تطلق الهيئة العامة للإحصاء اليوم الاثنين الموافق 20/1/2025 مختبر الابتكار كأول مختبر ابتكار متخصص في الإحصاء في المملكة والذي يهدف إلى تعزيز الشراكة المجتمعية مع الباحثين والمهتمين في المجال الإحصائي وعلوم البيانات من منسوبي الجامعات والجمعيات الإحصائية والمراكز البحثية ومراكز الابتكار، من خلال تمكينهم من الابتكار الإحصائي، وذلك انطلاقًا من سعيها إلى مواكبة التغيرات الاقتصادية والاجتماعية في المجتمع، والابتكار في المقاييس والمؤشرات باستمرار لتقديم قراءات إحصائية ومنتجات ذات دقة وجودة عالية تساعد في تحقيق مستهدفات التنمية الشاملة والمستدامة التي تلبي متطلبات رؤية السعودية 2030. 
ويعمل مختبر الابتكار على تحديد مواضيع إحصائية تحت الدراسة ومشاركتها مع الفئات المستهدفة من خلال تقديم طلبات للمشاركة مع الفرق المختصة بطلباتها للتشارك مع الفريق المختص بالهيئة  لعمل مشروع أولي للفكرة وتقييم مخرجاته، بهدف استخدامها في عملية الإنتاج الإحصائي، وبعد الانتهاء من استقبال طلبات الباحثين عبر منصة الابتكار الإحصائي، واختيار المرشحين، يتم تكوين فرق عمل مشتركة بين كلٍ من المتقدمين، وموظفي الهيئة المختصين، لتطوير فكرة المشروع في مدة لا تتجاوز (6) أسابيع, وسعيًا إلى تعزيز هذا التعاون سيقوم مختبر الابتكار بإدراج هذا الحل المبتكر في المنتجات الإحصائية بعد تقييم اللجنة الفنية. 
وسيكون لمشاريع مختبر الابتكار دور فاعل في تطور العمل الإحصائي في المملكة، بما ينعكس على تطوير المنهجيات الإحصائية والخروج ببيانات ومؤشرات ومنتجات تقرأ الواقع الحالي الاقتصادي والاجتماعي وتمكين الابتكار المجتمعي في منتجات الهيئة.
وتدعو الهيئة العامة للإحصاء الراغبين في التقدم على المشاريع المطروحة للاطلاع على كافة التفاصيل وآلية المشاركة من خلال البوابة الإلكترونية (منصة الابتكار الإحصائي) عبر زيارة الرابط التالي https://www.stats.gov.sa/web/guest/innovation-platform
مشيرة الى ترحيبها بكافة الاستفسارات وطلب المعلومات من خلال التواصل مع ممثليها بالاتصال على الرقم الموحد للهاتف الإحصائي (199009) أو عبر البريد الإلكتروني لدعم العملاء(info@stats.gov.sa) أو البريد الإلكتروني لمختبر الابتكار(innovationlab@stats.gov.sa) .
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Early Childhood Development and Child Well-Being Statistics Publication for 2024. According to the results of the publication, the percentage of children aged (36-59 months) enrolled in early childhood education programs is 9.54%, with males representing 10.68% compared to 8.35% for females. 
The publication also indicated that the participation rate in organized learning, one year before the official enrollment in primary education, is 64.03%. This rate has seen an increase among Saudi females aged 5 years, reaching 65.58% compared to other groups. 
The results showed that 32.07% of children aged (5-7) use digital technology devices for one to two hours each day, while 25.78% of these children use these devices for less than one hour daily. Additionally, the publication revealed that 82.31% of males are on the right growth path in the areas of health, learning, psychological well-being, and social development, while 82.35% of females are on the right path in these areas. 
The results also indicated that a positive and stimulating home environment for children aged (36-59 months) involves their mothers, fathers, or any other adult family member participating in activities such as reading or looking at picture books, storytelling, singing and nursery rhymes, taking children outside, playing with them, naming objects and counting, and drawing. 

The percentage of children aged (36-59 months) living in a positive and stimulating home environment for learning is 82.90%. By sex, females achieved a rate of 83.40% compared to 82.42% for males. 
The results showed that 23.56% of children under the age of five own one or two children's books, while the percentage of those owning three or more books drops to 9.89%.  It is worth noting that early childhood development is a multidimensional process that results in gradual growth in children's motor, cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and organizational skills and abilities during the first few years of life.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the results of the Industrial Production Index (IPI) for November 2024. According to the publication, the IPI increased by 3.4% compared to the same month of the previous year (November 2023), driven by growth in mining and quarrying activities, manufacturing activities, and water supply, sewage, and waste management activities.
The publication results showed a 1.2% year-on-year increase in the sub-index for mining and quarrying activities and a 7.2% rise in the sub-index for manufacturing activities. Meanwhile, the sub-index for electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supplies recorded a 2.1% decline, whereas the sub-index for water supply, sewage, and waste management activities increased by 10.5%.
On the other hand, the results indicated a 3.8% increase in the index for oil-related activities and a 2.4% rise in the index for non-oil activities compared to November of the previous year.
It is worth noting that GASTAT issues the Industrial Production Index on a monthly basis. This economic indicator reflects the relative changes in the volume of industrial production, based on data collected from the Industrial Production Survey. The survey targets a sample of industrial establishments engaged in key activities, including mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply, as well as water supply, sewage, waste management, and remediation activities.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Water Accounts Publication 2023. According to the results, agricultural consumption of non-renewable groundwater decreased by 7% in 2023, amounting to 9,356 million cubic meters compared to 2022. Renewable groundwater accounted for 21% of the total groundwater extracted in 2023, while non-renewable groundwater extraction decreased by 6%, reaching 10,849 million cubic meters in the same year. Additionally, desalinated water constituted 50% of the distributed water quantity in 2023, compared to 44% in 2022.
The publication’s results revealed that water consumption for agricultural purposes in 2023 reached 12,298 million cubic meters. The agricultural sector accounted for 0.5% of the total water expenditure, while the industrial sector's water expenditure represented 61.4%. Household expenditure on water usage amounted to 38.1%.
The results indicated a 31% increase in the supply of desalinated seawater in 2023, reaching 3,785 million cubic meters. Desalinated seawater accounted for 22% of the total water supply from natural resources, while non-renewable groundwater made up 62% of the total water supply from natural resources in 2023. Additionally, the consumption of reused water rose by 12%, reaching 555 million cubic meters compared to 495 million cubic meters in 2022.
It is worth noting that the Water Accounts Publication provides both quantitative and monetary data on water at the national level for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the National Classification of Economic Activities (ISIC4), the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), and the Central Framework (2012).
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has launched a new service through its Microdata Center aimed at providing precise statistical data and information. This service is designed to empower decision-makers, policymakers in government and private sectors, academics, and individuals interested in statistical matters to utilize data for purposes such as data analysis, building data models, identifying opportunities, and addressing future challenges in economic and social activities. The service also contributes to supporting comprehensive and sustainable development goals.
GASTAT clarified that the Microdata Center will provide data in a new manner by enabling access to various types of data, including structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data, across multiple fields. The center will facilitate data analysis through both descriptive and predictive methods, enhancing GASTAT’s role as a provider of official statistics. It aims to supply researchers with high-quality, accurate data, meet the increasing demand for data, and support the development of strategies, development plans, and performance programs and indicators. This is achieved through an integrated framework with all relevant government entities to provide precise data that assess various dimensions and contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, emphasized that GASTAT’s statistical work is a cornerstone in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. It promotes the principle of transparency by granting specialists and stakeholders access to statistical data while preserving the privacy of data providers, whether individuals or governmental and private entities. He noted that the statistics provided by GASTAT are among the most important resources relied upon in studies and analyses. These help in measuring progress and making strategic decisions that align with the goals of national visions and sustainable development. Dr. Aldossari also stressed the importance of collaboration with relevant entities to enhance performance in statistical data exchange and to continue implementing the strategic statistical plan, ensuring the accuracy and quality of the data provided by the Microdata Center.
Dr. Aldossari added: "Through continuous institutional planning and development, we have enhanced the services provided by the Microdata Center as part of the comprehensive transformation the authority is undergoing across all areas. This aims to achieve the highest standards of quality in serving various sectors and individuals."
It is noteworthy that all the information and data provided by the Microdata Center to public and private sectors, individuals, and international organizations are kept strictly confidential and protected, ensuring their use is strictly for statistical purposes. The services of the center can be accessed by submitting a visit request through the link https://www.stats.gov.sa/micro-data or by contacting its representatives via the unified statistical phone number 199009 or through the customer support email info@stats.gov.sa.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has announced the results of the Statistical Knowledge Competition, which it launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The competition targeted middle and high school students in all public and private schools across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It commenced on December 15 and concluded on December 26 of the same month.
According to the results announced by GASTAT, a total of 16 educational departments participated in the competition. The total number of student participants reached 243,245 students, with 84,576 male students and 158,669 female students. The participation from middle school students amounted to 114,129 students, while high school students contributed a total of 129,116 participants.
The results revealed that students from the General Directorate of Education in Riyadh Region had the highest participation, with 46,635 students, representing 21.0% of the total participants. They were followed by students from the General Directorate of Education in Taif Governorate, with 38,953 participants, accounting for 17.5% of the total participants. Students from the General Directorate of Education in the Eastern Province came third place with 38,030 participants, making up 17.1% of the total participants. In fourth place were students from the General Directorate of Education in Makkah Region, with 20,183 participants, representing 9.1% of the total participants. Students from the General Directorate of Education in the Qassim Region came in fifth place, with 17,692 participants, accounting for 8.0% of the total participants.
It is worth noting that the Statistical Knowledge Competition is one of the key initiatives of the Statistical Knowledge Program, launched by the General Authority for Statistics in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The program aims to introduce students to data science and statistics, familiarize them with statistical work, and educate them on the stages of conducting field surveys, including data collection, quality assurance, and accuracy verification. Additionally, the program seeks to clarify and explain statistical concepts, such as statistical indicators, and train students on utilizing statistical data sources, which contribute to achieving sustainable development goals and realizing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued today the Labor Market Publication for the third quarter of 2024. According to the findings of the publication, the unemployment rate among Saudis in the third quarter of 2024 stood at 7.8%, reflecting an increase of 0.7 percentage points compared to the second quarter of the same year, yet demonstrating an annual decrease of 1.0 percentage points relative to the third quarter of 2023.

The publication further revealed that the overall labor force participation rate (including Saudis and non-Saudis) rose by 0.4 percentage points from the second quarter of 2024, reaching 66.6%. Additionally, the labor force participation rate among Saudi nationals increased by 0.7 percentage points during the third quarter of 2024, reaching 51.5%, which also represents an annual rise of 0.7 percentage points. The employment-to-population ratio for Saudis grew by 0.2 percentage points to 47.4%, reflecting an annual increase of 1.1 percentage points.

The results also highlighted a notable increase of 0.8 percentage points in the labor force participation rate of Saudi females, which reached 36.2%. Furthermore, the employment-to-population ratio among Saudi females rose by 0.5 percentage points to 31.3%. For young Saudi females aged 15-24, the labor force participation rate increased by 1.0 percentage point to 18.0%, while their employment-to-population ratio rose by 0.6 percentage points to 13.6% during the third quarter of 2024.

Among Saudi young males, labor force participation rose by 1.1 percentage points, reaching 34.6%. For Saudi males as a whole, the labor force participation rate increased by 0.6 percentage points, reaching 66.9%, while their employment-to-population ratio rose to 63.7%. Regarding Saudi nationals within the core working-age group (25-54 years), the labor force participation rate increased by 0.7 percentage points, reaching 69.4%, while the employment-to-population ratio rose by 0.3 percentage points, reaching 64.8%.

It is worth noting that unemployed Saudis adopt a diverse range of active job search methods, with an average of 5.0 methods utilized per job seeker. Among these, the most frequently employed method was seeking job opportunities through friends or relatives, accounting for 87.7%. This was followed by direct applications to employers, at 75.0%, while 71.2% utilized the Unified National Employment Platform (Jadarat).
 

GASTA announced today the results of the 2023 Food Security Statistics Publication in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the Publication, dates achieved the highest self-sufficiency rate among plant-based products in the Kingdom for 2023, reaching 119%, followed by figs and eggplants, each at 107%, then cucumbers at 102%, and zucchini at 100%. Potatoes recorded a self-sufficiency rate of 87%, tomatoes 76%, and onions 51%.

The results also indicated that shrimp achieved the highest self-sufficiency rate among animal-based products in the Kingdom for 2023, reaching 147%, followed by dairy products at 129%, and table eggs at 100%. Regarding meat, the self-sufficiency rate for poultry meat stood at 71%, while red meat reached 61%. For fish, the self-sufficiency rate was recorded at 48%.

The Publication also presented data on per capita supply (available for consumption). Among plant-based products, rice recorded the highest per capita consumption rate in the Kingdom for 2023, at 45.77 kg/year, followed by dates at 38.58 kg/year, and tomatoes at 22.25 kg/year. The per capita consumption of onions and potatoes stood at 17.52 kg/year and 16.08 kg/year, respectively. for fruits, the per capita consumption of bananas was 11.31 kg/year and oranges 10.64 kg/year, while coffee (beans) recorded 2.61 kg/year.

As for animal-based products, milk registered the highest per capita consumption at 70.19 liters/year, followed by poultry meat at 43.40 kg/year. The per capita consumption of eggs was 246 eggs/year, and red meat stood at 10.80 kg/year.

It is worth noting that the 2023 Food Security Statistics Publication provides comprehensive data on the four dimensions of food security: availability, accessibility, stability, and utilization. The bulletin was based on data from surveys and statistical reports issued by the General Authority for Statistics, as well as administrative records from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, the General Food Security Authority, and the Agricultural Development Fund.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today the results of the Comprehensive Economic Survey publication for 2023 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results included a set of key indicators reflecting the main structural features of the business sector.

The survey results revealed that the total operating revenues amounted to SAR 5,292 billion, while the total operating expenses reached SAR 2,165 billion. Additionally, the compensation for employees in the sector amounted to SAR 544.7 billion. The results also indicated that the total fixed capital formation value for this sector amounted to SAR 867.8 billion.

It is noteworthy that the results of the Comprehensive Economic Survey will contribute to the formation of highly accurate, comprehensive, and professional statistical data and indicators. These will highlight the real and actual economic growth in the Kingdom, meeting the requirements of statistical organizations and local, regional, and international entities.

It is worth mentioning that the Comprehensive Economic Survey serves as an integrated database for economic data. It directly contributes to providing and measuring a wide range of economic indicators. It offers precise, updated, and more detailed statistical data and indicators about establishments in the Kingdom, supporting decision-makers, policymakers, and investors and enabling them to develop and enhance the business sector in the Kingdom.

GASTAT announced today the results of Umrah statistics for the third quarter of 2024. The results revealed that the total number of Umrah performers reached 6,254,751 in Q3 of 2024, reflecting an increase of 35.0% compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Male Umrah performers constituted 57.4%, while female Umrah performers accounted for 42.6% of the total during the quarter. Saudi Umrah performers made up 10.7% of the total during Q3 of 2024.

The report indicated that the total number of Umrah performers from abroad reached 3,348,512 in Q3 of 2024, representing a 29.2% increase compared to Q3 of 2023. Among them, male performers numbered 1,707,514 (or 51.0%), while female performers numbered 1,638,743 (or 49.0%) of the total foreign Umrah performers during Q3 of 2024.

The results also showed that the total number of domestic Umrah performers reached approximately 2,906,239 in Q3 of 2024, reflecting a 42.4% increase compared to Q3 of 2023. Of these, 671,729 were Saudi nationals (23.1%), while 2,234,510 were non-Saudis (76.9%). Additionally, male Umrah performers from within the Kingdom numbered 1,883,199 (64.8%), while female performers numbered 1,023,040 (35.2%) of the total domestic Umrah performers during Q3 of 2024.

The report highlighted that foreign Umrah performers aged between 35 and 44 years formed the largest percentage, constituting 17.6% of the total foreign Umrah performers in Q3 of 2024. On the other hand, those aged over 65 years made up the smallest percentage at 9.2%. Conversely, domestic Umrah performers aged between 30 and 39 years represented the largest group, accounting for 29.2% of the total domestic Umrah performers in the same quarter.

The results further showed that the number of domestic Umrah performers who performed Umrah only once reached approximately 2,295,747. Among them, 64.0% were male, and 36.0% were female. August recorded the highest percentage of domestic Umrah performers who performed Umrah once, representing 40.1% of the total domestic Umrah performers for this category during Q3 of 2024.

The report also revealed that 60.8% of foreign Umrah performers arrived on Umrah visas, while 29.7% arrived on other types of visas. Meanwhile, 6.6% of the foreign Umrah performers arrived on electronic visit visas, and 2.9% arrived using GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) visas during Q3 of 2024.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the Environment Statistics Publication 2023. According to the results of the publication, marine protected areas recorded an increase in their area for the year 2023 by 17.7% to reach 14 thousand square kilometers compared to 2022. The area of terrestrial protected areas also increased by 7.1% to reach 361 thousand square kilometers compared to the previous year, constituting 18.1% of the total land area of the Kingdom. 
The results of the publication indicated an increase in the annual rainfall rate by 152 millimeters, a 53.4% increase from 2022. The amount of flood water entering the dams in 2023 increased by 164.1% compared to the previous year, reaching 1,564 million cubic meters.

The results also revealed a 13.3% increase in the volume of treated water reused in 2023 compared to the previous year, representing 25.2% of the treated water volume for 2023. The results showed a 4.6% decrease in the amount of collected waste, which amounted to 19.8 million tons compared to 2022.

The publication also showed an increase in the area of green spaces in the municipal sector by 3.2%, and an increase in the area of parks and recreational areas in the municipal sector by 1.4% compared to 2022. The area of national parks reached 340 million square meters in 2023, with 2.6 million trees planted in them.

It is worth mentioning that the Environment Statistics Publication was prepared in accordance with the general framework for environmental statistics developed by the United Nations. The publication relies on two main sources: statistics from the General Authority for Statistics (censuses and sample surveys) and statistics from administrative records sources including the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the General Authority for Water, and environmental centers.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued today the International Trade Statistics Publication for October 2024. According to the results of the publication, the value of merchandise exports reached 92.8 million SAR, with oil exports valued at 67.4 million SAR and non-oil exports (including re-exports) at 25.4 million SAR, compared to 22.5 million SAR in October 2023, representing a 12.7% increase. 

The publication also indicated that the value of merchandise imports for the Kingdom in October 2024 was 72 million SAR, compared to 74.9 million SAR in October 2023, a decrease of 3.8% amounting to 2.9 million SAR.

It is worth noting that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all statistical work, in addition to the technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and research, analyzes data and information, in addition to the documentation and archiving of all statistical information and data that cover all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from its multiple sources. Furthermore, GASTAT registers, classifies, and analyzes data. It extracts the data indicators as well.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, extended his congratulations to the members of the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) on Gulf Statistics Day, which falls on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. He commended the center's role in promoting statistical work and supporting national statistical and planning agencies in the GCC countries. Dr. Aldossari emphasized the importance of precise statistical data and indicators provided by statistical agencies, which play a vital role in supporting decision-makers and policymakers to make informed decisions and build successful national development policies.
Dr. Aldossari highlighted that statistical work is one of the fundamental pillars that contribute to enhancing strategic plans in GCC countries and achieving their sustainable development goals. This is due to the accurate statistical data, information, and indicators it provides, which aid in policy formulation and the analysis of indicators to achieve shared visions.
He further explained that by developing statistical work, overcoming its challenges, and removing obstacles, it is possible to provide a wealth of accurate data and statistical indicators. These resources enable the measurement of progress toward achieving future visions and contribute to the economic and developmental integration that the GCC countries aspire to achieve.
The President of the General Authority for Statistics expressed Saudi Arabia's aspiration to strengthen Gulf statistical work and strategic cooperation across various statistical fields. He also stressed the importance of continuous coordination among GCC countries to advance their economies and build a solid economic foundation supported by high-quality statistical data and information. These resources serve as a reliable reference for making critical decisions within the GCC, aiming for greater economic prosperity and well-being for its people.
It is noteworthy that the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), during its 141st session held in Manama, Bahrain, on November 24, 2016, approved the designation of an annual Gulf Statistics Day. The significance of this day lies in emphasizing the community's partnership with statisticians and shedding light on the vital role that statistics play in achieving sustainable development in the GCC. Furthermore, it highlights the strategic role of the Gulf statistical system in decision-making and the formulation of developmental policies in the region.
Saudi Arabia, as the first GCC country to implement a statistical system in 1349H (1930), recognized early on the importance of statistics and information as a cornerstone for building and development. This foundational approach supports any aspiring country seeking progress on solid and strong bases. The General Authority for Statistics joins other statistical agencies in the GCC in celebrating this year's Gulf Statistics Day under the theme: "The Future of Statistics Towards Sustainable Gulf Development."
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the 2024 Health Status Statistics Publication. According to the results, 97.4% of adults (aged 15 and above) rated their health as good or better.
The results revealed that 18.95% of adults (aged 15 and above) have a chronic disease, with the most common chronic conditions being diabetes (9.1%), hypertension (7.9%), cholesterol (3.6%), cardiovascular diseases (1.5%), and cancer (0.6%). Among children (under 15 years), 9.4% were found to have a chronic disease, with the most prevalent conditions being asthma (4.1%), allergies (2.0%), skin diseases (1.6%), hyperactivity (0.8%), autism (0.6%), diabetes (0.5%), and cancer (0.3%).
The Publication results indicated that 1.8% of adults (aged 15 and above) suffer from severe depression, with a higher prevalence among females at 2.5%, compared to 1.4% for males. Meanwhile, 0.2% of adults experience severe anxiety, with 0.4% of females affected, compared to 0.2% for males.
It is worth noting that the Health Status Statistics Publication for adults and children presents indicators based on self-reported data from the results of the 2024 National Health Survey and the 2024 Women and Child Health Survey, along with population estimates from the General Authority for Statistics for the year 2024.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the Tourism Establishments Statistics Publication for Q2 2024. According to the results, the total number of employees in tourism activities reached 959,175 during the second quarter of 2024, showing an increase of 5.1% compared to the same quarter in 2023. The number of Saudi employees was 245,905, accounting for 25.6% of the total. Meanwhile, the number of non-Saudi employees was 713,270, making up 74.4% of the total labor force in tourism activities.
The results revealed that the number of male employees in tourism activities reached 831,076, accounting for 86.6% of the total labor force. Meanwhile, the number of female employees in tourism activities was 128,099, making up 13.4% of the total labor force in tourism activities during the second quarter of 2024.
The results also indicated that the percentage of employees in tourism activities was 5.7% of the total labor force in the economy during the second quarter of 2024, showing a decrease of 0.2% compared to the same quarter in 2023. Additionally, the percentage of employees in tourism activities in the private sector was 8.6%, reflecting a decrease of 0.5% compared to the second quarter of 2023.
The results showed that the hotel room occupancy rate was approximately 55.4% in the second quarter of 2024, showing an increase of 0.5% compared to the same period in 2023. Furthermore, the occupancy rate for serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities reached 52.4% in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting a rise of 1.5% compared to the same quarter in 2023.
The Publication demonstrated that the average daily room rate in hotels reached approximately 725.5 SAR during the second quarter of 2024, marking a 0.4% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2023. Meanwhile, the average daily room rate for serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities stood at 254.3 SAR in the same period, reflecting a 15.2% increase from the second quarter of 2023.
The results revealed that the average length of stay for guests in hotels was approximately 5.2 nights during the second quarter of 2024, representing a 17.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, the average length of stay for guests in serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities was around 2.1 nights during the same quarter, reflecting a 10.9% decrease from the second quarter of 2023.
It is worth mentioning that the data of Tourism Establishments Statistics for the second quarter of 2024 are based on several sources to provide comprehensive information about tourism activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These sources include administrative records, statistical surveys, and secondary data.

The annual inflation rate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 2.0% in November 2024, compared to the same month last year. This inflation rate is considered one of the lowest among the G20 countries.
It is worth mentioning that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects changes in the prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of goods and services, consisting of 490 items. This basket was selected based on the results of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey conducted in 2018. The relevant prices are collected through field visits to retail outlets, and the CPI statistics for the Kingdom are published on a monthly basis.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the 2024 Women's Health and Reproductive Care Statistics report today. According to the report's findings, the natural birth rate in the Kingdom was 71.4%, compared to 28.1% for cesarean births in the age group of 15-49 years. Additionally, the percentage of births attended by skilled health professionals was 99.6%.
The results indicated that 99.5% of women had at least one visit to a healthcare provider before childbirth. Furthermore, 66.1% of births took place in public hospitals, while 32% occurred in private hospitals.
The report's results showed that 65% of women breastfed their newborns within the first hour of birth. Additionally, 53.2% of infants were breastfed during the day prior to the visit.
The report's results revealed that 29.9% of married women are currently using any form of family planning. Furthermore, 56% of married women of reproductive age have successfully met their family planning needs using modern methods. The percentage of women who decide independently or jointly with their husbands to use contraceptive methods is 74.9%, while 89.8% of women make decisions either independently or in collaboration with their husbands regarding healthcare.
It is worth noting that the Women's Health and Reproductive Care Statistics rely on data from the Women's and Child Health Survey, which is conducted annually by the General Authority for Statistics through a sample of women in the age group of 15-49 years.

The Ministry of Education (MoE), in collaboration with the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), launched the Statistical Knowledge Program in public schools. The initiative aims to cultivate a generation equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle accurate data and information from reliable sources. The program seeks to empower students to confidently and professionally utilize data, enhance their research and analytical abilities, and promote statistical literacy within the school community.
The program includes the Statistical Knowledge Competition, targeting intermediate and secondary school students in public and private schools. Participants can answer a set of questions online, based on data published on GASTAT portal. Running for ten days, from Sunday, December 15, to Thursday, December 26, the competition aims to enhance research and data usage skills while fostering statistical awareness.
The Ministry encouraged students to participate by registering through GASTAT’s portal, which provides resources to assist participants in accessing the necessary data. Participants will be awarded electronic certificates acknowledging their involvement, which can also be shared on social media. Furthermore, the most interacting educational departments, determined by participant numbers, will be recognized and honored.
The Statistical Knowledge Program features a variety of activities, including utilizing school broadcasts to educate students about the importance of statistical work and its role in development. The program also includes field visits by GASTAT  representatives to schools, offering practical and enriching sessions. Additionally, it provides specialized knowledge guides covering statistical terminology, occupational classifications, and number writing policies.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the Statistical Quality Assurance Framework, which provides principles and standards for collecting, processing, and publishing official statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The framework's provisions are based on the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics issued by the United Nations, aligned with the United Nations' Quality Assurance Framework, taking into consideration the regulation of the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Statistical Quality Assurance Framework consists of four levels: statistical system management, institutional environment management, statistical processes, and statistical products. These levels include eighteen principles, which are further divided into a set of standards and methods that contribute to ensuring compliance with these principles.
GASTAT has made the Statistical Quality Assurance Framework available on its official website in both Arabic and English. It is designed to benefit professionals in the field of statistics, researchers, enthusiasts, as well as government and private sector institutions.
GASTAT encourages those interested to visit its online portal at (www.stats.gov.sa) to explore the Statistical Quality Assurance Framework. The authority is also open to answering any questions or providing further information, which can be obtained by contacting its representatives through the unified statistical number at (199009) or via the client support email at (info@stats.gov.sa).

The General Authority for Statistics released the results of the Industrial Production Index for the month of October 2024. According to the publication, the Industrial Production Index increased by 5% compared to the same month of the previous year (October 2023), supported by growth in all subeconomic activities that make up the index, including mining and quarrying, manufacturing industry, electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply, water supply, sanitation, and waste management, and treatment activities.
The results showed a 0.4% increase in the subindex of mining and quarrying activity on an annual basis, a 12.4% increase in the subindex of manufacturing industry activity, and increases of 6.2% and 8.4% in the subindexes of electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply activities; water supply, sanitation, and waste management; and treatment activities, respectively.

The results also indicated a 5.4% increase in the subindex of oil activities and a 4% increase in non-oil activities compared to the same month of the previous year.

It is worth noting that the General Authority for Statistics issues the Industrial Production Index monthly, which is an economic indicator reflecting relative changes in the volume of industrial production based on industrial production survey data conducted on a sample of industrial establishments operating in the targeted industrial activities.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the field of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), enhance coordination, and integrate efforts between the two entities. The MoU was signed by Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of GASTAT, and Mr. Eltayeb Adam, Regional Representative for UNICEF’s Gulf Area Office in Saudi Arabia, at the headquarters of GASTAT in Riyadh.
The MoU aims to foster collaboration in conducting the MICS, exchange expertise and information between the two parties, organize visits between experts and specialists in related fields, and host conferences, seminars, and workshops related to the survey.
In this context, Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, emphasized that GASTAT's statistical work is driven by Saudi Arabia's regional leadership in the field of statistics, achieved through the development and measurement of statistical indicators. He also noted that collaboration with UNICEF supports efforts in conducting relevant surveys and achieving the objectives of national visions and sustainable development. This is accomplished through joint efforts to enhance performance, particularly in the exchange of statistical data, and to promote cooperation between the two organizations.
It is worth mentioning that GASTAT serves as the official body responsible for statistical activities in Saudi Arabia, acting as the sole authoritative reference for conducting statistical work and overseeing its technical and organizational aspects. GASTAT's duties include collecting statistical data and information from public and private entities and individuals and analyzing and studying this data to calculate various statistical indicators. Additionally, GASTAT provides statistical consultations, reports, and services related to surveys, research, and other statistical functions as part of its mandate.
 

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, participated in the celebration of Gulf Statistics Day for GCC countries, held today, Monday, in Muscat, Oman, under the patronage of His Excellency Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, the Secretary-General of the GCC. The event, which was held under the theme "The Future of Statistics Towards Sustainable Gulf Development," highlights the strategic role of the Gulf statistical system in promoting awareness of the pivotal role of statistics in supporting decision-making, building development policies, and achieving the developmental goals of the visions in the member states.
On this occasion, Dr. Fahd Al-Dosari congratulated those working in the statistical sector, praising the role of the Statistical Center for the GCC countries in coordinating between national statistical centers and planning agencies in the member states. He emphasized that the cooperation between the GCC countries has contributed to building shared visions to strengthen statistical work, exchange expertise, and integrate efforts at the Gulf level.
It is worth noting that the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which met in Manama, Bahrain, on November 24, 2016, approved the designation of a day each year to celebrate Gulf Statistics Day during its (141) session. The significance of this day lies in emphasizing the partnership between the community and statisticians, as well as highlighting the vital role of statistics in achieving sustainable development and promoting statistical work aimed at providing statistical data that supports the development plans of the GCC countries.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued today the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and National Accounts indicators for Q3 of 2024. According to GASTAT's estimates, the real GDP achieved a growth rate of 2.8% during Q3 of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year, supported by a 4.3% growth in non-oil activities compared to the same period of the previous year.

Oil activities also recorded a slight growth of 0.05% during Q3 of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year, while government activities achieved a positive growth of 3.1% compared to the same period of the previous year.

Based on the results of the publication, the seasonally adjusted real GDP rose by 0.9% in Q3 of 2024 by 0.9% compared to Q2 of 2024.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today the results of Healthcare Statistics Publication 2024 for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the publication, 100% of Saudi citizens had basic healthcare coverage in 2024, while the coverage rate for the entire population of the Kingdom was 95.9%.
The publication also highlighted that the rate of visits to healthcare providers by residents of the Kingdom over the past 12 months was 1.9 visits per person. Furthermore, 13.1% of the population consulted a dentist within the same period, with 55.6% rating their most recent dental visit as excellent.
The results of the publication released by GASTAT revealed that 94.8% of adults in Saudi Arabia (15 years and above) had basic healthcare coverage, whether through government healthcare programs or private insurance.
Additionally, the publication highlighted that 96.1% of children under 15 years in the Kingdom were covered by basic healthcare services, either through government health coverage or private insurance.

These results highlight the Kingdom's progress in providing comprehensive access to healthcare for all segments of society.
The results of the publication indicated that the rate of visits to a healthcare provider over the past 12 months among the adult population (15 years and above) in the Kingdom was 1.9. This rate was higher among Saudis, reaching 2.6, compared to1.2 for non-Saudis. The rate was also higher among females at 2.5, compared to 1.6 among males.
The publication results also indicated that the rate of visits to a healthcare provider over the past 12 months among children and adolescents was 2. This rate was higher among Saudis at 2, compared to 1.6 for non-Saudis.
Based on the publication,  55.6% of the population rated their last visit to a dentist as excellent, while 30.4% rated their experience as good.
The publication results indicated that 24.3% of adults (15 years and above) accessed their electronic medical records online, 20.5% used the internet to obtain health-related information (such as illness, disease, nutrition, and health improvement), and 4.5% used teleconsultation services to consult with healthcare providers.
It is worth noting that the Healthcare Statistics Publication is a valuable source for understanding healthcare indicators for both the adult and child populations in the Kingdom, based on the results of the National Health Survey and the Women and Child Health Survey 2024, as well as population estimates provided by the General Authority for Statistics for the same year.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has achieved eight certifications in accordance with the international standards of the ISO organization. These certifications contribute to improving the quality of services provided by GASTAT and enhancing its ability to achieve its objectives. Obtaining these certifications is a culmination of its efforts to raise levels of quality and excellence.  
The certifications obtained by GASTAT are IT Service Management System to improve the quality and efficiency of technical services, Business Continuity Management System to ensure the continuity of operations during crises and emergencies, Enterprise Risk Management Guidelines for systematic risk assessment and mitigation, and Compliance Management System to enhance governance and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.  They also include Project Management Guidelines to improve project success rates and performance measurement, Legal Risk Management Guidelines for evaluating and ensuring compliance with legal risks, Competency Management Guidelines for employee training aligned with GASTAT’s objectives, and Code of Ethics and Conduct Management Guidelines to enhance customer satisfaction and engagement.  
It is noteworthy that these certifications are awarded to organizations that commit to applying a comprehensive set of global standards in laws, policies, and procedures.  

The Vice President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Mr. Mohammed Al-Rshaid, welcomed Mr. Jean-Baptiste, Head of the Regional Economic Department for the Arabian Peninsula at Embassy of France in Abu Dhabi , along with his accompanying delegation, at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting aimed to strengthen mutual cooperation between the two parties in the field of statistics. During the discussion, the delegation was briefed on GASTAT's transformation journey, its key activities, and its statistical products.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Vice President of GASTAT welcomed the members of the French delegation, emphasizing that the meeting aligns with efforts to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise in the field of statistical work. Al-Rshaid highlighted GASTAT's efforts in advancing statistical transformation in the Kingdom, including modernizing methodologies for various statistical products, enhancing methods for calculating statistical indicators, and establishing a mechanism to provide an accurate statistical database. This database enables policy formulation and supports decision-makers in formulating development plans across various sectors, contributing to the realization of the goals and objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
For his part, the head of the French delegation, along with his accompanying team, presented an overview of their statistical work and discussed ways to enhance cooperation within the framework of exchanging statistical expertise and knowledge. The meeting was attended by several experts and stakeholders in statistical affairs from both sides.

As part of efforts to enhance joint cooperation in the statistical field and exchange expertise and statistical knowledge between the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and the Department of Statistics, Dr. Fatimah Al Waef, Director General of Social Statistics, welcomed Dr. Ali Al-Shibl, Deputy Executive Director of the General Population and Housing Census, Director of Operations and Head of the Jordanian Statistical Delegation, at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh.

The visit aimed to gain insights into GASTAT’s experience with the (Saudi Census 2022) and discuss ways to strengthen opportunities for cooperation in statistical fields, along with other topics of mutual interest.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Al-Waif warmly welcomed the Jordanian delegation, commending the fraternal relations between the two countries. She emphasized that this meeting falls within the framework of enhancing these relations and exchanging expertise in the field of statistical work. Dr. Al-Waif highlighted GASTAT's efforts in Saudi Arabia's statistical transformation, including updating methodologies for various statistical products, developing methods for calculating statistical indicators, and creating an accurate statistical database to support policymaking and decision-makers in developing developmental plans for various sectors, aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

On his part, Dr. Ali Al-Shibl, head of the Jordanian delegation, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to GASTAT for hosting this visit and the efforts made. He also commended the warm reception and hospitality, emphasizing the delegation’s eagerness to benefit from Saudi Arabia's pioneering experience in the population census. Dr. Al-Shibl praised the progress and rapid development in the statistical field in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing statistical transformation and expressed his desire, along with the accompanying delegation, to develop joint statistical cooperation and strengthen ties to further benefit from Saudi Arabia's experience in enhancing statistical work.

The meeting was attended by statistical experts from both sides. The three-day visit took place from November 10–12, 2024, during which the phases of the Saudi Census 2022 project were reviewed. The discussions included the statistical standards and methodologies applied, the mechanisms and procedures of self-enumeration used, as well as various aspects of statistical work, including data collection, analysis, processing, storing , and publication methods.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Jordanian side expressed a strong desire to enhance the partnership between the two sides in all aspects of statistical work, aiming to exchange expertise and statistical knowledge between the two countries. The Saudi side reiterated its full commitment to providing necessary support to the Kingdom of Jordan in the field of census and other diverse areas of statistical work.

The General Authority for Statistics announced today the results of the Household Environment Statistics Publication 2023  in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results indicated that bottled water is the primary source of drinking water used by households in Saudi Arabia, with a reliance rate of 57.24%. This is followed by public network water at 23.56%, tanker water at 18.60%, and other sources at 0.60%.
Based on the publication, the percentage of households showing interest in environmental topics reached 87.98%, while 3.94% indicate a lack of interest, and 8.08% are neutral toward environmental topics. The results also showed that 33.48% of households use electrical devices or tools to conserve water, while 66.52% of households do not use water conservation devices or tools.

The results indicated that 47.34% of households complain about visual pollution, 43.33% suffer from noise pollution, and 38.10% experience air pollution. Meanwhile, 6.56% of households reported being bothered by light pollution. 99.44% of total households dispose of household waste in public waste containers, while 0.38% of households burn their waste, 0.02% bury it, and 0.17% use other disposal methods.

The results demonstrated that 60.08% of households have a first aid kit, 40.57% have a fire extinguisher, and 16.84% have fire alarm systems. The results also showed that 17.51% of households have trees at their homes, 7.32% have palm trees, 5.47% have bougainvillea trees, 4.31% have Indian jasmine, and 2.70% have Sidr trees.
The Household Environment Statistics Publication is based on the data of the Household Environment Survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), by collecting data through CATI for a sample covering all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data was also collected from the sources of administrative records from relevant entities. The survey aims to fulfill the requirements of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators, in addition to providing indicators that support decision-makers and strategic planning.

The General Authority for Statistics announced the results of the Household Energy Statistics Publication 2023  in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results indicated that Riyadh region had the highest electrical energy consumption, making up 28.1%, followed by Makkah region at 25.5%. The Eastern region accounted for 16.7% of the consumption, while Al-Baha region recorded the lowest electrical energy consumption at 0.9% among all administrative regions .
In 2023, the average weekly operating hours for water heating appliances was 62.1 hours, while air conditioning units operated for an average of 51.5 hours per week. Heating appliances averaged 17.9 hours of operation weekly, and cooking appliances were used for an average of 6.8 hours per week. 

In 2023, 92.1% of households showed strong interest in energy conservation. Additionally, 83.6% of households followed energy-saving practices when using household appliances. Furthermore, 55.2% of households expressed a willingness to invest in replacing old appliances with newer, more energy-efficient models. The results also revealed that 42.3% of households were interested in using solar energy in their homes across the Kingdom.

In 2023, 98.4% of households in the residential sector used different energy sources for cooking, 89% used gas (cooking gas), and 9.3% used electricity for cooking. The remaining 0.1% of households used other types of energy for cooking.

The Household Energy Statistics Publication relies on two primary sources including data from the Household Energy Survey and administrative records from the Ministry of Energy. The results of the publication also present data on the use of different forms of energy in dwelling by types of dwellings and their ownership in Saudi Arabia.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today that non-oil exports increased by 22.8% in September 2024. Additionally, national non-oil exports, excluding re-exports, rose by 11.6%, while the value of re-exported goods increased by 65.4% during the same period, according to the International Trade Publication, September 2024.
The results also indicated a decline in total merchandise exports by 14.9% in September 2024, while the ratio of oil exports to total exports dropped from 79.7% in September 2023 to 70.7% in September 2024. The results further revealed a 15.0% increase in the Kingdom’s imports in September 2024. As for the trade balance, the surplus decreased by 56.9% compared to September 2024.
Moreover, the publication showed that the percentage of non-oil merchandise exports reached 37.1% in September 2024, due to the significant increase in non-oil exports (22.8%) in contrast to the rise in imports (15.0%).
 

Today, Sunday, the First Statistical Forum for Universities and Professional and Scientific Statistical Associations was held, organized by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in collaboration with the Council of University Affairs. The forum is hosted by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) in Riyadh, with the attendance of representatives from specialized universities and colleges, research center staff, heads and executive members of several professional and scientific statistical associations, and a number of academics and specialists in the statistical field.

In a speech delivered by Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, he stated that this forum comes as part of GASTAT's ongoing efforts to achieve integration among the components of the statistical sector and its continuous endeavors to raise awareness and promote statistical culture in society. He emphasized the importance of integration between the statistical and academic sectors, affirming the significance of scientific cooperation and strengthening professional and academic partnerships to develop the technical skills of statisticians, which in turn reflects on the advancement of statistical work in the Kingdom to keep pace with the latest global methodologies and international statistical standards.

Dr. Talal Abdullah Al Shehri, the advisor and supervisor of the General Administration of Studies, delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of the Secretary-General of the Council of University Affairs, highlighting the vital role of the forum in supporting decision-makers and policymakers with accurate data across various fields of work and production.

Dr. Faisal Al-Sharabi, Chairman of the Professional Association for Statisticians and Data Scientists, expressed his gratitude to GASTAT for organizing this forum and giving statisticians the chance to get together to discuss important statistical and economic topics served by the statistical sector.

The forum included panel discussions and five workshops featuring a number of experts, statisticians, and specialists in data sciences. It discussed the most significant statistical products produced by GASTAT, the procedures followed in executing statistical work, as well as the development of university study plans to meet the needs of the statistical work and provide qualified national statistical personnel. The discussions also included collaboration to establish a statistical hackathon project, innovation and development in statistical products, enhancing the role of university research centers and statistical data, and strengthening the role of universities and associations in developing the technical skills of statisticians.

In this context, the directors- general of departments at GASTAT presented brief overviews of the mechanisms and procedures of work in various statistical fields. They highlighted several important statistical products, including: the population projections and estimates publication, household income and expenditure survey, household culture and entertainment survey, labor market statistics, GDP flash estimates, annual national accounts publication, small and medium enterprises statistics, industrial production index, foreign direct investment, structural business statistics, pilgrimage and Umrah statistics, wholesale and consumer price indices, real estate prices, tourism establishments, livestock statistics, marine fishery and aquaculture publication, food security, electrical energy statistics, household energy, energy efficiency, renewable energy, air, maritime, and land transport statistics.

At the conclusion of the forum, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, honored several partners who contributed to the success of the forum, including the Council of University Affairs, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, and the Professional Association for Statisticians and Data Scientists.

It is noteworthy that during the forum, GASTAT signed several Memorandums of Cooperation (MoCs) with Al Baha Region Strategic Development Office, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Professional Association for Statisticians and Data Scientists, and Al-Wedad charity for Orphan Care. These MoCs aim to serve the statistical sector in the Kingdom and its strategic directions of Saudi Vision 2030.

Tomorrow, Sunday, the activities of the First Statistical Forum for Universities and Professional and Scientific Statistical Associations will be launched, which is organized by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in collaboration with the Council of University Affairs and the Professional Association for Statisticians and Data Scientists. The forum is hosted by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) in Riyadh, with the attendance of university presidents, vice presidents, deans of specialized colleges, research center staff, heads and executive members of several professional and scientific statistical associations, and a number of academics and specialists in the statistical field.

This forum is the first of its kind that focuses on exploring ways to integrate the statistical and academic sectors in the Kingdom. It is part of GASTAT’s efforts to raise awareness about the practices of statistical work among specialists and other segments of society. This aims to achieve higher levels of effective and broad response to GASTAT’s fieldwork, ensuring the provision of data and information for various statistical indicators. The forum will involve the participation of academics, experts, and specialists in the fields of statistics and data science.

It is worth noting that the statistical sector in the Kingdom consists of several components, each playing a specific role in the field of statistical work. These components include GASTAT, statistical departments in universities, specialized research centers in statistical studies and research, and professional and scientific statistical associations specializing in data science. These associations serve as a link between the academic statistical side and the practical professional side.

The forum is part of the continuous efforts of GASTAT to enhance statistical scientific knowledge and launch initiatives that contribute to raising the level of statistical awareness in society. This ensures the sustainability of awareness about the importance of data and statistical indicators, and their vital role in supporting and empowering decision-makers and policy-makers to develop sustainable development plans in the coming years based on sound scientific principles and existing facts.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the results of the Livestock Statistics Publication 2023 for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the report, total raw milk production from dairy farms reached 2.8 billion liters, with 234 thousand dairy cows in specialized agricultural projects. The Riyadh region ranked first in raw milk production, with 1.6 billion liters, followed by the Eastern region in second place, producing 1 billion liters.
The publication’s results revealed that the total number of sheep was 29.4 million, with 22 million goats, of which 19.3% were male and 80.7% were female. The total number of goats was 7.4 million, while camels stood at 2.2 million. 32% of camels were under four years old, and 68% were four years or older.
Additionally, the Livestock Statistics Publication 2023 showed that total broiler chicken production exceeded 1.1 million tons across the various administrative regions. Riyadh region ranked first in broiler chicken production, with 282 thousand tons, followed by Makkah region in second place with 185 thousand tons, and Hail region in third with 171 thousand tons. Meanwhile, table egg production reached 7.9 billion eggs from laying chicken. Riyadh region again led in egg production, with 3 billion eggs, followed by Makkah with 1.4 billion eggs, and the Eastern region with 1 billion eggs, out of the total table egg production in the Kingdom in 2023.
It is worth noting that the Livestock Statistics Publication is based on data from the comprehensive agricultural survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics across the administrative regions of Saudi Arabia, as well as administrative data from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Agricultural Development Fund, the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, and the Saudi Central Bank. The publication provides up-to-date data on livestock numbers, poultry and birds, organic livestock, the quantity and value of animal product exports and imports, and the value of loans granted to livestock projects across the Kingdom's administrative regions.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has been awarded the Certificate of Platforms by the Digital Government Authority (DGA) in recognition of its pioneering role in meeting the requirements of the Unified System for Government Platforms through the unified platform. This achievement contributes to enhancing user experience and improving the Kingdom's ranking in international indices. GASTAT is among the first entities to comply with the regulations and specifications of the Digital Platform Code, which align with the latest global standards for digital portals. This initiative supports the digital transformation currently taking place within government entities in the Kingdom, enhances their digital performance, and improves the quality of digital services provided to meet the requirements of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Digital Government Authority hosted an event to honor government entities that have successfully implemented the Platform Code, during which GASTAT was recognized. The Certificate of Platforms was presented by H.E. the Governor of the Digital Government Authority, Eng. Ahmed bin Mohammed Alsuwayan, to the GASTAT Vice President, Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Rasheed. The event was attended by GASTAT’s team, along with distinguished guests, including senior officials, representatives from government entities, and private sector delegates.
It is noteworthy that the Digital Platform Code is an open-source design system developed by the Digital Government Authority. It standardizes government digital projects, catering to their specific requirements and supporting their mandates. The code establishes unified guidelines for the visual identity of government websites, including colors, fonts, and overall design, while preserving the distinctiveness of each entity and accommodating the unique needs of its platform users.

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, led the Saudi delegation at the Fifth United Nations World Data Forum, held in Medellín, Colombia, from November 12 to 15, 2024. The event brought together representatives from 193 UN member states, during which Saudi Arabia was officially awarded the right to host the forum's sixth edition in Riyadh in 2026.
During the forum, GASTAT President attended the official meeting of the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity Building in Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB). The meeting focused on the group's expectations for the sixth edition of the forum, which will be hosted in Riyadh in 2026, and discussed the key topics to be addressed as preparations begin. Aldossari reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's readiness to host the forum, ensuring all necessary resources are provided to make it an exceptional event that underscores the importance of statistical work. He highlighted the Kingdom's advanced capabilities to host the forum and expressed hope that the event would help advance efforts to deliver high-quality data and statistical indicators, contributing to more informed assessments of progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in member countries.
On another hand, Aldossari participated as a keynote speaker in the forum's sessions, where he shared Saudi Arabia's experience in statistical work. He highlighted the role of the General Authority for Statistics as an independent entity in producing statistical data, which has been developed based on the solid foundations of the official national statistical system established over 65 years ago as the official source of data. He also emphasized GASTAT’s contribution to supporting decision-makers and policymakers, praising the support and empowerment the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia receives in helping achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
In the same context, GASTAT President held several bilateral meetings with heads of international organizations, committees, and global statistical bodies. This included a discussion with the Director of the United Nations Statistics Division, Stefan Schweinfest, on the role of statistical data in sustainable development, its contribution to improving quality of life, and its support for policymakers and decision-makers in countries. Aldossari also met with his counterparts from the statistical offices of Palestine, Switzerland, and Colombia, emphasizing that the data produced by GASTAT, and its counterparts worldwide is a vital component of developmental work and the well-being of citizens. Furthermore, he highlighted how statistical data and indicators contribute to a comprehensive vision that helps build development plans on scientific foundations and called for the exchange of expertise and the sharing of experiences between countries to achieve mutual benefit and integration.
On the sidelines of the forum, GASTAT President also held separate meetings with the CEO of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, the President of the Open Data Organization, and the President of the Paris 21 Organization, which focuses on statistics for development. They discussed opportunities for collaboration and how to leverage the experiences provided by these organizations. Dr. Aldossari also highlighted the General Authority for Statistics' efforts in developing its statistical system and its international initiatives to strengthen cooperation in the field of global statistics.
It is worth noting that the Fifth United Nations World Data Forum, held in Colombia, Latin America, focused on updating the global action plan for sustainable development data. Over 3,000 leaders in the field of statistics from governments, national statistical offices, the private sector, academic institutions, civil society, and other organizations involved in statistical work took part in the forum. The event provided a platform to present and discuss innovations in data usage, as well as to strengthen trust, protection, partnerships, and coordination within the sector.
As all countries around the world strive to implement their programs for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, the data and statistics community at the Fifth United Nations World Data Forum worked to launch an updated sustainable development action plan. This plan includes 12 new priorities along with a series of actions and commitments aimed at achieving high-quality, accurate, and comprehensive data to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The updated action plan represents the second generation of the Cape Town Global Action Plan for Sustainable Development Data, which was first introduced at the inaugural United Nations World Data Forum in 2017.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today the results of the 2024 Health Determinants Statistics Publication for Saudi Arabia. According to the publication, the obesity rate among population aged 15 and above is 23.1%, while 45.1% of individuals in this age group are classified as overweight. Additionally, the prevalence of obesity among children aged 2 to 14 years stands at 14.6%, with 33.3% of children in this age range being overweight.
The publication also reported that 10.2% of the population meet the recommended daily intake of five or more servings of fruit and vegetable. The majority of individuals aged 15 and above (84.8%) consume between one and four servings of fruit and vegetable daily. Only 5% of the population do not consume any servings of fruit or vegetable on a daily basis.
It is important to mention that the Health Determinants Statistics Publication relies on self-reported data from individuals, the National Health Survey, the Women and Children’s Health Survey 2024, and population estimates from the General Authority for Statistics 2023. This bulletin offers a comprehensive view of the community's health status during a specific period, highlighting the importance of tracking and assessing public health and health indicators across different population groups.

Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, officially received the hosting rights for the 6th UN World Data Forum 2026 on behalf of Saudi Arabia. This announcement came at the conclusion of the 5th edition of the forum, held in Medellín, Colombia, from November 12 to 15, 2024. The forum gathered representatives from 193 UN member states. The High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics welcomed Saudi Arabia’s selection as the host for the next forum in Riyadh, following its success in securing the majority vote within the group. The Kingdom’s outstanding bid and capabilities were commended by the group. This achievement highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in statistical work and the significant advancements in its statistical system. It also reflects the impact of the Kingdom’s data in demonstrating its role in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On this occasion, Dr. Fahad Aldossari, extended his congratulations, on behalf of himself and GASTAT employees, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Prime Minister. He expressed gratitude for the support and empowerment GASTAT has received in recent years, which has significantly strengthened its local and international presence, enabling it to excel in statistical work and compete on the global stage. Aldossari noted that Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 6th UN World Data Forum in Riyadh in 2026 reflects the Kingdom’s significant advancements across various sectors, including its statistical system. He emphasized that the event presents a valuable opportunity to share technical expertise in statistics and establish strategic partnerships with national statistical offices worldwide.
In his speech, Aldossari expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Colombia, the United Nations, and the National Department of Statistics (DANE) for hosting and organizing this global event. He also extended his appreciation to all representatives of national statistical offices, the program team, and members of the HLG-PCCB for their dedication and hard work in preparing the program. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment, through the General Authority for Statistics, to enhancing the quality and transparency of statistical data across various fields. He highlighted the Kingdom’s exemplary leadership and outstanding performance in the region, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing statistical excellence.

The UN World Data Forum is a major international event attended by over 20,000 participants, including representatives from governments, national statistical offices, international and regional organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The forum serves as a platform to discuss challenges facing the global data and statistics system and to foster collaboration among policymakers and experts from around the world. It reflects the growing level of cooperation across diverse data systems and underscores the critical importance of data and statistics.
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics, will host the 6th UN World Data Forum in 2026 in Riyadh. The High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination, and Capacity-Building in Statistics for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda (HLG-PCCB) announced Saudi Arabia’s selection by majority vote, following a review of competing countries’ bids and an assessment of their hosting capabilities. This decision reflects the Kingdom’s prominent global standing and its pivotal role in advancing efforts to provide high-quality data and statistical indicators. It also highlights the exceptional contributions of the General Authority for Statistics to the field of statistical work, reaffirming the Kingdom’s leadership in the global statistical community.

In October 2024, the annual inflation rate in Saudi Arabia stood at 1.9%, compared to the same month last year. This rate is among the lowest within the G20 countries.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the changes in prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of 490 goods and services. This basket was selected based on the results of the 2018 Household Income and Expenditure Survey. Relevant prices are collected through field visits to points of sale, and CPI statistics are published monthly in Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), continued its significant advancement in the Statistical Performance Indicators (SPI) issued by the World Bank. In the 2023 assessment, Saudi Arabia advanced by 22 positions compared to 2022, ranking first in the Arab World and among GCC countries. At the level of the G20 countries, GASTAT achieved 14th place, up from 18th in 2022.
The World Bank recently announced the results of the SPI assessment, covering 187 countries, based on the new methodology for calculating the SPI 2023. This update included a time series from 2016 to 2023 for all countries. The assessment covers five main pillars across more than 51 indicators, addressing data use, data services, statistical products, data sources, and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia ranked among the top seven G20 countries in the fifth pillar, achieving a score of 95% in 2023.
Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, explained that the attention and support provided by the wise leadership have greatly contributed to the development of the statistical sector. This had a significant impact on strengthening GASTAT’s role and advancing its global standing among official statistical entities, enabling it to produce accurate, comprehensive, and high-quality statistical data and indicators. This progress supports decision-makers and policymakers with solid information, aiding in the formulation of sustainable development plans needed across various sectors of the country.
This remarkable progress in the SPI reflects the General Authority for Statistics' efforts to implement a statistical transformation strategy focused on enhancing GASTAT’s technical infrastructure, improving field surveys and statistical products, strengthening partnerships with government, private, and non-profit sectors, enhancing data accessibility, and meeting local, regional, and international statistical requirements. The authority also strives to increase customer satisfaction by continuously improving the presentation and accessibility of statistical data and indicators in an interactive and user-friendly way.