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.