The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced that the total number of pilgrims for the 1445H Hajj season amounted to (1,833,164) pilgrims, with (1,611,310) pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom through various entry points and (221,854) internal pilgrims, including citizens and residents.  GASTAT’s statistical results for this year's Hajj season revealed that the total number of male pilgrims, both internal and external, amounted to (958,137) pilgrims, while the total number of female pilgrims stood at (875,027) pilgrims. Regarding pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom, GASTAT explained that the percentage of pilgrims from Arab countries reached (22.3%), while pilgrims from Asian countries, excluding Arab countries representing (63.3%) of the total. Additionally, the percentage of pilgrims from African countries, excluding Arab countries, comprising (11.3%) of the total, whereas the percentage of pilgrims from Europe, America, Australia, and other uncategorized countries constituting (3.2%) of the total. Regarding the ways of arrival for pilgrims from outside the Kingdom, (1,546,345) pilgrims arrived through air entry points, while (60,251) pilgrims arrived through land entry points, and (4,741) pilgrims arrived through sea entry points.  It is worth mentioning that the General Authority for Statistics relied on administrative records as the main data source for issuing statistical data and indicators for the 1445 H/2024  Hajj season. These records were provided by all relevant government and private entities responsible for serving the guests of Allah, following a unified model encompassing various elements. The Hajj Statistics Publication provides a breakdown of the total pilgrim number by gender, nationality, and way of arrival. It is worth noting that GASTAT serves as the official and sole statistical reference for statistical data and information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, undertaking all statistical activities, providing technical oversight, conducting field surveys, research, data analysis, and managing documentation, preservation, and tabulation of statistical information across all aspects of life in the Kingdom. On this occasion, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, for their provision of amenities to the pilgrims, praying for Allah's acceptance of the pilgrims' Hajj and success for all government entities in delivering exceptional services. To view the executive summary of Hajj statistics 1444 AH, please visit the following link: https://www.stats.gov.sa/system/tdf/file_manger/Hajj%20Report%201445H-EN...

On Sunday June 9, 2024, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the report of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and National Accounts Indicators for the first quarter of 2024 via its official website www.stats.gov.sa. According to estimates, the real GDP witnessed a decrease of 1.7% compared to the first quarter of 2023, affected by a decline in oil activities by 11.2%. In parallel, both non-oil activities and government activities achieved growth rates of 3.4% and 2.0% respectively. Meanwhile, the seasonally adjusted real GDP during the first quarter of 2024 increased by 1.4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. It is worth mentioning that non-oil activities maintained their growth rates, constituting 50% of the GDP at current prices. This aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to establish a thriving economy that showcases the success of vision programs and legislative reforms, while also demonstrating progress in major projects and national strategies.

The General Authority for Statistics obtained the ISO 9001:2015 certification by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This recognition is given to organizations that excel in effectively identifying, assessing, and managing quality. It validates these organizations' capability to make quality management decisions, seize opportunities, enhance performance, safeguard against threats, and fully satisfy customers. GASTAT received this certification following a comprehensive examination of its internal policies and procedures, as well as an evaluation of their practical implementation based on evidence verifying actual practices. Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, expressed his appreciation for the efforts invested in adhering to the quality standards and requirements of the ISO certification. He emphasized that obtaining this certification is a culmination of GASTAT’s efforts aimed at developing its statistical system. This includes ensuring the highest level of data quality, building sustainable value for statistical products, conducting comprehensive evaluation, and focusing on digital transformation to leverage modern technologies and international best practices, thereby ensuring high efficiency in performance and delivering high-quality statistics. It is worth mentioning that this certification, granted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to organizations that successfully achieve comprehensive global standards in systems, policies, and procedures, signifies a significant milestone for the General Authority for Statistics. ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization comprised of 170 specialized agencies dedicated to developing and implementing standards related to quality and institutional excellence. The General Authority for Statistics serves as the national entity for producing official statistics across all domains in the Kingdom. Its data is used as a reliable basis for formulating economic and social policies, supporting decision-makers and policy planners in enhancing development plans for various sectors. Additionally, the statistics provided by GASTAT are utilized for conducting accurate and transparent local, regional, and international comparisons. GASTAT also prepares national statistical tools and classifications in accordance with international standards, updates and develops them, and provides accurate data to both local and international private sectors and investors, thereby encouraging investment in the Kingdom, in line with the objectives and aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.