Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

05/04/2026

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The Household Culture and Entertainment Survey present data on the participation of individuals (15 years and above) in culture and entertainment activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Household Culture and Entertainment Survey is conducted to collect data on the main characteristics, as follows:
•    Individuals’ preferences for visiting cultural events and activity venues.
•    Individuals’ preferences for visiting entertainment events and activity venues.
•    Individuals’ reading practices.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey.
Saudi Standard Classification of Educational Levels and Fields:
A statistical classification based on the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) and the International Standard Classification of Education – Fields of Education and Training (ISCED-F 2013), issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It serves as the reference classification for organizing educational programmes and related qualifications according to their educational levels and fields. The classification covers all educational programmes, levels, and modes of education, and spans all stages of education from kindergarten through to postgraduate levels.
This classification is used in the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey to classify individuals aged 15 years and above according to their educational levels and fields of study.
National Code of Countries and Nationalities (ISO 3166 – Country Codes):
A statistical classification based on the international standard (ISO 3166 – Country Codes), issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This classification assigns numeric and alphabetic codes to the world’s 248 countries, based on the country classification.
This classification is used in the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey to classify individuals into Saudi and non-Saudi categories. 
Metadata is collected through interviews to allow the production of outputs in accordance with all relevant classifications.
The classifications are available on GASTAT’s website:  National Code of Countries and Nationalities

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and Concepts of the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey:
•    Concept of Culture:
Culture is a social behavior and a norm present in human societies. It refers to everything that humans have created within their environment throughout history. Culture includes customs, language, etiquette, values, knowledge, tools, and economic, social, political, judicial, and educational systems and levels. Indigenous culture reflects the historical specificity of a particular society, its view of the universe and its realms, human capabilities, the ways these capabilities are utilized, and the boundaries within which they should operate.
•    Entertainment:
Refers to entertainment services provided during leisure time by establishments specialized in entertainment activities, such as amusement parks, parks, and sports events. In this context, entertainment refers to the entertainment industry, which does not produce distinct products but utilizes goods and services from other sectors to create entertainment experiences.
•    Cultural Activities:
Activities aimed at promoting and introducing culture within a specific society, encompassing a wide range of activities that promote arts, traditions, and cultural expression.
•    Entertainment Activities:
Activities practiced for enjoyment or relaxation, intended to provide leisure and amusement.
•    Event:
An event that provides enjoyment and entertainment, such as shows, festivals, concerts, theatrical performances, and exhibitions.
•    Home Library:
It is the part of the house where household books are kept, whether it is a separate room, part of a living room, or shelves located in different rooms.
•    Cultural Heritage:
A term that includes handicrafts, archaeological landmarks, and a group of buildings and sites with various values such as symbolic, historical, artistic, aesthetic, ethnological, anthropological, scientific, or social significance.
•    Natural Heritage:
Includes natural landmarks, geological formations, specific areas that constitute habitats for endangered animal and plant species, and natural sites with scientific, conservation, or aesthetic value. Natural heritage includes parks, reserves, zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens.
•    Historical and Archaeological Sites:
Archaeological locations and buildings that carry various values and reflect historical, artistic, symbolic, and aesthetic significance.
•    National Heritage Festivals:
Specialized cultural events aimed at preserving and highlighting components of Saudi cultural heritage at the national level, such as Al Janadriyah Festival, Arabic Calligraphy Festival, and Traditional Ships Festival.
•    Eid Festivals:
Celebrations held during Islamic Eid periods.
•    Performing Arts:
Activities practiced by both professionals and amateurs, including theatre, dance, opera, and music.
•    Parties:
Gatherings of individuals for social, cultural, or seasonal purposes that reflect the relationships among participants.
•    Photography:
The science and art of capturing images. For survey purposes, daily photography activities using cameras or other devices are excluded from this activity.
•    Fine Arts:
Activities related to drawing, painting, sculpture, engraving, carving, design, and artistic visualization using materials such as stone, metal, wood, paper, and colour, aimed at producing or mastering artistic works that reflect creativity and aesthetic dimensions in support of human knowledge.
•    Entertainment Cities (Amusement Parks):
Standalone entertainment destinations that include large indoor or outdoor entertainment spaces designed to host large numbers of visitors. They feature various types of rides and attractions (mechanical, water-based, electronic, technological, or motion-based) and may include theme-based parks (such as cartoons, films, or animals).
•    Entertainment Centres:
Standalone entertainment venues or facilities within larger complexes, often indoor, offering various entertainment areas such as performance halls, maze or puzzle rooms, and different types of games (mechanical, water-based, electronic, technological, or motion-based). These centres may also be established for hobbies and for conducting entertainment, cultural, social, and sports activities for entertainment purposes.
•    Entertainment Events:
A temporary entertainment occasion held at a specific time and place with audience participation, aimed at enjoyment and targeting different age groups depending on the type of event. Examples include entertainment festivals, circus shows, and children’s character shows.
•    Entertainment Shows:
Live entertainment performances such as standalone small-scale shows, shows accompanying officially authorized events, licensed performances by government entities, or shows held in shopping centres.
•    Live Performances in Restaurants and Cafés:
A range of live entertainment performances held in restaurants and cafés, including musical performances, singing shows, stand-up comedy, and others.

Data sources

The main source of data for the Culture and Entertainment Statistics Publication is the Culture and Entertainment Survey.
The main variables disseminated in the Culture and Entertainment Statistics Publication are:
•    Sex.
•    Nationality.
•    Administrative Region.

Designing the data collection tool

Data were collected using a questionnaire prepared and designed by specialists at the General Authority for Statistics. The data collection tool was designed in an electronic format (CAPI) to ensure ease of use by field researchers. International recommendations, standards, and definitions were taken into account during its design, and it was also presented to relevant entities to obtain their views and comments. The questions were formulated using a specific scientific approach to standardize the wording of questions.
The questionnaire includes several sections, as follows:
•    Household Head Data.
•    Individual Data.
•    Individuals’ Demographic Data.
•    Individual Cultural Participation.
•    Reading (Books, Newspapers and Magazines).
•    Audio-Visual Media and Music.
•    Entertainment Venues.
•    Entertainment Seasons.
•    Sports.
Method of calculating the indicators:

Review and Correction Rules:
Audit and control rules were incorporated into the questionnaire to ensure the consistency, accuracy, and logical coherence of the collected data. These rules were developed by linking logical relationships between responses, questions, and different variables, to assist the field researcher in detecting any errors directly during data entry.
To ensure the quality of the Culture and Entertainment Survey data, four 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 29 rules.
•    Error rules:
These are rules that cannot be bypassed during the data entry process. The field researcher must correct the data by referring back to the respondent to verify its accuracy. The total number of these rules exceeds 120.
•    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 5 rules.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Cognitive testing was conducted on a number of questionnaire questions. The interview sample consisted of a random sample of households distributed across the regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During the cognitive testing process, the following evaluation aspects were considered: the overall concept of the question, clarity of question wording, clarity of the terms used in the question, appropriateness of the response options, participants’ ability to answer the questions effectively, and the extent of their willingness to disclose their answers. The process resulted in a report providing a comprehensive summary of the cognitive testing results.

Statistical population

The statistical population of the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey consists of individuals (aged 15 years and above) who usually reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Sample Design

For this survey, the sampling frame consists of a list of all households in the population, distributed across 13 administrative regions and 150 governorates. Accordingly, the relationship between the frame units and the study units (households) is a one-to-one relationship.
Sample size:
The estimated sample size for each administrative region (study domain) was calculated using the sample size estimation formula based on the following parameters and determinants:
•    The allowable margin of error used in calculating the sample size at the administrative region level ranged between 2.6% and 11.3%.
•    The design effect at the administrative region level ranged between 0.44 and 4.41.
•    The expected response rate at the regional level was 80%, based on the results of the previous survey cycle.
•    A confidence level of (1−α) = 0.95 was used in estimating the mean.
Sample Size Estimation Formula:
The sample size was calculated at the level of the administrative regions to ensure the production of reliable and accurate estimates.
The sample size for each stratum h(administrative region) was calculated as follows:  

•   : The sample size for each stratum h(study domain).
•    :: The estimated design effect for each stratum h(study domain).
•  : Represents the size of stratum h (total number of households in the sampling frame).
•    *⍴
•     : The estimated response rate for each stratum h(study domain).
•    The allowable margin of error for estimating a proportion in each stratum h(study domain). The allowable error is calculated by multiplying the relative error RE_hby the proportion to be estimated from the survey   ..
•    : The proportion of households experiencing visual pollution in stratum h(study domain).
•   α :The confidence level coefficient associated with the estimated proportion for each stratum h(study domain).
As a result, the total sample size reached 26,880 households.
Sample design:
The sample was designed using a two-stage stratified cluster random sampling method. In the first stage, a random sample of primary sampling units (enumeration areas) was selected for each stratum of the approved sample design. In the second stage, a systematic random sample of housing units was selected within each selected primary sampling unit.
Distribution of the sample at the level of administrative regions:

Statistical unit (sampling unit)

The statistical unit in the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey consists of individuals (aged 15 years and above).

Data collection

Data collection from the survey:
Data for the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey are collected through Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) and Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI).
The data are stored in the Authority’s databases after undergoing validation and review processes in accordance with the approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. The data source is contacted when errors are detected or when observations are identified in the data.

Data collection frequency 

The data collection process for Household Culture and Entertainment Statistics is conducted on an annual basis.

Reference area

The Household Culture and Entertainment Survey covers the 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Reference period (time reference)

The reference period for the variables or dataset is as follows:
• Demographic data are based on the household contact and interview date.
• Data on attendance and participation in activities are based on the 12 months preceding the contact date.
• Data on audio-visual media and music are based on the three months preceding the contact date.

Base period

Not applicable, as the survey does not rely on an index number methodology or on calculating relative changes compared to a base year.

Measurement unit

All results are measured as percentages, such as:
•    Percentage of individuals who visited at least one cultural event or activity.
•    Percentage of individuals who visited cultural event and activity venues by type of event/activity.
•    Percentage of individuals who visited at least one entertainment event or activity.
•    Percentage of individuals who visited entertainment event and activity venues by type of event/activity.

Time coverage

Data are available from the year 2018 to 2025.

Publication frequency

The results of the Household Culture and Entertainment Statistics are published on an annual basis in accordance with the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Electronic validation rules are applied to ensure the consistency and accuracy of the survey questionnaire data. These rules are designed to detect data inconsistencies and were developed based on the logical relationships between questionnaire responses and their variables, enabling the field researcher to identify any errors directly while completing the questionnaire with household members.
The collected data are verified through a review conducted by the field researcher prior to completion to ensure data completeness and coverage. The data are also reviewed and validated by specialists in the Living Conditions, Lifestyles and Justice Statistics Department through the application of error rules, with observations addressed continuously and directly during the monitoring of fieldwork.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

Since the data are obtained from a single source, no data integration or merging processes are carried out.

Imputation and calibration

Sampling Weights:
Sampling weights are factors used in the analysis of data collected from a sample rather than the entire population. Their purpose is to adjust for biases resulting from differences in selection probabilities among households in the sample. This helps ensure that the analysis results are more accurately representative of the population.
Main uses of sampling weights:
•    Bias correction:
Adjusting for biases resulting from unequal selection probabilities among members of the population.
•    Population representation

Ensuring that the results derived from the sample accurately reflect the true characteristics of the population.
How to calculate sampling weights:
When the sample is drawn using SPSS, design weights   are automatically calculated at the household level and appear under the name “SampleWeight_Final”.
The design weight is expressed as the inverse of the selection probability of each individual in the sample; if it is not available, it can be calculated as follows:
 If the selection probability of individual from stratum is denoted by   then the weight of the selected individual in the sample is given as follows:  

Where:
•    m: Number of enumeration areas in the sample for each stratum.
•    M: Number of enumeration areas in the sampling frame for each stratum.

Where:
•    n: Number of households in the sample for each enumeration area.
•    N: Number of households in the sampling frame for each enumeration area.
Weight adjustment:
Adjustment due to the exclusion of part of the population:
Weight adjustment to compensate for non-response or missing data to ensure proper representation of the sample. This adjustment is made after data collection and identifying the response cases, and is calculated using the following formula:

Where:
•    : The non-response–adjusted weight for household i in stratum h.
•    : The design weight for household i in stratum h.
•    : : The adjustment factor for enumeration area m in stratum h, which is calculated as follows: 

Where:
•    R: represents the responses.
•    NR: represents the non-responses .
Weight calibration (final weights):
When survey indicators relate to individuals, the weights are calibrated (adjusted) to align with the population distribution based on known characteristics such as age, sex, nationality, and administrative region. The representativeness and coverage of the sample are verified according to these characteristics. If under-representation or a shortage in the number of responding individuals is identified for any of the aforementioned characteristics, there are two options:
•    First: Merge weight calibration categories that contain no sample or have a very small sample size with other categories that have higher response rates.
•    Second: Use the Raking weights method instead of Post-stratification.
Calculation of weights for individuals aged 5–19 years using the raking weights method:
Objective: A two-dimensional raking procedure is implemented to calibrate the sample weights to the population estimates. Calibration is carried out at two levels:
Calibration will be carried out using two levels:
•    At the Kingdom level:
By creating calibration categories consisting of a combined code of five-year age groups, nationality, and sex, referred to as (dim2).
•    At the administrative region level (ADMIN):
By creating calibration categories consisting of a combined code of the administrative region code, three-year age groups, nationality, and sex, referred to as (dim1).

R Program – R Code:
The program consists of the following main components:
•    Reading the data file (Member_ETS) and the population projection files (dimension1) and (dimension2).
•    Trimming (capping) of design weights to eliminate extreme values.
•    Specification of the sampling design.
•    Calibration of the trimmed weights.
•    Validation of the calibrated (final) weights.
•    Saving the calibrated (final) weights to an Excel file.
Table of survey response outcomes after the data collection process is as follows:

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, only final results will be published. 

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable, only final results will be published. 

Resources used

Quality dimensions

Suitability

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

User needs 

Internal users in the GASTAT for Household Culture and Entertainment Survey data:
•    Living conditions, lifestyles and justice statistics.
There are a significant number of external users and beneficiaries of Household Culture and Entertainment Survey data, including:
•    Government entities.
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Individuals.
Key variables most utilized by external users:

Completeness 

The data of the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey are based on data collected from the survey itself, in order to provide comprehensive information on:
•    Indicators of individuals’ participation in cultural activities.
•    Indicators of individuals’ participation in entertainment activities.
The data status is complete.

Accuracy and reliability 

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

Overall accuracy 

•    Data quality is enhanced through the selection of field researchers based on several practical and objective criteria related to the nature of the work, as well as through their qualification and training.
•    Warning, blocking, and editing rules are applied during the data collection process through the electronic questionnaire of the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey to improve data quality.
•    The data are examined in comparison with previous years to identify any significant changes.
•    The internal consistency of the data is verified before finalization.
•    The relationships between variables are examined, and consistency across different data series is confirmed.

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness: A measure that indicates the length of time between the availability of the information and the occurrence of the event.
Punctuality: Reflects the time difference between the actual date of data release and the scheduled release date.

Timeliness 

The General Authority for Statistics is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement and publication of statistical release dates on its official website through the Statistical Calendar, as well as adherence to the announced publication schedule. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality 

The results are published in accordance with the release dates specified in the Statistical Calendar published for the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey on the General Authority for Statistics website.

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 data are fully geographically comparable at the administrative region level, as well as at the regional and international levels.

Comparability - over time 

The survey was launched in 2018 as a triennial survey, and the main changes that occurred in recent years are as follows:
•    2021:
The survey was not conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
•    2023:
The periodicity of the survey was changed to annual, and the questionnaire was further developed to become more comprehensive.

Coherence- Cross domain

Not applicable, as there is no overlap between the indicators of the Authority’s surveys and those of the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable, as the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey is published on an annual basis and no sub-annual publications are issued.

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable, as the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey is not linked to the National Accounts, given that it targets the population.

Coherence- Internal 

The estimates of the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey for the reference period are fully internally consistent, as they are all based on the same detailed dataset 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

The General Authority for Statistics issues publications and reports of the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey regularly in accordance with a pre-prepared dissemination plan, and they are published on the Authority’s website. The Authority is keen to publish its results in a manner that serves all types of users, including publications in various formats containing dissemination tables, data and indicator charts, the Methodology and Quality Report, and the questionnaires used, in both Arabic and English.
The results of the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey are available at:
Household Culture and Entertainment

Online database

The data are published in the statistical database at:
 GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)

Microdata accessibility

Accurate data is unit-level disaggregated data obtained from multiple sources such as sample statistical surveys, general population and housing censuses, and administrative systems, providing detailed information about the characteristics of individuals, families, business entities, and geographical areas, supporting the construction and development of statistical indicators and scientific research.
Different types of microdata files are available to meet diverse information needs.
•    Public use: 
It consists of sets of records containing information on individuals, households, or business entities anonymized in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly (by combining different – especially rare – characteristics of respondents), such as age, occupation, education, etc.
•    Scientific use:
Microdata files are produced in accordance with defined methodologies and in response to data users’ requests for datasets with specific characteristics, supporting strategic studies, decision-making, and scientific research on individuals, households, and establishments, while ensuring the exclusion of any direct identifiers and compliance with 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

UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics

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 such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly such as: (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 Household Culture and Entertainment Survey 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 results once the Household Culture and Entertainment Survey 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).