Last update 27 / 08 / 2018
Hajj statistics updates every (6 hours) via an interactive map on the site
GaStat operates an advanced technical system in the implementation of "Hajj statistics"
The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) is currently implementing a comprehensive technical system, with more than 470 statistical researchers working in six main entrances to Makkah and three support centers in Medinah, Jeddah and Al Tai’f. The system is connected to a secure electronic network for simultaneous and immediate data flow to the main centers. Moreover, the GaStat updates the interactive statistical map of Hajj every six hours through its official website www.stats.gov.sa
Mr. Khalid Al-Dalqan, Information Technology Under Secretary at GaStat, said that GaStat is working continuously to develop the methodologies and programs needed to collect, process, analyze and disseminate data to achieve comprehensiveness, reliability and timeliness in data dissemination through the use of modern technology that contributes to reducing the time and place factors which may delay data processing speed and accuracy as well as the speed of extraction and data dissemination during Hajj. GaStat has applied a modern method of collecting field data using the latest technology and software by using electronic forms on tablets when counting pilgrims, which allow quick access to daily data and total results of the number of pilgrims classified according to their nationalities, centers and times of arrival. He added that all statistical researchers in Mekkah have been trained to use modern technology and devices effectively to implement the Hajj statistics program using tablets connected with the main servers in Riyadh in addition to the link to backup servers in all statistical centers that work offline if needed.
Moreover, Al-Dalqan said that the Authority has allocated a technical support team working around the clock ( in order to train all employees categories to use Hajj systems, know how to extract daily reports, follow up the productivity of field work groups and solve all technical problems that may face the work groups during data collection), Furthermore, it has dedicated other work teams for the preparation distributed to all main and support statistical centers. GaStat provided analysis and design teams as well as a team to develop data collection systems, including the tablet system used to collect field data that includes a digital form to count pilgrims containing all data on the results of pilgrims enumeration numbers arriving in Makkah connected to the coordinates of the information gathering site. These devices work via a remote control systems that allow the tracking devices to provide remote technical support.
On the other hand, Information Technology Under Secretary at the GaStat pointed out that the Hajj statistics platform of the technical system was added to Hajj of this year for the main center and the main counting centers. This allows the specialists to review the pilgrims statistics of this year updated in comparison to the historical data at the level of arrival centers of pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom, their nationalities, arrival time and types of vehicles, in addition to the statistics of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom as well as the pilgrims of Mekkah.
It is worth mentioning that GaStat has standardized the definitions and terminology used in Hajj statistics, where the pilgrim is the counting unit. The process of counting pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom is limited to the persons wearing Ihram who are already been counted at the centers of Hajj statistics at the entrances to Makkah. The counting includes All Saudi and non-Saudi individuals, males and females, coming from different regions of the Kingdom to Makkah for the purpose of performing Hajj, with the addition of the total number of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom counted by the General Directorate of Passports at the points of entry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.