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).

In Q4 of 2023, the net value of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows in the Kingdom amounted to SAR 13 billion, representing an increase of more than 16% compared to Q3 of the same year. This information is based on the Foreign Direct Investment Publication for the fourth quarter of 2023 from the General Authority for Statistics. The results of the Publication showed that the value of FDI inflows into the Kingdom's economy reached SAR 19 billion, an increase of 16.6% compared to Q3 of the same year, which was valued at SAR 16 billion. The Publication also indicated that the value of FDI outflows from the Kingdom's economy was about SAR 6 billion, representing an increase of 17.6% compared to Q3 of the same year, which amounted to SAR 5 billion.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued today the Labor Market Publication for Q4 of 2023. According to the results of this publication, the total unemployment rate (for Saudis and non-Saudis) decreased to 4.4% from Q3, 2023 by 0.7 percentage points, where it was 5.1%. The unemployment rate for Saudis also decreased to 7.7% in Q4 of 2023 compared to 8.6% in Q3, 2023. Additionally, the unemployment rate for Saudi females during Q4 of 2023 decreased to 13.7% compared to 16.3% in the previous quarter, while the unemployment rate for Saudi males remained stable at 4.6% in Q4 of 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the labor force indicators showed a decline in the total participation rate in labor force (for Saudis and non-Saudis) compared to Q3, 2023, reaching 60.4%. Moreover, the participation rate in labor force for Saudis dropped to 51.3%, compared to the previous quarter. The results of the Labor Market Publication also indicated a decrease in the participation rate in labor force for Saudi females during Q4 of 2023, with 35.5% compared to the previous quarter. However, the participation rate in labor force for Saudi males in Q4 of 2023 decreased to 66.6% compared to 66.8% in the previous quarter. It is worth mentioning that the Labor Market Publication bases its results on a household survey conducted by GASTAT falling under the social statistics. Data is collected through a representative sample of population from various administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by completing an electronic questionnaire containing several questions. This process provides estimates and indicators related to the labor force of population in the working age group (15 years and above) residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, estimating the population (inside and outside the labor force), and calculating key labor market indicators such as the unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, and others.

The city of Jeddah will host the 48th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Statistical Research. This session will take place on October 4 -5, 2023, and will discuss common statistical issues with the aim of providing accurate data to support comprehensive economic and social development plans at the regional Arab level. This will be achieved by supporting the official statistical systems in Arab countries to fulfill their developmental duties at both national and regional levels in providing accurate data and indicators that contribute to enhancing opportunities for better developmental policy-making. The official heads of Arab statistical centers will participate in these meetings, with Saudi Arabia hosting this 48th session as a confirmation of its leading role in the Arab world and its commitment to enhancing Arab communication and joint work in all fields, especially in the field of Arab statistical work. This aims to exchange experiences among member countries and provide statistical data to support development plans. The agenda includes various activities aimed at enhancing the production and dissemination of accurate statistical data in accordance with international methodologies and standards. Additionally, there will be efforts to develop a strategic vision to improve the level of Arab statistical work, improve the technical and scientific capabilities of human resources in the official statistical agencies of Arab countries, exchange statistical knowledge and experiences to strengthen Arab solidarity and cooperation, and develop high-quality statistics production to drive development forward.