The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) revealed its new unified phone number (199009), replacing the previous number (920020081), with the aim of improving communication with the public and enhancing user experience. This new number will be the only official telecom channel for individuals, government entities, and private organizations involved in GASTAT surveys. The adjustment of the unified number aligns with GASTAT's digital transformation efforts and adheres to government directives regarding official communication channels for public entities. Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, emphasized GASTAT's commitment to advancing the statistical sector through strategic resource utilization to produce accurate statistical data. The unified number will facilitate seamless access to sector-specific data processing, supporting robust data exchange among government entities, private institutions, and individuals. Dr. Aldossari stated, "GASTAT is dedicated to enhancing statistical methodologies across various sectors to interpret economic and social indicators accurately, aiding in a clearer understanding of growth trends and contributing to the realization of inclusive and sustainable development in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030." Additionally, GASTAT highlighted that the unified number will offer a range of services, including receiving requests for statistical data, managing inquiries and feedback, and engaging with the community and organizations to collect essential statistical information. It is important to note that all information shared with GASTAT by citizens, residents, or establishments are kept confidential and will only be used for statistical purposes. GASTAT emphasized the value of collaboration with statistical researchers in data collection processes, underscoring its significance in the success of field surveys and statistical initiatives supporting socio-economic development plans in the Kingdom. GASTAT welcomes inquiries and information requests via the new unified number (199009), through the customer support email cs@stats.gov.sa, or on its official website www.stats.gov.sa."

The Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics organized a virtual training workshop to review the experience of the Saudi Census 2022 and to benefit from the General Authority for Statistics' expertise in this field. The two-day workshop was attended by representatives of official statistical agencies from Arab nations. During the workshop, the General Authority for Statistics team gave a summary of the Kingdom's statistical work development program and its main objectives. Additionally, they reviewed the phases of the Saudi Census 2022 project's implementation as well as the statistical approaches and techniques that were applied, including the use of geographic information systems, satellite photos, and geospatial data.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) published on its official website www.stats.gov.sa on Sunday, June 30, 2024, the Labor Market Publication for the first quarter of 2024. This publication highlights the changes in the labor market following a reassessment of data from the fourth quarter of 2023 based on the Saudi Census 2022. GASTAT reported that the overall unemployment rate, including both Saudis and non-Saudis, remained relatively stable at 3.5%, compared to 3.4% in the last quarter of 2023. Additionally, the unemployment rate for Saudis decreased to 7.6% in Q1 2024 from 7.8% in the previous quarter. The unemployment rate for Saudi females recorded a slight increase to 14.2% in Q1 2024, up from 13.9% in the previous quarter. However, the unemployment rate for Saudi males decreased to 4.2% from 4.6% in the previous quarter. The labor force data for Q1 2024 showed an increase in the labor force participation rate for Saudis, reaching 51.4% compared to 50.4% in the previous quarter, while the rate for the total labor force (including Saudis and non-Saudis) decreased to 66.0% from 67.0% in Q4 2023. The results of the Q1 2024 of the Labor Market Publication also revealed an increase in the labor force participation rate for Saudi females , which reached 35.8% compared to 35.0% in the previous quarter, while for Saudi males, the rate increased to 66.4% from 65.4% in the previous quarter. GASTAT emphasizes that the Labor Market Publication relies on a household survey conducted by GASTAT under the category of social statistics. This survey gathers data through a representative sample of the population from various administrative regions in the Kingdom. By completing an electronic questionnaire with detailed questions, the survey provides estimates and indicators related to the labor force of the population aged 15 and above in Saudi Arabia. This includes estimating the population within and outside the labor force, as well as calculating important labor market indicators such as the unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, and others.

The President of the General Authority for Statistics welcomed the Iraqi statistical delegation led by Dr. Diaa Awad Kazem, President of the Statistics and Geospatial Information Authority in Iraq, to foster mutual cooperation. The meeting, held at GASTAT headquarters in Riyadh, aimed to introduce the Iraqi delegation to Saudi Arabia's statistical expertise, particularly focusing on the Saudi Census 2022. Discussions also revolved around enhancing collaboration in statistical fields and other mutual interests. Dr. Fahad Aldossari greeted the delegation, highlighting the strong relations between the two countries and underlining the exchange of statistical expertise as a way to strengthen these ties. He elaborated on Saudi Arabia's efforts in statistical transformation, emphasizing the importance of accurate statistical databases for informed decision-making in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Dr. Diaa Awad Kazem expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the Iraqi delegation's eagerness to learn from Saudi Arabia's experience in population census. He praised the Kingdom's progress in statistical work and expressed a keen interest in enhancing mutual statistical cooperation. The meeting was attended by officials from both sides, and the visit will span two days. The focus will be on reviewing GASTAT's experience in carrying out the General Population and Housing Census (Saudi Census 2022), along with discussions on various aspects of statistical work, such as data collection, analysis, storage methods, and the dissemination of statistical data.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today, Monday, June 24, 2024, the results of international trade for April 2024, and published them on its official website at www.stats.gov.sa. The publication results indicated an increase of 12.4% in non-oil exports in April 2024 compared to April 2023. The results also reported a 1.6% increase in the value of national non-oil exports (excluding re-exports), while the value of re-exported goods saw a 56.4% increase in April 2024 compared to April 2023, reaffirming the Kingdom's pivotal role in international trade as a global gateway for international goods. The publication highlighted that "Plastics, rubber, and their products" rank among the most important non-oil export goods, accounting for 26.2% of total non-oil exports, showing a 20.5% annual increase compared to April 2023, reflecting the care for the promising Saudi economy and its diverse sectors. Moreover, the results of the publication showed an increase in the ratio of non-oil exports (including re-exports) to imports in April 2024, reaching 37.1% compared to 32.6% in April 2023; this was a result of the increase in non-oil exports by 12.4% and the decrease in imports by 1.3% during this period. Meanwhile, the value of merchandise imports decreased by 17.4%, and the trade balance recorded a 36.0% increase compared to March 2024.

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

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

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