Saudi economy grows by 1.1% driven by the growth of non-oil activities by 5.5% in quarter 2 of 2023

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August 2025, recording an increase of 2.3% compared to the same month of the previous year, based on the updated CPI methodology. This methodology enhances the availability of more comprehensive, timely, and accurate data on inflation trends. It also provides flexibility in capturing changes in spending patterns and measuring the impact of price movements for goods and services in retail markets on household consumption expenditure. This step comes as part of GASTAT’s continuous efforts to develop and improve statistical products and indicators, in line with international standards, and to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and reliable data that support policymakers in shaping economic and social decisions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development plans and Vision 2030 goals. 
In this regard, GASTAT explained that the updated CPI methodology aims to improve the accuracy of measuring actual inflation in Saudi economy, consistent with best global practices and relevant international guidelines. Key updates include enhancements in price data collection methods, consumer basket weights, and variation of data sources. The new weights are derived from the 2023 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, in addition to household final consumption expenditure in the national accounts, data from Ejar platform, and other administrative records from various entities. Furthermore, the reference year of the index has been updated from 2018 to 2023, ensuring that the CPI better reflects actual spending patterns.

In the same context, GASTAT expanded the geographical coverage of points of sale to ensure comprehensive population coverage and a diversity of consumer categories. Using geospatial mapping techniques, the sampling frame was updated through reviewing coverage levels, increasing the number of outlets, and redistributing them to reflect population density and concentration across cities in the Kingdom. GASTAT also adopted the annual chain-linking methodology, a statistical approach that updates the CPI basket weights annually based on household final consumption expenditure data derived from national accounts, rather than relying on a fixed base year with unchanged weights for several years. This approach provides a consistent time series that better reflects economic realities and offers greater flexibility in capturing rapid market shifts and economic transformations.

GASTAT indicated that the expansion included increasing the number of retail outlets covered, from 32 thousand under the previous methodology to 82 thousand in the updated framework, and raising the sample of points of sale from 8,700 to 14 thousand. The number of items in the consumer basket was also expanded to 582, compared to 490 previously, in line with updated consumer behavior and preferences. Furthermore, the geographical scope of coverage was broadened by increasing the number of cities from 16 to 23 cities, enabling the publication of index results at the level of all administrative regions in the Kingdom. The updated methodology also incorporated the latest United Nations Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP 2018), with new levels added for index calculation and result generation, while maintaining linkage with the previous edition (COICOP 1999).

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the CPI methodology update forms part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive, reliable, and accurate statistical indicators that reflect consumption patterns and price movements in Saudi economy. These improvements strengthen support for policymakers, analysts, and specialists in monitoring price developments and in advancing effective economic and social planning.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Industrial Production Index (IPI) for July 2025, showing a 6.5% increase compared to the same month of the previous year (July 2024). The results revealed that mining and quarrying activity increased by 6.5% year-on-year, while manufacturing activity increased by 7%. 
According to the publication, electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply activity recorded an annual increase of 0.9%, whereas water supply, sewerage and waste management and remediation activities surged by 8.5%, compared to July 2024. Furthermore, according to the main economic activities of IPI, oil activities increased by 7.8%, while non-oil activities recorded a 3.5% rise.
 

وقّعت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء وهيئة الزكاة والضريبة والجمارك "زاتكا" مذكرة تعاون تهدف إلى تعزيز التكامل والتنسيق بين الجانبين عبر وضع إطار شامل للأنشطة والمهام المشتركة، بما يسهم في تطوير القدرات البشرية ويعزز الابتكار في آليات تبادل البيانات وحوكمتها.
وركزت الاتفاقية على تبادل الخبرات الفنية والمعرفية والمعلومات والإحصاءات، إلى جانب التعاون في إعداد الدراسات والبحوث، لتعزيز الشفافية والموثوقية في المؤشرات الإحصائية، وتمكين متخذي القرار من تطوير الخطط ورسم السياسات بما يتماشى مع أهداف التنمية الوطنية، إضافة إلى عقد المؤتمرات والندوات وورش العمل والدورات التطويرية، ودعم الابتكار والمبادرات المشتركة عبر تبني أدوات وتقنيات حديثة في الإحصاءات.
يذكر أن الهيئة العامة للإحصاء هي الجهة المعنية بالإحصاء في المملكة، والمرجع الرسمي الوحيد لتنفيذ العمل الإحصائي والمشرف الفني والمنظم لها، وتتعدد مهام الهيئة في أوجه مختلفة
من أبرزها جمع البيانات والمعلومات الإحصائية من الجهات العامة والخاصة والأفراد، وتحليل هذه البيانات ودراستها لحساب المؤشرات الإحصائية المختلفة، كما تقدم الهيئة الاستشارات والتقارير الإحصائية للمسوح والأبحاث وغيرها من خدمات البيانات والإحصاءات التي تأتي ضمن اختصاصات عملها.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today released its International Trade Statistics publications for June 2025 and for Q2 2025.
The results of the June publication revealed continued growth in non-oil exports (including re-exports), which recorded an increase of 22.1% compared to June 2024. National non-oil exports (excluding re-exports) rose by 8.4%, while the value of re-exported goods increased by 60.2%. Merchandise exports grew by 3.7% despite a 2.5% decrease in oil exports, which reduced the share of oil exports in total exports to 70.2% compared to 74.7% in June 2024.
Merchandise imports increased by 1.7%, which contributed to the improvement of the ratio of non-oil exports to imports, reaching 39.2% compared to 32.7% in June 2024. Meanwhile, the surplus in the merchandise trade balance increased by 10.6% compared to the same month of the previous year.
Chemical products topped the list of non-oil exports, accounting for 24.5% of the total, followed by machinery, electrical equipment, and parts with 23.3%. On the other hand, machinery, electrical equipment, and parts ranked first among imports with 30.6%.
The publication showed that the People’s Republic of China was the Kingdom’s main trading partner, accounting for 15.5% of total exports and 27.9% of total imports in June 2025.
In addition, the results of the Q2 2025 publication showed that non-oil exports (including re-exports) continued to grow by 17.8% compared to Q2 2024, while national non-oil exports increased by 5.6%, and the value of re-exported goods rose by 46.2%.
Meanwhile, merchandise exports decreased by 7.3% compared to Q2 2024, due to a 15.8% decline in oil exports. Accordingly, the share of oil exports in total exports decreased from 74.7% in Q2 2024 to 67.9% in Q2 2025.
Merchandise imports increased by 13.1% in Q2 2025 compared to the same period of the previous year, while the merchandise trade balance surplus decreased by 56.2%. The ratio of non-oil exports to imports rose to 37.3% compared to 35.8% in Q2 2024.
Chemical products were the top non-oil export items, accounting for 23.0% of the total, followed by machinery, electrical equipment, and parts with 21.7%. Machinery, electrical equipment, and parts were also the most imported goods, accounting for 28.9% of total imports.
The publication indicated that the People’s Republic of China was the Kingdom’s main trading partner in Q2 2025, accounting for 14.2% of total exports and 27.4% of total imports during this period.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Centre for Statistics and Information in the Sultanate of Oman with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation and developing statistical work between the two parties. The memorandum was signed by GASTAT President, Fahad Aldossari, and the the National Centre for Statistics and Information CEO, Khalifa Al-Barwani, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Sultanate of Oman, Ibrahim bin Beshan.
GASTAT President affirmed that this memorandum is an extension of the Kingdom’s efforts to consolidate regional and international statistical partnerships and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing Gulf integration in the statistical field. He noted that it reflects the strength of the close relations between the two brotherly countries and their shared commitment to developing statistical work in a way that serves decision-makers and supports sustainable development plans.
For his part, the CEO of the National Centre for Statistics and Information in the Sultanate of Oman, Khalifa Al-Barwani, stated that this memorandum represents an important step toward building an integrated Gulf statistical system that contributes to producing accurate and reliable data to support decision-makers. He pointed out that cooperation with GASTAT will open wider horizons for exchanging expertise and developing national capabilities in support of common interests.
It is worth noting that the signing of the memorandum marked the highlight of GASTAT’s delegation visit to the National Centre for Statistics and Information in the Sultanate of Oman, which featured discussion sessions on key statistical developments and projects at local and international levels, aimed at enhancing integration and fostering the exchange of expertise between the two sides.
 

أصدرت الهيئة العامة للإحصاء نتائج نشرة الناتج المحلي الإجمالي والحسابات القومية للربع الثاني 2025 ووفقًا لنتائج النشرة حقق الناتج المحلي الإجمالي الحقيقي نموًا بنسبة 3.9% مقارنةً بالربع المماثل من عام 2024 .
 وأظهرت نتائج النشرة أن كافة الأنشطة الاقتصادية الرئيسة حققت نموًا سنويًا، حيث ارتفعت الأنشطة غير النفطية بمعدل 4.6%، تلتها الأنشطة النفطية بنسبة 3.8%، بينما حققت الأنشطة الحكومية نموًا بمعدل 0.6%. حيث تعتبر الأنشطة غير النفطية هي المساهم الرئيس في النمو بمقدار 2.6 نقطة مئوية، كما ساهمت الأنشطة النفطية وصافي الضرائب على المنتجات إيجابيًا بمقدار 0.9 و0.3 نقطة مئوية على التوالي.
 وبالمقارنة مع الربع الأول 2025 حقق الناتج المحلي الإجمالي الحقيقي المعدَّل موسميًا نموًا بنسبة 1.7% حيث كانت الأنشطة النفطية هي المساهم الأكبر في النمو بمقدار 1.3 نقطة مئوية، تليها الأنشطة غير النفطية بمساهمة بمقدار 0.4 نقطة مئوية.
أما على مستوى الأنشطة الاقتصادية، فقد سجلت أنشطة الكهرباء والغاز والماء أعلى معدلات النمو السنوي بنسبة 10.3%، تلتها أنشطة خدمات المال والتأمين وخدمات الأعمال بنسبة 7.0%، ثم أنشطة تجارة الجملة والتجزئة والمطاعم والفنادق بنسبة 6.6%.
 

GASTAT’s President Fahad Aldossari met with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdul Rahman bin Farhan Al Saud , the CEO of Liajlehum Association to Serve People with Disabilities, at the Association's headquarters.
The meeting was held as part of efforts to support the Association's work and enhance cooperation across all areas within GASTAT's field. This includes supporting and developing initiatives launched by the Association that contribute to the support and empowerment of persons with disabilities, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
For his part, GASTAT’s President Fahad Aldossari affirmed that this meeting is part of GASTAT's efforts to enhance integration with the non-profit sector and to leverage its official statistical data to support planning and decision-making.
In the same context, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdul Rahman bin Farhan Al Saud the CEO of Liajlehum Association to Serve People with Disabilities stated that this type of meeting helps increase the efficiency of the programs offered. It also assists in building a knowledge base that enhances the social impact of the Association's activities and those of other non-profit associations with a social role. This contributes to supporting the target groups, including people with disabilities and their families, as well as other groups served by specialized non-profit associations and institutions.
It is worth noting that Liajlehum Association is considered one of the most prominent non-profit organizations dedicated to serving and empowering people with disabilities in the Kingdom. Through its programs and initiatives, it aims to create a supportive environment that helps improve the quality of life for this group and ensures equal opportunities for them.
 

GASTAT President, Fahad Aldossari, participated in the 12th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Permanent Committee for Statistical Work, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman on September,4-5, 2025. The meeting which brought together the heads of National Statistical Offices (NSO) of the GCC member states, discussed key joint statistical developments, ways of enhancing the cooperation and integration in statistical fields, in support of decision makers and in meeting the requirements of comprehensive development in the GCC countries. The meeting also reviewed the progress of implementing joint GCC statistical initiatives and projects. 
In his speech, GASTAT President emphasized the importance of unifying the GCC statistical efforts and developing mechanisms for joint action to keep pace with global developments in the statistical field. He noted that strengthening GCC statistical integration represents a fundamental pillar in supporting socio-economic growth, and enhances the region’s status in international reports and indicators. Furthermore, He expressed the Kingdome’s appreciation for the GCC-STAT role in coordinating joint efforts, confirming GASTAT’s commitment to continuing cooperation and working with its GCC counterparts to achieve statistical integration in line with the development visions of GCC countries.
The meeting concluded with the issuance of several recommendations, aimed at enhancing the exchange of expertise and experiences, as well as developing the Gulf statistical infrastructure, and expanding joint programs to build national capacities in this field.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics publication 2024. According to the publication, the rate of work injuries among workers aged 15 and above reached 245.7 non-fatal injuries and 1.1 fatal injuries per 100 thousand workers, excluding road traffic injuries. Additionally, according to survey respondents, the results indicated that 39% of workers received training in health and safety measures, and 40.4% have access to a dedicated occupational health and safety department at their workplace, while 32.2% of workers received periodic medical examinations provided at their workplace.
Regarding risks at workplace, the results highlighted that 5.4% of workers were required to work on hazardous machines, 2.1% were required to deal with chemicals, and 1% are exposed to heavy metals. Meanwhile, in the healthcare sector, 95% of workers reported that they have coverage to access essential healthcare services. 
The results also showed that over the past 12 months, the most common work-related health problems were "work-related stress" at 2.1%, followed by "eye and vision problems" at 2%, while 79.5% of workers reported that they had not experienced any work-related health problems during the same period.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the estimates of Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics are based on self-reported data from participants through field visits conducted in the 2024 National Health Survey (NHS), except for the work-related injury rate, which was calculated from the register-based data from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, and the 2024 population estimates from the General Authority for Statistics. 
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today, in its quarterly publication, that the total number of Umrah performers reached 15,222,497 in Q1 of 2025. Saudi Umrah performers accounted for 24%, while males represented 60.5% compared to 39.5% for females.
The number of external Umrah performers reached 6,523,630, recording an increase of 10.7% compared to Q1 of 2024. The majority of them arrived through airports by 82.2%. Meanwhile, the number of internal Umrah performers totaled 8,698,867, of which non-Saudis represented 58%. January 2025 recorded the highest percentage of external Umrah performers with 36.5%. In contrast, March recorded the lowest number in terms of external Umrah performers. On the other hand, March recorded the highest number of internal Umrah performers at 80.9%, whereas January recorded the lowest number. The total number of visitors to Madinah reached 6,452,696 during Q1 of 2025, where external visitors represented 4,412,689, according to the publication.  
It is noteworthy that Umrah and Madinah visitation statistics are published on a quarterly basis starting from 2024, presenting the numbers and percentages of external and internal Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah. The results are based on field surveys and administrative records from the Pilgrim Experience Program and the Ministry of Tourism, in addition to approved statistical models.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has released today a special report on Saudi women through its official website, www.stats.gov.sa. The report is distinguished by the breadth and diversity of its statistical indicators concerning Saudi women aged 15 years and above, encompassing various domains such as education, health, employment, culture, and entertainment, in addition to several other key statistical insights.
The report is based on a comprehensive set of indicators specific to Saudi women within the 15+ age group, derived from the results of multiple surveys conducted by GASTAT. It also incorporates administrative data and population estimates to deliver a wide-ranging statistical overview of women across social, economic, educational, health, cultural, and recreational sectors.
According to the findings of the Saudi Women Report 2024, issued by GASTAT, the total number of Saudi females reached 9,807,663. Women aged 15 to 34 accounted for 35.7% of the total female population, while those aged 20 to 24 represented 17.6%. These figures underscore the significant share of younger age groups among Saudi women compared to other age segments. 
The report also highlighted the efforts undertaken to empower Saudi women in the labor market, which resulted in a significant decline in female unemployment rates. In 2024, the unemployment rate among Saudi women dropped notably to 13%, compared to 19% in 2022. The quarterly unemployment rate for Q4 2024 was recorded at 11.9%, down from 13.9% in the corresponding quarter of 2023. This decline coincided with the broadening of women’s economic participation and the increase in their employment across various sectors.
The report also underscored the growing achievements of Saudi women in the fields of education, innovation, and sports. Among Saudi females aged 25 years and above, 35.3% held a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. In 2024, a total of 22 Saudi women were granted patents, while Saudi women garnered 1,956 local and international awards in the sports sector during the year.
The report further revealed that 44.6% of Saudi women aged 18 years and above engaged in physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week. It also highlighted a broad level of participation in cultural and recreational activities, with visits to parks and gardens recording the highest rate at 62.7%.
The Saudi Women Report is one of the key statistical products issued by GASTAT, showcasing the most significant indicators related to Saudi women. It highlights their advancement and empowerment in the labor market, as well as their progress across social, educational, health, cultural, and recreational domains. These indicators are measured and published on an annual basis.
It is worth noting that GASTAT is the only official statistical reference for statistical data and information in Saudi Arabia. It carries out all statistical work in addition to providing technical oversight of the statistical sector. It also designs and implements field surveys, conducts statistical studies and research, analyzes data and information, and documents and archives all statistical information and data covering all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia from their multiple sources. Data are compiled, classified, analyzed, and their indicators extracted.
 

The Construction Cost Index (CCI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recorded an increase of 0.7% in July 2025 compared to the same month last year. This rise is attributed to a 0.7% increase in residential sector costs and a 0.6% increase in non-residential sector costs, according to the CCI publication for July 2025 issued by GASTAT.
On a monthly basis, construction costs in the residential sector increased by 0.4% in July 2025 compared to the previous month of the same year, while costs in the non-residential sector rose by 0.5%.
It is noteworthy that CCI reflects price movements of construction inputs across 51 items of goods and services, with prices collected monthly from various regions of the Kingdom. The year 2023 has been set as the base year for this index.
 

The United Nations (UN) announced the election of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), as co-chair of Working Group on Data Governance (WGDG) of the UN Statistical Commission led by GASTAT’s President, Fahad Aldossari. This step signifies the expanding international recognition of the Kingdom's preeminent role in advancing digital transformation and the development of official data and statistical governance policies. This announcement comes as part of the Kingdom's commitment to supporting global efforts and working with international partners to build a secure and reliable digital future. The aim is to boost confidence in the international community and provide accurate statistics that support development policies and decision-making, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
This group serves as an international platform and a central tool for global coordination on data governance. It helps to establish common terminology, facilitate the exchange of national best practices and expertise at regional and international levels, and create a guiding framework for organizing and using data sources. These efforts enhance transparency, serve sustainable development goals, develop foundational principles and leverage existing initiatives to define global and regional data governance principles and their applicability to official data and statistics.
The Kingdom's membership will contribute to fostering a secure and reliable global statistical data environment, driving innovation, and enabling communities to maximize its value to support economic and social development. It will also help in drafting international data governance standards and policies, in addition to benefiting from the exchange of the latest international practices and developing initiatives that enhance innovation and cooperation among member states.
It is worth noting that WGDG was established this year and held its first meeting with GASTAT’s President, Fahad Aldossari participating as co-chair. The meeting focused on discussing the timeline for the group's work, its roles, and its key tasks.

Preliminary results indicate a 7.9% increase in the Industrial Production Index (IPI) in June 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year (June 2024), according to IPI publication for June 2025 issued by GASTAT. 
The sub-index of mining and quarrying activity increased by 6.0% year on year, while the sub-index of manufacturing activity increased by 11.1%. The sub-index of electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply activity recorded an annual increase of 5.6%, and the sub-index of water supply, sewerage and waste management and remediation activities increased by 6.9%, compared to June 2024. By main economic activities, the results indicate that the index of oil activities in June 2025 increased by 7.7%, and the index of non-oil activities increased by 8.6%,  the publication noted.

It is worth noting that GASTAT publishes the Industrial Production Index (IPI) monthly. The IPI is an economic indicator that reflects the relative changes in the volume of industrial output, based on data from the Industrial Production Survey, which is conducted on a sample of industrial establishments engaged in the targeted activities: mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, and water supply, sewerage and waste management and remediation activities.

Coinciding with its participation in the Fifth International Conference on Disability and Rehabilitation, held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Fourth International Exhibition for Disability Equipment “Dhiaa 2018,” which was organized alongside the conference at the Disabled Children’s Association in Riyadh, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) clarified that, based on the results of the 2017 Survey of Individuals with Disabilities among Saudi nationals, the prevalence rate of severe disability was 2.9 percent.
GASTAT indicated that visual difficulties were the most common among Saudis with a single disability, accounting for 46.02 percent, with severity levels distributed as follows: mild (67.8 percent), severe (28.5 percent), and extreme (3.7 percent).
In comparison, the most common difficulty among Saudis with multiple disabilities was mobility difficulty, accounting for 29.13 percent of individuals with multiple disabilities, with severity levels distributed as follows: mild (54.07 percent), severe (29.22 percent), and extreme (16.71 percent).
According to the survey results, the Riyadh region recorded the highest concentration of Saudis with disabilities among all regions, representing 25.13 percent of the total, while Najran region recorded the lowest, at 0.87 percent.
GASTAT also participated in the Fourth International Exhibition for Disability Equipment with a booth that showed the key findings from the disability survey. GASTAT delivered an introductory lecture on the survey, presented by Mr. Abdullah bin Zaid Aldaafs from the Department of Population and Vital Statistics, and also took part in the workshop on the National Disability Registry.

The overall unemployment rate among the population is 5.8%, while the rate for Saudi citizens is 12.8%.
General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) spokesman: Unemployment rates are calculated according to international standards and are published through GASTAT’s official website and social media platforms.
In response to recent discussions regarding the unemployment rate among Saudi citizens, the accuracy of the published figure, and various interpretations attempting to estimate the unemployment rate, the official spokesman of GASTAT, Mr. Taiseer Al-Mufarrej, clarified that GASTAT has published the Labor Market Report for the third quarter of 2017 through its official website. The report provides comprehensive indicators on the labor market in the Kingdom based on two main sources. The first is actual estimates derived from the Labor Force Survey conducted quarterly by GASTAT. The second is administrative data obtained from relevant agencies including The Ministry of Labor and Social Development, the Ministry of Civil Service, the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), the Human Resources Development Fund, and the National Information Center (NIC).
The report, along with the main press release issued by GASTAT at the time, included both the overall unemployment rate for the total population and the unemployment rate specific to Saudi citizens. The results of the report for the third quarter of 2017 showed that the overall unemployment rate among the population was 5.8%, which represents a decrease compared to 6.0% in the second quarter. The unemployment rate for Saudi citizens remained unchanged at 12.8% in both the second and third quarters.
Regarding the incorrect interpretations of the unemployment rate that were observed, Al-Mufarrej stated that these interpretations revolve around two main issues. The first involves misreadings and assumptions regarding the actual unemployment rate and how it is calculated. In this regard, he emphasized that GASTAT adopts internationally recognized methodologies that are followed by global statistical organizations, in the same manner as other official statistical agencies around the world, in estimating unemployment rates. GASTAT publishes detailed breakdowns by gender, nationality, and administrative region. Therefore, any alternative method of estimating unemployment that does not follow these established standards is incorrect and should not be considered.
The second issue observed is the failure to distinguish between the overall unemployment rate for the total population and the unemployment rate specific to Saudi citizens. GASTAT has consistently published both figures since the initial launch of the Labor Force Survey, which later evolved into the Labor Market Report. Each rate reflects a distinct measurement. The overall rate represents the total population, including non-citizens, while the Saudi-specific rate excludes non-Saudis. It is also important to note that international organizations, when comparing unemployment levels between countries, rely on the overall unemployment rate that includes the total population.
Al-Mufarrej further confirmed that GASTAT provides various communication channels to respond to inquiries from interested parties and media professionals before publishing any interpretation, information, or clarification related to statistical indicators or data. He stressed that the lack of accuracy in some of the information circulated by the public or media may result from relying solely on news headlines without referring to the source or the full statistical report. This report is published in multiple formats on GASTAT’s official website and contains all the necessary details, data, survey methodologies, and international standards used in its preparation.

A detailed report on Hajj statistics featuring 40 key statistical outputs to be released following the official announcement
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT): Final Count of Hajj Pilgrims for 1438 AH to Be Announced After Sunset on the Day of Arafah
 GASTAT has announced that the counting and enumeration of pilgrims for the 1438 AH Hajj season, through the official entry points to the city of Makkah, will conclude at 6:30 PM, coinciding with sunset on Thursday, the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah). The final announcement of the total number of pilgrims and the release of the detailed Hajj statistics report will follow a few hours later, the same evening.
Mr. Abdullah Al-Batel, Deputy President of the Authority for Statistical Operations, confirmed that the Hajj Statistics Report, which will be issued shortly after the official announcement, will include forty principal statistical outputs intended to support strategic planning for serving the pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. He explained that the report provides comprehensive and accurate data on the number of pilgrims, classified by their methods and dates of arrival, and includes a variety of analytical tables and charts presenting figures such as the number of domestic pilgrims by gender and arrival method, the arrival patterns of Saudi pilgrims, the breakdown of non-Saudi domestic pilgrims by gender and nationality, their distribution by arrival method and nationality, and comparative figures across different nationalities. The report also details the number of vehicles used to transport domestic pilgrims to Makkah, organized by vehicle type and date of arrival. Furthermore, it presents data on international pilgrims by gender and arrival method, by gender and date of arrival, as well as comparative statistics on their methods of arrival. This information will be made available in multiple formats, including the Hajj Statistical Map, which allows users to easily access all data related to Hajj statistics.
Mr. Al-Batel further emphasized that the Hajj Statistics Program, implemented by GASTAT, aims to provide detailed and reliable data on the number of pilgrims from both inside and outside the Kingdom. These statistics serve as a foundational input for all relevant government entities to support future planning and ensure the delivery of essential services to pilgrims, including those related to social, health, security, food, and transportation sectors. The program relies on time-series data to estimate the manpower required to serve pilgrims and ensure their safety and comfort throughout the Hajj season. It also provides essential insights into infrastructure and facility needs in Makkah and the Holy Sites, which are considered when preparing development plans. In addition, the program contributes to the design of annual traffic management plans, including the phases of escalation and dispersal, and supports researchers, academics, and stakeholders interested in this field. It also assists in evaluating the efforts of various entities responsible for serving pilgrims and monitoring changes in arrival patterns.
In response to inquiries regarding the scope of enumeration and whether it includes drivers of vehicles and buses, Mr. Al-Batel clarified that the official unit of counting in Hajj statistics is the pilgrim in the state of Ihram. Accordingly, the enumeration of domestic pilgrims is limited to those in Ihram who are physically counted at the Hajj Statistics Centers located at the entrances to the city of Makkah. If a driver is in a state of Ihram, he is counted as a pilgrim. The enumeration includes all Saudi and non-Saudi individuals, male and female, arriving from within the Kingdom to perform Hajj. As for international pilgrims, they are counted by the General Directorate of Passports at the Kingdom’s official ports of entry, and their figures are subsequently provided to GASTAT to be added to the total number of pilgrims.

Dr. Fahad bin Suleiman Altekhaifi, Director General of the Central Department of Statistics and Information, affirmed that the contents of the speech delivered by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the outset of announcing the State’s General Budget for the fiscal year 1437/1438 AH outline a comprehensive framework for the future of the Kingdom and the effective and impactful management of its development. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s directives were clearly articulated and imbued with an ambitious vision for a more stable and prosperous tomorrow.
The economic and financial reform program introduced in the speech represents a pivotal qualitative step in the journey of construction and progress. Through this program, all state institutions will be able to respond positively to the requirements of the current phase. This year’s budget contains important details of a comprehensive and integrated action plan, with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud outlining its pillars as foundational elements for building a strong and resilient economy based on ten solid principles: diversification of income sources, growth of savings, job creation, effective public-private sector partnership, continuity in implementing development and service projects, comprehensive advancement of services, improved efficiency of public spending, enhanced resource utilization, reduction of waste, and increased competitiveness of the business sector.
These ten principles form the core agenda of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, as referenced by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in his speech. The Council has led the transformation process with distinction and will continue to lead the development efforts in the coming period, which will witness major shifts in the management of government projects.
This places an increased responsibility on the statistical sector to ensure the quality of statistical products, especially as we now stand at the threshold of a major transformation with the conversion of the Department into the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). This shift aims to align statistical, data, and informational outputs with the evolving demands of the next phase of development, as these outputs constitute the primary inputs for effective developmental planning and continuous improvement.
The Director General emphasized that the statistical sector has received significant attention from the wise leadership, in recognition of its vital contribution to the development of various social, administrative, educational, economic, health, environmental, agricultural, and industrial domains. He added: “My colleagues and I in the statistical sector will spare no effort in providing everything that contributes to the development and construction of this nation’s future to perpetuate the blessings of security and prosperity upon us.

Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi, Director of the Central Department of Statistics and Information, stated that the transformation into a “General Authority” will focus on two principal areas: serving clients and beneficiaries—which encompass all entities that utilize statistical products—and enhancing the quality of these products to more effectively support data-driven decision-making that benefits both citizens and residents.
Altekhaifi explained that the statistical sector, in its new institutional form represented by the Authority and associated statistical departments, will strive to establish effective partnerships across all sectors. The objective is to consolidate the source of official statistics and accelerate their dissemination through formats and services that enable users to leverage the information and maximize its impact.
Speaking during a workshop held yesterday at the Department’s headquarters in Riyadh, which brought together more than thirty officials and specialists from various public and private sector institutions, Altekhaifi emphasized that clients are at the core of the transformation initiative launched by the Department, aimed at establishing a high-caliber statistical authority aligned with international standards relevant to development.
Government and private sector stakeholders involved in statistical work affirmed that the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia’s statistical sector—spearheaded by the Central Department of Statistics and Information—is advancing rapidly and cohesively, keeping pace with the evolving demands of both national and global economies.
The workshop, organized by the Central Department of Statistics and Information, aimed to engage all beneficiaries and partners of statistical products in the transition toward the establishment of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), and to develop a unified vision regarding the Authority’s current and future strategic priorities.
The Department’s meeting halls witnessed a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise, with the participation of representatives from the Ministries of Economy and Planning, Commerce, Labor, Housing, Civil Service, Social Affairs, Education, Health, Culture and Information, Water and Electricity, and Communications and Information Technology. Also in attendance were the General Investment Authority, the Saudi Export Development Authority, the General Commission for Audiovisual Media, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, the e-Government Program (Yesser), King Saud University, Saudi Aramco, and a number of independent Saudi consultants.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued Establishments ICT Access and Usage Statistics Report in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 2023. The percentage of establishments with internet access in the Kingdom reached 97.7%. Furthermore, 91.3% of establishments used e-government services, such as accessing and downloading information or conducting electronic transactions with government entities, and 57.7% of establishments reported using social media, according to the report.

It is worth noting that the Establishments ICT Access and Usage Survey provides reliable data that aligns with international standards, supporting Saudi Vision for digital transformation and enhancing its global competitiveness. The survey relies on unified international standards to ensure the accuracy and quality of data, which enhances the compatibility of the results with digital transformation requirements at both the national and international levels.