice, pride and glory and tell the next generations the stories of the great struggle led by the founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud – may he rest in peace, to build this great homeland on the soil of this blessed earth. It is worth mentioning that the head office of the General Authority for Statistics has been decorated in green and white, where all employees participated in the celebration and expressed their great feelings towards the country and the good leadership, as everyone also participated in the performance of the Saudi Ardha (a famous traditional dance show in Saudi Arabia), in addition to many other activities. The atmosphere of joy and happiness surrounded the place and touched  to the hearts of all participants.

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).

GASTAT: releases Consumer Price Index(CPI) Monthly Report for July,2019 General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released its monthly report of Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Saudi Arabia for July, 2019. The report was published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa. CPI increased by (%0.1) compared to last month (June,2019). In fact, the increase was from (105.9) in June,2019 to (106.0) in July,2019 with (%0.1) change, report showed. As a matter of fact, the report attributed this increase to the increase of the six sections composing it, which are: home furnishing and equipment with (%0.8), health section with (%0.8), transportation section (%0.7), goods and personal services section with (%0.6), culture and entertainment with (%0.5), and restaurants and hotels section with (%0.1). In contrast, two of the main sections witnessed a decline, which are: food and beverages section with (%0.3) as well as clothing and shoes section with (%0.2). On the other hand, tobacco, housing, water, electricity and gas, telecommunication, education sections remained stable with no change. As a matter of fact, consumer price index CPI is one of the significant economic statistics that is related to individuals’ daily life and provide the necessary information to monitor goods and services prices in Saudi Arabia’s retail market.

Within the results of the Specialized Agricultural Projects’ Survey 2018 GASTAT: More than (2 billion) litres of milk is produced by specialized cow farms, and more than (2,500) fish ponds in Saudi Arabia On Monday 25/12/1440 H corresponding 26/8/2019, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Specialized Agricultural Projects’ Survey, 2018 on its official website (www.stats.gov.sa). It is a field survey through which data are collected by visiting all specialized agricultural projects’ holdings including (specialized cow farms, fish farms, farms of broiler chickens, ostriches, rabbits, quails, and pigeons, and farms of laying hens and hatcheries) in all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. The survey has been implemented during the fourth quarter of 2018. It provides data and indicators that are related to production of specialized agricultural projects to support decision and policy makers, and those concerned with the agricultural sector.  According to the results, the capacity of specialized cow farms reached (364,389) cows in 2017. The results also showed that cow milk production reached (2,074,562,485) liters in the specialized cow farms. However, calves’ production in the specialized cow farms reached (31,883) calves in 2017. As for specialized fish farms, number of ponds registered (2,508) ponds in 2017, whereas the size of ponds in the specialized fish farms recorded (8,848,456) square meter. The survey results also demonstrated that the total production of fish and shrimps in the specialized fish farms registered (61,381) tons in 2017, where shrimps recorded (71.7%) out of total production in the specialized fish farms.  Moreover, the survey included data on broiler chickens, ostriches, rabbits, quails, and pigeons, where the capacity of broiler chicken farms reached (135,180,100) birds, while the production of ostriches, rabbits, quails, and pigeons registered (2,849) tons in 2017.  Regarding the farms of laying hens and hatcheries, survey results revealed the total capacity of these farms as it registered (45,542,408) birds. The number of eggs produced by laying hens reached (224,169,150) eggs, while the number of chicks in these farms registered (222,440,150) birds.  It is worth mentioning that the Specialized Agricultural Projects’ Survey, 2018 is the second agricultural survey implemented by GASTAT during the month of Thu Al-Hijjah. GASTAT plans to release the results of the Agricultural Production Survey by the beginning of next Hijri year 1441 H.

The statistical record of Hajj 1440 AH, which was issued by the General Authority for Statistics on Friday   Al-Tkheefi: Statistical data for government services and counting the numbers of pilgrims and indicators of the management of the Hajj works are included in the "Statistical Register" of Hajj 1440 AH The General Authority for Statistics launched on Friday, Ghurat Dhu al-Hijjah 1440 AH, the statistic record for this year's Hajj season through its official website, which showed the dates of publication of the statistics of services provided by the government entities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the guests of Allah, in addition to the statistics of the pilgrims inside and outside, and a set of statistical indicators for the management of the work of the Hajj related to the data of the journeys of the passengers of the Haramain and the Al Mashaer train, and vehicles on the main roads of Mecca and Al Mashaer Al Mogaddasah and human density. Dr. Fahd bin Sulaiman Al-Tkheefi, Chairman of the General Authority for Statistics, explained that the statistical record, through its statistics, figures, data and smart indicators, is the summary of the statistical data that will be issued by the Authority during the Hajj season, and resulting from the implementation of three statistical projects in partnership with government and private entities working in the Hajj. The statistical register aims to clarify the efforts provided by more than 40 government and private entities to the pilgrims, where through the statistical register of Hajj on the official website of the Authority, the statistics of supervision and follow-up services, public services statistics, and health services statistics provided to the pilgrims, in addition to the transport services statistics, telecommunication and information technology services statistics, will be announced successively. And these services will be provided by the following entities: Makkah emirate, Madinah emirate, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Commerce and Investment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology,  General Authority for Statistics, General Authority of Customs, Food and Drug Authority, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Communications and Information Technology Commission, Control and Investigation Commission in Makkah region, Makkah Development Authority, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, General Security, General Directorate of Passports, General Directorate of Civil Defence, National Information Center, General Presidency of the Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Secretariat of Holy Capital, Jeddah Municipality, Makkah Electricity Company, Makkah and Taif Business Unit of National Water Company, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, Supreme Commission for the Control of Pilgrims Transport, Saudi Post Corporation, Saudi Arabian Boy Scouts Association, Saudi Arabian Airlines, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah Islamic Port, mobile and Internet operators, and a number of private entities concerned with providing services to the guests of Allah.   After that, the numbers of the inside pilgrims from the seventh day of Dhu Al-Hijjah will be published periodically every six hours until the total number of pilgrims from inside and outside is announced on the evening of Arafa on the ninth day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, God willing. Al Tkheefi added that the Authority will issue the detailed bulletin of Hajj statistics on the morning of the tenth anniversary of the month of Dhu Al-Hijjah 1440 AH. Al Tkheefi also confirmed that all the data of the statistical register will be available through the official website of the Authority in the specified times according to the dates of the register in open formats to support the research centers and studies and the media to benefit from them and publish them.

General Authority for Statistics: Total Number of Hajj Pilgrims in 1440 AH is 2,489,406, a 4.96% Increase Over Last Year; Kingdom Provides Over 350,000 Employees to Serve Them Of these, 1,855,027 pilgrims are from abroad, and 634,379 are from within the Kingdom GASTAT: The total number of pilgrims for the 1440 AH Hajj season is 2,489,406, an increase of 4.96% from last year; the Kingdom has provided over 350 thousand employees to serve them. [Total Number of Hajj Pilgrims] The General Authority for Statistics published number for Hajj on the year 1440 AH on Saturday, 9 Dhu al-Hijjah: a total of 2,489,406 pilgrims, 1,855,027 of which come from outside the Kingdom, 634,379 from within; 67% of pilgrims are non-Saudi. The number of male pilgrims out of the total was 1,385,234, and 1,104,172 were female. The total number of pilgrims in 1440 AH compared with the number of pilgrims last year (1439 AH), it is clear that the number has increased this by 117,731, since 1439’s total came-up to 2,371,675. [Foreign Pilgrims] In regards to pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom, the number hailing from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was 31,884 (2%), Arab countries sans the GCC 414,750 (22%), Asian countries excepting Arab countries 1,126,633 (61%), African countries sans Arab states 187,414 (10%,), European countries 67,054 (4%), and North America, South America, and Australia 26,892 (1%). A total of 1,741,568 pilgrims arrived from outside Saudi Arabia through airports, while 96,209 of them arrived via land; seaports accounted for 17,250 pilgrims. Their arrival at Saudi Arabia varied by time; 614,919 arrived from outside of the Kingdom from the start of the season until 18 Dhu al-Qaada; 808,311 arrived from 19 to 29 Dhu al-Qaada; and a further 431,797 arrived from 1 to 8 Dhu al-Hijjah. [Local Pilgrims] In regards to pilgrims from within the Kingdom, which totaled 634379 pilgrims this year (including those residing temporarily there for Hajj), the number of non-Saudis was 423,376, with a further 211,003 Saudis. The Authority has limited the number of pilgrims coming to Mecca from within the Kingdom of Saudis and non-Saudis through the Hajj Statistics Centers located at the entrances to Mecca. The percentage of pilgrims coming from within the Kingdom through the Jeddah – Mecca highway was 34.7%; those through the Mecca-Holy Places road made-up 27.7%, the Mecca-Medina saw was 19.3%; and the three remaining roads—South-Mecca, Taif-Mecca, and old Jeddah-Mecca—made-up 15.7%. In addition, arrivals by way of the Haramain High Speed Railway train reached 2.6%. The General Authority for Statistics in its statistics for this year revealed that 7, 8, and 9 Dhu al-Hijjah saw the arrival of 82.5% of total local pilgrims coming to Mecca; cars entering Mecca this year totaled 39,978. [Manpower in Hajj] In regards to manpower during Hajj across all sectors, over 350,830 served during the 1440 AH Hajj season, representing over 47 governmental and private entities and 353 main and subservices. The total manpower supervising and conducing follow-up services to Hajj came from 6 bodies and 6336 employees; those working with general Hajj services were 257,763 from 21 bodies; the total manpower in the health and medical services was 30,908 and employee from three bodies; manpower providing pilgrim transport, post and logistics services (shipping, postal and logistics) hit 38,750 employees from eight destinations; ICT manpower hit 7,098 employees from four bodies; and 9,975 volunteers served the elderly and worked in guidance, pilgrims relations, translation, and in the health and media. [Statistical Methodology for Counting Pilgrims Numbers] The General Authority for Statistics said it uses a comprehensive counting method for all local pilgrims; using centers located at the entrances to the city of Mecca, the Authority counts the actual pilgrims inside. Foreign pilgrims are counted by the General Directorate of Passports, as mentioned previously, whose employees are present at all ports—land, sea and air. In addition, pilgrims from the city of Mecca are assessed by the General Authority for Statistics in periodic surveys. President of the General Authority for Statistics HE Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi thanked all security and governmental personnel conducting its Hajj mission this year. He praised the contributions made by more than 520 field researchers from the General Authority for Statistics, who completed the tasks assigned to them in the Hajj this year after working around the clock from the first of this month until today’s sunset (Day of Arafat). At the conclusion of all work related to GASTAT’s pilgrimage statistics program, the Authority prays that Allah accept the pilgrimage of all who came to Hajj, and to reconcile the efforts of all security and government agencies, plus all others in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who provide outstanding services for pilgrims.

Statistics: More than (200) main services representing the (general Hajj services), which is one of the five basic services provided by more than (257 thousand) employees working in (21) government and private parties. 21 government and private parties collaborate in providing (general Hajj services) during the Hajj season this year 1440H. The general Hajj services are one of the five main services provided to pilgrims (supervision and follow-up services for Hajj, public pilgrimage services, health services for pilgrims, and transport services for pilgrims). The General Authority for Statistics (GAS) announced on Monday 4 of Dhu al-Hijjah 1440 H within the "Register of Hajj Statistics 1440 H" the detailed data regarding the (general Hajj Services) and explained that more than 200 major services in the field of (general Hajj services) are offered to pilgrims, including: activities of the secretariats and municipalities, supervision and inspection, as well as other services such as electricity, water, religious and media awareness, security services, processing services and the creation of outlets for the reception of pilgrims, in addition issuing Hajj permits for domestic pilgrims, civil cases services, and a number of other support services. The total number of people providing public services reached 257,763 male and female employees, including 253,905 men and 3858 women working around the clock throughout the Hajj season, while the number of equipment and mechanisms used for these services reached 62,050 pieces of equipment and machinery, 7,727 vehicles, 2,640 motorcycles, 14,498 wireless devices, and 5,337 computers. The security services provided to the guests of Hajj are highlighted as the most important public services provided by the General Security. It carries out security and traffic plans and maintains public order in Mecca, Mashaer and Madinah. The number of police stations in Mecca and Mashaer reached 52, and the number of traffic centers reached 280. In addition to 75 security control centers at the borders and entrances of Makkah and Mashaer, the Directorate General of Passports is operating through more than 6041 staff officers, individuals and technicians to equip and prepare the outlets to welcome pilgrims and provide them with the necessary services to complete their departure procedures to their countries through seven land ports, three airports and two maritime ports, in which the General Authority of Customs participates with a workforce exceeding 2638 employees providing customs services, welcoming, and bidding farewell to the guests of Hajj. In the same ports the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture operates 14 sanitary quarantines to inspect animal and plant consignments coming into Mecca and Medina. In the field of providing civil defense services, approximately 16,325 members of the Directorate General of Civil Defense carry out preventive awareness programs as soon as pilgrims come to Saudi Arabia from their countries, and ensure the availability and completeness of safety requirements in their places of residence in Makkah, Medina, and the Holy Places. The number of civil defense centers within the Holy Places reached 105 centers, in addition to 556 preventive supervision points, and units of the emergency and support forces, as well as 64 centers in Mecca, 30 centers in Medina, and 25 centers for civil defense in the border ports and main roads. In terms of  providing and enabling government agencies to use technology, the National Information Center operates through more than 1465 technicians and administrators to secure and equip tablets to read the electronic pilgrimage permits in the sites of sorting and security control at the entrances of the Holy Capital, and processing and operation of all pilgrimage ports in all regions of the Kingdom with devices, fingerprint stations, and printers of various kinds, as well as information transmission services with modern technologies. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior for Civil Services provides its civil services electronically through 5 civil affairs offices in Mekkah and Medinah. These services include issuing and canceling Hajj permits for domestic pilgrims, and recording birth and death facts for foreign pilgrims and residents. In order to highlight the importance of the ritual of Hajj and broadcast it to all countries of the world, information and awareness services rise to the occasion, where the Ministry of Information equips the media centers in each of the Holy Places, Medina, and Jeddah, in addition to carrying out the censorship and authorization of publications that official and civil authorities, diplomatic missions and Hajj missions wish to distribute. It also provides media censorship of what is received with the pilgrims through the various outlets of the Kingdom. It also coordinates with the press organizations to issue press supplements directed to pilgrims in a number of languages, supervise their distribution in the outlets and places of pilgrims, and host a number of media from Arab and Islamic countries to perform and cover Hajj, while the Saudi Press Agency broadcast reports news and surveys of interest to guests highlighting the efforts of the Saudi government and its services and achievements, in addition to conducting press interviews with Hajj missions and pilgrims, and translating all of the above by broadcasting hundreds of news, reports, and press surveys of the audio-visual and print media on the website (SPA) in addition to social media in six languages: (Arabic, English, French, Russian, Chinese, and Persian). The Radio and Television Authority has a staff of up to 1237 employees including media people, administrators and technicians to broadcast the Hajj rituals through five satellite channels, six radio stations, and the Audio-Visual Production Organization organizes and facilitates the broadcast of Hajj rites through 247 satellite channels and 5 radio stations, in addition to issuing permits for foreign media missions, foreign channels, as well as issuing photographic permits for a number of local production companies, providing facilities to all media involved in covering the rituals of Hajj. In continuation of its awareness efforts, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs provides its services during the Hajj season through 1911 employees, by organizing various da'wah activities and answering religious inquiries through a toll-free phone, which amounts to more than 21,000 free contact hours during the Hajj season. In the field of guidance and provision of support services, the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association participates through 3289 Scouts to guide lost pilgrims and help them reach their premises, in addition to the distribution of Qur'an, books, and educational materials. They also contribute organizing pilgrims activities while they are within the sites of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, following-up random stalls and shops selling food, supervising the vendor inspection system, and fining the violators with the participation of the Holy Capital Municipality teams, in addition organizing the pilgrims navigation inside health facilities, assisting those who need transportation by vehicle or guidance and transporting them to their destinations with the support of the Ministry of Health, in addition to guiding pilgrims from the pilgrimage offices to Jamarat, issuing guides and maps for all government agencies to the pilgrims of Mina and Arafat, Mecca (Aziziyah) and Madinah (central region). The number of scout teams this year reached 179 scout squads. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research Center is working to provide research and studies services in order to develop an integrated information system to support decision makers in the field of Hajj and Umrah through 337 employees working since the early Hajj season which produced 45 researches and 19 specialized scientific forums.   As for facilities development services in Makkah and the holy sites, the Makkah Region Development Authority worked on shading the pedestrian slope from Aziziyah to the Jamarat facility, as well as shading the slopes of the ascent and descent of the Mashair train stations, maintenance and operation of the Jamarat facility and its supporting projects, maintenance and operation of the Holy Mashair train, in addition to all operating and cleanliness services in the Holy Places facilities which are carried out by 14,361 employees. Meanwhile, the Municipality of the Holy City, through 23,050 employees, provides municipal services to the guests of Hajj, including: General cleaning services, collection and transport of waste, and proper disposal to maintain high environmental standards. The Saudi Electricity Company operates five main stations with a workforce of 1616 employees. Water services are provided through 2,297 employees working in the National Water Company to operate and maintain water systems, and to clean and maintain toilets in Mina, Muzdalifa and Arafat.