تشارك دول الخليج الاحتفاء بيوم الإحصاء الخليجي تحت شعار "بيانات موحّدة.. رؤية مشتركة"

تشارك الهيئة العامة للإحصاء مع دول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية في الاحتفاء بيوم الإحصاء الخليجي الذي يوافق 24 ديسمبر من كل عام، حيث يأتي هذا العام تحت شعار "بيانات موحّدة.. رؤية مشتركة"، وذلك في إطار التزام منظومات الإحصاء الخليجية بتجسيد التطور في العمل الإحصائي وتعزيز دوره في دعم خطط التنمية الشاملة وتحقيق مستهدفات الرؤى الوطنية في دول المجلس.
ويأتي الاحتفاء هذا العام استمرارًا لجهود دول المجلس في بناء منظومات بيانات إحصائية متقدمة تُسهم في توفير إحصاءات دقيقة وموحّدة، تعزّز فاعلية السياسات العامة وتدعم صناعة القرار، لمواكبة مستهدفات التنمية المستدامة. ويُعد يوم الإحصاء الخليجي مناسبة سنوية لإبراز أهمية القطاع الإحصائي ودوره المحوري في رسم ملامح المستقبل التنموي لدول المجلس، إلى جانب تعزيز وعي المجتمع بقيمة البيانات الإحصائية بوصفها عنصرًا رئيسًا في التطوير والنمو والتقدّم.
وفي هذا السياق، أكد رئيس الهيئة العامة للإحصاء فهد بن عبدالله الدوسري أن هذا اليوم يعكس التزام دول المجلس بتعزيز التكامل الإحصائي الخليجي، مضيفًا أن مواءمة البيانات الإحصائية وتوحيد منهجيات إنتاجها يشكّلان ركيزةً أساسية لتحقيق رؤية مشتركة قوامها اقتصاد قوي وتنمية مستدامة، بالشراكة مع منظومات الإحصاء الخليجية، إلى جانب تطوير خطط التحول الوطني والمنهجيات الحديثة في إنتاج البيانات.
يُذكر أن المجلس الوزاري لمجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية قد اعتمد خلال دورته الـ(141)، التي عقدت في المنامة بمملكة البحرين في 24 نوفمبر 2016م، تخصيص يوم سنوي للإحصاء الخليجي، بهدف تعزيز شراكة المجتمع مع الجهات الإحصائية، وتسليط الضوء على دور الإحصاء الحيوي في دعم التنمية المستدامة، وإبراز الدور الاستراتيجي لمنظومة البيانات الخليجية في بناء السياسات واتخاذ القرارات التنموية في المنطقة.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Construction Cost Index (CCI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for November 2025. According to the publication, CCI recorded an increase of 1.0% compared to the same month of the previous year, driven by a rise of 1.0% in construction costs for the residential sector and an increase of 1.0% for the non-residential sector.
Meanwhile, CCI survey results showed that prices remained stable in November 2025 compared to October 2025.
It is noteworthy that the CCI results publication is part of the ongoing efforts by GASTAT to develop statistical products for vital sectors, provide a reliable and effective reference, and offer accurate estimates to support the decision-making of contractors, real estate developers, and relevant authorities. This also contributes to outlining a clear roadmap for residential and non-residential construction projects in the building and construction sector.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), achieved a new milestone by continuing its advancement in the Statistical Performance Indicator (SPI) issued by the World Bank since the data update 2020. Saudi Arabia’s score rose to 83.3% in 2024, compared with 81.5% in 2023, maintaining its 1st place ranking in the Arab region and advancing three positions among G20 countries, moving up 11th place from the 14th place ranking as published last year. Saudi Arabia further advanced four global places, ranking 51st place out of 188 countries. This accomplishment stems from the Kingdom’s ongoing statistical development, its adoption of a digital transformation approach within the national statistical ecosystem, and its efforts in capacity-building, promoting innovation, strengthening transparency, and facilitating the monitoring of progress toward SDGs.
The World Bank had announced on its official website the results of the SPI assessment 2024, which evaluated five main pillars comprising 51 indicators covering: data use, data services, data products, data sources, and data infrastructure. Saudi Arabia ranked 6th among G20 countries, scoring 93.2% in the second pillar related to data services. It was also ranked 7th among G20 countries in the fourth pillar concerning data sources and advanced to 17th place globally, compared to 36th place as published last year. Saudi Arabia further achieved advanced results by being placed within the top 20% of countries in three pillars: Data services, Data sources, and Data infrastructure.
For his part, GASTAT President, Fahad Al-Dossari, extended his congratulations to the wise leadership on this international achievement, expressing his appreciation for the support and attention GASTAT continues to receive. Affirming that this sustained support has contributed to enhancing the quality and efficiency of statistical sector operations and outputs, as well as its significant development and alignment with global advancements and rapid changes in this field, reflecting the advancement of the Saudi statistical ecosystem.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT continues its efforts to implement comprehensive statistical transformation, aimed at developing the infrastructure for field and digital surveys and enhancing integration with various governmental, private, and non-profit entities. In achieving this transformation, GASTAT relies on innovation and the use of advanced technologies in data collection and analysis, contributing to improving the quality of statistical outputs and enabling decision-makers to access accurate data that supports the achievement of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 targets. Furthermore, GASTAT continues its pursuit of building national capabilities and adopting the best global practices and methodologies to ensure the sustainability of statistical development and to keep pace with the rapid global changes in the field of statistics.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) will organize, next Tuesday, 23 December, the first quarterly virtual panel discussion as part of Road to Riyadh events. The discussion, titled “Saudi statistical data ... a pivotal role in supporting national development”, aims to highlight GASTAT’s experiences and best practices in fulfilling its mandate, promote knowledge exchange within the statistical community, and explore future development opportunities to strengthen the role of statistics in supporting economic, environmental, and social development. The discussion will also discuss future aspirations for the work of statistical offices and ways to leverage advanced technologies.

In this context, GASTAT has invited professionals and those interested in statistical work to attend the Road to Riyadh events, which will be livestreamed via GASTAT’s official social media platforms and will target both local and international audiences. GASTAT has also made all Road to Riyadh events available through its official electronic portal.

It is worth noting that these events were launched as part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) in 2026, aiming to showcase Saudi Arabia’s statistical advancement and comprehensive digital transformation in the field of statistical data. The events will continue until the convening of the Second Saudi Statistical Forum on 8 November, ahead of UNWDF, scheduled to take place from 9 to 12 November 2026.

The Warehousing and Logistics Statistics 2024 results showed an increase in the number of activated logistics centers in Saudi Arabia to 23 centers, with a total area of 34.6 million square meters, compared with 22 centers in 2023.
Makkah Region recorded the largest total area, at 20.4 million square meters, distributed across six logistics centers.
The total number of licensed commercial warehouses reached 12,234 with a combined area exceeding 22 million square meters, while the number of construction warehouses stood at 1,189, covering an area of 7.5 million square meters. Data also showed that freight volumes through maritime transportation amounted to 331.3 million tons, compared with 25.7 million tons through road ports, while railway transportation reached 15.6 million tons, and 1.2 million tons through air transportation.
Regarding delivery activity, Warehousing and Logistics Statistics 2024 indicated that the number of orders fulfilled exceeded 290 million, marking an increase of 27.2% The average delivery time decreased from 45 to 35 minutes, while the number of active Saudi drivers in this sector rose to 140,000, and non-Saudi drivers reached 302,000.
Meanwhile, the customs clearance activity witnessed an increase in valid licenses, reaching 1,179 licenses at maritime ports, 465 licenses at road ports, and 722 licenses at airports by the end of 2024.
It is noteworthy that the Warehousing and Logistics Statistics are based on administrative records from several government and private entities. This annual publication provides statistics and indicators on the warehousing and logistics sector, and is used for local, regional, and international comparisons, as well as for conducting studies and research in the field of warehousing and logistics.
 

The annual inflation rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Saudi Arabia reached 1.9% in November 2025, compared with November 2024, recording relative stability on a monthly basis at 0.1% compared with October 2025.
Meanwhile, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) recorded an annual increase of 2.3% in November 2025, compared with the same month in 2024, while the index recorded a monthly decline of 0.3% compared with October 2025.
It is noteworthy that CPI reflects changes in the prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of 582 items, while WPI reflects movements in the prices of goods at the pre-retail stage for a fixed basket of 343 items.
 

GASTAT hosted the 13th meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work at its headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting was attended by President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari; 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; 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.

During the opening discussion, the President of GASTAT expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the role played by the GCC-STAT in coordinating efforts and strengthening Gulf integration in the statistical field. He emphasized the importance of unifying statistical efforts across GCC and developing 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 enhancing the region’s presence in international reports and indices.
The meeting discussed most notable statistical developments 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 and discussed 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 and advancing the statistical infrastructure across the GCC. The recommendations also called for expanding joint programs to build national capacities in the statistical field.
These regular meetings form a key element of the GCC countries’ ongoing efforts to strengthen the framework of joint statistical work and improve its tools to support development strategies and elevate the region’s standing in the global statistical domain, keeping pace with rapidly evolving global changes.
 

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Food Security Statistics 2024 results, which showed an increase in self-sufficiency ratios for several plant and animal-based food products compared to 2023. For animal-based food products, the results showed that the self-sufficiency ratio for shrimp reached 149% followed by 131% for dairy products, and 103% for table eggs. The results also indicated that self-sufficiency ratios for vegetables reached high levels, with 105% for eggplant, 102% for okra, 101% for cucumbers, and 100% for zucchini. Meanwhile, dates recorded the highest self-sufficiency ratio among fruits at 121%, followed by figs with a self-sufficiency ratio of 99%
Regarding the increases in self-sufficiency ratios achieved by certain food products in 2024 compared to 2023, self-sufficiency in onions rose by 41.2% followed by tomatoes with 9.2% while fish recorded an increase of 8.2% and poultry self-sufficiency increased by 1.4% In addition, the Food Security Statistics 2024 publication results showed that rice was the highest among plant products in the Saudi Arabia, reaching 52 kg per capita per year, followed by dates at 36 kg per year. For vegetables, per capita share per year from the total available was 20.50 kg for onions, and 19.56 kg for tomatoes. As for animal products, the results indicated that the per capita share of milk was 70.3 liters per year. For poultry meat, the per capita share reached 46.9 kilograms per year, while table eggs averaged 235 eggs per person per year. 
It is noteworthy that these results are based on data from field surveys conducted by GASTAT, in addition to administrative records from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the General Food Security Authority (GFSA), and the Agricultural Development Fund. The data were collected and analyzed using precise methodologies and high-quality standards to ensure the reliability of the indicators and to support national policies in the field of food security.
 

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.
 

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.