His Excellency the Minister of Economy and Planning and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Statistics, Faisal F. Alibrahim, expressed his gratitude and appreciation 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 Prime Minister, on the occasion of the Council of Ministers’ approval of the Statistics Law. He noted that this approval reaffirms the support and empowerment that the statistical sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia receives. He emphasized that the Statistics Law marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s statistical transformation journey and will contribute to the advancement of statistical work and amplify its impact in supporting development plans.
The Statistics Law serves as a modern framework for governing and enhancing the quality of statistics, in line with international statistical principles and standards. It will also support the Kingdom’s direction toward greater transparency and enable public and private entities to use statistics in decision-making, contributing to the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
For his part, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, Fahad Aldossari, stated that the Council of Ministers’ approval of the Statistics Law reflects the strong support that the statistical sector receives from the leadership. He added that this milestone is the result of collaborative efforts between GASTAT and relevant stakeholders, and a comprehensive study of both local and international statistical experiences. The law will enhance the efficiency and comprehensiveness of statistical work and support the development of the statistical system in accordance with the best international practices.
It is worth noting that the Statistics Law will replace the General Statistics Law issued by Royal Decree No. (23) dated 07/12/1379 H, as well as the General Population Census Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/13) dated 23/04/1391 H.

Non-oil exports (including re-exports) increased by 6.0%, reaching SAR 31.1 billion in May 2025, compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, the total value of merchandise exports stood at SAR 90.4 billion. Imports in May 2025 also rose, reaching SAR 80.9 billion, a 7.8% increase from May of the previous year, according to "International Merchandise Trade Statistics Publication for May 2025" issued by GASTAT.
The publication highlighted that " machinery, electrical equipment, and parts " were among the most significant non-oil exports, totaling SAR 7.4 billion and accounting for 23.7% of total non-oil exports. This category was also the largest imported goods, valued at SAR 24.0 billion, making up 29.7% of total imports. China is the Kingdom's primary partner in merchandise trade. Exports to China reached SAR 12.7 billion, representing 14.0% of total exports in May 2025, while imports from China amounted to SAR 23.4 billion, accounting for 28.9% of total imports in May 2025.
It's worth noting that international trade statistics are built on administrative records from Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (non-oil), and the Ministry of Energy (oil). Saudi Arabia's merchandise exports and imports are classified according to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding Systems 2022.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the release of the Construction Cost Index Publication in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of its ongoing efforts to develop statistical products for vital sectors and to provide a reliable and effective reference with accurate estimates. This is based on a comprehensive analysis of raw material prices, labor wages, equipment and machinery rental costs, and energy costs. The publication also aims to unify estimates across various sectors to support decision-making by contractors, real estate developers, and relevant entities, and to contribute to shaping a clear roadmap for residential and non-residential construction projects within the building and construction sector.
In the same context, the results of the Construction Cost Index survey on a monthly basis showed price stability in June 2025 compared to May 2025. The costs of basic materials recorded a decline of 0.1%, driven by a 0.4% decrease in metal product prices.
According to the publication (June 2025), the Construction Cost Index increased by 1.1% compared to June 2024, influenced by a 1.2% rise in residential construction costs and a 1.0% increase in non-residential construction costs. This increase was mainly due to a 2.5% rise in equipment and machinery rental prices, and a 9.9% increase in energy costs, driven by a 27.3% surge in diesel fuel prices. Labor wages also rose by 2.4%, while the prices of basic materials declined by 0.7%. On a monthly basis, the index remained stable compared to May 2025.
It is worth noting that the Construction Cost Index Publication will be issued on a monthly basis. The index can be accessed through the official website of the General Authority for Statistics, which provides analytical reports and updated charts that enable decision-makers to track market changes and review publications, figures, and statistical indicators related to this sector.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Project Management Institute (PMI) in Saudi Arabia. Representing GASTAT, the MoC was signed by Mr. Rami bin Ahmed Ghurab, General Supervisor of Data and Partnerships and, Dr. Ibtisam Alqahtani, Vice President, represented PMI.

The MoC aims to enhance collaboration between the two entities, coordinate efforts in their respective fields, establish a general framework for joint activities and tasks, develop their institutional capabilities, and improve the efficiency and qualification of project management professionals through courses and training programs. Additionally, it seeks to foster integration between both parties to achieve their mutual objectives.

This initiative is part of GASTAT's efforts to strengthen its cooperation with various public and private sector institutions and entities. It also seeks to raise statistical awareness through effective local, regional, and international partnerships, keeping pace with current demands and realizing the future aspirations of the statistical sector.