Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

3/8/2026

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The International Trade in Services Survey presents data on the exchange of international trade in services among residents and non-residents. The survey is conducted to provide data on the Kingdom's exports and imports of services.  

Classifications

The following classifications are used in the International Trade in Services Survey:
The Extended Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS 2010): 
A statistical statement that summarizes transactions between residents and non-residents over a specified period. It comprises the goods and services account, the primary income account, the secondary income account, and the capital account.
Extended Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS 2010), United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD)
National Classification of Economic Activities (SSIC):
It is a statistical classification based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4), used to describe the productive activities of an establishment.
The classifications are available on GASTAT’s website: www.stats.gov.sa 

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts of the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey:

• Total international trade in services exports:
  Total service exports refer to the value of all cross-border services provided by residents to non-residents.
• Total international trade in services imports:
  Total service imports refer to the value of all cross-border services provided by non-residents to residents.
• Trade balance for services:
  Total service exports minus total service imports.
• International trade in services volume:
  It refers to the total sum of exports and imports.
• Services:
  They are intangible economic outputs produced based on consumers’ demands.
• International trade in services:
  The value of services exchanged between residents and non-residents in the economy, as well as the value of services provided through foreign branches of establishments in countries other than their country of origin.
• Resident:
  Any individual, company, or organization within Saudi Arabia, including subsidiaries, branches, and sales offices, as well as individuals who reside or are expected to reside in Saudi Arabia for one year or more.
• Non-resident:
  Any individual, company, or organization outside Saudi Arabia, including subsidiaries, branches, and sales offices, as well as individuals who reside or are expected to reside outside Saudi Arabia for one year or more. 

Data sources

First source of International Trade in Services Statistics (Quarterly): 
International Trade in Services Survey:
Data are collected from a sample of establishments classified by economic activity, with an estimated sample size of approximately 24,092   establishments.
Second source of International Trade in Services Statistics (Quarterly): 
Administrative records from:

• Saudi Central Bank.
• Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority
• Ministry of Tourism
• Insurance Authority (IA).
  The updated structural business framework was used as a list containing all society categories. It serves as a key framework for this survey and other economic surveys to be conducted by GASTAT in the future. It classifies all establishments by economic activity and establishment size across Saudi Arabia and its administrative regions. The activities of these establishments are classified according to the National Classification of Economic Activities (ISIC4).  
  The classification of economic activities has been aligned with the Extended Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS 2010).
  The metadata required to create the statistical framework and the test framework were identified, validated, and used for the current survey cycle.
  Main variables of administrative data are:
• Travel services.
• E-services.

Designing the data collection tool

The data were collected using a questionnaire prepared and designed by specialists at the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). International recommendations, standards, and definitions were considered during its design. The questionnaire was reviewed by departmental experts and shared with relevant entities to obtain feedback and comments. The questions were formulated using a standardized scientific approach to ensure consistency in the way field researchers ask the questions.
The questionnaire was also programmed, and the necessary tools were developed for conducting Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) and Computer-Assisted Web Interviews (CAWI). Validation and consistency rules were built into the questionnaire to ensure the consistency, accuracy, and logical integrity of the collected data. These rules were established by linking logical relationships among responses, questions, and different variables to assist the field researcher in identifying any errors directly while completing the questionnaire with the establishment. 
The questionnaire includes several sections, including:

• Identification and contact information of the establishment.
• Main services provided by the establishment.
• Sub-services with the specification of countries.
• Attachments.
  Validation and correction rules:
  Audit and control rules were incorporated into the questionnaire to ensure that the data collected is consistent, accurate, and logical. These rules were designed by establishing logical relationships between responses, questions, and various variables to assist the field researcher in directly detecting any errors during data entry.

To ensure the quality of the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey data, four types of review and validation rules were established, as follows:

• Automated control rules:
  These are rules established for the automatic calculation of certain fields or the automatic validation of responses in specific fields, as applicable to certain questionnaires.
• Navigation rules between sections and fields:
  Special rules were programmed to regulate automatic navigation between sections and fields based on the respondent’s responses.
• Error rules:
  These are rules that cannot be overridden during the data entry process. The field researcher is required to correct the data by referring to the respondent to verify its accuracy.
• Warning rules:
  These are rules established to ensure the accuracy of data entered by the field researcher. The field researcher may override these rules if the data have been verified as accurate. 

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

A cognitive test of the survey questionnaire was conducted using a random sample of establishments for the interview sample. During the cognitive testing process, the following evaluation criteria were taken into consideration: (The general concept of the question, clarity of the question wording, clarity of the terms used in the question, and appropriateness of the answer options), leading to a report that presents a complete summary of the cognitive testing results.

Statistical population

The statistical population of the International Trade in Services Statistics consists of all resident institutional and economic units engaged in activities within the geographical boundaries of Saudi Arabia, whose primary characteristic is conducting economic transactions in services with non-resident units.
This target population includes all business sector establishments, government entities, and other relevant entities that contribute to Saudi Arabia’s total exports and imports of services. 

Sample design

The sample was designed with a two-stage stratified cluster systematic random sampling method, in which in the first stage a random sample was selected from the primary sampling units (counting areas) for each stratum of the adopted sampling design.

Stratification:
To increase the efficiency of the sample and improve its representation of the target population, establishments in the sampling frame were classified into homogeneous strata. In order to obtain more accurate results compared to a simple random sample of the same size, and to provide a sufficient number of establishments at publishable levels, the stratification was applied across two levels as follows:

• Stratification at the 2-digit level of economic activity (ISIC4).
• Stratification by establishment size categories, which are:
  1.    Micro enterprises: Establishments with 1 to 5 employees.
  2.    Small enterprises: Establishments with 6 to 49 employees.
  3.    Medium enterprises: Establishments with 50 to 249 employees.
  4.    Large enterprises: Establishments with more than 249 employees.

Sample size:
The sample size was calculated at the level of each stratum, representing the field of study (economic activity at the first level — section — of the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities, ISIC4).
The resulting sample size for each study domain (ISIC-1) was then distributed across establishment size classes and subsequently across the second level of the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4), using the Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) allocation method. This approach reduces the variance of sampling weights, thereby lowering the variance of estimates and enhancing the efficiency of the design. In addition, the sample size at the study domain level (ISIC-1) was adjusted to ensure a minimum acceptable number of establishments, thus securing a sufficient response size for producing accurate estimates at the publication level (ISIC-1). Furthermore, all medium and large establishments were included in the sample with a 100% selection probability, given their importance.
The calculations outlined above resulted in a total sample size of (24,092) establishments, distributed as shown in the tables below:

Table 1: Distribution of the quarterly survey sample at the section level (ISIC4, ISIC-1).
 

Statistical unit

The statistical unit for the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey is the establishment.

Data collection

Survey data collection:
Data for the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey are collected through Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) and Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI).
Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with the relevant departments within GASTAT, administrative data for the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey are obtained from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the Ministry of Tourism, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), and the Insurance Authority.
They will be stored in GASTAT’s databases after auditing and reviewing according to established statistical methods and recognized quality standards, with reference to the data source in case any errors are discovered or if there are any observations regarding the data.

Data collection frequency 

The data collection process for the International Trade in Services Statistics is carried out on a quarterly basis.

Reference area

The International Trade in Services Statistics Survey covers the 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia.

Reference period (time reference)

The reference period for the data is the current quarter of 2026.

Base period

The concept of a base year does not apply, as the statistics are not compared against a fixed base period. 

Measurement unit

Most of the results are reported as numerical values, and the reporting unit is the Saudi riyal (SAR) (e.g.: Payments made outside the Kingdom for maintenance and repair services).

Time coverage

The statistics presented in the International Trade in Services Statistics Publication cover data from 2024 to 2026.

Publication frequency

The results of the International Trade in Services Statistics are published on a quarterly basis in accordance with the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

• Outlier detection refers to the identification of values that differ significantly from the overall pattern of the data and are often the result of data entry or response errors.
• Detection of missing or blank values and verification of whether they are mandatory or optional.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

The International Trade in Services Statistics rely on integrating data from multiple sources to calculate some of their indicators, with the aim of achieving data integration and enhancing the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the statistics. This is achieved by utilizing data from the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey and integrating them with administrative data obtained from the relevant entities. 

Imputation and calibration

In the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey, cases of total non-response or missing data for certain variables are addressed by providing an opportunity to re-contact establishments and complete the interviews in order to obtain the missing data.  If missing data or non-response persists, a scientific methodology is applied to impute the missing values and ensure the quality of the statistical results.
The estimation process is based on the following principles:

• Time series and historical data of the establishment are utilized.
• The acceptable level of missing data and its impact on the results are taken into account.
• Estimates are based on the characteristics of the statistical stratum to which the establishment belongs.
• Appropriate statistical methods are applied to ensure data consistency and maintain the quality of the resulting indicators.
• The necessary statistical weights are calculated to ensure the proper representation of the target population. 

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, only final results will be published.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable, only final results will be published.

Resources used

Quality dimensions

Suitability

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

User needs 

Internal users of the International Trade in Services Survey:
National accounts.
The International Trade in Services Statistics Survey data are widely used by a range of external users, including:

• Saudi Exports Development Authority.
• Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade.
• Saudi Central Bank.
• Localization and Balance of Payments Office.
  Key variables most frequently used by external users:
   

Completeness 

The data are considered complete, as the indicators provide comprehensive coverage of all targeted services. Detailed indicators are also produced in accordance with the Extended Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS 2010), ensuring a comprehensive and complete representation of all relevant service activities.

Accuracy and reliability 

A criterion that indicates the extent to which calculations or estimates are close to the true values that reflect reality.

Accuracy overview 

• Data quality is enhanced through the selection of researchers based on a set of practical and objective criteria related to the nature of the work, as well as their qualification and training.
• Alert, blocking, and validation rules are applied within the electronic questionnaire during the data collection process for the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey to improve data quality.
• Internal quality standards are applied to the data collected from the field to ensure their consistency and accuracy.
• The data are compared with historical data to identify any significant changes.
• The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
• The relationships among variables are examined to verify consistency across different data series.

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 uses the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) issued by the International Monetary Fund. According to this standard, all statistical agencies are required to publish data on a quarterly basis, with a time lag of no more than one quarter (90 days) after the end of the reference period. If the data are from different source, they may be published in a different frequency.

Punctuality 

The results are published in accordance with the release dates specified in the Statistical Calendar for the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey on GASTAT’s website. The data is available at the expected time, as scheduled in the Statistical Calendar. In the event of a delay in publication, the reasons will 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

The statistical data from the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey are fully comparable geographically within Saudi Arabia, as well as at the regional and international levels.

Comparability - over time 

The quarterly International Trade in Services Statistics Survey was launched in the first quarter of 2024, based on the same statistical framework and methodology adopted for the annual survey to ensure consistency in concepts and data collection methods. The quarterly survey aims to provide periodic data that contribute to monitoring short-term changes in trade in services, while maintaining comparability with the annual results. Accordingly, the quarterly results serve as an extension of the annual data and contribute to enhancing the continuity of the time series and accurately monitoring economic trends.

Coherence- Cross domain

The data are considered consistent, as they are verified for consistency with all other relevant statistics. These procedures, including those related to the Balance of Payments, contribute to ensuring integration and coherence across statistics, thereby enhancing the reliability of the data and the quality of the analyses based on them, and ensuring that the results are free from any unjustified inconsistencies.

Coherence- Annual and sub-annual statistics 

Quarterly time series for the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey were constructed while maintaining consistency between the annual and quarterly results. This ensures the ability to make comparisons and analyse historical trends in accordance with the new methodology, without compromising data integrity or temporal consistency. 

Coherence- national accounts 

Data from the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey constitute a key input to the National Accounts. Their coherence has been verified by confirming the consistency of the results and information derived from relevant data sources and related statistics.

Coherence- Internal 

The International Trade in Services Statistics Survey demonstrates full internal consistency, as all statistics are based on international standards and are compiled using sound statistical methods.

Accessibility and clarity

The extent to which users can access the data, the availability of detailed or aggregated data, and the availability of the Methodology and Quality Report.

News

Announcements for each publication are available in the statistical calendar, as mentioned in Section 10.1. Access to the statistical calendar and press releases can also be viewed on GASTAT’s website. 
News

Publications

GASTAT publishes the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey (Quarterly) publications and reports on a regular basis according to a pre-established dissemination plan. They are made available on GASTAT’s website. GASTAT is committed to disseminating its results in a manner that meets the needs of all user groups. The publications are available in various formats and include statistical tables, charts presenting data and indicators, metadata, methodology, and the questionnaires used, in both Arabic and English.
The results of the International Trade in Services Survey (Quarterly) are available at: 
https://www.stats.gov.sa/ar/statistics-tabs?tab=436312&category=1340149 

Online database

The data is published on the statistical database:
GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)

Microdata accessibility

Accurate data is unit-level disaggregated data obtained from multiple sources such as sample statistical surveys, general population and housing censuses, and administrative systems, providing detailed information about the characteristics of individuals, families, business entities, and geographical areas, supporting the construction and development of statistical indicators and scientific research.
Different types of microdata files are available to meet diverse information needs.

• Public use: 
  ‌‌It consists of sets of records containing information on individuals, households, or business entities anonymized in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly by combining different – especially rare – characteristics of respondents such as age, occupation, education, etc.
• Scientific use:
  These files are created using specific methodologies at the request of the data requester to produce datasets with specific characteristics. They are intended for strategic studies, decision-making, and scientific research purposes by individuals, households, and businesses, while ensuring that they do not contain any direct identifiers and are subject to confidentiality protection controls.
  Qualified users who meet the standards and procedures of confidentiality protection can access the files of scientific use of microdata through GASTAT's "ITAHA" platform, while the most sensitive data for use is shared by visiting the microdata lab within a secure environment managed by GASTAT.

References and standards

The concepts, definitions, and classifications are based on the following international standards:

• United Nations Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services (MSITS).
  Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services
• International Monetary Fund Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6).
  Balance of Payments Manual

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 different 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 (Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)). During the comprehensive evaluation phase, which is the final phase of the GSBPM, the information collected throughout each phase or sub-process is used to prepare an evaluation report summarizing all quality-related challenges associated with each statistical process. The report serves as an input to improvement and development activities.

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.

Data processing confidentiality

Data of SMEs survey are presented in right tables in order to summarize, understand, as well as extract their results. Moreover, to compare them with other data, and to obtain statistical significance about the selected study population. However, referring to such data indicated in tables is much easier than going back to check the original questionnaire that may include some data like: names and addresses of individuals, and names of data providers, which violates data confidentiality of statistical data.
“Anonymity of data” is one of the most important procedures. To keep data confidential, GASTAT removed information on individual persons, households, or business entities in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly by combining different, especially rare, characteristics of respondents, such as age, occupation, education, etc.

Dissemination policy

Statistical calendar

The International Trade in Services Statistics Survey has been included in the Statistical Calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User accessibility

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its users’ needs. Therefore, it provides them with the results of the International Trade in Services Statistics Survey (Quarterly) publication as soon as they are released.
GASTAT also receives users’ questions and inquiries regarding the publication and its results through various communication channels, including:

• 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.
• Unified number: (199009).