Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

Statistical Presentation

Data description

Hajj Statistics provide data on the number of pilgrims and their detailed characteristics based on administrative records derived from Hajj permit systems and the monitoring of entry into Makkah. This statistical product serves as a key pillar supporting decision-makers, policymakers, and government and private entities concerned with Hajj services in planning, managing, and developing the service ecosystem during the Hajj season. 
Hajj Statistics are register-based statistics conducted to collect data on the following key characteristics:

•     Internal pilgrims by nationality.
•    External pilgrims by ways of arrival.

Data is also used to estimates:

•  Relative distribution of categories of external pilgrims by ways of arrival.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in Hajj Statistics.
National Code of Countries and Nationalities (3166 ISO – codes Country):
A statistical classification based on the international standard (ISO 3166_Country codes), which is a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO of the UN), and this classification gives numeric and literal codes for the world’s (248) countries, based on the classification of countries.  
This classification is used in Hajj Statistics to categorize individuals into Saudis and non-Saudis.
The classifications are available on GASTAT's website: www.stats.gov.sa

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts of Hajj Statistics:

• Hajj: 

It is one of the five pillars of Islam (an obligation upon every capable Muslim) and involves journeying to the holy sites to perform the rituals at a specific place and time as an act of worship.

• Internal pilgrims: 

It refers to internal pilgrims who come to perform Hajj rituals from among citizens and residents within Saudi Arabia. 

• External pilgrims

It refers to pilgrims who come from outside Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj rituals.

• Makkah: 

It is the first holy city for Muslims and home to Al-Masjid Al-Haram and the Holy Kaaba, the qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims. It is also the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Makkah is located in the western part of Saudi Arabia and has received great attention throughout the reigns of the Kingdom's kings. Continuous efforts are being made to provide the best services to pilgrims. 

• Holy sites: 

These are geographical places located in the vicinity of Makkah, including Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat. 

• Makkah Road Initiative:

It is one of the initiatives of the Ministry of Interior and is part of the programs of Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to facilitate the journey of pilgrims by completing passport procedures, customs procedures, and health requirements, as well as sorting and tagging baggage at airports in their countries of departure and transporting it directly to their accommodation in Saudi Arabia.

Data sources

The main source of Hajj Statistics is administrative records from:

• Ministry of Interior.

The key variables disseminated from administrative records data are:

• Number of internal pilgrims by nationality.
• External pilgrims by ways of arrival.

Designing the data collection tool

Data were collected using standardized data request forms directed to data-owning entities to obtain periodic, harmonized, and well-documented data derived from administrative records relevant to Hajj Statistics indicators.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Not applicable, as Hajj Statistics are based on a comprehensive register-based approach and rely on data obtained from the administrative records of the relevant entities.

Statistical population

Target statistical population: All actual pilgrims who come to perform Hajj rituals, whether internal or external. 
Observed population: The observed population comprises pilgrims registered in administrative records whose actual entry into Makkah was monitored, whether they are internal or external pilgrims.

Sample Design

Not applicable, as Hajj Statistics rely entirely on administrative records available from the relevant entities.

Statistical unit

The statistical unit in Hajj Statistics is the individual pilgrim.

Data collection

Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with the relevant GASTAT departments responsible for managing and collecting data, the administrative records used for Hajj Statistics are obtained from the Ministry of Interior. These records include data on the distribution of internal pilgrims by nationality and the distribution of external pilgrims by ways of arrival.
The data are stored in GASTAT's databases after undergoing validation and review processes in accordance with approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. The data source is consulted in the event that errors are detected or observations are identified in the data.

Data collection frequency 

Data collection for Hajj Statistics is conducted on an annual basis.

Reference area

Hajj Statistics cover all internal and external pilgrims arriving in the city of Makkah and the holy sites.

Reference period (time reference)

All data related to Hajj Statistics are based on the Hajj season of the Hijri year 1447 AH, corresponding to 2026.

Base period

Not applicable, as Hajj Statistics do not rely on a fixed base period, and changes are measured through direct comparisons over time.

Measurement unit

• Most results are measured in numbers (e.g., Number of pilgrims). 
• Some results are calculated as percentages, such as: Percentage distribution of pilgrims by ways of arrival.

Time coverage

Hajj Statistics data have been available at GASTAT since 1972 and continue to be available through 2026. Statistics have been published annually on GASTAT's official website since 2012, while historical data are maintained in GASTAT's archives and are made available upon request.

Publication frequency

Hajj Statistics results are published annually in accordance with the schedule approved in the statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

The data is reviewed and validated to ensure its accuracy in a manner appropriate to its nature, to enhance the quality and accuracy of the statistics provided. 
The current year's data are compared with those of the previous year to ensure their validity and consistency prior to data processing, results extraction, and review.
In addition, the data are processed and tabulated to ensure their accuracy. All outputs are stored and uploaded to the database after being generated by GASTAT and are subsequently reviewed and processed by specialists in the Tourism, Hajj and Umrah Statistics Department using modern technologies and software designed for this purpose.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

Not applicable, as the product relies on a single main data source and is based solely on the administrative records available from the Ministry of Interior.

Imputation and calibration

Calculation of variables and aggregates:

• Percentage of pilgrims benefiting from the Makkah Road Initiative out of the total number of external pilgrims = (Number of pilgrims benefiting from the Makkah Road Initiative ÷ Total number of external pilgrims) × 100

Imputation of missing values:
Imputation or statistical calibration methods are not used to estimate unobserved values, and the data are published as obtained from administrative records.

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, as only the final results for each year are published based on administrative records from official sources.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable; results are published in their final form and are not released as preliminary data.

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that indicates the extent to which the product meets users' needs.

User needs 

Internal users of Hajj Statistics data within GASTAT:

• International indicators.
• Statistics of national accounts.

Several external users benefit significantly from Hajj Statistics data, including:

• Government entities.
• Regional and international organizations.
• Research institutions.
• Media.
• Individuals.

Key variables utilized by external users:

Completeness 

Hajj Statistics are based on administrative records covering authorized pilgrims whose actual entry into the city of Makkah has been monitored. Accordingly, the data provide a high level of coverage of the target population.

Accuracy and reliability 

A measure of the extent to which calculations or estimates are close to the true values and accurately reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

Data accuracy is affected by coverage factors, as undercoverage of certain categories may lead to differences between observed values and actual values. However, the data are highly accurate for authorized pilgrims whose actual entry into the city of Makkah has been monitored, as they are based on reliable administrative records.

Timeliness and punctuality

 Timeliness A standard that indicates the length of time between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
Punctuality It reflects the time lag between the data publication date and the target date when publication actually occurs.

Timeliness 

GASTAT is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement, clarification of the time of publishing statistics on its official website, as outlined in the statistical calendar, as well as adhering to the announced time of publication. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality 

Results are published in accordance with the release dates specified in the statistical calendar for Hajj Statistics published on GASTAT's website.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.

Coherence and comparability

A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.

Comparability - geographical

Not applicable, as geographic comparisons are not possible, since Hajj Statistics pertain to the Hajj season in a single geographic area, namely the city of Makkah and the holy sites.

Comparability - over time 

Hajj Statistics began in 1972 as a field census, and the following are the main changes that have occurred in recent years:

•  2019 - 1972:

A field census that includes the number of pilgrims and their characteristics as well as data on the arrival of pilgrims and the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims.

• 2020:

Hajj Statistics were not published due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions.

• Since 2021:

Hajj Statistics rely on administrative records instead of a field census to measure the number and characteristics of authorized pilgrims whose actual entry into the city of Makkah has been monitored.

Coherence- Cross domain

Unified definitions and concepts for pilgrims are applied across all Hajj Statistics products, ensuring consistency among indicators published within the same publication, as well as with previous releases. Some supporting indicators may be used in other statistical domains, such as Tourism Statistics, in accordance with different methodological frameworks.
National guidelines and approved statistical standards are also followed to ensure consistency of concepts across various related statistical domains. 

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable, as Hajj Statistics are produced and published only on an annual basis, and no sub-annual releases are available for comparison.

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable, as the data are secondary in nature and are not directly used in national accounts.

Coherence- Internal 

Hajj Statistics exhibit a high degree of internal consistency, as the indicators are based on a unified source of administrative records and are produced in accordance with standardized processing procedures.
Validation controls are also applied, including consistency checks between variables (such as sex, nationality, country groups, and entry points), as well as reviewing total aggregates against component totals to ensure that no inconsistencies exist.

Accessibility and clarity

It refers to users' access to data, the availability of microdata and aggregate data, and the availability of the Methodology and Quality Report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 9.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link:

 Press release

Publications

GASTAT regularly issues Hajj Statistics publications and reports according to a predefined dissemination plan and publishes them on its website. GASTAT is keen to publish its publications in a way that serves all users of different types, including publications in different formats that contain (publication tables, data graphs, indicators, and metadata) in both English and Arabic.
Hajj Statistics results are available at:

GASTAT | Hajj Statistics.

Online database

Not available.

Microdata accessibility

Not available.

References and standards

GASTAT carries out all its statistical activities in accordance with a unified methodology that is consistent with the nature of each statistical product. In doing so, it relies on the Statistical Business Process Manual, which is aligned with the procedures adopted by international organizations in coordination with the relevant entities.

• For more details, you can refer to the attachment.

Generic Statistical Business Process Model(GSBPM)

Quality assurance

GASTAT is committed to the following principles: Impartiality; user-oriented statistical products; quality of processes and outputs; effectiveness of statistical processes; and minimizing respondent burden. 
Data are validated through quality assurance procedures and controls implemented at various stages of the statistical process, including: data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT carries out all statistical activities in accordance with the National Model of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM). During the comprehensive evaluation stage, which is the final stage of the GSBPM, the information collected throughout each stage and sub-process is used to prepare an evaluation report that summarizes all quality-related challenges associated with each statistical process and serves as input for improvement and development actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data were displayed in appropriate tables to facilitate their summarization, comprehension, and results extraction. Also, to compare data with other data and extract statistical meanings for the study community. It is also easier to check tables without the need to see any sensitive or confidential data, which violates the confidentiality of statistical data.

Publishing policy

Statistical calendar

Hajj Statistics have been included in the Statistical Calendar.

Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT's objectives is to better meet its clients' needs. Therefore, it provides them with the results of the Hajj Statistics publication immediately upon its release.
GASTAT also receives clients' questions and inquiries regarding the publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:

• GASTAT’s official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
• GASTAT’s official email address: info@stats.gov.sa
• Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
• Official letters.
• Statistical telephone: (199009).