Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

09/07/2026

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The Safety Index publication presents data on the percentage of individuals who feel safe walking alone in their residential area after dark in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Safety Index publication is a survey conducted to collect data on the main characteristics, as follows:
Providing data on the Neighborhood Safety Index related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal indicator 16.1.4.

Classifications

The following classifications in the Safety Index publication:
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.  
The classification used in the Safety Index publication is applied to classify individuals into Saudis and non-Saudis.
Metadata is collected through interviews, so that outputs can be produces in accordance with all relevant classifications.
The classifications are available on the GASTAT’s website: National Code of Countries and Nationalities‌

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts for the Safety Index publication:

• Feeling of safety:
  -    The question used is: After dark (at night), to what extent do you feel safe walking alone in your area/neighborhood?
  -   Answer:
• Very safe.
• Safe.
• Unsafe.
• Very unsafe.
• I never go out alone after dark (at night).
• I don’t know.

The percentage of the population who feel safe is calculated by summing the number of respondents who reported feeling “very safe” and “somewhat safe,” and then dividing this total by the overall number of respondents × 100.

Data sources

The primary data source for the Safety Index publication is the Personal Quality of  Life Survey 2025, from which data is collected through a household-based sample of 29,250 households.
The main variables published for the Safety Index publication data are:

• Sex.
• Nationality.
• Age groups.

Designing the data collection tool

The Personal Quality of Life Survey questionnaire was designed in an electronic format (CAPI) to ensure ease of use by field researchers. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that was prepared and designed by specialists at the General Authority for Statistics. International recommendations, standards, and definitions were taken into account in its design. The questions were formulated in a specific scientific manner to standardize their wording and administration.
Sections of the questionnaire:

• Identification data.
• Individual data.
• Individual characteristics.
• Questionnaire questions

Method of calculating the indicators:
Percentage of the population who feel safe = (Number of respondents who answered that they feel “very safe” + number of respondents who answered that they feel “somewhat safe”) / (Total number of respondents) × 100
Review and Correction Rules:
Validation and consistency rules were applied in the questionnaire to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of the collected data. These rules are designed to establish a logical relationship between answers and different questions and variables to help the researcher detect any errors directly when filling out the data with the household.
To ensure the quality of the Personal Quality of Life Survey data, three types of review and correction rules were established, as follows:

• Navigation rules between sections and fields:
  Special rules were programmed to regulate automatic navigation between sections and fields based on the respondent’s answers, totaling two rules.
• Error rules:
  These are rules that cannot be bypassed during the data entry process; the field researcher is required to correct the data by referring back to the respondent to verify their accuracy. The number of such rules exceeds 44.
• Alert rules (warnings):
  These rules are designed to verify the correctness of the data entered by the researcher. The field researcher may override them if the data accuracy is confirmed, with a total of approximately 11 rules.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Cognitive testing was conducted for the Personal Quality of Life Survey questionnaire using a random sample of households distributed across the regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, taking into account variations in educational level, age group, sex, and nationality among participants.
During the cognitive testing process, the following evaluation pillars were taken into consideration: The overall concept of the question, clarity of question wording, clarity of terms used in the question, appropriateness of the response options, participants’ ability to answer the questions effectively, and the extent to which participants were willing to disclose their answers. This process resulted in a report summarizing the full findings of the cognitive test.

Statistical population

The statistical population for the Safety Index publication consists of individuals aged 15 years and older who usually reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Sample Design

The Safety Index 2025 was designed using a two-stage systematic stratified cluster random sampling approach. In the first stage, a random sample of primary sampling units (enumeration areas) was selected for each stratum of the adopted sample design. In the second stage, a systematic random sample of housing units (households) is selected within each selected initial sampling unit.
Stratification:
To increase the efficiency of the sample and its representation of the target population, the primary sampling units within the sample frame were classified into homogeneous strata to obtain more accurate results compared to a simple random sampling method of the same size; the division was carried out using governorates as actual strata due to the need to produce survey indicators separately for each governorate, as the number of governorates is 150.
Sample size and allocation across strata:
The total sample size was estimated at the Kingdom level and then allocated across the thirteen administrative regions using probability proportional to size (PPS) allocation, with the sample size for small governorates adjusted to ensure that it does not fall below a specified minimum.
The total sample size amounted to 29,250 households, and the sample size was calculated using the following parameters and determinants:

• The allowable coefficient of variation used in calculating the sample size at the Kingdom level is less than 1%.
• The design effect used in the sample was 5.4.
• The expected response rate is 80%.
• A confidence level of (1 − α) = 0.95 was used in estimating the proportion derived from the survey.

Table1: Distribution of the sample at the level of administrative regions:
 

Statistical unit (sampling unit)

The statistical unit in the Safety Index consists of individuals aged 15 years and older.

Data collection

Data collection from the survey:
Safety Index data is collected through computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI).
In the Safety Index publication, statistical researchers collect detailed descriptions of fields from respondents. This information is then coded in-house by an automated process, which is reviewed by a small-dedicated team of coding experts using a series of consistency checks.
Data editing:
Specialists of Living Conditions, Lifestyles and Justice Statistics Department have processed and analyzed data in this stage, and this step was based on the following measures:

• Sorting and arranging data in groups or different categories in a serial order.
• Summarizing detailed data into key points or data.
• Combining many data segments and ensuring their interconnection.
• Handling incomplete or missing data.
• Processing illogical data.
• Converting data into statistically significant data.
• Arranging, presenting and interpreting data.

The data is stored in the authority's databases after undergoing auditing and review processes following approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. If errors or discrepancies are discovered, the data is cross-referenced with the data source for correction or clarification.

Data collection frequency 

The Safety Index data collection is conducted on a biennial basis.

Reference area

The Safety Index covers the 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Reference period (time reference)

References period to the variables or dataset as following:

• Data related to the number of household members and their demographic characteristics is referenced to the date of the household visit and the interview with its members.
• Data for the safety question is referenced to the date of the household visit and the interview with its members.

 Base period

Not applicable, Because the survey does not rely on Index Number Methodology, or the calculation of relative changes compared to a base year

Measurement unit

All results are reported as percentages.

Time coverage

Data are available from the year 2023 to 2025.

Publication frequency

The Safety Index results are published on a biennial basis in accordance with the approved dissemination plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Electronic validation rules are applied to the survey questionnaire to ensure data consistency and accuracy. These electronic rules detect data inconsistencies and were developed based on the logical structure of responses and questionnaire variables, assisting field researchers in identifying any errors immediately during data collection from household members.
The collected data are validated by the researcher prior to completion to ensure data integrity and comprehensiveness. Furthermore, the data are reviewed and validated by specialists at the Department of Living Conditions, Lifestyle, and Justice Statistics through the application of edit rules (error rules), with observations being addressed continuously and directly during the fieldwork follow-up.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

Not applicable, as the Safety Index is based on a single data source, namely the Personal Quality of Life Survey 2025.

Imputation and calibration

Reviewing the logical consistency of field data and referring inconsistent data back to the field researcher for a follow-up visit.
Data are restricted to the supervisory area level, and instructions are issued to correct inaccurate data in the field by revisiting the households. Subsequently, data are compensated for using appropriate statistical treatments.
After processing the data collected from responding households, survey weights were constructed for the indicator tables by following
two main steps, namely:

• Adjustment of non-response.
• Calibration weight.

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, only final results will be published. 

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable, only final results will be published.

Used Resources

Quality dimensions

Suitability

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

User needs 

Internal users within the General Authority for Statistics of Safety Index data:

• Living Conditions, Lifestyles and Justice Statistics.
  There are a number of external users who significantly benefit from the Safety Index data, including:
• Ministry of Interior.
  Key variables most utilized by external users:

Completeness 

The data of the Safety Index publication is based on field data collection from the Personal Quality of Life Survey 2025, and the data status is complete.

Accuracy and reliability 

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

Overall accuracy 

• The data collected is improved through the researchers, that have been selected according to a set of practical and objective criteria and training program related to the field of work.
•  Alert, prevention, and correction rules are applied during the data collection process on the electronic questionnaire for the Safety Index publication to improve data quality.
• Data is checked with previous years to identify any significant changes in the data.
• The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
• The links between variables are checked and coherence between different data series is confirmed.

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 

The General Authority for Statistics is keen to apply internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement and clarification of the timing of statistical releases on its official website through the statistical calendar, as well as adherence to the announced publication time. In the event of any delay, the schedule will be updated accordingly.

Punctuality 

Publication takes place in accordance with the release dates published in the statistical calendar for the Safety Index publication on the website of the General Authority for Statistics.

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 related to the Safety Index publication is fully geographically comparable at both the regional and international levels.

Comparability - over time 

The Safety Index publication was launched in 2023, and no changes have been made to its design; therefore, it is fully comparable over time.

Coherence- Cross domain

Not applicable, as there is no overlap between GASTAT survey indicators and the Safety Index.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable, as the Safety Index publication is conducted on a biennial basis.

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable, as the Safety Index is not linked to the national accounts, given that it targets the population.

Coherence- Internal 

The estimates of the Safety Index for the reference period are fully internally consistent, as they are all based on the same microdata set and are calculated using the same estimation methods.

Accessibility and clarity

The accessibility of data for users, the availability of detailed or aggregated data, as well as the availability of the methodology and quality report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 10.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: 
Press release

Publications

GASTAT issues Safety Index publications and reports regularly in accordance with a pre-established dissemination plan, and they are published on GASTAT’s 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, methodology and quality report, and used questionnaires) in both English and Arabic.
The Safety Index results are available at:
Safety Index

Online database

Not available.

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 based on specific methodologies upon the request of data users to extract datasets with defined characteristics for use in strategic studies, decision-making, and scientific research by individuals, households, and companies, while ensuring that they do not contain any direct identifiers and are subject to data confidentiality protection controls.
  Qualified users who meet the standards and procedures of confidentiality protection can access the files of scientific use of accurate data through the platform "ITAHA" of the General Authority for Statistics, while the most sensitive data for use is shared by visiting the accurate data laboratory within a secure environment managed by the Authority.

References and standards

Concepts, definitions, and classifications are based on internationally adopted guidelines and standards:

• United Nations ( UN-SDGs 16.1.4 )

Quality assurance

GASTAT declares that it considers the following principles: Impartiality; ensuring that the statistical product is user-oriented; maintaining the quality of processes and outputs; enhancing the effectiveness of statistical operations; and reducing the burden on respondents. 
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various stages, such as data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

The General Authority for Statistics performs all statistical activities in accordance with the national model, the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM). Under the GSBPM, the final phase of statistical activities is the overall evaluation stage, during which the information collected in each phase or sub-process is used to prepare an evaluation report that summarizes all challenges related to the quality of 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 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 Safety Index has been included in the statistical calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its clients' needs, so it immediately provides them with the publication's results once the Safety Index is published.
Customer questions and inquiries about the publication and its results are also received through various communication channels, such as:

• GASTAT official website: www.stats.gov.sa
• GASTAT 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).