Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, received Mr. Erki Kilu, Minister of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Estonia, along with Ambassador Maria Belolfas and the accompanying delegation at GASTAT’s headquarters. During the meeting, they reviewed various topics of mutual interest and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the field of statistical work between the two sides.
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Fahad Aldossari welcomed the Minister of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Estonia and his accompanying delegation. He provided an overview of GASTAT’s key activities and its efforts in digital transformation, showcasing GASTAT’s main products, which include 70 statistical products, and the development of data collection tools and methodologies. The significant role played by GASTAT in updating the base year for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) according to chain-linked series, in line with internationally accepted practices among global and statistically advanced references, was also reviewed. In addition, updates to the Real Estate Index and geographic maps were discussed.
Aldossari also highlighted various regional and international projects, mentioning that the General Authority for Statistics was selected to host the sixth United Nations World Data Forum, set to take place in 2026.
For his part, the Minister of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Estonia expressed his gratitude to the President of the General Authority for Statistics for the warm welcome and congratulated GASTAT on its outstanding achievements. He highlighted the strong relations between the two friendly countries and praised the visit by GASTAT delegation to Estonia, along with its positive impact on various areas of cooperation between both sides.
Estonian Ambassador Maria Belolfas also delivered remarks, expressing her appreciation for the visit and commending the strong relations between the two countries, particularly in the economic sector.
It is worth noting that this meeting follows a visit by a delegation from the General Authority for Statistics to the Republic of Estonia last August, during which they met with officials from the Estonian Statistics Office and held meetings with several other officials involved in statistical work.

The General Authority for Statistics announced today the results of Oil and Gas Statistics Publication 2023 for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the publication's results, the total crude oil production in the Kingdom for 2023 decreased by 9.3% compared to 2022, reaching 3.506 million barrels. Meanwhile, the quantity of crude oil exports recorded a decrease of 9.6%, amounting to 2.431 million barrels compared to 2022.

The total production of gasoline in 2023 decreased by 2.6% compared to 2022, with a production quantity of 224 million barrels. Regarding kerosene and jet fuel, there was an increase in production quantity, reaching 57 million barrels, an increase of 2.7% compared to 2022, based on the results.

The total consumption of gasoline in 2023 increased by 1.8% compared to 2022, with a consumption quantity of 186 million barrels. In terms of kerosene and jet fuel, there was also an increase in consumption, reaching 35 million barrels, up by 32.8% compared to 2022, according to the publication.

The publication showed a decrease in total fuel oil exports for 2023 by 10.3% compared to 2022, with export quantities amounting to 67 million barrels, while imports increased, totaling 88 million barrels with a growth rate of approximately 25.9%. As for gas/diesel oil, there was a decrease in export quantities, which amounted to 206 million barrels, marking a decline of 15.7% compared to 2022, while imports rose to 33 million barrels, with an increase of 43.8%.

It is noteworthy that the Oil and Gas Statistics Publication covers energy data at the level of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to the International Standard International Energy Product Classification (SIEC), with data available in a time series for the period (2010-2023).

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the flash estimates of the real GDP growth rate for Q3 of 2024 on its official website. Accordingly, the real GDP during Q3 of 2024 achieved a growth rate of 2.8% compared to the same period of the previous year.

The flash estimates revealed that oil activities recorded a growth of 0.3% during Q3 of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year, while non-oil activities achieved a positive growth rate of 4.2% compared to the same period of the previous year. Additionally, government activities recorded a positive growth rate of 3.1% compared to the same period of the previous year.
The report's results indicated that the seasonally adjusted real GDP during Q3 of 2024 increased by 0.8% compared to Q2 of 2024.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Real Estate Price Index for Q3 2024, which reached 2.6% compared to the same quarter of the previous year, following the updated methodology for calculating the Real Estate Price Index in the Kingdom.
GASTAT clarified that the updated methodology for calculating the index will contribute to providing more comprehensive and high-quality data, supporting efforts to develop the real estate sector, and aligning with best statistical practices used in international benchmarks.
In this context, GASTAT attributed the change in the Real Estate Price Index for Q3 2024 to a 1.6% increase in residential property prices. Year-on-year, residential land prices increased by 1.6%, while apartment prices rose by 1.9%, and villa prices grew by 1.5%. In contrast, commercial property prices saw a significant rise of 6.4%, primarily due to a 6.3% increase in commercial land prices. Among various commercial properties, building prices climbed by 8.6%, while exhibition prices fell by 1.1%. On the other hand, the agricultural sector, particularly agricultural land, experienced a decline of 8.7%.
It is worth noting that the Real Estate Price Index Publication is a statistical tool to measure the relative change in real estate prices in Saudi Arabia. It results from electronic registration and documentation processes carried out by the Ministry of Justice, encompassing various variables in real estate transactions, including value, location, area, sector, and property type.

Under the patronage of His Excellency Majid bin Abdullah Alhoqail, Minister of Municipal and Housing Affairs, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, participated in a panel discussion titled "The Future of Real Estate: Advanced Management and Data Analysis." This session was held as part of the Global PropTech Summit in the capital, Riyadh, with the presence of a distinguished group of industry experts, investors, real estate developers, and leading global technology companies.
During his participation, Aldossari explained the role of the General Authority for Statistics in developing and enabling digital transformation, which has contributed to diversifying data sources to ensure the quality of statistical products and the comprehensiveness of indicators. These data sources include statistical surveys (field, telephone, and online), the utilization of administrative records, and other data sources such as satellite imagery and geospatial data. This approach has improved the efficiency of statistical operations and contributed to the quicker and more accurate production of high-quality statistical products.
In this context, Aldossari noted that through continuous planning and organizational development, we have successfully improved performance in the development of statistical products and indicators. He emphasized the importance of identifying needs and opportunities within the private sector related to statistical information and data. Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts between GASTAT and private sector partners, which positively influences the success of joint initiatives. This collaboration supports the ongoing development and transformation of the General Authority for Statistics and takes advantage of advanced statistical programs and products that enhance commercial and investment opportunities in various sectors.
He added that in recent years, the scope of statistical work has expanded significantly, and the statistics sector in the Kingdom has undergone substantial transformations. This has been achieved through initiatives and statistical projects led by the General Authority for Statistics, aimed at producing statistical data and indicators. Additionally, there has been a continuous effort to integrate various data sources using the best data management and governance infrastructures, along with ongoing improvements in mechanisms for sharing statistical data.
It is worth noting that the Global PropTech Summit will take place over two days, October 27-28, 2024. This event serves as an innovative meeting point between technology and the real estate sector, with its themes closely aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and its objectives related to the development of the real estate sector. The summit emphasizes the importance of establishing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a leading center for modern real estate technology practices by adopting innovative activities in digital fields, data analysis, and virtual technologies for the future of the real estate sector.

The General Authority for Statistics announced today that the value of non-oil exports (including re-exports) during August 2024 reached 27.5 billion SAR, compared to 25.6 billion SAR in August 2023, marking an increase of 1.9 billion SAR, or 7.4%, according to the results of the international trade publication for August 2024.

The value of oil exports during August 2024 amounted to 65.3 billion SAR, compared to 77.3 billion SAR in August 2023, representing a decrease of 12.0 billion SAR, or 15.5%.

The results of the publication also showed a decline in merchandise exports during August 2024, which totaled 92.8 billion SAR, compared to 102.9 billion SAR in August 2023, a decrease of 10.1 billion SAR, or 9.8%.

Meanwhile, the value of merchandise imports of the Kingdom during August 2024 was 64.8 billion SAR, compared to 67.4 billion SAR in August 2023, reflecting a decrease of 2.6 billion SAR, or 3.9%.

Dr. Fahad Aldossari, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, met with Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, the CEO of the eGovernment Authority (eGA) in Bahrain, in the capital, Manama, to discuss ways to enhance joint efforts in the statistical sector and opportunities for developing cooperation in statistical data.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the latest developments in statistical work in both countries, as well as the developmental efforts concerning the approved and updated methodologies for statistical products. This includes administrative records and the development and innovation of statistical products that contribute to supporting the development plans in both countries. Additionally, they discussed the mechanism for agreeing on the exchange of expertise in the areas of technical infrastructure of both authorities and several related topics in statistical work.

This meeting is part of a series of international meetings and visits aimed at building bridges of cooperation with statistical offices in the region, focusing on exchanging expertise, sharing experiences, and informing counterpart entities about the progress being made in the statistical sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The 49th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics (AITRS) was inaugurated in Manama, chaired by Dr. Fahad Aldossari, the President of the General Authority for Statistics and Chair of the previous meeting of the Board, over a two-day period from October 21 to 22, 2024, with the presence of their excellencies and members of the Board representing the member states.
Dr. Fahad Aldossari expressed, on behalf of the Board members, his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the 49th meeting. He commended the excellent organization and hospitality by the Information and eGovernment Authority (IGA) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, praising the efforts made by the Board members over the past year to implement the Institute's plan in its areas of specialization, which support the statistical offices in the member states and meet their needs in enhancing the capacity and efficiency of human resources. He emphasized the vital role played by the Institute in achieving cooperation among the member states.
Subsequently, Dr. Fahad Aldossari expressed his thanks and appreciation to the member states for the significant cooperation that the General Authority for Statistics received during its presidency of the 48th meeting, wishing the Republic of Tunisia, represented by the National Institute of Statistics, success in chairing the current 49th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics (AITRS).