A delegation from the General Authority for Statistics, led by Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari , GASTAT President, met with several government officials and private sector representatives in Estonia as part of their visit to the Republic of Estonia. During the meetings, they discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the statistical field, reviewed the latest developments in statistical practices, and strengthened the exchange of expertise. It is worth noting that this visit is part of a series of reciprocal visits with statistical agencies aimed at fostering cooperation, sharing experiences, and localizing practices that add value to GASTAT’s initiatives. The delegation also aimed to demonstrate the progress in statistical work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is supported by the generous leadership, reflecting its commitment to providing data and statistical indicators that aid in development planning and inform both the local and international community about the advancements occurring in the Kingdom across all sectors.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today a 10.5% increase in non-oil exports in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2023. Additionally, national non-oil exports, excluding re-exports, increased by 1.4%, while the value of re-exported goods rose by 39.1% during the same period, according to the International Trade Publication for the second quarter of 2024. The Publication's results revealed a 4.3% rise in non-oil exports, including re-exports, while merchandise exports saw a 0.2% decline in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter in 2023. Imports also decreased by 5.6%, driven by a 3.3% decrease in oil exports. The share of oil exports in total exports fell to 75.0% in the second quarter of 2024, down from 77.4% in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The Publication also reported a 3.0% increase in the Kingdom's imports during the second quarter of 2024. As for the trade balance, the surplus decreased by 6.0% compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Compared to the first quarter of 2024, the value of merchandise exports remained stable, while the value of imports decreased by 5.6%. The trade balance surplus increased by 13.2% compared to the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, the International Trade Publication for June 2024 indicated that the value of non-oil exports (including re-exports) reached SAR 21.6 billion in June 2024, compared to SAR 20.1 billion in June 2023, an increase of SAR 1.5 billion, or 7.3%. Meanwhile, the value of oil exports amounted to SAR 66.3 billion in June 2024, compared to SAR 73.2 billion in June 2023, a decrease of SAR 6.8 billion, or 9.3%. The decline in oil exports had the greatest impact on the decrease in merchandise exports. The value of merchandise exports was SAR 87.9 billion in June 2024, compared to SAR 93.3 billion in June 2023, a decrease of SAR 5.4 billion, or 5.8%. In contrast, the value of the Kingdom's merchandise imports was SAR 57.7 billion in June 2024, compared to SAR 60.8 billion in June 2023, a decrease of SAR 3.1 billion, or 5.1%.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) signed a memorandum of cooperation with Qassim University aimed at enhancing collaboration, improving coordination, and integrating efforts in their respective fields. The agreement also includes joint research initiatives between the two parties. It was signed by Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of GASTAT, and Prof. Mohammed bin Fahad Alsharekh, President of Qassim University. The agreement covers several areas, such as collaboration in developing and supporting academic programs focused on statistics, conducting external reviews of curricula, and providing researchers with access to interactive maps for estimating and analyzing statistical data. It also includes cooperation in data sharing, statistical indicators, and the execution of statistical surveys, along with the organization of lectures, seminars, and workshops in statistics and related disciplines. Furthermore, the agreement offers opportunities for cooperative and summer training for university students. In this regard, Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, highlighted that statistical work plays a vital role in achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by establishing and assessing statistical indicators. He pointed out that the collaboration with Qassim University aids in tracking progress towards national goals and sustainable development targets through joint efforts to improve data exchange performance, address the needs of both parties, and stay abreast of statistical advancements in scientific research and future trends for developing statistical products that bolster the national economy and sustainable development. The partnership also seeks to enhance community awareness and understanding of various sectors and their activities. It is worth noting that the General Authority for Statistics is the official entity responsible for statistics in the Kingdom, serving as the sole official reference for conducting statistical work and supervising its technical and organizational aspects. GASTAT tasks include collecting statistical data and information from public and private entities as well as individuals, in addition to analyzing and studying this data to calculate various statistical indicators. GASTAT also provides consultancy and statistical reports for surveys and research, among other data and statistics services within its scope of work. Qassim University, in turn, is dedicated to achieving its educational and scientific goals and strategic plans, playing a significant and active role in development efforts by building bridges of cooperation with government entities across various sectors. The university aligns with the Kingdom's ongoing development in all fields, channeling its efforts to enhance the nation's status and support the continuous work towards achieving Vision 2030.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) invites graduates from the statistics and mathematics departments, along with several other specializations, to join the Saudi Statistician Program. This initiative aims to attract young national talents to develop a distinguished cadre of national specialists in the field of statistics, enabling Saudi youth with expertise in the field of statistics to contribute to GASTAT’s  national role. GASTAT emphasized that this initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts to empower university graduates, enhance their capabilities and skills, and add value to the statistical sector. It aims to build a generation capable of supporting statistical activities and national institutions in both the public and private sectors, recognizing the critical role of the sector in aiding policy and decision makers. In this context, GASTAT outlined several stages for joining the program. These include employing recent graduates to work directly at GASTAT for one year, during which they will receive intensive training in statistical work. This is followed by sponsoring them to pursue a master's degree. The program, open for applications until August 29 of this year, specifies the required specializations: statistics, mathematics, big data and analytics, economics, data science, quantitative methods, and data engineering. It is noteworthy that GASTAT aims to achieve achieve leadership and advancement in the statistical sector, striving to be the most distinguished and innovative statistical reference to support social and economic development in Saudi Arabia, following the best international standards and practices.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, real estate prices in Saudi Arabia increased by 1.7% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter last year. This rise is attributed to a 2.8% increase in residential real estate prices, according to the report published today by the General Authority for Statistics. The report also revealed that residential land prices increased by 2.8% year-on-year due to the significant impact of the residential sector on the rise in real estate prices in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The residential sector experienced a 2.8% increase in the second quarter of 2024, while prices for residential buildings rose by 0.1%, villas by 0.5%, and houses by 1.4%. Meanwhile, apartment prices saw a 2.9% increase. On the other hand, commercial real estate prices saw a 0.4% decline, influenced by a 0.4% decrease in commercial land prices. Prices for commercial exhibitions dropped by 0.6%, while prices for commercial buildings and centers remained stable in the second quarter of 2024, with no significant changes. In contrast, the agricultural sector experienced a 1.5% increase due to a 1.5% rise in agricultural land prices. The Real Estate Price Index is based on administrative data from the Ministry of Justice concerning real estate transactions. It serves as an essential tool for helping authorities make informed economic and statistical decisions about real estate price trends and future projections. The index encompasses three primary sectors, each with distinct real estate categories: the residential sector (which includes land plots, buildings, villas, apartments, and houses), the commercial sector (which includes land plots, buildings, exhibitions, shops, and commercial centers), and the agricultural sector (which covers only agricultural land).

The General Authority for Statistics released the real GDP Flash Estimates Publication for Q2 of 2024. According to the publication, there was a growth of 4.4% in non-oil activities and 3.6% in government activities, while the real GDP shrank by 0.4% from the Q2 of 2023, the 8.5% drop in oil-related activities was a contributing factor.  In contrast to Q1 of 2024, the seasonally adjusted real GDP increased by 1.4% in Q2 of 2024.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) revealed its new unified phone number (199009), replacing the previous number (920020081), with the aim of improving communication with the public and enhancing user experience. This new number will be the only official telecom channel for individuals, government entities, and private organizations involved in GASTAT surveys. The adjustment of the unified number aligns with GASTAT's digital transformation efforts and adheres to government directives regarding official communication channels for public entities. Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, emphasized GASTAT's commitment to advancing the statistical sector through strategic resource utilization to produce accurate statistical data. The unified number will facilitate seamless access to sector-specific data processing, supporting robust data exchange among government entities, private institutions, and individuals. Dr. Aldossari stated, "GASTAT is dedicated to enhancing statistical methodologies across various sectors to interpret economic and social indicators accurately, aiding in a clearer understanding of growth trends and contributing to the realization of inclusive and sustainable development in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030." Additionally, GASTAT highlighted that the unified number will offer a range of services, including receiving requests for statistical data, managing inquiries and feedback, and engaging with the community and organizations to collect essential statistical information. It is important to note that all information shared with GASTAT by citizens, residents, or establishments are kept confidential and will only be used for statistical purposes. GASTAT emphasized the value of collaboration with statistical researchers in data collection processes, underscoring its significance in the success of field surveys and statistical initiatives supporting socio-economic development plans in the Kingdom. GASTAT welcomes inquiries and information requests via the new unified number (199009), through the customer support email cs@stats.gov.sa, or on its official website www.stats.gov.sa."

The Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics organized a virtual training workshop to review the experience of the Saudi Census 2022 and to benefit from the General Authority for Statistics' expertise in this field. The two-day workshop was attended by representatives of official statistical agencies from Arab nations. During the workshop, the General Authority for Statistics team gave a summary of the Kingdom's statistical work development program and its main objectives. Additionally, they reviewed the phases of the Saudi Census 2022 project's implementation as well as the statistical approaches and techniques that were applied, including the use of geographic information systems, satellite photos, and geospatial data.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa on Sunday, June 30, 2024, the Labor Market Publication for the first quarter of 2024. This publication highlights the changes in the labor market following a reassessment of data from the fourth quarter of 2023 based on the Saudi Census 2022. GASTAT reported that the overall unemployment rate, including both Saudis and non-Saudis, remained relatively stable at 3.5%, compared to 3.4% in the last quarter of 2023. Additionally, the unemployment rate for Saudis decreased to 7.6% in Q1 2024 from 7.8% in the previous quarter. The unemployment rate for Saudi females recorded a slight increase to 14.2% in Q1 2024, up from 13.9% in the previous quarter. However, the unemployment rate for Saudi males decreased to 4.2% from 4.6% in the previous quarter. The labor force data for Q1 2024 showed an increase in the labor force participation rate for Saudis, reaching 51.4% compared to 50.4% in the previous quarter, while the rate for the total labor force (including Saudis and non-Saudis) decreased to 66.0% from 67.0% in Q4 2023. The results of the Q1 2024 of the Labor Market Publication also revealed an increase in the labor force participation rate for Saudi females , which reached 35.8% compared to 35.0% in the previous quarter, while for Saudi males, the rate increased to 66.4% from 65.4% in the previous quarter. GASTAT emphasizes that the Labor Market Publication relies on a household survey conducted by GASTAT under the category of social statistics. This survey gathers data through a representative sample of the population from various administrative regions in the Kingdom. By completing an electronic questionnaire with detailed questions, the survey provides estimates and indicators related to the labor force of the population aged 15 and above in Saudi Arabia. This includes estimating the population within and outside the labor force, as well as calculating important labor market indicators such as the unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, and others.

The President of the General Authority for Statistics welcomed the Iraqi statistical delegation led by Dr. Diaa Awad Kazem, President of the Statistics and Geospatial Information Authority in Iraq, to foster mutual cooperation. The meeting, held at GASTAT headquarters in Riyadh, aimed to introduce the Iraqi delegation to Saudi Arabia's statistical expertise, particularly focusing on the Saudi Census 2022. Discussions also revolved around enhancing collaboration in statistical fields and other mutual interests. Dr. Fahad Aldossari greeted the delegation, highlighting the strong relations between the two countries and underlining the exchange of statistical expertise as a way to strengthen these ties. He elaborated on Saudi Arabia's efforts in statistical transformation, emphasizing the importance of accurate statistical databases for informed decision-making in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Dr. Diaa Awad Kazem expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the Iraqi delegation's eagerness to learn from Saudi Arabia's experience in population census. He praised the Kingdom's progress in statistical work and expressed a keen interest in enhancing mutual statistical cooperation. The meeting was attended by officials from both sides, and the visit will span two days. The focus will be on reviewing GASTAT's experience in carrying out the General Population and Housing Census (Saudi Census 2022), along with discussions on various aspects of statistical work, such as data collection, analysis, storage methods, and the dissemination of statistical data.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today, Monday, June 24, 2024, the results of international trade for April 2024, and published them on its official website at www.stats.gov.sa. The publication results indicated an increase of 12.4% in non-oil exports in April 2024 compared to April 2023. The results also reported a 1.6% increase in the value of national non-oil exports (excluding re-exports), while the value of re-exported goods saw a 56.4% increase in April 2024 compared to April 2023, reaffirming the Kingdom's pivotal role in international trade as a global gateway for international goods. The publication highlighted that "Plastics, rubber, and their products" rank among the most important non-oil export goods, accounting for 26.2% of total non-oil exports, showing a 20.5% annual increase compared to April 2023, reflecting the care for the promising Saudi economy and its diverse sectors. Moreover, the results of the publication showed an increase in the ratio of non-oil exports (including re-exports) to imports in April 2024, reaching 37.1% compared to 32.6% in April 2023; this was a result of the increase in non-oil exports by 12.4% and the decrease in imports by 1.3% during this period. Meanwhile, the value of merchandise imports decreased by 17.4%, and the trade balance recorded a 36.0% increase compared to March 2024.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced that the total number of pilgrims for the 1445H Hajj season amounted to (1,833,164) pilgrims, with (1,611,310) pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom through various entry points and (221,854) internal pilgrims, including citizens and residents.  GASTAT’s statistical results for this year's Hajj season revealed that the total number of male pilgrims, both internal and external, amounted to (958,137) pilgrims, while the total number of female pilgrims stood at (875,027) pilgrims. Regarding pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom, GASTAT explained that the percentage of pilgrims from Arab countries reached (22.3%), while pilgrims from Asian countries, excluding Arab countries representing (63.3%) of the total. Additionally, the percentage of pilgrims from African countries, excluding Arab countries, comprising (11.3%) of the total, whereas the percentage of pilgrims from Europe, America, Australia, and other uncategorized countries constituting (3.2%) of the total. Regarding the ways of arrival for pilgrims from outside the Kingdom, (1,546,345) pilgrims arrived through air entry points, while (60,251) pilgrims arrived through land entry points, and (4,741) pilgrims arrived through sea entry points.  It is worth mentioning that the General Authority for Statistics relied on administrative records as the main data source for issuing statistical data and indicators for the 1445 H/2024  Hajj season. These records were provided by all relevant government and private entities responsible for serving the guests of Allah, following a unified model encompassing various elements. The Hajj Statistics Publication provides a breakdown of the total pilgrim number by gender, nationality, and way of arrival. It is worth noting that GASTAT serves as the official and sole statistical reference for statistical data and information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, undertaking all statistical activities, providing technical oversight, conducting field surveys, research, data analysis, and managing documentation, preservation, and tabulation of statistical information across all aspects of life in the Kingdom. On this occasion, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, for their provision of amenities to the pilgrims, praying for Allah's acceptance of the pilgrims' Hajj and success for all government entities in delivering exceptional services. To view the executive summary of Hajj statistics 1444 AH, please visit the following link: https://www.stats.gov.sa/system/tdf/file_manger/Hajj%20Report%201445H-EN...

On Sunday June 9, 2024, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the report of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and National Accounts Indicators for the first quarter of 2024 via its official website www.stats.gov.sa. According to estimates, the real GDP witnessed a decrease of 1.7% compared to the first quarter of 2023, affected by a decline in oil activities by 11.2%. In parallel, both non-oil activities and government activities achieved growth rates of 3.4% and 2.0% respectively. Meanwhile, the seasonally adjusted real GDP during the first quarter of 2024 increased by 1.4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. It is worth mentioning that non-oil activities maintained their growth rates, constituting 50% of the GDP at current prices. This aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to establish a thriving economy that showcases the success of vision programs and legislative reforms, while also demonstrating progress in major projects and national strategies.

The General Authority for Statistics obtained the ISO 9001:2015 certification by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This recognition is given to organizations that excel in effectively identifying, assessing, and managing quality. It validates these organizations' capability to make quality management decisions, seize opportunities, enhance performance, safeguard against threats, and fully satisfy customers. GASTAT received this certification following a comprehensive examination of its internal policies and procedures, as well as an evaluation of their practical implementation based on evidence verifying actual practices. Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, expressed his appreciation for the efforts invested in adhering to the quality standards and requirements of the ISO certification. He emphasized that obtaining this certification is a culmination of GASTAT’s efforts aimed at developing its statistical system. This includes ensuring the highest level of data quality, building sustainable value for statistical products, conducting comprehensive evaluation, and focusing on digital transformation to leverage modern technologies and international best practices, thereby ensuring high efficiency in performance and delivering high-quality statistics. It is worth mentioning that this certification, granted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to organizations that successfully achieve comprehensive global standards in systems, policies, and procedures, signifies a significant milestone for the General Authority for Statistics. ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization comprised of 170 specialized agencies dedicated to developing and implementing standards related to quality and institutional excellence. The General Authority for Statistics serves as the national entity for producing official statistics across all domains in the Kingdom. Its data is used as a reliable basis for formulating economic and social policies, supporting decision-makers and policy planners in enhancing development plans for various sectors. Additionally, the statistics provided by GASTAT are utilized for conducting accurate and transparent local, regional, and international comparisons. GASTAT also prepares national statistical tools and classifications in accordance with international standards, updates and develops them, and provides accurate data to both local and international private sectors and investors, thereby encouraging investment in the Kingdom, in line with the objectives and aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, met with Ms. Intisar bint Abdullah Al-Wahibi, Director General of the Statistical Center for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, at GASTAT’s headquarters in the capital Riyadh. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation, reviewed opportunities for developing collaboration, and delved into various topics of mutual interest, particularly in the realm of statistical data. The two sides explored ways to strengthen mutual coordination in the field of statistical data. They also discussed the establishment and ongoing development of the statistical database, along with GASTAT’s strategies for statistical data, methods, quality assurance, and governance. Furthermore, they examined approaches to enhancing both human and institutional statistical capacities through a range of core activities offered by the Center. Among these activities, they highlighted the support program for countries and members, which aims to enhance statistical work and standardize and improve its quality. Aldossari pointed out that the recent years have seen considerable growth in statistical activities in the Kingdom. This transformation has been driven by statistical initiatives and projects led by the General Authority for Statistics. The objective has been to generate statistical data and indicators while continuously advancing the integration of diverse data sources. This has been facilitated by leveraging optimal data management infrastructure and governance practices, along with the consistent use of cutting-edge technology for ongoing enhancement. Additionally, the country has actively engaged in international workshops and conferences, prioritizing the development of national talent. Its worth noting that the Statistical Center for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States serves as the official source for data, information, and statistics pertaining to the GCC countries. Its mandate is to enhance statistical and informational work for national statistical centers and planning bodies within the GCC countries. The establishment of the center was approved by the Ministerial Council for the GCC in September 2011, and its statute was adopted by the Supreme Council of the GCC in December 2012. The Supreme Council consists of the Majesties and Highnesses, Heads of the member countries: the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.

GASTAT welcomed a delegation from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The meeting held at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh over three days, explored ways to enhance joint work in the statistical sector and opportunities for developing cooperation in statistical data. Various topics of mutual interest in the statistical field were also discussed, alongside gaining insights into Saudi Arabia’s experience in population censuses. The two sides discussed the stages of Saudi Census 2022 project, methods of calculating all statistical indicators and an introduction to the statistical database. They also covered the continuous development efforts that GASTAT is implementing in its statistical data strategy, aiming to provide updated statistical data to enhance joint efforts toward sustainable development goals. This includes ongoing advancements in indicator calculation methods, the exchange of statistical expertise, and the improvement of the quality of statistical data.

Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), met with Mr. Ian Diamond, Director of the UK Office for National Statistics, in London. This meeting was part of the delegation's visit to the United Kingdom. During the meeting they discussed ways to enhance joint work in the statistical field, reviewed recent developments, and strengthened the exchange of expertise between the two countries in this context, considering the agreement signed between the two entities.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Saudi Health Council aiming at enhancing cooperation, strengthening coordination, and integrating efforts in their respective areas of specialization. The memorandum sets a general framework for joint activities, tasks, and institutional capacities development between both parties, within the context of achieving partnership and integration among government sectors. The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Council's General Secretariat.  The Saudi Health Council was represented by Nahar bin Mazki Al-Azmi, Secretary-General of the Saudi Health Council, while GASTAT was represented by Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics.  The memorandum aims to exchange support, technical expertise, and knowledge between the two parties. It also aims to provide advice in the field of research, studies, publications, and statistics exchange in the healthcare sector. Additionally, it seeks to provide the necessary indicators to measure the performance and impact of the healthcare sector, which will contribute to supporting health policy formulation and decision-making processes. Furthermore, the memorandum covers cooperation in various aspects, including collaborative research projects and the development of human capacities for employees of both entities within their respective domains. This will be facilitated through training courses, seminars, scientific conferences, and workshops.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) launched the Comprehensive Agricultural Survey in all regions and governorates of the Kingdom. This survey aims to collect basic and structural data on agricultural activity in the Kingdom, covering both plant and animal sectors, with the goal of provideing an agricultural database on which decision-makers and policymakers can rely and use as a trusted reference, thereby aiding in the formation of agricultural activities plans and future goals. In the same context, the survey provides agricultural data to meet local, regional, and international statistical requirements. It also helps in the conduction of studies, analyses, and statistical comparisons in this field, in addition to supplying researchers, scholars, and interested parties with the necessary statistical data on agricultural activity. These data can be used in research and scientific studies to foster the advancement of agricultural activity in the Kingdom. GASTAT clarified that the Comprehensive Agricultural Survey will be implemented through telephone interviews, self-completion questionnaires, and field visits. It urges all concerned parties to actively participate in providing the required data for the survey. It assures that the information provided by citizens, residents, or establishments will be kept strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes. GASTAT welcomes all inquiries and requests for information through its representatives via the unified statistical telephone number (920020081), the customer support email (cs@stats.gov.sa), or its website (www.stats.gov.sa).