GASTAT: 100% of Saudis have basic healthcare coverage

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.
 

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 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 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) 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) 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).
 

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) 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.

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) 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 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 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.
 

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 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).
 

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) 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 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.