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.