GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work holds its 13th meeting in Riyadh

Today, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organized a panel discussion titled “International Statistical Standards and the Role of GCC Statistical Offices in Development and Implementation” as part of “Road to Riyadh”. The discussion coincided with the Kingdom hosting the 13th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The discussion was attended by the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari; CEO of the National Center for Statistics and Information in Oman, Dr. Khalifa Al-Barwani; CEO of the Information and eGovernment Authority in Bahrain, Mohammed Al-Qaed; Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center in the UAE, Hanan Ahli, and Director of the National Center for Statistics in Qatar, Ahmed Al-Obaidly. The dialogue was moderated by Intisar Wahaibi, Director General of GCC Statistical Centre.
 It is noteworthy that this discussion is part of the “Road to Riyadh” organized by the GASTAT, as part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th UNWDF in Riyadh in November 2026. It aims to promote knowledge exchange, highlight developments in the statistical sector at both regional and international levels, and showcase the Kingdom’s advancements in statistics as it keeps pace with rapidly evolving global trends.
 

13th meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work was held at the headquarters of GASTAT in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The meeting was attended by Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center in the UAE, Hanan Ahli ; CEO of the Information and eGovernment Authority in Bahrain, Mohammed Al-Qaed; President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari; CEO of the National Center for Statistics and Information in Oman, Dr. Khalifa Al-Barwani; Director of the National Center for Statistics in Qatar, Ahmed Al-Obaidly;  Director General of the Central Statistical Bureau in Kuwait, Wafaa Al-Yahya and Director General of GCC Statistical Centre, Intisar Al-Wahaibi.
For his part, the President of GASTAT welcomed, during the opening discussion, the heads of (GCC NSOs), expressing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the role played by the GCC-STAT in coordinating efforts and strengthening Gulf integration in the statistical domain. He emphasized the importance of unifying statistical efforts across the GCC and enhancing joint work mechanisms to keep pace with international developments. He also affirmed GASTAT’s commitment to continuing its collaboration with GCC statistical offices to achieve an integrated statistical system aligned with the development visions and programs of the GCC countries. He noted that statistical integration among GCC member states is a fundamental pillar for advancing economic and social development and in enhancing the region’s presence in international reports and indices.

The meeting discussed the most notable statistical developments shared among GCC countries and reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation and integration in various statistical domains in support of decision-makers and the requirements of sustainable development. The meeting also addressed the progress of implementing joint GCC statistical initiatives and projects, assessing accomplishments during the past period, in addition to discussing the strategic plan for joint GCC statistical work for the period 2026–2030.
The meeting concluded with the issuance of several recommendations aimed at strengthening the exchange of expertise and best practices among member states and advancing the statistical infrastructure across the GCC. The recommendations also called for expanding joint programs to build national capacities in the statistical field, thereby supporting continued development and achieving statistical integration at the GCC level.
These regular meetings form a key element of the GCC countries’ ongoing efforts to strengthen the framework of joint statistical work, improve its tools, support development strategies, elevate the region’s standing in the global statistical domain, and reinforce a long-term collaborative approach among national statistical offices.
 

Represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Saudi Arabia will host the 13th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh. It will bring together heads and directors of GCC statistical offices, GCC-STAT, as well as several experts and specialists in the statistics field.
This meeting is part of the ongoing GCC’s efforts to strengthen statistical cooperation and develop national systems in line with international standards. It serves as a key platform for discussing ways to harmonize statistical policies and exchange expertise among national offices, contributing to informed decision-making and the formulation of development policies.
Alongside the meeting, a panel discussion titled “International Statistical Standards and the Role of GCC Statistical Offices in Development and Implementation” will take place as part of “Road to Riyadh” organized by GASTAT in preparation for hosting the 6th UNWDF from November 9-12, 2026. They aim to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange among data and statistical transformation specialists at both regional and international levels, while showcasing the latest global practices and trends in this vital sector. These events also serve as a platform to highlight the Kingdom’s leadership in statistical work and its significant advancements in the field, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) results for Q3 of 2025. Real GDP grew by 4.8% compared with the same period in 2024. This increase is attributed to growth across all major economic activities, with oil activities rising by 8.3%, non-oil activities by 4.3%, and government activities by 1.4% year-on-year, according to the results. 
They also showed that seasonally adjusted real GDP grew by 1.4% compared with Q2 of 2025. Oil activities recorded a 3.3% increase, non-oil activities grew by 0.6%, and government activities expanded by 1.1% quarter-on-quarter.
It is worth noting that most economic activities achieved positive annual growth rates. Petroleum refining activities recorded the highest growth during Q3 2025, reaching 11.9% year-on-year and 3.9% quarter-on-quarter.
 

أصدرت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء نتائج إحصاءات منظمات القطاع غير الربحي لعام 2024م والتي أظهرت أن إجمالي إيرادات القطاع بلغ 73.1 مليار ريال سعودي بارتفاع نسبته 22% مقارنة بعام 2023م فيما ارتفعت النفقات إلى 60.8 مليار ريال بنسبة نمو 17%، وقد بلغت تعويضات المشتغلين 28.9 مليار ريال بزيادة قدرها 13% عن عام 2023.
وأشارت النتائج أن أنشطة التعليم والأبحاث ساهمت بنسبة 29% من إجمالي الإيرادات، تلتها الصحة بنسبة 24% ثم الثقافة والترفيه بنسبة 19% وهي الأنشطة الأكثر مساهمة في إيرادات القطاع، كما أوضحت البيانات أن أنشطة الثقافة والترفيه استحوذت على 42% من أعداد المشتغلين، تلتها الخدمات الاجتماعية بنسبة 20% فيما سجلت أنشطة التنمية والإسكان 9%. وعلى مستوى تكوين رأس المال الثابت بلغت قيمة المشتريات من الأصول 4.37 مليار ريال وسجلت الصحة أعلى مساهمة بقيمة 1.4 مليار ريال.
وتُعد هذه الإحصاءات قاعدة متكاملة للبيانات الاقتصادية للقطاع غير الربحي، حيث تُجمع وفق منهجيات دقيقة ومعايير جودة عالية لضمان موثوقية المؤشرات ودعم صناع القرار والسياسات التنموية.
 

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.
 

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released GCC Market Indicators Report for 2024 results. The report is important as it supports the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, thereby reinforcing GCC’s objectives of promoting cooperation and integration in economic, social, and legislative fields. The report’s results showed an increase of 5.83% in the entry of GCC citizens into the Kingdom compared to 2023, with the total number of entrants reaching approximately 8.8 million, while the number of departures also reached 8.8 million.
The results indicated that the number of GCC-national students enrolled in public higher education institutions reached 988, while the total number of students in general education amounted to 5,036, reflecting the participation of GCC citizens at various educational levels within the Kingdom. The number of companies whose shares GCC citizens are allowed to trade in the Kingdom reached 247, corresponding to the total number of joint-stock companies in the Saudi stock market, with a total capital estimated at approximately 850 billion Saudi riyals, reflecting the full openness of the Saudi stock market to GCC citizens.
It is noteworthy that the GCC Market Indicators for 2024 results are based on administrative records issued by national authorities in the Kingdom, including the Ministries of Education, Health, Justice, Human Resources and Social Development, the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), and the Saudi Central Bank. These data were collected and analyzed using precise methodologies and high-quality standards to ensure the reliability of the indicators and to support joint economic policies among the GCC countries.
 

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Mineral Resources Statistics 2024 publication, which shows the latest developments in the mining and minerals sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results indicated that the total number of discovered mineralization sites in the Kingdom reached 5,651 sites. Non-metallic minerals accounted for the largest share at 54.1% with 3,058 sites, followed by metallic minerals at 42.9% with 2,423 sites, while sites containing both metallic and non-metallic minerals accounted for 3.0% with170 sites.
The publication indicated that the number of issued mining licenses increased from 1,985 licenses in 2016 to 2,401 licenses in 2024, recording a cumulative growth of 21% during the 2016–2024 period. Building materials quarry licenses accounted for the largest group in 2024 with 1,481 licenses, followed by exploration licenses with 642 licenses, then exploitation licenses, which include building materials, mining, and quarrying with 215 licenses, while the number of reconnaissance licenses reached 41 licenses and surplus mineral ores reached 22.
Regarding the foreign trade of minerals, aluminum exports reached 283 thousand tons, accounting for 62.9% of the total aluminum trade flow, compared to imports, which amounted to 167 thousand tons at 37.1%. Lead exports recorded around 59 thousand tons, representing 93.7% of its total trade flow, while imports reached about 4,000 tons at 6.3%. As for zinc, its trade relied almost entirely on imports, which reached 88 thousand tons at more than 99.9%, while its exports did not exceed 6 tons. Furthermore, the trade movement of nickel was limited exclusively to imports, totaling 407 tons (100%).
The results further showed an increase in the Kingdom’s exports of phosphate fertilizers in 2024 to 5.7 million tons, compared to 5.4 million tons in the previous year, recording a growth of 4.6%. In contrast, imports of phosphate fertilizers reached 66.2 thousand tons in 2024, a decrease of 51.7% compared to 2023.
It is noteworthy that the 2024 Mineral Resources Statistics publication is the first edition issued by GASTAT in this field. Its data cover the number of discovered mineralization sites, issued mining licenses, and imports and exports of minerals and their products, based on data from GASTAT, in addition to administrative records from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the National Geological Database of the Saudi Geological Survey, within a time series covering the 2021–2024 period.
 

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Agricultural Statistics Publication 2024 results. According to the results, the total quantity of date production in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached approximately 1,923 thousand tons in 2024, marking an increase of 1% compared to 2023, while the total number of palm trees exceeded 37.6 million, of which more than 32 million were fruitful trees. The results also indicated that total grain production reached 1,651 thousand tons in 2024, with wheat accounting for 71.9% of total cereal production at nearly 1,187 thousand tons, recording a decrease of 9.7% compared to 2023.
The results indicated that the cultivated area of open-field vegetables reached 89.7 thousand hectares, with a production volume of 2,745 thousand tons in 2024, marking an increase of 8.4% compared to 2023. Potatoes led in production volume at 624 thousand tons, followed by watermelon at approximately 612 thousand tons. The protected vegetable production reached 797 thousand tons in 2024, an increase of 10.6% compared to 2023, with the cultivated area covering 7.8 thousand hectares. The number of greenhouses planted with vegetables exceeded 121 thousand. Tomatoes led in production volume at 329 thousand tons, followed by cucumbers at over 232 thousand tons.
The publication further shows that the total area of organic agriculture in the Kingdom reached 24.1 thousand hectares in 2024. The area of organic and transitional farming for permanent crops (excluding palm trees) accounted for 12.5 thousand hectares, representing 52% of the total organic and transitional area. This was followed by organic and transitional farming for palm trees, which covered approximately 6.2 thousand hectares.
Total production of organic crops reached 98.3 thousand tons, marking an increase of 3% compared to 2023. Meanwhile, total imports of agricultural crops in the Kingdom reached 18,762 thousand tons in 2024, an increase of 10.8% compared to 2023, with grains accounting for the largest share at 72.1% of total imports. Total agricultural crop amounted to 506 thousand tons, representing an increase of 13% compared to 2023. Additionally, exports of fruits and edible nuts represented 72.1% of total agricultural crop exports in 2024.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) launched the “Road to Riyadh” program as part of the international preparations for the Kingdom’s hosting of the 6th UN World Data Forum, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in 9 -12 November 2026. The program’s first activities commenced on October 20, alongside the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations in Jeddah, which coincided with World Statistics Day.
The program aims to enhance global awareness of the Kingdom’s pioneering role in the fields of data and statistics, and to highlight its efforts in leading digital transformation and developing the statistical ecosystem in support of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It also aligns with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a knowledge-based economy driven by statistical data in collaboration with experts, institutions, and statistical agencies from around the world, contributing to knowledge exchange and the strengthening of international partnerships in the field of data and statistical indicators.
The “Road to Riyadh” activities include in-person and virtual sessions, seminars, and workshops held in several cities across the Kingdom. These events will take place throughout the year and will continue until the Second Saudi Forum for Statistics on November 8. Followed by the 6th United Nations World Data Forum, scheduled for 9–12 November 2026.
It is noteworthy that the “Road to Riyadh” program forms part of the General Authority for Statistics’ ongoing efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s position in the statistical field and builds upon the achievements it has made in recent years, which have contributed to the Kingdom’s progress in multiple international indicators. GASTAT has also made the full program available on its official website.
 

On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, inaugurated today the Second Statistical Forum for Universities and Statistical Associations, organized by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) at the Conference Center of the University of Jeddah. The event brought together a distinguished group of experts, specialists, representatives of scientific associations, and academics and researchers in the fields of statistics and data-related sciences.
Upon His Highness’s arrival, the national anthem was played, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an. Then, the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossary, delivered a speech emphasizing the vital role of statistics in the national development journey. He noted that the forum serves as a distinguished scientific platform for the exchange of experiences and best practices between academic and professional institutions, contributing to the advancement of research and academic programs, statistical methodologies, and the promotion of statistical innovation through the use of modern technologies and strategic partnerships.
In his speech, Aldossary announced the launch of the “Road to Riyadh” program, which represents the preparatory phase for the Kingdom’s hosting of the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum 2026, scheduled to be held in Riyadh in November 2026. The program aims to raise global awareness of the Kingdom’s pioneering role in the field of statistics and to highlight its efforts in leading digital transformation and developing the statistical ecosystem to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030 toward building a knowledge-based, data-driven economy.

The program will span a full year leading up to the forum and will include workshops, events, and local, regional, and international panel sessions, with the participation of leading experts, institutions, and statistical bodies from around the world. It will also continue beyond the conclusion of the forum to ensure the sustainability of its outcomes, maximize its impact, and solidify its achievements in the long term.
At the conclusion of his speech, Aldossary also announced the launch of the second cycle of the Innovation Lab projects, following the positive results achieved in the first cycle. He emphasized the lab’s role in enabling researchers and specialists to develop innovative statistical projects and solutions that align with the ongoing developments in the statistical community, meet the requirements of Saudi Vision 2030, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also invited researchers and statisticians to apply and participate in this new cycle.
His Highness witnessed the signing of six memoranda of cooperation between GASTAT and the following institutions: King Abdulaziz University, Taif University, King Khalid University, Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, the Islamic University of Madinah, and the Saudi Statistical Association.
These cooperation agreements aim to strengthen collaboration, enhance coordination, and integrate efforts within the scope of all parties’ expertise. They also establish an institutional framework for shared activities and tasks, and support the development of institutional capacities in areas of mutual interest. On this occasion, His Highness received a commemorative gift.
This forum comes as part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to foster integration with universities and statistical associations, expand strategic and research partnerships, and consolidate the Kingdom’s advanced position in the fields of data, statistics, and indicators. It also reaffirms the Kingdom’s role as a regional and international statistical reference, contributing to measuring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and supporting the realization of Saudi Vision 2030.
Following the opening ceremony, the forum’s sessions commenced with a main panel discussion titled “The Role of Universities in Shaping the Future of Statistical Innovation.” The session highlighted the role of universities in developing innovative statistical methodologies, building national capacities, and aligning educational outcomes with sustainable development needs.
The program also featured a series of panel sessions that addressed key topics, including the role of statistics in community development, modern methodologies for improving data quality, ethics in statistical work and data privacy, and best practices of statistical offices in providing data to users.
It is worth noting that the first edition of the forum, organized by GASTAT in 2024, witnessed notable attendance, significant scientific and research contributions, and recommendations that yielded tangible results in the field of statistical work. This year’s edition coincides with the World Statistics Day 2025, observed on October 20 under the theme “Statistics for Sustainable Opportunities.” The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joins the global community in celebrating this occasion, which is held every five years, reaffirming the importance of official statistics in supporting development and informed decision-making.

 General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Household Energy Statistics 2024 results, which showed that total electricity consumption in the residential sector across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 161,207 gigawatt-hours (GWh). The results indicated that 100% of the population benefits from electricity services. Results further showed that 86.4% of households rely on gas for cooking, while 13.4% use electricity. The majority depend on gas cylinders at 97%, while 2.7% use gas tanks. Furthermore, statistics indicated that most households use iron gas cylinders at 93.9%, while the share of households using fiber cylinders reached 5.6%.
In terms of energy efficiency, the results indicated that 91.5% of households showed a significant intrest in conserving electricity, while 91.9% followed energy-saving guidelines when using electrical appliances. Meanwhile, 56.6% of households expressed willingness to replace old appliances with more energy-efficient ones, and 40.8% expressed interest in using solar energy as a source of power in their homes.
It is noteworthy that these results are based on data collected through field and phone surveys conducted by GASTAT, in addition to administrative records provided by the Ministry of Energy, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data to support national policies related to household energy.

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Household Environment Statistics 2024 results, which showed that most households in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have access to basic drinking water services, accounting around 100%. The results also indicated that 99.8% of households benefit from safely managed drinking water services. The results further showed that bottled water is the main source of drinking water at 47.3%, followed by public network water at 36.5%, whereas tanker water percentage was 15.8% 
The statistics also showed that 99.9% of households benefit from basic sanitation services, while safely managed sanitation services reached 89.5%. Urban areas recorded a coverage rate of 93.7%, compared to 59.3% in rural areas. In terms of waste management, the results indicated that 99.9% of households benefit from the safe management of basic waste collection services. while 43.9% of households dispose waste inside the home on a daily basis.
It is noteworthy that these results are based on data from field surveys conducted by GASTAT, in addition to administrative records provided by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data to support national policies and achieve sustainability goals.
 

أصدرت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء اليوم نشرتي إحصاءات التجارة الدولية السلعية لشهر سبتمبر 2025م، والربع الثالث من نفس العام. وكشفت نتائج نشرة شهر سبتمبر عن استمرار نمو الصادرات غير البترولية (شاملة إعادة التصدير) حيث سجلت ارتفاعًا بنسبة 21.7% في شهر سبتمبر  2025م مقارنةً بسبتمبر  2024م، كما ارتفعت الصادرات الوطنية غير البترولية (باستثناء إعادة التصدير) بنسبة 2.8%، ووفقًا لنتائج النشرة فقد زادت قيمة السلع المعاد تصديرها بنسبة 72.2%، كما حقَّقت الصادرات السلعية الكلية ارتفاعًا بنسبة 14.0%، مع ارتفاع الصادرات البترولية بنسبة 10.7%، لتتراجع نسبة الصادرات البترولية من إجمالي الصادرات إلى 68.4% مقابل 70.4% في سبتمبر  2024م.
أما الواردات السلعية فقد ارتفعت بنسبة 2.8%، وأسهم ذلك في تحسّن نسبة الصادرات غير البترولية إلى الواردات لتبلغ 42.5% مقابل 35.9%، في حين ارتفع الفائض في الميزان التجاري بنسبة 66.3% مقارنةً بالشهر نفسه من العام الماضي.
وتصدرت الآلات والأجهزة والمعدات الكهربائية وأجزاؤها قائمة سلع الصادرات غير البترولية بنسبة 25.7% من الإجمالي، تلتها منتجات الصناعات الكيماوية بنسبة 22.0%. في حين جاءت الآلات والأجهزة والمعدات الكهربائية وأجزاؤها في المرتبة الأولى بين الواردات بنسبة 30.5%. 
وبيّنت النشرة أن جمهورية الصين الشعبية هي الشريك التجاري الرئيس للمملكة، حيث استحوذت على 14.4% من إجمالي الصادرات و28.2% من إجمالي الواردات في سبتمبر 2025م.
من جانب آخر كشفت نتائج نشرة التجارة الدولية خلال الربع الثالث من عام 2025م عن استمرار نمو الصادرات غير البترولية بنسبة 19.4%، مقارنة بالربع المماثل من عام 2024م، بينما انخفضت الصادرات الوطنية غير البترولية بنسبة 0.4%، فيما ارتفعت قيمة السلع المعاد تصديرها بنسبة 69.6%.
في حين سجَّلت الصادرات السلعية الكلية ارتفاعًا بنسبة 9.5% مقارنةً بالربع الثالث من عام 2024م، كما ارتفعت الصادرات البترولية بنسبة 5.5%، بينما انخفضت نسبة الصادرات البترولية من مجموع الصادرات الكلي من 71.1% في الربع الثالث 2024م إلى 68.5% في الربع الثالث 2025م.
أما الواردات السلعية فقد ارتفعت بنسبة 7.5% خلال الربع الثالث من عام 2025م مقارنةً بالفترة ذاتها من العام الماضي، كما ارتفع الفائض في الميزان التجاري بنسبة 17.2%. هذا وقد ارتفعت نسبة الصادرات غير البترولية إلى الواردات حيث بلغت 40.3% مقابل 36.3% في الربع الثالث من عام 2024م.
وتصدرت الآلات والأجهزة والمعدات الكهربائية وأجزاؤها قائمة الصادرات غير البترولية بنسبة 26.9% من الإجمالي، تلتها منتجات الصناعات الكيماوية بنسبة 21.4%، في حين جاءت الآلات والأجهزة والمعدات الكهربائية وأجزاؤها كأكبر السلع المستوردة بنسبة 30.0%.
وقد بيّنت النشرة أن جمهورية الصين الشعبية كانت هي الشريك التجاري الرئيس للمملكة في الربع الثالث من عام 2025م، حيث استحوذت على 14.9% من إجمالي الصادرات و27.6% من إجمالي الواردات في هذه الفترة.
 

In a significant regional gathering focused on the future of data and statistics, Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, took part in a panel discussion titled “Insights of GCC Statistical Leaders: Toward an Integrated Data System for a Sustainable Future.” The session was held during the Third Gulf Statistical Forum hosted by the State of Qatar, which brought together a wide range of statistical leaders, experts, and decision-makers from GCC countries to strengthen collaborative statistical efforts and explore the evolving landscape of data in the region.
Aldossari highlighted the Kingdom’s comprehensive statistical transformation journey, underscoring that reliable statistical data serves as a central pillar in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. He explained that GASTAT has, in recent years, implemented an extensive transformation plan focused on rebuilding the national statistical system and enhancing its digital infrastructure to improve data quality and accelerate production. He also noted GASTAT’s commitment to diversifying data sources, expanding data utilization, and adopting advanced international frameworks and standards to strengthen data consistency and elevate international comparability.
He concluded by emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s regional leadership in advancing statistical development and called for continued GCC cooperation to keep pace with the rapid advancements in data and its technologies.
The Gulf Statistical Forum is recognized as one of the region’s leading platforms dedicated to the statistics sector. It brings together statistical leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss key developments, challenges, and opportunities in the data field, while supporting efforts to enhance national statistical systems and build capacities that promote sustainable economic and social development across the Gulf.
 

 General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Umrah statistics results for Q2 of 2025, showing that the total number of Umrah performers, both internal and external, reached 5,443,393. The results showed that 3,352,506 were males (61.6%) and 2,090,887 were females (38.4%). The results further showed that non-Saudis who performed Umrah during this period totaled 1,993,274 representing (48.4%). The number of external Umrah performers reached 1,324,418, including 653,513 males (49.3%) and 670,905 females (50.7%).  In terms of entry ports, the statistics showed that 71.6% of external Umrah performers entered through airports, while 28.2% arrived through land ports, and 0.2% arrived through seaports.
It is noteworthy that Umrah statistics are issued periodically and are among the key statistical products that provide accurate data on the numbers of internal and external Umrah performers and visitors. These statistics serve as a reliable reference to support policies and plans related to Umrah and visitor services in Saudi Arabia.
 

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Livestock Statistics 2024 results, showing that Saudi Arabia’s broiler chicken production reached 1.3 million tons, marking an increase of 12.9% compared to 2023. Riyadh Region led production with a total of 359.7 thousand tons, followed by Hail Region with 295 thousand tons and Qassim Region with 200 thousand tons. The results further showed that table egg production exceeded 8.4 billion eggs, up 6.4% from 2023. Riyadh Region ranked first with approximately 3.2 billion eggs, followed by Makkah Region with 1.5 billion eggs and the Eastern Region with about 1.1 billion eggs.
Regarding raw milk production in specialized cattle projects, statistics recorded a total output of approximately 2.7 billion liters in 2024, representing a decrease of 3.5% compared to 2023. Riyadh Region ranked first with 1.6 billion liters, followed by the Eastern Region with 1.1 billion liters. The number of dairy cows in these projects reached approximately 233 thousand head. Results also showed that the number of sheep in the Kingdom exceeded 22 million heads in 2024, marking a slight increase of 0.25% compared to 2023. In addition, the number of goats reached approximately 7.3 million heads, reflecting a decrease of 1%, while the number of camels increased to more than 2.24 million heads, an increase of 1%, with Riyadh Region accounting for 29.4% of the total number of camels.
Statistics also indicated that the value of loans granted to livestock projects exceeded SAR 2 billion during 2024, with layer chicken projects accounting for the largest share at 31% of the total loans, followed by broiler chicken projects at 22%.
It is noteworthy that the Livestock Statistics publication is issued annually and provides up-to-date data on livestock and poultry numbers, animal production, and loans granted to projects, and is considered an important reference to support agricultural and development policies in the Kingdom.
 

The Construction Cost Index (CCI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia increased by 1.0% in October 2025 compared with the same month last year. This upturn is mainly driven by a 1.0% rise in residential construction costs and a 0.9% rise in non-residential construction costs, according to the October 2025 Construction Cost Index Publication issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
Month-over-month, residential construction costs remained unchanged in October 2025 relative to September 2025. This stability reflects the steady monthly prices observed in both the residential and non-residential sectors, as neither recorded any notable rate of change.
It is noteworthy that the Construction Cost Index (CCI) tracks price movements of construction inputs across 51 goods and services, with prices collected monthly from regions across the Kingdom. The index uses 2023 as its base year and was introduced by GASTAT in mid-2024 as part of ongoing efforts to enhance statistical products for key sectors. The CCI provides a reliable and effective reference supported by precise estimates based on comprehensive analysis of key material costs, labor costs, equipment and machinery rental, and energy costs for both residential and non-residential sectors. The index aims to support informed decision-making for contractors, real estate developers, and relevant stakeholders and to contribute to shaping a clear roadmap for residential and non-residential construction projects within the construction sector.
 

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Early Childhood Development and Child Well-Being Statistics results for 2025. The results show that 82.4% of children aged 24–59 months are on track in the health, learning, and psychosocial well-being domains according to the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI2030). Also, 83.2% of females are on track compared to 81.6% of males. Data further shows that 90.0% of children aged 36–59 months live in a positive and stimulating home environment for learning, with 90.1% among females and 89.8% among males.
Regarding children’s book ownership, 31.0% of children under five own one to two books, while 9.2% own three or more books. Additionally, 17.3% of children aged 36–59 months are enrolled in an early childhood education program, with enrollment at 18.2% for females and 16.5% for males. The participation rate in organized learning for five-year-olds reached 73.0%, with 74.5% for females and 71.5% for males. Survey results also show that 35.1% of children aged 5–7 years use digital devices for one to two hours daily, while 28.8% use them for less than one hour per day.
Early Childhood Development and Child Well-Being Statistics are based on data from the 2025 Maternal and Child Health Survey and administrative records from the Ministry of Education for the 2024–2025 school year. These indicators are among the most important measures reflecting the state of early childhood development in the Kingdom and support national policies aimed at improving the quality of life for young children.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today released the results of the Research and Development (R&D) Statistics for 2024, which showed a notable growth in expenditure, increasing by 30.4% compared to 2023. The total expenditure on R&D reached approximately SAR 29.48 billion.
The Business sector ranked first, accounting for 40.3% of the total expenditure, followed by the Government sector at 40.2%, and then the Higher Education sector at 19.5%. Furthermore, the number of R&D workers increased by 14.7%, reaching 56,593 compared to the previous year.
It is worth noting that R&D statistics are issued annually and are among the most prominent statistics that provide economic indicators on the volume of expenditure and the number of workers and researchers in this field. They serve as a reliable reference to support national policies and enhance innovation and competitiveness in the Kingdom.