To prepare 189 health indicators and to establish a national monitor for health indicators Collaboration between Ministry of Health, GASTAT, and Saudi Health Council to Provide Health Database for Development Support With the aim of improving health indicators, Ministry of Health, GASTAT, and Saudi Health Council are working together to provide 189 health indicators through field and register-based statistical works, supporting the establishment of the national monitor for health indicators, preparing and publishing statistical health reports, meeting  international, regional and local requirements of health indicators specially those related to World Health Organization (WHO) or to the Sustainable Development Indicators. More importantly, providing a health database that can be used by policy and decision makers and can also support researchers and those who are interested in the social field in general and in health in particular. In addition, official spokesman of GASTAT, Tayseer AL-Moferraj, clarified that the integrated work between the three entities comes from the joint responsibility for health data and information in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, GASTAT is the official statistical entity and regulator responsible for statistical works at the national level. Also, it is responsible for collecting data and information from the administrative records available at public entities and private establishments. Not to mention its responsibility in classifying and analyzing data as well as extracting its indicators. Moreover, GASTAT found a complete and a comprehensive combination of national statistical database of various fields in addition to centralized information system that is automatically linked with all public entities. On the other hand, Ministry of Health is the responsible entity for providing, assessing and evaluating health care services in Saudi Arabia. It also collects vital and health data about health activities, prepares related reports and makes, conducts and analyzes studies and scientific researches. At the same time, Saudi Health Council is in charge with studying and evaluating the level of health services. It is also concerned with establishing the national monitor for health, identifying the requirements of health sector, taking the necessary recommendations about distributing all types of health services in Saudi Arabia as well as improving the quality of health services.  AL-Moferraj added that the joint work which started with a number of meetings for the technical teams from the three entities has included cooperation, coordination, and provision of statistical and technical support to improve the national monitor for health, exchange data and health indicators that serve the production of national statistics and statistical database by linking the related entities through the Global Safety Network (GSN). Additionally, the joint work will also support the requirements of statistical field works as well as provide and improve data and statistical indicators given by the related entities and set for the statistical data program “Masdar”.  On the other hand, Tayseer AL-Moferraj clarified that the 189 health indicators that are going to be prepared and produced will contain new indicators as well, all of which are within Saudi Arabia’s commitment to publish health indicators related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), such as: adults between (15-60 years old) mortality rate, under-five children mortality rate, infants mortality rate, newborn mortality rate, tuberculosis mortality rate, total fertility rate, new cases of vaccine-targeted diseases, cancer incidence rate, rate of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, prevalence of anemia among children, pollution level in cities, prevalence of hypertension among adults (18 years and above), diabetes among adults (18 years and above),  salt intake for adults (18 years and above), lack of physical activity among adults (18 years and above) ( including teenagers), request for health care due to pneumonia, the coverage rate for each vaccine included in the nationally approved immunization schedule, easy access to health service (which means the percentage of individuals who live 5 Km away from a health facility), total expenditure on health (as a percent) of GDP, and other indicators that can be utilized for health planning.  It is worth mentioning that GASTAT has released the report of Household Health Survey 2017 results last July. It includs more than 85 indicators of health and social phenomena as well as household health in Saudi Arabia; in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. The above-mentioned report which was published on GASTAT website contains a number of indicators related to the health status in Saudi Arabia in addition to childhood and motherhood indicators and other indicators about the community’s healthy lifestyle. The report also includes data about smoking phenomena, accidents injuries, studies related to marriage, family planning, fertility and children mortality.

in order to transfer international practices and benefit from statistical experiences Saudi Arabia and South Korea sign a joint work agreement to develop statistical work in both countries On Thursday Muharram 3, 1440-H, corresponding to September 13, 2018, in the Saudi capital Riyadh,  the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in  Saudi Arabia and Korea's statistics in the Republic of South Korea signed a joint work agreement related to the development of statistical aspects in order to activate the memorandum of understanding between the two countries for cooperation in the field of statistics that took place in the  Korean capital “Seoul” last year and adopted by the Council of Ministers on 25/08 / 1439H corresponding to 10/5/2018.  Additionally, the agreement was signed by the President of GASTAT Dr. Fahad S. Altekhaifi from the Saudi side , and by the official commissioner deputy of the Korean statistics  , Mr.Sungwook Choi from the Korean side. GASTAT official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained that under these agreements, the Authority will benefit from best international  practices in developing technical mechanisms  necessary to collect and publish statistics according to international standards,  identify statistical databases basics in various fields of statistics and exchange of experiences related to the requirements necessary to establish a central information system that is automatically linked with all public entities. It is noteworthy that this is what GASTAT is currently working on, through the National Statistical Data Program “Masdar” which operates according to three main dimensions: First,  a statistical dimension that addresses the numerous sources of data and statistical indicators and their inconsistencies, their multiple classifications, as well as their collection in a traditional way. Second,  availability and dissemination dimension that addresses the limited access to information in their time series and overcome some of the difficulties faced by data users and researchers to reach them. Third, the technical dimension, as “Masdar” is considered a safe and comprehensive technical solution that addresses the enormity of statistical data and the absence of central data repositories, to serve as a national statistical data bank and provide a variety of analytical tools that meet the needs of all analysts, researchers or decision makers. Almofarrej also added that the agreement  with the South Korean side included defining joint work mechanisms in exchange of experiences and benefiting from experts in the fields of establishing statistical departments in governmental entities as well as in the fields of statistical awareness programs, which will have a positive impact on the Authority, as it is currently working with a number of governmental entities in the Kingdom with a goal to activate the statistical sector. Furthermore, he pointed out that  the Korean experience in the statistical field is considered  one of the most  distinct experiences internationally, and is the Saudi experience which characterized  by  the achievement of "statistical transformation. The South Korean delegation, during their visit to GASTAT, reviewed the work mechanisms  that were carried out by the Authority during the last three years in the program of statistical transformation that was  featured by integration with other governmental  entities to maximize the use of data in supporting of decision-making and policy-making.  Moreover, The Korean delegation reviewed work mechanisms  in raising data quality level that operated by the Authority through an administrative and technical  system in order to reach the highest level of data quality. On the other hand,  the head of  the Korean delegation expressed his deep gratitude to the Saudi side for the hospitality and  generosity after concluding the visit of the Korean delegation, which lasted two days with a number of meetings and workshops. He  also stressed the deep relations between the two countries, which span more than half a century as well as how Saudi and South Korea's relations have  significantly developed in all fields especially in the economic field.

Expressing His Gratitude to All Private and Governmental Entities Which Contributed in Showing the Efforts of the Kingdom in Serving the Pilgrims The President of GaStat Congratulates the Leadership on the Success of the Hajj Season for This Year On behalf of GaStat employees and on his own behalf, Dr.Fahad Bin Sulaiman AL-Tukhaifi congratulates The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz AL-Saud,  and HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al-Saud Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia, May Allah protect them, on the success of the hajj season for the current year 1439 H. Assuring that the directions of the King and the Crown Prince to provide all amenities for the pilgrims were the fundamental for the GaStat and all private and governmental entities to implement their programs to serve the pilgrims. Moreover, he has indicated that the concern of the leadership, May Allah protect them, was the reason behind the all successes  that have been achieved during the hajj season of this year, where all sectors have worked closely to achieve the expectations of the leadership in reality.   Moreover, the president of GaStat,  has extended his congratulations to HRH Prince Khalid ALFaisal Bin Abdulaziz , the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Governor of Makkah Province and the Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, for his effective role in following-up the implementations of the Hajj’s plans up to date and for his concern to ensure comfort for pilgrims by providing all the means that could help them to perform the rituals easily. In addition, Dr. AL-Tukhaifi congratulates HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif Bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior and the Chairman of the High Hajj Committee, on the success of  the 1439 hajj season as well as his own implementation plans, with Allah’s help.  Moreover, He has praised the great role that has been played by the employees of the Ministry of Interior from all security sectors for the success of the hajj for this year. As usual, they were distinguished with their dedication in showing the honor of serving the pilgrims. Dr.AL-Tukhifi also wishes all the best and success for them and for everyone. Additionally, the president of GaStat has announced the success of the hajj statistical plan for this year, with Allah’s help, and with the early preparation and teamwork spirit of GaStat employees , where they have worked closely with all governmental and security entities to implement the hajj statistical program. They were also able to provide a comprehensive and accurate statistical outputs to support all decision makers and hajj development policies makers through the detailed statistical bulletin for hajj statistics, which includes 40 statistical outputs. Also, by publishing the statistics of the efforts of Saudi Arabia in serving pilgrims through “the statistical calendar for 1439H hajj season” which has been published for the second year respectively through GaStat. The president of GaStat has expressed his gratitude to all governmental entities which provided their data to GaStat, in advance, to be used to show the efforts of the Kingdom by numbers and a scientific and accurate statistical method. It is worth mentioning that the GASTAT has  announced on the evening of the day of 'Arafa the results of hajj statistics for the current  year 1439H, where the total number of pilgrims reached (2.371.675) pilgrims, including (1,758.722) pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom, while the number of pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom made up of (612.953) pilgrims.

The Detailed Bulletin for Hajj Statistics Will Be Issued on Eid day with (40) Statistical Outputs GASTAT: The Final Announcement of Pilgrims’ Total Number in 1439 H is after the Sunset of the Day of Arafah As it continues publishing up-to-date statistics every six hours, GASTAT announced that the enumeration of pilgrims for the hajj season of this year 1439 H, which is through the ports of Makkah, will stop at 6:30 along with the sunset of (the day of Arafah) on Monday, the ninth of Dhu AL-Hijjah. Moreover, the time of the final announcement of the total number of pilgrims will be few hours later on the same day. However, the time of publishing the detailed bulletin of Hajj statistics 1439H will be on Tuesday (Eid day) at  11 A.M.  The vice president of the statistical works Mr.Abdullah AL-Batil assured that the hajj statistical bulletin which will be published on Eid day includes (40) main statistical outputs to support the planning of serving pilgrims and the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques. AL-Batil illustrated that the bulletin includes accurate and comprehensive data and information about the numbers of pilgrims according to the ways and dates of arrival. It also includes a number of main tables and charts such as: the number of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia by gender and way of arrival, the arrival of Saudi pilgrims by way of arrival, Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia classified according to gender and nationality, the Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside classified by way of arrival, comparing the number of Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside according to their nationalities, the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside to the city of Makkah according to the vehicle type and the date of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and way of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and the date of arrival, comparing the number of pilgrims from outside according to the way of arrival. These data will be available with more than one template including the statistical hajj map which facilitates the access to any information that is related to hajj statistics. On the other hand, the vice president of statistical works assured that the program of hajj statistics which is implemented by GASTAT aims to provide accurate and detailed statistics, data, and information about the number of pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia to help and support the concerned entities of Saudi Arabia in the future planning programs for the purpose of ensuring the necessary services for pilgrims and visitors of the holy mosque, including all social, health, security, food, and transportation services. That is through using time series of accurate data about the numbers of pilgrims, estimating the necessary labor force to serve the pilgrims and maintain their safety and comfort during the hajj season every year, examining the equipment and the main utilities in the city of Makkah and its Holy places with taking that into consideration when preparing the necessary plans, applying the necessary annual traffic plans including the plan of the mass movement of pilgrims (Tasaeed and Nafrah), in addition to supporting the researchers and other beneficiaries who are interested in this field, evaluating the activities and the events arranged by the concerned entities of serving pilgrims, and identifying the change in the way of arrival. About the inclusiveness of the enumeration process and whether it includes buses and vehicles drivers, Mr.Abdullah AL-Batil clarified that the enumeration unit of Hajj statistics is the pilgrim. Which means that the procedure of the enumeration of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia is restricted to pilgrims who were enumerated at the Hajj statistical centers that are located in the entry ports of the city of Makkah, the driver will be enumerated in case he was a pilgrim. The enumeration procedure includes all Saudi and Non-Saudi individuals (males and females) arriving from inside Saudi Arabia to the city of Makkah with Hajj intention. However, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia will be enumerated by the General Department of Passports at the entry ports of Saudi Arabia. GASTAT will be provided with their numbers to be added to the total number of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia.

Hajj statistics updates every (6 hours) via an interactive map on the site GaStat operates an advanced technical system in the implementation of "Hajj statistics" The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) is currently implementing a comprehensive technical system, with more than 470 statistical researchers working in six main entrances to Makkah and three support centers in Medinah, Jeddah and Al Tai’f. The system is connected to a secure electronic network for simultaneous and immediate data flow to the main centers.  Moreover, the GaStat updates the interactive statistical map of  Hajj  every six hours through its official website www.stats.gov.sa   Mr. Khalid Al-Dalqan, Information Technology Under Secretary at GaStat, said that GaStat is working continuously to develop the methodologies and programs needed to collect, process, analyze and disseminate data to achieve comprehensiveness, reliability and timeliness in data dissemination through the use of modern technology that contributes to reducing the time and place factors which may delay data processing speed and accuracy as well as the speed of extraction and data dissemination during Hajj.  GaStat has applied a modern method of collecting field data using the latest technology and software by using electronic forms on tablets when counting pilgrims, which allow quick access to daily data and total results of the number of pilgrims classified according to their nationalities, centers and times of arrival. He added that all statistical researchers in Mekkah have been trained to use modern technology and devices effectively to implement the Hajj statistics program using tablets connected with the main servers in Riyadh in addition to the link to backup servers in all statistical centers that work offline if needed.  Moreover, Al-Dalqan said that the Authority has allocated a technical support team working around the clock ( in order to train all employees categories to use Hajj systems, know  how to extract daily reports, follow up the productivity of field work groups and solve all technical problems that may face the work groups during data collection), Furthermore, it has dedicated other work teams for the preparation  distributed to all main and support statistical centers. GaStat provided analysis and design teams as well as a team to develop data collection systems, including the tablet  system used to collect field data that includes a digital form to count pilgrims containing all data on the results of pilgrims enumeration numbers arriving in Makkah connected to the coordinates of the information gathering site. These devices work via a remote control systems that allow the tracking devices to provide remote technical support.    On the other hand, Information Technology Under Secretary at the GaStat pointed out that the Hajj statistics platform of the technical system was added to Hajj  of this year for the main center and the main counting centers. This allows the specialists to review the pilgrims statistics of this year updated in comparison to the historical data at the level of arrival centers of pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom,  their nationalities, arrival time and types of vehicles, in addition to the statistics of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom as well as the pilgrims of Mekkah. It is worth mentioning that GaStat has standardized the definitions and terminology used in Hajj statistics, where the pilgrim is the counting unit. The process of counting pilgrims coming from inside the Kingdom is limited to the persons wearing Ihram who are already been counted at the centers of Hajj statistics at the entrances to Makkah. The counting includes All Saudi and non-Saudi individuals, males and females, coming from different regions of the Kingdom to Makkah for the purpose of performing Hajj, with the addition of the total number of pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom counted by the General Directorate of Passports at the points of entry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

To know the statistics details of pilgrims arriving to Makkah every (6) hours GASTAT launches the “Hajj statistical map” to publish data and facilitate information access The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) launched the “ Hajj statistical map” on its official website www.stats.gov.sa . This map is considered one of the most important references that clarifies the details of pilgrims’ statistics data, and facilitates information access to media, researchers, and governmental entities, so that they can use them in details and with the most advanced methods of “geo-spatial” data publishing. The map can be viewed via different multimedia.   Taiseer Almofarrej, GASTAT spokesman, said that the process of letting people view Hajj statistics data complements GASTAT efforts in publishing statistical data. Everyone can view the numbers of pilgrims arriving to Makkah through all ports in an updated way (every six hours), starting from Saturday the 7th of Dhu-Al-Hijjah until the end of pilgrims’ enumeration on Monday the 9th of Dhu-Al-Hijjah at 7 P.M. This map will be an interactive statistical reference for Hajj statistics.  Almofarrej indicated that the Hajj statistical map has two tracks; the first is the news track through which hajj statistics can be accessed in an updated way (every six hours) via the map. The numbers of pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia, and the numbers of pilgrims coming from inside Saudi Arabia (Saudis and Non-Saudis) can be accessed too. Moreover, this track includes the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia by type of vehicle, the number of licenses given to pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia, and the traffic map in the holy places area.  However, the second track, as stated by GASTAT spokesman, is a statistical reference track. Starting from Tuesday, the tenth of Dhu-Al-Hijjah, the interactive map will be one of the Hajj statistics’ detailed bulletin templates through which all governmental entities, researchers, media, and all those who are interested can get the numbers of pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia, the statistical distributions of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia at the level of enumeration centers, number of Saudi and Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia, number of Non-Saudi pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia by groups of countries, estimating the numbers of pilgrims in Makkah, number of labor forces serving pilgrims by gender and sector, and the numbers and types of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia during the period (from 1st  to 9th  of Dhu-Al-Hijjah). The interactive map will provide details of gender and nationality by entry, in addition to the time series of pilgrims during the past ten years.   It is worth mentioning that GASTAT is working on diversifying the methods of getting data in a detailed and immediate way through all available means. It has also launched the “statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season” in which it published the services provided by Saudi Arabia to pilgrims.

GASTAT: The total number of pilgrims in 1439H Hajj season reached (2.371.675) pilgrims On Monday, the ninth of Dhu-Al-Hijjah, the General Authority for Statistics announced the results of 1439H Hajj statistics. The total number of pilgrims reached (2.371.675) pilgrims, (1.758.722) of whom came from outside Saudi Arabia, whereas (612.953) came from inside Saudi Arabia.  However, the total number of male pilgrims reached (1.327.127) pilgrims, while female pilgrims reached (1.044.548) pilgrims.  With respect to the pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia, GCC pilgrims reached (34.140) pilgrims with (1.9) %, but the number of pilgrims from Arab countries apart from GCC pilgrims reached (395.410) pilgrims with (22.5) %, whereas the number of pilgrims from Asian countries apart from Arab countries reached (1.049.496) pilgrims with (59.7) %. In addition, the number of pilgrims from African countries apart from Arab countries reached (166.083) pilgrims with (9.5) %. However, the number of pilgrims from European countries reached (88.601) pilgrims with (5.0) %, whereas the number of pilgrims from North America, South America, and Australia reached (24.992) pilgrims with (1.4) %. Moreover, (1.656.936) pilgrims who came from outside Saudi Arabia arrived through air ports, and (85.623) of whom arrived through land ports. However, (16.163) pilgrims arrived through sea ports.  Additionally, the pilgrims’ arrival to Saudi Arabia was at different periods of time. (557.282) of pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia at the beginning of hajj until the 18th of Dhu AL-Qidah, and (744.903) of pilgrims arrived between 19-29 of Dhu AL-Qidah. Moreover, (456.537) of pilgrims continued to arrive to Saudi Arabia during the time period from 1 to 8 of Dhu AL-Hijjah. Regarding the pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia whose numbers reached (612.953) pilgrims this year, the total number of pilgrims arriving from the cities and governorates of Saudi Arabia reached (239.962), (372.991) of whom are from the city of Makkah including the temporary residents during the hajj season, (401.217) are Non-Saudi pilgrims, and (211.736) are Saudi pilgrims. GASTAT has enumerated the pilgrims arriving to Makkah from inside Saudi Arabia (Saudis and Non-Saudis) through the hajj statistics centers located in the entrances of Makkah. In addition, the percentage of pilgrims arriving to Makkah from inside Saudi Arabia through Jeddah/Makkah road reached (38.2) %, (29.4) % arrived through AL-Shrae’a/Makkah road, and (17.8) % arrived through Makkah/Medina road. Moreover, (14.6) % arrived through the other three roads which are the South/Makkah road, Taif/Makkah road, and the old Jeddah/Makkah road. GASTAT illustrated in its results of hajj statistics of this year that the seventh, eighth and ninth days of Dhu AL-Hijjah have witnessed an arrival reached (86.8) % out of the total number of pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia reached (32.289) vehicles. As for the number of the labor force of entities that provided their services to pilgrims from all sectors, the numbers of governmental entities’ labor force reached more than 287.300 persons representing some governmental and private entities which participated in providing more than 215 main services and sub-services. Supervision and follow-up services were provided by 7310 male and female supervisors from 6 entities. However, public services were provided by 192.254 employees from 19 different entities, whereas health services were provided by 32.579 employees from 3 entities. Furthermore, the number of the labor force in transportation and post services, as well as logistic services (shipping, post and supply) that Saudi Arabia provides to pilgrims reached 47.765 employees working in seven entities, while ICT services were provided by 7.411 employees from 4 different entities.  On the other hand, his excellency the president of GASTAT, Dr.Fahad Altekhaifi thanked all the governmental security entities that supported GASTAT to implement its task in the hajj statistics of this year. He also praised the work of more than 450 statistical researchers who completed their assigned tasks for the hajj of this year after working 24/7 starting from the beginning of this month until the sunset of the day of Arafah.  Dr.Altekhaifi assured that all the details related to hajj statistics of the year 1439H have been published along with this announcement through the statistical hajj map and the detailed bulletin for hajj statistics which include more than (40) statistical outputs on GASTAT official website www.stats.gov.sa to provide accurate and detailed statistics, data and information about the number of pilgrims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia to help and support the concerned entities in their future planning programs for the purpose of ensuring the necessary services for pilgrims., including all social, health, security, food and transportation services by using time series of accurate data about the number of pilgrims, estimating the necessary labor force to serve the pilgrims and maintain their safety and comfort during the hajj season every year, examining the equipment and the main utilities in the city of Holy Makkah and its Holy places with taking that into consideration when preparing the necessary plans, in addition to supporting the researchers and beneficiaries who are interested in this field, evaluating the activities and the events arranged by the concerned entities of serving the pilgrims, and identifying the change in the way of arrival. The statistical map and bulletin includes accurate and comprehensive data and information about the number of pilgrims according to the ways and dates of arrival. It also includes a number of main tables and charts such as: the number of pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia according to gender and the way of arrival, the arrival of the Saudi pilgrims according to the way of arrival and nationality, comparing the number of the Non-Saudi pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia in the years 1438H and 1439H by nationality, the number of vehicles carrying pilgrims who came from inside Saudi Arabia to the city of Makkah by vehicle type and the date of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and the way of arrival, pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia distributed according to gender and the date of arrival, and comparing the numbers of pilgrims coming from outside in the years 1438H and 1439Haccording to the way of arrival. By the end of the Hajj statistical works, GASTAT wishes that God accepts the pilgrims’ hajj and wishes success to all governmental and security entities and to other entities in Saudi Arabia to serve distinguished services and come out with a safe and distinct hajj season.

15.927 “Mobile” cell towers in Makkah, Medina and the Holy Places in addition to 460 sale points for mobile SIM cards ‘’GASTAT’’: More Than 7.400 Employees to Provide Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Services for Hajj Season of This Year On Friday 6th of Dhu Al-hijjah, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) published the related data of ICT services provided by Saudi Arabia to pilgrims within the statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season. The statistical calendar showed that the total number of employees providing ICT services this year reached 7.411 employees who work 24/7 in order to deliver adequate and improved services. Moreover, these services are supervised by the Communications and Information Technology Commission in accordance with authorized service providers. On the other hand, the number of branch offices of telecom services reached 69 offices in Makkah this year, and the total number of 2G, 3G and 4G cell towers was 15.972 towers and that is to ensure and extend the coverage of mobile network and data in Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat, Medina and at the Holy Mosque. Additionally, telecom and internet services are available at all air, land and sea ports as well as all roads to serve pilgrims at anytime and anywhere. The percentage of increase in the number of 4G cell towers was at 42.90% at the Holy Mosque, 24.40% in Makkah, 106.00% at the holy places, and 24.50% in Medina. More importantly, the percentage of increase of 4G network capacity at the peak hours for this season reached 80.00% at the Holy Mosque, 84.00% in Makkah, 182.00% at the holy places, and 36.30% in Medina.   It is worth mentioning that within the developmental works of serving pilgrims, the number of base stations ‘’cell towers’’ increased to nearly 3000 cell towers in Makkah and Medina compared to last year. Concerned bodies have also worked on providing wireless internet services by using Wi-Fi technology where the access points of this year reached 3000 points. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has launched ‘’Smart Hajj’’ application this year on ‘’Saudi’’ portal to provide digital services. Moreover, the ministry has also made a list of the distinguished interactive apps in order to identify Hajj rituals and to help pilgrims to benefit from technology when moving between the holy places. Also, the ministry has put a number of guidelines, health apps and some government applications that may help pilgrims and Umrah performers in Makkah and Medina.  On the other hand, the Communications and Information Technology Commission branch in Makkah periodically checks the sound and internet indicators, ensures their effectiveness, scans the frequency bands of mobile networks at the Two Holy Mosques as well as the connected highways between Makkah, Jeddah and Medina to ensure the quality of mobile services. It also deals with any harmful interference that may affect the performance of the network and allows the use of frequencies of each mobile service provider to increase the capacity of the network and improve the level of services provided to pilgrims in Makkah, Medina and the holy places. Saudi Arabia's telecommunications companies have more than 460 sales points available at the holy places to provide SIM cards, data SIM cards and recharge cards, as well as providing technical support centres with various languages to serve the pilgrims. GASTAT has included this data and its details in the statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season, which was set in order to publish all the statistics related to Hajj services provided by governmental entities to pilgrims, on its official website www.stats.gov.sa .

13.909 flights, and more than 600.000 bus trips “statistics” : More than 47.700 employees providing the services of transport, post, shipping, and supply to pilgrims On Thursday, the 5th of Dhu-Al-Hijjah 1439 H, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has clarified within the statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season published on its official website that the number of labor force in the transportation and post services, as well as the logistic services (shipping, post, and supplies) provided by Saudi Arabia to pilgrims reached 47.765 employees who work in seven sectors specialized in the services of land and air transport, in addition to the services of shipping, post, and supplies. On the level of air transport, which is supervised by the Civil Aviation Authority, the total number of international and domestic flights prepared for transferring pilgrims reached 13.909 flights. In Jeddah, the number of international and domestic flights from and to King Abdulaziz International Airport reached 7.255 flights, whereas as Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina registered 6.654 international and domestic flights. On the other hand, more than 1.369 employees in Jeddah airport and more than 809 employees in Medina airport started to work twenty four seven since the beginning of Dhu-Al-Qida  in order to provide pilgrims who arrive by plane  with all services they need. Their work will last until the mid of next Muharram. The airport services include: maintaining the safety of passengers, organizing the planes movement, observing the performance of electrical and technical systems at airports, ensuring the arrival of luggage, and keeping the airport facilities clean. It is worth mentioning that the terminal of pilgrims in King Abdulaziz International Airport receives about 50.000 pilgrims daily.   The terminals of Hajj and Umrah can receive 3800 arrivals per hour, and 3500 departures. However, the waiting areas can take up to 7000 passengers in the arrival terminal, and 12.000 passengers in the areas outside the terminal. The new terminal can take more than 91,000 arrivals and 84.000 departures per day. Those terminals can operate 312 flights which means 13 flights per hour.    In terms of sea transport, which is supervised by the General Ports Authority, more than 300 employees work at Jeddah Islamic Port to facilitate for the arrival of pilgrims, reduce the period of their checkout procedures, and equip facilities that serve and receive pilgrims from the first moment of their arrival to the port until they leave. The port started to receive pilgrims coming by sea from the mid of Dhu al-Qida and lasts until the fourth of Dhu al-Hijjah where 17 trips were scheduled on three ferries. The arrival terminal may receive more than 800 pilgrims per hour. As for the transport by buses, there are 600.000 bus trips to transfer pilgrims in the holly places by using 18.700 buses during the days of Hajj. There are also more than 43.786 employees, supervisors, and drivers to control the process of transferring pilgrims by buses from the General Cars Syndicate and the Higher Commission for Controlling Pilgrims Transportation which work on setting a system that ensures determining the responsibility of the safety of cars that are used to transfer pilgrims, insuring all buses, making sure that all buses have undergone technical and safety check in the motor vehicles periodic inspection stations, making field visits to the sites of pilgrims transportation companies to check the buses that passed the periodic inspection , operating the buses and violations registration system, in addition to all data of buses including the type of bus, license number, body number, and the bus brand.  Furthermore, they also work on following-up the operation of buses at airports, ports, and road rest areas, direction and Tafweej centres, and support centres.  They also follow-up the pilgrims transfer between Makkah, Jeddah, and Medina, in addition to observing the buses malfunctions, and following accidents- once they occur, coordinating with the concerned entities to check the procedures, making sure that all signs guiding to Hajj cities are available and that there is a driver for each bus, and coordinate with those who are responsible for guiding buses.  As for the track of transporting pilgrims by train, Makkah Development Authority has prepared the train to transfer more than two million pilgrims through more than one thousand trips within seven days. It also prepared nine stations distributed among Arafah, Mina, and Muzdalifah, with 60 entrance and exit gates.  In terms of the logistic services (express post, shipping, warehousing, and supplies) provided to pilgrims, more than 535 employees from the Saudi Post are working in 96 post offices in Makkah, Medina, and the holly places, equipped with 60 cars and 50 motorcycles. They work all day and night during the Hajj season. Post services include: pilgrims’ postal parcels that reduces carrying heavy weights by pilgrims when they transfer.  The services provided to pilgrims also include the service of selling ponds of “Hadi” and “Adhahi” during Hajj, in cooperation with the Saudi project to benefit from Hadi and Adhahi through the sale points in all Saudi Arabia’ post offices, or in the temporary locations of sale in Makkah, Medina, and the holly places. However, the total number of postal parcels that have been sent and received during the previous Hajj season reached 54.804 parcels.   For more information about the details of services provided by Saudi Arabia to pilgrims, please visit the statistical calendar of 1439H Hajj season on the official website of GASTAT www.stats.gov.sa

Including 25 hospitals, 153 health care centers, and  959 ambulance and medical teams “Statistics”:  More Than 32,500 Employees Provide Medical and Health Services to Pilgrims in 1439 H  Hajj Season On Wednesday, the 4th of  Dhu- Al hijjah 1439 H, The General Authority  for Statistics  (GASTAT) announced within the  statistical calendar  of 1439 H Hajj season,  published on  its official website www.stats.gov.sa ,  that the number of workforce provide health and ambulance services for pilgrims this season amounted to more than 31.571 capita (including 9.216 women) of the Ministry of Health,  Saudi Red Crescent Authority  and Saudi Food and Drug Authority members, as well as the workforce that  provide health services of security and military sectors members.  As well, the total number of medical and ambulance teams  in holy places during  Hajj season is more than 959 medical and ambulance teams providing their services to the pilgrims. Furthermore, GASTAT has pointed out through its daily bulletin in the statistical calendar of  1439 H Hajj season that Saudi Arabia harnessed its all financial and human potential in the field of health, curative, preventive and emergency services, such as free specialized health services enhanced by the Ministry of Health with more than 29.495 specialized medical staffs include:  doctors, pharmacists, nurses, technicians and administrators . Moreover,  the health services provided  to pilgrims include the following: open-heart surgery, cardiac catheterization, dialysis including both hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD), digestive endoscopies, in addition to  birth deliveries and other specialized medical services needed by pilgrim patients, where the number of operating hospitals totaled 25 hospitals in Makkah and holy places.  It is noteworthy that the number of health centers reached 153 centers that equipped  with all  health, medical and ambulatory potential, in addition to, 106 field teams in holy places as well as inside and outside Makkah, 100 small ambulances operating as mobile intensive care units in order to handle field ambulatory emergencies and 80  highly-equipped big  ambulances. Ministry of Health hospitals, since the beginning of Dhul-Qa'dah till the first of Dhul-Hijjah, in terms of services provided to the pilgrims,  have conducted 142 cardiac catheterization procedures, 9 open-heart surgeries, 761 dialysis ( hemodialysis HD ) ,39  endoscopy procedures, in addition to other 568 surgeries during the same period. Moreover, The Saudi Red Crescent Authority  has allocated 127 temporary and permanent rescue centers, 361 ambulances, 20 bicycles, and more than 1861 people for the emergency teams and workforce within the area of  Makka, Medina and Holy places,  to provide all emergency and medical services to pilgrims.  In addition to, all health and ambulance staff works in Makkah 24 hours a day,  until Sunday, 15 Dhu Hijjah, where the concerned entities have developed integrated programs and plans which include:  providing all needs and possibilities to handle emergencies and disasters, and providing medical, preventive, therapeutic as well as ambulatory services to pilgrims, Umrah  performers and Makkak as well as Prophet's Mosque visitors. These services are provided efficiently, effectively  and according to a unified methodology,  with latest methods of medical and ambulance care as well as  with qualified cadre with practical and scientific training, to achieve the health security of holy places and  the Two Holy Mosques visitors,  access roads, and air as well as sea ports. It should be recalled that these services are not limited to ground service through ambulances, but also including the Saudi Air Ambulance, motorcycles, rapid response specialized team, field teams in in the Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque as well as surrounding squares depending on available human resources, in addition to a constellation of volunteers (males and females). On the other hand, The Saudi Food and Drug Authority(SFDA)  handling supervisory  tasks on (food, drugs and medical equipment as well as products) with pilgrims and Hajj missions as well as supporting supervisory entities responsible for the inspection of facilities that provide meals to pilgrims in Makkah, Medina and the holy places. It is worth mentioning that SFDA provides seven major services including:  inspection of food, drugs and medical equipment as well as products coming through ports, health surveillance of food facilities located in the scope of Holy  Makkah Municipality and Al Medina Regional Municipality, health inspection of  sacrifices slaughtered in slaughterhouse in Mina place  , conducting field studies of food safety,  raising awareness during Hajj season of  the safety of food, drugs and medical equipment as well as products, in addition to inspection of transportation means entering Makkah and holy placess.    For more information related to statistical services provided by Saudi Arabia to the pilgrims, GASTAT has provided plenty of details in Hajj statistical calendar 1439 H, published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa

With more than 7300 supervisors, and 1480 vehicles in the field “Statistics” Six Governmental Entities Integrate with Each Other to Provide Supervision and Follow-up Services to Guarantee the Success of 1439 H Hajj Season TheGeneral Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today in the statistical calendar of 1439 H Hajj season published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa that the number of the workforce that provides supervision and follow-up services to pilgrims reached more than 7300 supervisors and observers, including more than 160 women. Six governmental entities provide the supervision and follow-up services; Makkah Region Emirate, Medina Emirate, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Commerce and Investment, Control and Investigation Board, and Ministry of Labour and Social Development. These entities have many supervision tasks such as:  general supervision on all services provided in Hajj from all government entities, coordination with different government entities, making sure that all necessary preparations related to Hajj season are available, developing necessary plans to address any faults or notices in order to prevent them in the Hajj season, follow-up and coordination of the procedures related to the projects' implementation and services provision in the sites related to Hajj and Umrah in Medina Region, Supervising the work of the office units and committees that carry out field tasks related to the matters of pilgrims and Umrah performers, Participating in the committees, studies and research related to the works of Hajj and Umrah, Verification of arrival procedures completion speed in the land, sea, and air ports, making sure that the pilgrims are heading directly to their residences in Makkah and Medina, Supervision on the performance of the entities working in the ports which are supervised by the ministry (pilgrims guide institutions, agencies unified office, General Cars Syndicate, Pilgrims buses guidance bureau) and monitoring the failure, monitoring any direct development, Supervising the operations of transferring pilgrims from the air, land and sea ports to Makkah and Medina to be safe and easy,  Inspection of Pilgrims' residences in Makkah and Madinah and address deficiencies if any,  Follow-up the availability of quantities of goods, basic food supply and main meals in Makkah, Medina ,Jeddah, Taif and the holy places, follow up the availability of quantities in the suppliers and traders of food supply, basic supplies, national factories and the quantities of goods associated with them imported from Jeddah Islamic Port and other ports, monitoring the inventory and follow-up its availability in sufficient quantities to meet any potential increase in demand, or the occurrence of emergencies requiring food supply  with continuous supplying without obstacles, Increasing the supervision on shops to ensure the quality of food commodities offered ,their suitability for consumption and its conformity to the standard specifications,  supervision of the services provided to pilgrims in the ports of entry and ports of departure by land, sea and air, Comprehensive control over the services provided in the Hajj,  Participation with the committee of sites distribution and clearance of government entities in the holy places, Follow up the arrival of seasonal labor through air, land and sea ports, Follow up seasonal labor during the Hajj season and make sure of their workplaces and places of residence, Follow-up facilities with seasonal visas and the application of regulations against any violation, as well as  providing social care for children and elderly in care centers.   The supervision and follow-up work of the concerned governmental entities includes both office work and the field work, as the total number of vehicles assigned to these tasks in the field reached more than 1480 vehicles, including custom equipment, cars, and motorcycles equipped with more than 2320 wireless devices for direct communication. The 1439 Hajj Statistical Calendar, published by the General Authority for Statistics, contains details of these statistics, it can be accessed through the official website of the GASTAT.

19 Government and Private Entities Providing more than 136 Main Services to Pilgrims “Statistics”: More than 192.200 Male and Female Employees Working Around the Clock to Serve the Pilgrims in the Field of Public Services On Tuesday 3rd of Dhul Hijjah, 1439H, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced more than 136 main services in the field of public services within the statistical calendar of the Hajj season this year. It includes: secretariats and municipalities activities , control and inspection services, electricity and water services, religious and information awareness, security services, preparing ports to receive pilgrims, issuing Hajj licenses for pilgrims coming from inside Saudi Arabia, civil affairs services, in addition to other supportive services.  Through the statistical calendar published on its official website, GASTAT stated that the total number of labor force providing public services reached 192.254 male and female employees, 189.113 of them are men and 3.141 are women who works around the clock during all the days of the Hajj season. Whereas the number of equipment and machinery used for this service reached 59.741 equipment and machinery, 7.956 cars, 1.583 motorcycles, 13.349 wireless devices, and 3.760 computers.   The security services provided to the pilgrims are the most important public services provided by the "Public Security". It implements the security and traffic plans and the maintenance of public order in Makkah, the Holy Places and Madinah. The number of police stations in Makkah and the holy Places reached 52, whereas the number of traffic centers is 280, in addition to 75 security control centers stationed at the borders and entrances of Makkah and the Holy Places.  The General Directorate of Passports works, through more than 5.000 employees who works as officers, personnel and technicians, to prepare the ports to receive pilgrims and provide necessary services until the completion of the procedures for their departure to their countries through 7 land ports, 3 air ports and 2 sea ports. In addition, the Saudi Customs also provide custom services and reception and farewell services to pilgrims through labor force exceeding 2000 employees. Moreover, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is present at the same ports through 14 quarantine rooms to inspect animal and plant consignments coming to Makkah and Madinah. In the field of providing civil defence services, approximately 15.000 of the General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defence staff works to implement preventive awareness programs as soon as pilgrims come to Saudi Arabia from their countries and ensure the availability and completion of safety requirements in their places of residence in Makkah, Madinah and Holy Places. In addition, they provide civil defence basic work such as firefighting, rescue, ambulance, evacuation operations, etc. The number of civil defence centres inside the Holy Places reached 105, in addition to 556 preventive supervision points, contingency units and support units. Moreover, there are 64 centres in Makkah, 30 centres in Madinah, and 25 centres of civil defence at the border entry ports and main roads.  In the field of providing and enabling government entities to use technology, the National Information Center, through more than 1.355 technicians and administrators, provides and prepares tablets to read the electronic Hajj permits in the sites of screening and security control at the entrances of Makkah. It also prepares and operates all Hajj entry points in all regions of Saudi Arabia, screening sites and security control sites at the entrances of Makkah by devices, fingerprint stations, different types of printers, and information transmission circuits using modern technologies.  The Civil Affairs also provide their services through electronic services and through their presence in 10 Civil Affairs’ offices in Makkah and Madinah. The services include, the issuance and cancelation of Hajj permits for the pilgrims coming from inside Saudi Arabia and the registration of births and deaths incidents of pilgrims who are residents or coming from outside Saudi Arabia. In order to highlight the pilgrimage and its importance, and to transfer its work to all countries of the world, the media and awareness services emerges. The Ministry of Media prepares Media centres in ( the Holy Places, Madinah and Jeddah). In addition, it carries out the work of supervision and approval of publications that the official and private entities, diplomatic missions and Hajj missions wish to distribute to pilgrims. Furthermore, it controls different publications that comes with the pilgrims through the ports of Saudi Arabia, Monitor publications published in Arabic and foreign newspapers, prepare daily reports on Hajj matters, coordinate with the press organizations to issue press supplements for pilgrims in a number of languages and supervise their distribution at the ports and the places of pilgrims, host a number of media professionals from Arab and Islamic countries to cover Hajj. Whereas the Saudi Press Agency broadcasts reports, news and surveys of interest to pilgrims, highlight the Hajj journey, highlight the efforts of the government of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques in serving the pilgrims, highlight the efforts on services and accomplishments, make press interviews with Hajj missions and pilgrims, translate all this by broadcasting hundreds of news , reports and press interviews to visual, audio and print media on the website of (SPA agency) and social media and other types of media. It is broadcasted in six languages (Arabic, English, French, Russian, Chinese and Persian). The Saudi Broadcasting Authority has a staff of up to 1000 employees, including media specialists, administrators and technicians, to broadcast the Hajj rituals through two satellite channels and five radio stations. In addition, the General Commission for Audiovisual Media regulates and facilitates the rituals of Hajj through 134 satellite channels, 18 radio stations, in addition to providing permits for foreign media missions, issues permits for foreign channels, issues filming permits for local production companies, ffacilitates the work of all media involved in covering Hajj rituals.  In addition, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance provides its services through 2.824 employee who organize various Dawah activities and answer religious inquiries via free telephone, which reaches 57,000 calls during the Hajj season. In the field of guidance and support services, the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association works through 3000 scouts to guide lost pilgrims and guide them to their locations, distributes Quraan, books and educational materials, contributes in organizing pilgrims while they are at the sites of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, regulates the random selling points, food supply stores, barber shops and peddlers, stops  violators jointly with Makkah Municipality team, Organizes the entry of pilgrims and directs them inside health facilities, helps those who need transport by carts and guides them to their destinations, supports the Ministry of Health,  pilgrims Tafweej from the pilgrims offices to Aljamarat, issues guides and maps for all government entities in Mina,  ‘Arafat, Makkah (Azizia) and Madinah (center area). The number of scout teams participating this year reached 370 scout teams. In addition, the Institute of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Hajj and Umrah Research works to provide research and studies services in order to develop an integrated information system to support decision makers in the field of Hajj and Umrah through 200 employees working in the Hajj season. The institute issued 42 research and organized 18 specialized scientific research. Regarding the preparation of Makkah and Holy Places facilities, the Development of Makkah Region Authority worked on shading the pedestrian ramp from Azizia to the Jamarat facility, shading the slopes of the train stations , maintenance of Aljamarat establishment and supporting projects, maintenance and operation of  the Holy Places train, all operations and cleaning of the facilities of the Holy Places through 11,777 employees.  Furthermore, Makkah Municipality provides municipality services to the pilgrims through 15.671 employees, which include: General cleaning, collection, transportation and disposal of waste to maintain high levels of environmental sanitation, market monitoring and food inspection, operation and maintenance services for municipal facilities and supervision of slaughterhouses in Makkah. Moreover, the Saudi Electricity Company works on the operation of five main stations through labor force that reaches 1500 employee. While the water services are provided through more than 2800 employee who work in the National Water Company to operate and maintain the water network and its attachments, and maintain and clean toilets in Mina, Mozdalefah and ‘Arafat. It is worth mentioning that the General Authority for Statistics has provided these data and details through the statistical calendar of Hajj 1439 AH, which was allocated to publish all statistics related to Hajj services provided by government entities to pilgrims through its official website www.stats.gov.sa

More than 470 statistical researchers started their works this morning GASTAT starts the enumeration process for pilgrims of 1439 H GASTAT started the enumeration process for pilgrims who arrived in Makkah this morning Sunday the first of Dhu Al-hijjah 1439 H. The enumeration process is done through more than 470 statistical, administrative and technical researchers from GASTAT and they are available at the main centers in Makkah, Medina, Jeddah and Taif. In addition, the researchers will be working for (24 hours) every day until the sunset of the day of Arafah the ninth of Dhu Al-hijjah next Monday. Moreover, GASTAT clarified that the process of collecting data from pilgrims is done by completing the data of the electronic form in a very short time. The data include: number of pilgrims, nationality, destination and type of vehicle. On the other hand, GASTAT called all the pilgrims who are heading to Makkah for Hajj this year to submit the required statistical data to the pilgrims’ enumeration centers which are: Makkah/Jeddah Highway) Road , (Makkah/old Jeddah)Road, Altan’eim center(the connection road between Medina and Makkah), AlShrai’e center (the connection road between Makkah city and Alta’if city through AlSail), Alkar center (the connection road between Makkah and Alta’if through Alhada), and the Southern center ( Allaith -Jazan road  near Als’adeiah village) in addition to the Hajj statistics supportive centers in Jeddah at King Abdulaziz international airport, mass transportation stations, and other locations in Jeddah, Medina center (Abiar Ali and ‘Ashirah), and Alta’if center (Alsail Alkabeer).

Including services statistics provided by more than 40 entities to pilgrims GASTAT Launches the “Statistical Calendar” for 1439H Hajj Season GASTAT has  Launched the “Statistical Calendar” for 1439H Hajj Season, on Sunday,   the first of Dhu al-Hijjah -1439 , through GASTAT’S official www.stats.gov.sa, which shows the publishing dates of services statistics provided by government entities in Saudi Arabia to pilgrims, in addition to the statistics of domestic and foreign  pilgrims. GASTAT official spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, explained  that the statistical calendar with its content, from statistics and numbers, aims to show the efforts made to pilgrims from more than 40 public and private entities. Moreover, on the second day of the current month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the statistics of services provided to pilgrims such as, supervision, public, health, transportation, and communication as well as information technology services will be announced through statistical calendar and on GASTAT’S official website. Then, the number of domestic and foreign pilgrims will be published every six hours, from the seventh day of Dhu al-Hijjah,  until the total number of domestic and foreign pilgrims is announced that will be on the evening of Arfa, the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah, if Allah willing. Furthermore, Mr. Almofarrej added that GASTAT will issue the detailed bulletin of Hajj statistics the morning of Eied day (10 Dhul Al-Hijja  1439H). Moreover, the spokesperson of GASTAT revealed that  the statistical calendar includes services statistics provided to pilgrims from the following governmental entities: Holy Makkah Province Principality, AL-Madinah Principality, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Commerce and Investment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Da'wah and Guidance, Ministry of Media, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, General Authority for Statistics, General Customs Authority, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture,  Communication and Information Technology Communication,  Saudi Commission for Investigation and Prosecution in Makkah Province, Makkah  Region Development Authority, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, General Security, General Directorate of Passports, The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense, The National Information Center, the General Presidency of Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque Affairs, Civil Defense in Makkah Province, Holy Makkah Municipality, Jeddah Municipality, Electricity Company of Makkah, Makkah and Taif Business Units at the National Water Company, The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research, the High Commission for Controlling Pilgrims’ Transportation, Saudi Post, Saudi Arabia Boy Scouts Association, Saudi Arabia Airlines , King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah ,  Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport , Jeddah Islamic Port, Mobile and Internet Operators as well as  many entities involved in providing services to pilgrims.    It is worth mentioning that the services statistics provided by the public and private entities will be available through the GASTAT’S official website on the dates set, according to the statistical calendar dates in open sources to support research, studies and media centers to benefit from and publish them.

With integration and coordination between GASTAT and the road security special forces Makkah Receives Pilgrims with "Security" and " Statistics" The General Authority for Statistics and the Road Security Special Forces in Makkah region clarified that all entry ports in Makkah are ready to receive pilgrims starting from the first hours of the first day of Thu-Alhijja, 1439 H. They added, great efforts have been made both financially and physically to facilitate the pilgrims' entry process. " Statistics" and " Road Security Special Forces" asked all pilgrims to provide their data accurately and clearly once they reach Makkah official entry ports.   This was discussed during the coordinative meeting which was held on Saturday Thu-alqida 29, 1439H in the services center in Alshimaisi Alsare'a between GASTAT leaders and the Road Security Force in Makkah region. The attendants of the meeting included GASTAT president, Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi and the operation division director in the Road Security Force in Makkah region Colonel Faisal bin Saad Alju'aid, who confirmed that all security entities are highly prepared for implementing the Hajj instructions in all roads and entry ports to make the entry process quick and easy, especially in the rush days which are usually the seventh and eighth days of the Thu-alhijja. All vehicles will be received by the road security special forces to make sure they have Hajj license. Then the General Authority for Statistics begin the task of pilgrims enumeration in the main centers surrounding Makkah: (Makkah/ Jeddah highway) center, ( Makkah/ Jeddah old way) center, Tane'em center, Sharae'a center, the South center, and the supportive centers in Medina and Taif.  On his part, GASTAT deputy of operations, methodologies and supervisor of the Hajj statistics program, Mr. Fahd Al-Fuhaid, said that the cooperation and integration with the Special Forces had started early this year. The meeting came today to review the joint goal between the two sides which is serving pilgrims and facilitating their entry to the city of Makkah during these days with all the data required to implement the program of Hajj statistics. He added that the process of collecting information is conducted electronically in a way that does not exceed 30 seconds maximum to ensure the speed of vehicles entry, as the statistical researcher enter data of each car carrying pilgrims coming from inside Saudi Arabia, including: type of car, number of pilgrims distributed by gender and nationality. Then he registers data in an electronic form using tablets. The entered data are referred to the time and date of vehicle entry and coordinates of the data collection location. Then they add the data of pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia that are taken from the Directory of Passports.  It is worth mentioning that in addition to the road security forces and the relevant security entities, there are some other entities participating in the implementation of security tasks at the entrances leading to Makkah such as the Hajj Security Command for Traffic Affairs, the General Directorate of Passports, the General Directorate of Prisons, and Security Aviation. All offices and branches of the road security special forces also participate in the mission of Hajj each in his specialty to control the fake Hajj campaigns in accordance with a comprehensive security system to implement the early legal procedures on all roads leading to Makkah. However, the General Authority for Statistics in coordination with all these entities counts and enumerates the numbers of pilgrims, as their work lasts until they announce the total number of pilgrims  on the ninth of Thu al-Hijja.

GASTAT continues its preparations for the 1439H Hajj statistics Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi: Saudi Arabia is the Heart of the Islamic World, and Serving Pilgrims is an Honor The president of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced that the authority is still preparing for the Hajj statistics program for this year 1439H. these preparations aim at providing detailed and accurate statistics, data, and information about the numbers of pilgrims coming from inside and outside Saudi Arabia.  These works will be done through seven main centers in Makkah, and three supportive centers in Medina, Jeddah, and Taif.  Dr. Fahad bin Sulaiman Altekhaifi said that GASTAT with all its financial and humanitarian  potentials, along with many governmental entities, is implementing the directions of the custodian of the two holly mosques and his crown prince- may God protect them-  to provide all pilgrims with the services they need in order to make them feel comfortable, as Saudi Arabia is honored to serve them and facilitate their Hajj steps every year.  Saudi Arabia represents the heart of the Islamic world, and serving pilgrims is an honor. Therefore, all Saudi public and private entities are competing to provide whatever they can do to make the Hajj season a successful one. He added, we, the people of Saudi Arabia, recognize what does it mean to be the only country that organizes a very important Islamic pillar.  Dr. Altekhaifi clarified that GASTAT is implementing the Hajj statistics through three main tracks; the first one concerns pilgrims coming from inside Saudi Arabia (from all Saudi regions to Makkah). In this track, GASTAT uses the comprehensive enumeration method, which counts all arrivals who come to Makkah for the purpose of Hajj. It is conducted through all Hajj statistics main centers located in Makkah entry ports. The president indicated that all main centers are located in the entry ports of Makkah and surrounds it from all sides, except for the one located in the center of Makkah. GASTAT employees are found, along with the concerned entities of the ministry of interior, in (Makkah/ Jeddah highway) center, which is the biggest and most important center, as it represents the main way taken by pilgrims who come from Jeddah city. They are also found in (the old way between Makkah and Jeddah) center, Tan'em center, Shara'ea center, Alkar center, and the south center. However, GASTAT can be also found in some supportive Hajj statistics centers which are located in Medina, Jeddah, and Taif, especially in the domestic pilgrims' parking, airports, public transport stations, and the Meeqat spots. The second track is for pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia (pilgrims who come from outside Saudi Arabia to Makkah through all air, land, and sea ports. To count those pilgrims, GASTAT depends on the pilgrims data received from the concerned entities, distributed by gender, nationality, date of arrival, and way of arrival. However, the third track concerns pilgrims coming from Makkah. GASTAT estimates the numbers of those pilgrims depending on the periodical field surveys conducted by GASTAT among a sample of households from Makkah in order to determine the percentage of pilgrims who come from Makkah.    As for the mechanism of pilgrims' numbers enumeration, Dr. Fahad Altekhaifi stated that GASTAT staff will be present in the Hajj statistics centers located in Makkah entry ports, so that they can count all arrivals who come for the purpose of Hajj. The works will begin on the first day of Thu Alhijja, 1439H. the staff will register the data of every car that carries pilgrims coming from inside Saudi Arabia. The data will be registered on an electronic form by using tablets. They include the car type, number of pilgrims distributed by gender and nationality. The data have a time reference which is the time and date of entry, and a spatial reference which is the coordinates of the data collection location. After that, the information will be transferred to the entry centers' databases through transferring systems. Then a synchronization of data is made between the tablets and the centers' databases. Finally, data are transferred to the main database in Makkah, where data are processed, and daily reports and Hajj statistics bulletins are written. It is worth mentioning that the task of pilgrims' enumeration has been done by GASTAT since 1390 H. this task aims at providing accurate information that helps all governmental entities in planning and developing the pilgrims services. This task is still performed by GASTAT with many improvements in the methods of enumeration to make them more accurate and comprehensive.

GASTAT conducts annual enumeration for pilgrims Saudi Arabia was pleased to serve 54 million pilgrims during the last 25 years   According to GASTAT’s official statistics, the total number of pilgrims who were served by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the last twenty-five years reached (53.928.358) pilgrims. The lowest number of pilgrims was registered in the Hajj season of 1415 H where the number of pilgrims reached (1.781.370). On the other hand, the highest number of pilgrims was registered in 1433 H where the number of pilgrims reached (3.161.573) pilgrims. Additionally, during the last ten years the number of pilgrims reached (23.834.151) pilgrims. GASTAT spokesman, Taiseer Almofarrej said that counting the numbers of pilgrims each year is one of the important tasks performed by GASTAT. This task has started since 1390 H in order to provide accurate information that would help all governmental entities to plan and develop the services provided to pilgrims. However, the task has been performed for many years, with a lot of developments in the methods of counting and enumeration so that they can be applied in an accurate, comprehensive, and professional way.   Mr. Almofarrej added that the Hajj statistics program aims to complete all programs of future plans for the purpose of providing the necessary services for the pilgrims, whether social, health, security, food or transportation services. It is done by using a time series of accurate data on the numbers of pilgrims, the estimates of manpower needed to serve the pilgrims and to maintain their safety and comfort during the Hajj season of each year. The data and numbers of pilgrims are used by the entities concerned with the study of the preparations and the main facilities in Makkah and the holy places and taken into account when preparing the necessary plans. In addition, it provides accurate information and data about hajj statistics for researchers, students, beneficiaries and those interested in this field. Furthermore, the data on the number of pilgrims is used in the evaluation of the activities and events conducted by the entities concerned with serving the pilgrims, as well as to identify ways of arrival of the domestic pilgrims and the pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom. The official spokesman of the General Authority for Statistics revealed that the statistics of the services provided by government agencies to pilgrims will be announced periodically from the first of Dhu al-Hijjah. Furthermore, the Authority will release the final and official number of pilgrims on the evening of 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, through the Hajj statistics bulletin in details which includes: number of pilgrims inside, number of pilgrims outside, number of pilgrims by sex, nationality and destination, number of vehicles transporting pilgrims as well as types, and other detailed data. It is worth mentioning that during the previous 25 years, the number of pilgrims exceeded three million pilgrims once, while exceeding more than two million pilgrims twelve times. On the other hand, it fell from two million pilgrims during twelve seasons, and the lowest was recorded in 1415, according to the following table. Numbers of pilgrims during the past 25 years S Year Total number of pilgrims 1 1414H 1.834.780 2 1415H 1.781.370 3 1416H 1.865.234 4 1417H 1.942.851 5 1418H 1.832.114 6 1419H 1.831.998 7 1420H 1.839.154 8 1421H 1.913.263 9 1422H 1.944.760 10 1423H 2.041.129 11 1424H 2.012.074 12 1425H 2.164.469 13 1426H 2.258.050 14 1427H 2.378.636 15 1428H 2,454,325 16 1429H 2,408,849 17 1430H 2,313,278 18 1431H 2,789,399 19 1432H 2,927,717 20 1433H 3,161,573 21 1434H 1,980,249 22 1435H 2,085,238 23 1436H 1,952,817 24 1437H 1,862,909

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Released the Real Estate Price Index, Q2, 2018 On Sunday, the 16th of Dhu al-Qa'dah 1439H corresponding July 29, 2018, The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the report of Real Estate Price index, Q2 2018 on GASTAT official website www.stats.gov.sa. The real-estate price index has recorded a decline by (7.0%) compared to the previous quarter (Q1, 2018), where the indicator of the Real Estate Price index reached (83.6) in the second quarter of 2018 compared to (84.2) in (Q1, 2018).  This decline can be attributed to the decrease in the main sectors composing it: the housing sector (8.0%), the commercial sector (4.0%), and the agricultural sector (1.0%) compared to the first quarter of the current year. At the level of the residential sector in details, the second quarter of 2018 witnessed slight decreases compared to the previous quarter, where the residential land decreased by (0.9%), the villas decreased by (1.7%), the apartments decreased by (0.6%), while the houses decreased by (0.1%). On the other hand, residential buildings increased by (0.2%). Regarding the commercial sector, commercial plots decreased by (0.4%), compared to the previous quarter.  However, the agricultural sector witnessed a decrease by (0.1%).  in agricultural lands. Furthermore, the index is based on the data records about real-estate’s transactions available at the Ministry of Justice, and it is an important tool to support economic and statistical decision makers regarding the changes of property prices and future forecasts during different periods of time.  The index has three main sectors consisting of several types of real estate: housing sector which includes the following (plot of land, building, villa, apartment and house), commercial sector includes (plot of land, building, exhibition/commercial center and shop), and the agricultural sector with only one category which is the agricultural land.

Containing more than 85 Indicators of Household Health in the Kingdom GASTAT Releases the Results of the Household Health Survey 2017 On Thursday, Dhu al-Qidah 13th, 1439H. (Corresponding to July 26th, 2018) the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Household Survey (2017) on its official website (www.stats.gov.sa) as part of the results of the new surveys issued by GASTAT. This survey is the first survey in the field of household health, which was carried out during the period from (21/2/1439H. to 15/3/1439H.) corresponding to (10/11/2017 to 3/12/2017). It is one of the most important sources of data needed for development planning in the health and social fields at the national level. The bulletin includes more than 85 indicators on health and social phenomena and on family health in the Kingdom. The results showed that 94.2% of the population at the age group (15 years and above) have good or very good health according to their personal assessment of their health. Regarding Saudi population, the percentage of Saudi males who have good or very good health reached 93.5%, whereas the Saudi females reached 91.7%. The results also showed that 25.4% of the population at the age group (15 years and above) undergo a periodic medical check-up to check their health at least once a year. While the percentage of population who are covered by a health insurance reached 37.1% of total population, 13.9% of them are Saudis and 75.4% are non-Saudis.  The results also showed that the percentage of population who suffer from chronic diseases diagnosed by a doctor at the age group (65 years and above) is the highest for both males and females. The percentage in this group is 73.8% for females compared to 67.8% for males. The percentage of population who have been diagnosed with diabetes by a doctor reached 8.5% of the Kingdom population, the males diagnosed with diabetes reached 8.7% and 8.3% for females. The percentage of Saudi population who have been diagnosed with diabetes reached 10.1%, 10.4% for Saudi males and 9.8% for Saudi females.  The percentage of population (15 years and above) who have been diagnosed with cancer disease reached 0.17%, whereas the percentage of population (15 years and above) who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases reached 1.14%. The results of the survey also showed that the total fertility of Saudi females reached 2.35%, while the total fertility rate in the Kingdom is (2) births per one woman in the Kingdom.   The percentage of births performed by specialized doctors was 99.7%.   It is worth mentioning that this survey was conducted in accordance with the international standards recognized by the World Health Organization and the United Nations. The results will enable specialists to study many health phenomena, extract many indicators related to health in the Kingdom, as well as maternal and child indicators, and indicators about health lifestyle in the community. It also provides data about smoking, the size of accident injuries, as well as the study of marriage, family planning, fertility and child mortality. For comparison purposes and in order to unify the statistical method and style in the implementation of the household health surveys, all 13 regions of the Kingdom were covered through a representative sample of households.

With the participation of 31 government entities over a period of 5 days The Task Teams of the (Coordination Committee of the General Authority for Statistics) discuss ways of exchanging data between government entities Within the framework of the General Authority for Statistics' efforts to facilitate and exchange data and information with various government agencies, the coordination committee meetings of the Coordination Committee of the General Authority for Statistics took place during the five days from July 1st to 5th , 2018, with the participation of 31 government entities. The official spokesman of the General Authority for Statistics, Tayseer Al-Mufrrej, explained that the coordination teams discussed several topics, including the discussion of the general frameworks for the coordination work between the various entities in the joint works. They also reviewed the challenges and obstacles facing the task teams and discussed the appropriate solutions. In addition, they reviewed the statistical work carried out during the last period. The government agencies also made a number of development proposals for data dissemination and raising statistical awareness, in addition to data exchange. On the other hand, Mr. Al-Mufrrej said that the Coordination Committee of the General Authority for Statistics includes a number of coordination teams, including the coordination Task team for Economic Statistics, which includes, the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the Ministry of Health, the General Authority for Sport, the Ministry of Trade and Investment, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development , Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Finance, Council of Saudi Chambers, Saudi Customs, General Authority for Investment, Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage, and Small and Medium Enterprises Authority. The coordination task team on Environment Statistics includes: The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection, Saline water conversion Corporation and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu.  The coordination task team on Energy Statistics includes: The Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, the Saline Water Conversion Corporation, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, the Ministry of Energy's National Renewable Energy Program, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu and the Electricity & Co-Generation Regulatory Authority. The coordination task team of Masdar program includes: The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Commerce and Investment, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Ministry of Civil Service, Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, General Organization for Social Insurance , The Public Pension Agency , the General Auditing Bureau, the Yesr Program, the National Information Center of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor and Social Development. While the coordination task team of the social statistics includes: The Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the Public Prosecution, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Civil Service, the Ministry of Education and the Saudi Post. It is worth mentioning that the meetings were held as preparatory meetings for the meeting of the Coordination Committee of the General Authority for Statistics, which will be held on the tenth of next September. The "Coordination Committee" was formed permanently to coordinate the statistical work between the General Authority for Statistics and related entities, in accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers (11) dated 13/1/1437 AH on the organization of the Commission, aimed at activating and organizing the statistical work through the establishment of a comprehensive, accurate and unified statistical system, in addition to the follow-up of its implementation. It also develops the plans and programs necessary to meet statistical needs; in order to serve the developmental plans, scientific research, and various activities.

A decline in the numbers of non-Saudi workers by more than 234 thousand during Quarter 1, 2018 GASTAT: Saudis economic participation rate increased, total population unemployment rate is (6.1%), and Saudis unemployment rate is (12.9%) The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa  the Labor Market Bulletin for the first quarter of 2018, which provides comprehensive data and indicators on the labor market in Saudi Arabia from the estimates of the labor force survey conducted by GASTAT quarterly, in addition to the labor market data from the administrative records of some relevant entities (Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Service, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund and National Information Center). The results of the bulletin for the first quarter of 2018 indicated that the total number of workers from the data of administrative records in Saudi Arabia (Q1, 2018) reached (13,333,513) individuals, compared to (13,581,141) individuals in Q4, 2017. However, the first quarter of 2018 witnessed a decrease in the numbers of non-Saudi workers by (234,191) individuals compared to the fourth quarter of 2017, as they registered (10,183,104) individuals in Q1, 2018 compared to (10,417,295) in Q4, 2017. On the other hand, the numbers of Saudi workers registered (3,150,409) individuals.  As for the rate of population’s economic participation (15 years and older), it recorded (55.5%) in Q1, 2018 compared to (55.6%) in Q4, 2017. However, the economic participation rate of Saudis increased by (41.89%) compared to (41.86%) in the previous quarter. Saudi males’ economic participation (15 years and older) increased by (63.5%) compared to (63.4%) in the previous quarter, whereas Saudi females’ economic participation (15 years and older) increased by (19.5%) compared to (19.4%) last quarter.  The results also showed that the rate of population’s unemployment (15 years and older) reached (6.1%) during the first quarter of 2018 compared to (6.0%) in Q4, 2017. Saudis unemployment rate (15 years and older) registered (12.9%) in the first quarter of 2018, but the Saudi females’ unemployment rate has decreased during this quarter registering (30.9%) compared to (31.10%) in Q4, 2017. In contrast, Saudi males’ unemployment rate registered an increase with (7.6%) compared to (7.5%) in Q4, 2017.    In addition, the total number of Saudi jobseekers from the estimates of administrative records (Jadarah, Sa’ed, and Hafiz programs) reached (1,072,162) individuals during the first quarter of 2018 compared to (1,086,561) individuals with a decline by (14,399) individuals from last quarter. Saudi male job seekers recorded (16.1%), while female jobseekers recorded (83.9%).  The bulletin included a large number of detailed data on workers according to the regulations they are subject to, and according to the nationality, gender, age, administrative region and educational level, as well as data on job seekers, average monthly wage, working hours and domestic workers. On the other hand, GASTAT spokesman Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej, clarified that there is a difference between job seekers and unemployed. The "unemployed" according to the Labor Force Survey are the individuals (15 years and older) who were jobless during the period of the time reference (the survey period): the previous week of the household visit and have been looking for a job seriously during the four weeks prior to the household visit (they have at least taken one way to look for a job). This includes those who did not search for work during the four weeks prior to the household visit because they were waiting for a job or starting their own business in the coming period, where they had already been looking for work before the time reference period and at the same time they were able to work and were ready to join it (If available), during the week preceding the household visit. Additionally, the definition of job seekers is the Saudi individuals (males or females) enrolled in the job search programs of the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarah or Sa’ed) and the Human Resources Development Fund (Hafiz). And they register their personal data, qualifications, practical experiences and CVs through an electronic system. It is worth to mention that job seekers in the administrative records are not subject to the internationally recognized standards and conditions of unemployment approved by the ILO and therefore are not considered to be unemployed. Hence, not every job seeker is considered unemployed, s/he may be looking for work and is working in another job, this is the case in job seekers in government entities who are working, for example, in the private sector.

Targeting more than 35,000 households and 53,000 Establishments The General Authority for Statistics is conducting 5 field statistical works next week The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has invited all citizens and residents, as individuals or in corporations, to cooperate with the statisticians working in the field in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who their statistical work will start next Tuesday Shawwal 26th,1439AH (July 10th, 2018). GASTAT asserted that all information and data given by citizens, residents and corporations is confidential and will be treated as an information basis which is reliable and can be used by development decision-makers in all relevant government entities that will serve the interest of citizens and residents.  GASTAT spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej said that more than (1600) statisticians are conducting 5 social and economic statistical surveys during this period until Dhu Al-Qidah 20th, 1439 AH (August 2nd, 2018).  These statistical works are targeting more than 35,000 households and 53,000 establishments in all (13) administrative regions. He mentioned that the field surveys of the economic indicators are used by the decision makers who are involved in the unemployment issue and increasing the employment in the internal trade activity. In addition, the recent statistical data contribute to the knowledge of the volume of internal trade activity and the measurement of its contribution to GDP. He pointed out that the Labor Force Survey helps to extract real indicators and data on unemployment, workers and the economic participation in the Kingdom, as well as data on labor force for the population (15 years old and above). This survey is one of the household field surveys based on a sample, conducted by GASTAT in the field of social statistics. He added that these data are important in terms of giving a picture of the size of the labor force among the working age population of male and female, active and economically inactive.  Mr. Almofarrej mentioned that the field surveys that will be conducted by GASTAT next week by statisticians who are holding official ID cards includes: Industrial Production Survey (3rd quarter, 2018), Economic Indicators Survey (3rd quarter, 2018), Internal Trade Activity Survey (3rd quarter, 2018), Construction Activity Survey 2018, and Tourism Survey 2018.

GASTAT releases the labour market bulletin (first quarter, 2018) next Thursday in a press conference The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) will hold a press conference next Thursday Shawwal 21, 1439H corresponding July 5, 2018 in its head office in Riyadh. In this conference, GASTAT will announce the labor market bulletin results for the first quarter of 2018. GASTAT spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almoffarej said that we will announce the population’s total unemployment rate, Saudis’ unemployment rate, and the labor force data of quarter 1, 2018.  In addition, the labor market bulletin’s statistical methodology will be explained to all media representatives who are considered essential partners in   spreading the statistical data for the remarkable role of media channels in raising statistical awareness among society. Almofarrej mentioned that GASTAT worked hard to make sure that the bulletin is thorough and includes all data and information needed by GASTAT clients while presenting them in a clear and transparent way which is an important standard of the statistical work. It is worth mentioning that the labor market bulletin, which is published by GASTAT quarterly, includes the data of labor force, employed and unemployed persons, economic participation and unemployment rate, and job seekers numbers. These data are taken from the administrative records of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, General Institution of Social Insurances, Human Recourses Fund, and National Information Center.

Organized by the Excellence Awards Academy at the level of the Arab region GaStat Wins the Arab Government Achievements Award (2018) for the “Interactive map of the Services Guide” The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) won the Arab Government Achievements award for the “Interactive map of the Services Guide” launched recently through GaStat’s official website. On Tuesday 13/10/1439H., the Excellence Awards Academy in U.A.E, the organizer of the “Afkar” Award for Excellence in Government Innovation for the year 2018 at the level of Arab region, announced selecting the Interactive Map for the Services Guide issued by GaStat, within the top seven excellent services in the region among more than 47 services nominated to win the award.  The Interactive Map of the Services Guide is a technical tool provided by GaStat to view the services’ statistics guide for the Kingdom’s cities and villages. It is the unified reference of all government and private entities available services in different regions of the Kingdom, at the level of cities and villages in the 13 administrative regions. It includes data and information of 16,263 localities (village-city). It includes geographical information and data, Health and education services, data on the availability of administrative, social and agricultural services and public services. The total number of the main tables and its sections included in the guide is (5810) detailed table. The guide, which was prepared by the contribution of 27 government entities, is one of the most important statistical resources for all data of the Kingdoms’ cities and villages. It is issued by GaStat every 3 years in order to provide unified data and information with official documentation and a high degree of accuracy for all services available in the cities and villages of the Kingdom so that these data are a unified reference for all ministries, government agencies and institutions, students and researchers, and media. The Interactive map of the Services Guide provides the main data for planners, policy and decision makers according to the localities in the administrative regions. A user can perform a search by selecting the locality that has a specific service in a specific search circle, or selecting the nearest locality on the map. It also provides the possibility of displaying the distribution of services according to the type of service or administrative regions. The service also includes a “Services calculator” which is a statistical tool to conduct statistical calculations based on the databases. The results can be viewed on the map to understand the geospatial distribution of any search, and the results can be extracted on Excel file. The guide contains geographical data and information at the level of the locality (city, village) in addition to the available private and government education services (all three levels and Qura’an schools (boys and girls)), and services of university education, technical education, agricultural education, health education, scientific, professional and commercial institutes, disabled educational institutes, schools of adult education and literacy and kindergartens. Health services including hospitals, primary health care centers, government and private clinics, Saudi Red Crescent services, data of administrative centers (governorate, center), police and civil defense centers, civil affairs, passports agency, endowments, labor offices, the centres of the General Presidency of the promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vices, courts, municipalities Social security offices, social development centers, directorates and branches of the Ministry of Agriculture, branches and offices of agricultural development funds, real estate development, industrial development, , And branches of ministries and agencies as well as public services, including electricity, water, telecommunications, postal services, telegraph offices, tourism, travel and banking services.

In Order to Benefit from the Best Statistical Practices to Improve the Statistical Sector Saudi Arabia Participates in the International Conference “Big Data for European Statistics” in Bulgaria    Deputy Chairman of Statistical Innovation and Client Services, Dr.Mohmmad AL-Ahmad represented the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) in the international conference “Big Data for European Statistics” that was held between 14-15 May 2018 in Sofia, Bulgaria.  Dr.AL-Ahmad clarified that the conference discussed the results of the ESSnet Big Data project; a network project of 22 partners from 20 European countries and it is financed by Eurostat. The project aimed at integrating big data of official statistics through sharing expertise of big data possible sources and creating an implementation plan. He added that the project started in February 2016 for 28 months until May 2018 and it consists of 10 workgroups: (WP1 to WP8) are for the content, (WP10) is for the coordination and (WP9) is for the entire project. GaStat accepted the invitation of ESSnet Big Data project in order to learn more about the European countries’ experiences in this field, and to benefit from these practices to serve GaStat’s plans of using big data for producing new statistical indicators in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the participants visited the National Statistics Institute NSI in Bulgaria and met Mr. Sergey Tsvetarsky NSI president to view the institute’s activities and statistical works.  GaStat participation in this conference comes within its strategic plans to build international partnership between the Kingdom and a number of distinguished countries in this field, also to benefit from the best international statistical expertise and practices in order to improve the statistical sector in the Kingdom.

(53.6%) Perfom Umrah in Ramadan GASTAT: More Than 19M  Umrah Performers in 2017 On Tuesday Ramadan 13, 1439H corresponding May 29, 2018, The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the report of Umrah statistics bulletin (2017). It is implemented for the second time by GASTAT as one of the new products associated with the Saudi vision 2030. The report contains many Umrah-related indicators and results which have been taken from the Umrah survey (domestic Umrah performers), and the registered data that pertains to the ministry of Hajj and Umrah (foreign Umrah performers). Through this bulletin, GASTAT and its related governmental partners want to create a database for all domestic and foreign Umrah performers to support decision and policy makers in term of the services provided to Umrah performers. According to the results of Umrah statistics bulletin 2017, the total number of Umrah performers reached (19.079.306) performers, (6.532.074) of whom came from outside Saudi Arabia as showed in the registered data of the ministry of Hajj and Umrah. On the other hand, the total number of domestic Umrah performers (Saudis and non-Saudis) hit (12.547.232) performers according to the results of Umrah survey conducted by GASTAT. The percentage of Saudi Umrah performers who came from inside Saudi Arabia is (46.9%), whereas non-Saudis who came from inside Saudi Arabia recorded (53.1%). However, the percentage of male domestic Umrah performers registered (64.3%), while females percentage registered (35.7%). The bulletin results also showed that Ramadan is considered a top season during which Umrah is performed by people from inside Saudi Arabia, as (53.6%) of total Umrah performers performed it in Ramadan. As for Umrah performers from outside, King Abdulaziz airport in Jeddah registered the highest percentage on foreign Umrah performers with (62.51%), while the percentage registered by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz airport in Medina hit (25.7%).  All data of the Umrah survey results are available on GASTAT website www.stats.gov.sa to serve researchers and those who are interested in such data, and to support decision makers by providing them with detailed results.

It includes 20 chapters and data of more than 50 governmental entities GASTAT releases the 53rd edition of the Statistical Yearbook (2017) GASTAT released the (53rd) edition of the Statistical Yearbook for 1438/1439 H (2017). It is one of the most important statistical products released by GASTAT to monitor and document statistical data and information, also to shed light on the activities of the governmental bodies and the private sector as well.  Additionally, it reflects the growth rates from year to year and the improvement in the economic, social and population fields. The Statistical Yearbook aims to provide statistical data and information to businessmen, companies, planners, researchers and to the public too. Moreover, it accurately indicates the dimensions of the comprehensive development that were achieved by the Kingdom.  The Statistical Yearbook includes 20 chapters and over 300 tables that contain updated information which were added to improve the display and the documentation of statistical indicators and data. It covers the most significant data and information for different development sectors as well as the main results of the statistical works carried out by GASTAT during the year, also the data received from different statistical departments of more than 50 governmental and private sectors. Moreover, it includes data about: population and vital characteristic, housing and real-estate, health, training and education, agriculture, water and environment, culture and information, internal trade, social development and services, money, insurance and prices, administrative services, labor market, industry, domestic product and household expenditure, transportation, technology and communication, Islamic affairs, Hajj and Umrah, tourism ,  entertainment and sport, energy, economic establishments, and data on the budget.  The Statistical Yearbook is not limited to a certain category, for example, the population and vital characteristics chapter is considered one of the significant chapters that includes useful data to conduct a research or to build indicators related to population; and through this, many development requirements can be achieved in all cities and governorates. On the other hand, policy planners and decision makers can benefit from the training and education chapter, the private sector can prepare necessary plans as well to establish more educational institutions. In addition, these data are useful for planners and those who are interested in regulating the labor market.  The social development and services chapter is important for citizens in which it shows the services provided by them. Additionally, this chapter is also useful to social researchers in which it helps them to conduct researches and studies related to social issues.    The findings of the labor market and the social protection’s chapter are very important to prepare plans to regulate the labor market and to find the right solutions. Furthermore, they can be used to conduct economic researches by economists and researches who are interested in this.  Money, insurance and prices chapter can serve a large number of researchers in the economic field to conduct studies that show the inflation rates and the consumption patterns of the population and other indicators. It is worth mentioning that the first edition of the book was released in 1385 H (1965) and GASTAT usually prepares its chapters based on two main sources: the results of the researches and the field studies carried out by GASTAT and the statistical data received from different statistical departments from various governmental bodies.

According to the results of households and individuals’ ICT access and usage survey 2017 GASTAT: 83.83% of individuals (12 to 65 years) use internet, and 92% use cell phone On Thursday 24th of Sha’aban 1439 H corresponding 10th of May 2018, the General Authority for Statistics has released the report of households and individuals’ ICT access and usage survey results 2017. This report aims at providing recent data and indicators about the communication and information technology activity, which helps decision makers in obtaining necessary statistical data. In addition, it helps in founding a wide range data base that can be used as a reliable reference for ICT activity’ studies and research. It also provides researchers and students with statistical data about the households and individuals ICT activity, so that they can use it in their scientific studies and research that contribute in developing this activity in Saudi Arabia. Not to mention its role in making local, regional, and international comparisons in the households and individuals ICT activity. Based on the survey results, the percentage of households who can access the internet reached 86.8%. however, households who have fixed phone in their dwellings registered 24.74%. on the other hand, individuals who use the internet recorded 68.13% of total Saudi population, whereas 83.83% of individuals whose ages range between (12 and 65 years) use the internet. As for cell phones, the percentage of individuals who use cell phones is 73.28% of total Saudi population. 91% of individuals whose ages range between (12 and 65 years) use cell phones. According to the results of this survey, the percentage of households who have a computer in their dwellings reached 46.6% of total Saudi population. However, individuals who use computers registered 24.69%, whereas 30% of total individuals whose ages range between (12 and 65 years) use computers. As for the percentage of households who have a television, they registered 92.67% of total Saudi population.

Targeting (57350 households) and (33450 establishments) GASTAT conducts (12) statistical works that last until the beginning of Ramadan The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has asked all citizens and residents whether individuals or institutions to cooperate with its statisticians who work in the field all over Saudi Arabia, and their work would last until the beginning of Ramadan. GASTAT asserted that all data are dealt with as an information base that developmental decision makers, who work in all related governmental entities, would rely on.  GASTAT spokesman, Mr. Taiseer Almofarrej said that (11317) statisticians are conducting (12) statistical research and surveys in many economic and social fields, and their works will last until the second of Ramadan. These statistical works are targeting (57350 households) and (33450 establishments) in all (13) administrative regions including all cities and governorates. The results of these works represent a base for making the related developmental decisions. On the level of statistical works that target households, GASTAT is currently conducting the households and individuals’ ICT access and usage survey 2018, the household and population characteristics survey 2018, and the labor force survey, Q2 of 2018.    On the other hand, Almofarrej clarified that the general statistics system issued by the ministers’ cabinet, all data and information provided by any citizen, resident, or establishment are kept and dealt with confidentiality. He added that the people’s cooperation with statisticians would guarantee the success of these works, and using them in supporting economic and social development accordingly.  It is worth mentioning that GASTAT is following certified international standards in choosing the sample of these works. Thus, GASTAT asks all individuals in the statistical society, either households or establishments, to cooperate with the statistician who can be identified by his official card. In addition, there is a communication center that everyone contacts on 920020081

GASTAT participates in the seventh round of OIC-StatCom The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) participates in the meetings of the seventh round of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Statistical Commission (OIC-StatCom), which are held in Ankara- Turkey, during the period 2-3 May, 2018, corresponding 16-17 Shaaban, 1439H. On the first day of the meetings, the director- general of Methodologies and Statistical Classifications has presented in details how to use administrative records and vital statistics in the next population census which will be conducted in 2020. On the other hand, the vice president for Statistical Works has met the director- general of  Statistical, Economic, and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC),  Ambassador Musa KulaKlikaya. During their meeting, they shed light on GASTAT statistical transformation experience, and how can they reflect the experience of Saudi Arabia on other Islamic countries. Moreover, the vice president, and on behalf of all GASTAT staff, has expressed his thanks and gratitude for all the efforts exerted by the center. He assured that the authority can always provide support in different statistical fields. In the end, the center’s director-general has thanked the authority for their initiative, and expressed the center’s desire to sign a memorandum of understanding with GASTAT in the field of statistics.

New survey to be released for the first time in cooperation with the General Sports Authority, GASTAT: According to the survey of Households Sports Practice in Saudi Arabia (14.89%) of population are practicing sports for more than 150 minutes’ weekly On Tuesday 15th of Shaaban 1439H, corresponding to 1st of May 2018, GASTAT has released the results of Households Sports Practice Survey, 2017. The survey complements the surveys implemented by GASTAT in 2017. Households sports practice is one of the Saudi vision 2030 requirements. In addition, this kind of practice includes indicators that are targeted by 2030. The data of this survey allows conducting many developmental studies and plans in general, and in the sports field in particular. These studies and plans should support the development of many programs and initiatives that do increase the rate of households sports practice. The survey methodology and form must be compatible with the international standards and recommendations issued by ILO on one hand, and with the General Sports Authority needs on the other hand.   According to the survey results, the percentage of individuals (15 years and older) who are engaged in sports activities for more than 150 minutes weekly reached (14.89%). However, those who do not practice sports recorded (85.11%). Moreover, the percentage of Saudi males and females (15 years and older) who are engaged in sports activities for more than 150 minutes’ weekly registered (11.24%), (8.83%) of whom are males and (2.41%) are females. On the other hand, the percentage of non-Saudi males and females who are engaged in sports activities hit (3.65%). The results also indicated that the percentage of those who practice sports in public facilities (public place, garden…etc) is 59.04%. in contrast, those who practice sports in GYMs registered 15.11%, while those who practice it at home recorded 14.75%. Additionally, the percentage of individuals who practice sports in clubs recorded 1.63%, whereas those who practice it in other places registered only 1.19% The survey revealed that the reasons of not practicing sports among Saudi population varied. Some people have chosen not to practice it with a percentage of 50.47%, and some do not have time to practice (32.11%). However, some people do not have public facilities in their neighbourhoods (14.65%), and some have other reasons for not practicing (2.77%).   The survey aims at providing recent statistical indicators and data about households’ sports practice. In addition, it provides the reasons behind not practicing sports by kind of relationship with the household head, and classification by gender, nationality, educational status, age, marital status. Furthermore, it provides data about the percentages of individuals engaged in sports activities on at the administrative regions level.  GASTAT will work on improving the survey indicators periodically in cooperation with the General Sports Authority, in a way that supports the 2030 Saudi vision achievement.

Within the results of labor market bulletin, quarter 4, 2017 GASTAT: Saudis’ economic participation rate increased, and unemployment rate remained stable The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) releases on its official website www.stats.gov.sa  the Labor Market Bulletin for the fourth quarter of 2017, which provides comprehensive data and indicators on the Saudi labor market taken from the labor force survey conducted by the Authority on a quarterly basis, and from the administrative records of some relevant entities (Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Civil Service, General Organization for Social Insurance, Human Resources Development Fund and National Information Center). The results of the bulletin (third quarter, 2017) showed an increase in the economic participation of Saudis (15 years and older) as it reached (41.9%) compared to (40.7%) in Quarter 3, 2017, with an increase of (1.2%). The results indicated that the economic participation of Saudi females has increased by (19.4%) compared to (17.8%), whereas, Saudi males’ participation has increased by (63.4%) compared to (62.6%) in the third quarter of 2017. However, the results demonstrated a    stability in the unemployment rate of the Saudi population for the third time, where it stabilized at (12.8%), the unemployment rate of all population (Saudis and non-Saudis) has registered (6.0%), with an increase of (0.2%) compared to the previous quarter. The results also showed a decline in the unemployment rate of Saudi with (31.0%) compared to (32.7%) in quarter 3. On the other hand, Saudi males’ unemployment rate has registered an increase by (7. 5%) compared to (7.4%) in quarter 3. Moreover, the results indicated that according to the administrative records of Saudi Arabia, there is a decline in the numbers of Saudi job seekers during the fourth quarter of 2017, as they reached (1,086,561) persons with a decline of (11.8%) compared to the third quarter of 2017. In contrast, the numbers of Saudi employed persons have increased by (3.3%) with (3,163,846) persons. The bulletin included a large number of detailed data about workers according to the regulations they are subject to, nationality, gender, age, administrative region, and educational level, as well as data about job seekers, average monthly wage, working hours and domestic workers. On the other hand, the official spokesman of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Taiseer Al-Mofarrej, clarified that when comparing the unemployment rate of total population ( Saudis and non-Saudis)  in Saudi Arabia, which registered (6%) in this quarter, with the unemployment rates of the Group of Twenty (G20), we find that Saudi Arabia is in the average rate, as ten countries among which is Saudi Arabia has registered rates ranging between (4%) and (7%). The below table shows the unemployment rates of G20: Unemployment rates in G20 Country Unemployment rate South Africa 26.7 Brazil 12.6 Italy 10.9 Turkey 10.8 France 8.9 Argentina 7.2 Canada 5.8 Saudi Arabia 6 Australia 5.5 Indonesia 5.5 Russia 5.0 South Korea 4.5 United Kingdom 4.2 United States 4.1 China 3.9 Germany 3.8 India 3.5 Mexico 3.2 Japan 2.5 Almofarrej added, the results of the labor market bulletin, Quarter 4, 2017 have showed the tendencies of jobseekers in the Saudi market, as the percentage of those who seek a government job reached 38%. It is worth mentioning that GASATAT has previously clarified the difference between job seekers and unemployed, and that unemployment rate cannot be calculated based on the number of jobseekers that is registered in the databases of other government entities.  The "unemployed" according to the Labor Force Survey are individuals (15 years and older) who were jobless during the period of the time reference (the survey period): the previous week of the household visit and have been looking for a job seriously during the four weeks prior to the household visit (they have at least taken one way to look for a job). This includes those who did not search for jobs during the four weeks prior to the household visit because they were waiting for a job or starting their own business in the coming period, where they had already been looking for work before the time reference period and at the same time they were able to work and were ready to join it (If available), during the week preceding the household visit. Additionally, jobseekers can be defined as Saudi individuals (males or females) enrolled in the job search programs of the Ministry of Civil Service (Jadarah or Saa’ed) and the Human Resources Development Fund (Hafiz), and they register their personal data, qualifications, practical experiences and CVs through an electronic system. Not to mention that job seekers in the administrative records are not subject to the internationally recognized standards and conditions of unemployment approved by the ILO, and therefore are not considered to be unemployed. Hence, not every job seeker is considered unemployed, S/he may be looking for work and is working in another job, this is the case in those who seek a government job and are working, for example, in the private sector and not registered in the records of the General Organization of Social Insurance (GOSI), as if there is a jobseeker and s/he works in the private sector and subscribed in GOSI, s/he ca not be considered within jobseekers in the labor market bulletin.

GaStat: A Decline in the Real-Estate Price Indicator During the First Quarter of 2018   On Monday, the 7th of Shaaban 1439H corresponding April 23, 2018, The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) released the report of Real Estate Price index, Q1 2018. The report is  published on GaStat official website www.stats.gov.sa.com .Furthermore, the indicator is based on the data records about real-estate’s transactions available at the Ministry of Justice, and it is an important tool to support economic and statistical decision makers regarding the changes of property prices and future forecasts during different periods of time. According to the report, the real-estate price index has recorded a decline by (1.5%) compared to the same quarter of last year (Q1, 2017). The report attributed this decline to the decrease in the main sectors composing it: the housing sector (2.0%), the commercial sector (4.4%), and the agricultural sector (0.4%).  Moreover, the indicator edged down (0.5%) compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2017) reaching (84.2%) in the first quarter of 2018 compared to (84.6%) for the previous quarter. This decline can be attributed to the main sectors composing it where they witnessed varying degrees of decline: (0.7%) for the housing sector, (0.5%) for the commercial sector and (0.1%) for the agricultural sector.  It is worth mentioning that the indicator of the Real Estate Price index, which aims at founding outstanding real-estate statistical indicators that measure the performance of Saudi real-estate market and meeting the data needs in this sector, covers three main sectors consisting of several types of real estate: housing sector which includes the following (plot of land, building, villa, apartment and house), commercial sector includes (plot of land, building, exhibition, commercial center or shop), agricultural sector with one category which is the agricultural land.

The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) is the responsible entity for building indicators of the Kingdom's sustainable development goals The kingdom concludes its participation in the 7th meeting for the participated international organizations and the experts team of the sustainable development goals’ indicators The kingdom concludes its participation in the 7th meeting for the participated international organizations and the experts team of the sustainable development goals’ indicators. This meeting was hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) between 9-13 of April to review the classifications of the sustainable development goals, discuss the implementation of the guidelines of data flow, report the global data, document the best practices in reporting the global data, and to review a number of suggestions to obtain additional indicators for the sustainable development. The president of GaStat, HE Dr.Fahad bin Sulaiman AL-Tekhaifi , who headed the Saudi delegation participating in the meetings, affirmed that Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that made significant progress in achieving the goals of the sustainable development, since that GaStat is the official entity responsible for building indicators of sustainable development in accordance with the governance of the work of statistical entities accredited to all countries to enable access to data of the index production. And that is through making a plan to collect the data of the index production whether by the implemented surveys, implementing new surveys, adding new questions to the existing surveys, or through the administrative records. in addition, identifying the government entities that produce data related to those indicators and follow-up the international and regional work of the sustainable development goals in particular and other development goals in general. HE added that GaStat has the membership of the regional committee which includes the Standing Committee for Progress Indicators and Sustainability 2030 of the GCC statistical centre. GaStat has also examined the current situation of the sustainable development goals 2030, identified its sources and availability in the Kingdom, as well as its periodicity, coverage and classification. It is worth mentioning that The United Nations General Assembly in partnership with the member countries, international organizations and civil society have identified (17) goals, (169) purposes and more than (2440 indicators for the sustainable development, and have also established the Inter-Agency Expert Group for the Indicators of Sustainable Development Goals (IAEG-SDGs) on 6 March 2015, which is composed of member countries, including regional and international agencies. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by GaStat, participates in all meetings of committees and organizations related to sustainable development.

To be organized by King Khalid University on the 8th of Shaaban GaStat is stressing on the importance of the second symposium of the Saudi Association for Statistical Sciences The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) is stressing on the significant role of the academic sector as it represents one of the four main components of the Saudi statistical sector, which consists also of GaStat, and the statistical units in the public and private sectors. The vice president of statistical innovation and customer service, Dr. Mohammed Alahmed said that the second symposium of the Saudi association for statistical sciences, which will be held on 8/8/1439 H, and organized by King Khalid University under the patronage of the president of King Khalid University, Dr. Falleh bin Raja Allah Al-Solamy, entitled “ The Role of Statistics in Big Data Revolution” is one of the plans that GaStat works on to activate the role of the academic sector including the universities, faculty members, and students. In this respect, he indicated that GaStat is implementing many projects and programs in cooperation with many universities for the purpose of involving the all statistical divisions in the future plan of statistics in Saudi Arabia.  It is worth mentioning that the second symposium of the Saudi association for statistical sciences which will involve a number of scientific lectures presented by some statisticians is considered a good opportunity for all those who are interested in statistics, so they can nominate themselves to the association’s board of directors through convening a general meeting which is preceded by a number of activities.  The Saudi association for statistical sciences was established at King Khalid University in 1425 H. it was established to achieve a clear vision through which the association can participate in developing the Saudi society. This association seeks to create means of communication between those specializing in statistics through convening and organizing seminars and conferences, in addition to building statistical software and technologies, working on new statistical teaching methods, and providing consultations and applied scientific studies for the public and private sectors. It also seeks to support and promote cooperation between researchers in different fields of the statistical sciences inside and outside the Kingdom. Moreover, The Saudi association for statistical sciences seeks to apply its ambitious plan after restructuring its board of directors during the symposium. This plan is represented in holding international conferences and national seminars within the frame of its approach, which attempts to improve the scientific research in the field of statistics. The association also works on developing the statistical field and activating its role in the society. In addition, it seeks to achieve a scientific communication between its members, strengthen its relations with the universities and the other Saudi institutions, exchange the scientific production and ideas between the scientific authorities and institutions inside and outside Saudi Arabia, in addition to opening other branches of the association in some Saudi universities.

To build detailed indicators that observe woman’s participation in development GaStat and KSU Establish National Observatory for Woman's Participation in Development (NOW) GaStat has signed a memorandum of understanding with King Saud University KSU as part of its policy to meet the needs of customers in the public and private sectors and to establish effective partnerships with all relevant parties, and as part of its attempts to provide innovative statistical products in accordance with international standards; in addition to its efforts to develop the necessary indicators for future and current needs. Moreover, the signing was within the agenda of the first conference of the National Observatory for Women (NOW) titled "The role of women in development towards a thriving economy" which will end on Thursday 19 of Rajab 1439H. The conference aims to evaluate and enhance the role of women in development as well as identifying detailed indicators for their participation in the development fields. The memorandum was signed by GaStat and KSU with the presence of HE the Minister of Labor and Social Development. It seeks to a cooperation with the Authority within the scope of work of “NOW”; specifically, in building detailed indicators to observe those participations. It also aims to update the indicators periodically, prepare and implement statistical studies to support and improve woman’s participation in development. The memorandum also calls for unifying the efforts and data sources as well as maintaining the security and privacy of data; delivering them to decision makers and beneficiaries based on agreed standards. Additionally, the memorandum requires cooperation and integration between GaStat and NOW to provide electronic services through data exchange to serve the public interest and that is within the authorities of GaStat and NOW. As a result, GaStat will provide NOW with the related statistical data to build the indicators of woman’s participation in development especially that increasing the woman’s participation is one of the objectives of the Kingdom’s vision 2030. The memorandum also indicates the cooperation between GaStat and NOW to exchange data as well as economic and development statistical indicators that support the work of NOW through (GSN). On the other hand, the president of GaStat Dr.Fahad bin Sulaiman AL-Tekhaifi confirmed that signing the memorandum of understanding with KSU comes within the framework of GaStat to achieve the statistical transformation in the Kingdom and he also stressed on the importance of the partnership of the academic sector with government entities. Moreover, his excellency explained that NOW has appeared along with the transformations witnessed by the national economy from restructuring and building economic base that relies on diversity and optimal utilization of the great potentials of Saudi woman. Dr.AL-Tekhaifi indicated that government entities are living in an exceptional stage of support  with the availability of participatory tools for the development journey, and that NOW will deeply analyze the statistics related to woman’s participation in development in all its areas to support policy and decision makers.

According to the population characteristics survey, July 2017 GaStat: Population annual growth rate in Saudi Arabia is 2.52%   The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) indicated that during the previous period, the authority has conducted a set of population statistics surveys, last of which was the population characteristics survey which has been implemented on the field during the period from 17/7/1438 H to 22/8/1438 H corresponding 14/4/2017 to 18/5/2017.     GaStat spokesman, Taiseer Almufarrij said that according to the population characteristics survey2017, the number of Saudi Arabia’s population is (32552336) compared to (31742038)    which is the number registered in the demographic survey 2016, with a growth rate of (2.52%). The population are distributed by gender (57.48%) males, and (42.52%) females in 2017 (1438H).  those percentages are similar to the percentages of 2016’s survey where males registered (57.44%) and females registered (42.56%). According to 2016 survey results, the number of Saudi population was estimated at (20,064,970) with an increase of (343.392) persons. However, Saudi population are distributed by gender with (50.95%) males and (49.06%) females in 2017 (1438H). those percentages are similar to the percentages of 2016’s survey where males registered (50.96%) and females registered (49.04%).  Almufarrij added that the survey contained households’ data including the marital status, educational status, demographic structure of Saudi and non-Saudi population on the level of Saudi administrative regions. Through the survey, many indicators were extracted such as mortality rate, population’ age and gender structure, and levels of marriage and divorce.  On the other hand, GaStat has started working with specialists and experts from some governmental entities and followed a number of steps in preparation for 2020-1441 H census. The data of this census includes demographic, economic, and educational characteristics of population, dwelling characteristics that are represented in the geographical and distinct data, and dwelling housing characteristics.

Shura Council confirms that it agrees with the transformation program of the statistical sector The General Authority for Statistics (GaStat): Shura's Comments about the Annual Report Are of Our Concern GaStat thanked the Chairman of the Shura Council and all the members for their comments and suggestions about the work of the Authority at its twenty-fifth meeting of the second year of the seventh session, in which the Council discussed the annual report of GaStat for the fiscal year 1437/1438. The official spokesman of the Authority, Mr. Tayseer Al-Mufrraj, said that GaStat is committed to consider the comments to deepen the positive impact in the development of the statistical sector in the Kingdom and to lead the statistical work. He stressed that the comments made by the members of the Shura Council are in line with the transformation program of the statistical sector carried out by the Authority.