Dr. Altekhaifi: King Salman's speech outlines the foundations of a new development approach

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

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

التقى رئيس الهيئة العامة للإحصاء فهد بن عبد الله الدوسري في مقر جمعية "لأجلهم لخدمة الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة" صاحب السمو الأمير فيصل بن عبد الرحمن بن ناصر بن فرحان آل سعود الرئيس التنفيذي للجمعية؛ وذلك في إطار العمل على ما يحقق دعم أعمال الجمعية وتعزيز سبل التعاون في مختلف المجالات التي تقع ضمن اختصاص الهيئة العامة للإحصاء، إضافة إلى دعم وتطوير المبادرات التي أطلقتها الجمعية وتسهم في دعم وتمكين ذوي الإعاقة وتنسجم مع مستهدفات رؤية السعودية 2030.
من جهته أكد رئيس الهيئة العامة للإحصاء فهد بن عبد الله الدوسري أن هذا اللقاء يأتي في إطار جهود الهيئة لتعزيز التكامل مع القطاع غير الربحي، والاستفادة من البيانات الإحصائية الرسمية التي تصدرها الهيئة لدعم التخطيط وصناعة القرار.
في ذات السياق قال صاحب السمو الأمير فيصل بن عبدالرحمن الرئيس التنفيذي لجمعية من أجلهم لخدمة الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة أن هذا النوع من اللقاءات تسهم في رفع كفاءة البرامج المقدمة، ويساعد في بناء قاعدة معرفية تسهم في تعزيز الأثر المجتمعي لأنشطة الجمعية والجمعيات الأخرى ذات الدور المجتمعي غير الربحي، وتساهم في دعم الفئات المستهدفة سواءٌ الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة وأسرهم أو غيرهم من الفئات التي تخدمهم الجمعيات والمؤسسات المتخصصة غير الربحية..
تجدر الإشارة إلى أن جمعية "لأجلهم" تُعد من أبرز الجهات غير الربحية المعنيَّة بخدمة وتمكين الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة في المملكة، وتسعى من خلال برامجها ومبادراتها إلى تحقيق بيئة داعمة تسهم في تحسين جودة حياة هذه الفئة، وتحقيق تكافؤ الفرص المقدمة لها.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released flash estimates for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Q2 of 2025.
The real GDP grew by 3.9% compared to the same period in 2024. Non-oil activities recorded a growth of 4.7%, oil activities grew by 3.8%, while government activities increased by 0.6%, according to the publication’s results.
The publication also showed that seasonally adjusted real GDP increased by 2.1% compared to Q1 of 2025. Oil activities recorded a growth of 5.6%, non-oil activities increased by 1.6%, while government activities decreased by 0.8%.
It is worth noting that the flash (quarterly) GDP estimates are preliminary assessments of real growth rates, released shortly after the end of the reference quarter when complete data is not yet available. GASTAT will publish the final results once all data has been collected and verified.
 

His Excellency the Minister of Economy and Planning and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Statistics, Faisal F. Alibrahim, expressed his gratitude and appreciation 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 Prime Minister, on the occasion of the Council of Ministers’ approval of the Statistics Law. He noted that this approval reaffirms the support and empowerment that the statistical sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia receives. He emphasized that the Statistics Law marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s statistical transformation journey and will contribute to the advancement of statistical work and amplify its impact in supporting development plans.
The Statistics Law serves as a modern framework for governing and enhancing the quality of statistics, in line with international statistical principles and standards. It will also support the Kingdom’s direction toward greater transparency and enable public and private entities to use statistics in decision-making, contributing to the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
For his part, the President of the General Authority for Statistics, Fahad Aldossari, stated that the Council of Ministers’ approval of the Statistics Law reflects the strong support that the statistical sector receives from the leadership. He added that this milestone is the result of collaborative efforts between GASTAT and relevant stakeholders, and a comprehensive study of both local and international statistical experiences. The law will enhance the efficiency and comprehensiveness of statistical work and support the development of the statistical system in accordance with the best international practices.
It is worth noting that the Statistics Law will replace the General Statistics Law issued by Royal Decree No. (23) dated 07/12/1379 H, as well as the General Population Census Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/13) dated 23/04/1391 H.

The General Authority for Statistics has released today the monthly and quarterly International Merchandise Trade Statistics Publication for March and the Q1 of 2025. The publication highlights continued growth in non-oil exports. 
According to the report, non-oil exports (including re-exports) saw a significant rise of 13.4% in the Q1 of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. In March 2025 alone, they grew by 10.7% compared to March 2024. This growth highlights the increasing contribution of non-oil sectors to the kingdom's foreign trade.
However, total merchandise exports experienced a decline of 3.2% in Q1 2025 and 9.8% in March. On the other hand, merchandise imports increased by 7.3% in Q1 and 0.1% in March compared to the previous year. As a result, the trade surplus decreased by 28% in Q1 and 34.2% in March.
The publication also shows an improved ratio of non-oil exports to imports, reaching 36.2% in Q1 2025 (up from 34.3% in Q1 2024) and 36.5% in March (up from 33% in March 2024). This coincides with a decrease in the share of oil exports within total exports, which fell to 71.8% in Q1 2025 (from 75.9%) and to 71.2% in March (from 76.5%). Chemical products led the non-oil exports, accounting for 23.8% in Q1 and 25.7% in March 2025. Meanwhile, "machinery, electrical appliances, and their parts" were the largest imported goods, making up 25.8% in Q1 and 26.1% in March.
The publication indicated that the People’s Republic of China remained Saudi Arabia’s top trading partner. China accounted for 15.7% of the Kingdom’s total exports and 26.6% of total imports in Q1 2025. In March, China’s share stood at 15.5% of exports and 25.3% of imports. It is worth noting that the International Merchandise Trade Statistics are based on administrative records from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority for non-oil data, and from the Ministry of Energy for oil data. Goods are classified according to the Harmonized System for describing and coding basic goods 2022.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Statistics Estonia in the Republic of Estonia during the Saudi Statistics Forum, which was held in Riyadh from April 27 to 28, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen international cooperation in the field of statistical work.
The MoU aims to enhance cooperation between the two parties, strengthen the coordination and integration of efforts in statistical fields, develop institutional capacities, and establish a general framework for joint activities and tasks that serve the strategic objectives of both parties.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of GASTAT, and Mr. Urmet Lee, Director of Statistics Estonia.
The MoU includes cooperation in the exchange of expertise, technical and knowledge support, as well as the exchange of programs related to raising statistical awareness and public communication strategies. It also covers the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops, as well as the exchange of visits between experts and specialists in fields related to statistical work.
It is noteworthy that the Saudi Statistics Forum is the first of its kind. It aims to discuss important topics in the statistical field and highlight the positive impact of the statistics sector in supporting the progress of development and sustainable growth in the Kingdom, as well as reinforce the importance of data and statistics in raising awareness among members of society.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the release of the Construction Cost Index Publication in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of its ongoing efforts to develop statistical products for vital sectors and to provide a reliable and effective reference with accurate estimates. This is based on a comprehensive analysis of raw material prices, labor wages, equipment and machinery rental costs, and energy costs. The publication also aims to unify estimates across various sectors to support decision-making by contractors, real estate developers, and relevant entities, and to contribute to shaping a clear roadmap for residential and non-residential construction projects within the building and construction sector.
In the same context, the results of the Construction Cost Index survey on a monthly basis showed price stability in June 2025 compared to May 2025. The costs of basic materials recorded a decline of 0.1%, driven by a 0.4% decrease in metal product prices.
According to the publication (June 2025), the Construction Cost Index increased by 1.1% compared to June 2024, influenced by a 1.2% rise in residential construction costs and a 1.0% increase in non-residential construction costs. This increase was mainly due to a 2.5% rise in equipment and machinery rental prices, and a 9.9% increase in energy costs, driven by a 27.3% surge in diesel fuel prices. Labor wages also rose by 2.4%, while the prices of basic materials declined by 0.7%. On a monthly basis, the index remained stable compared to May 2025.
It is worth noting that the Construction Cost Index Publication will be issued on a monthly basis. The index can be accessed through the official website of the General Authority for Statistics, which provides analytical reports and updated charts that enable decision-makers to track market changes and review publications, figures, and statistical indicators related to this sector.

Non-oil exports (including re-exports) increased by 6.0%, reaching SAR 31.1 billion in May 2025, compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, the total value of merchandise exports stood at SAR 90.4 billion. Imports in May 2025 also rose, reaching SAR 80.9 billion, a 7.8% increase from May of the previous year, according to "International Merchandise Trade Statistics Publication for May 2025" issued by GASTAT.
The publication highlighted that " machinery, electrical equipment, and parts " were among the most significant non-oil exports, totaling SAR 7.4 billion and accounting for 23.7% of total non-oil exports. This category was also the largest imported goods, valued at SAR 24.0 billion, making up 29.7% of total imports. China is the Kingdom's primary partner in merchandise trade. Exports to China reached SAR 12.7 billion, representing 14.0% of total exports in May 2025, while imports from China amounted to SAR 23.4 billion, accounting for 28.9% of total imports in May 2025.
It's worth noting that international trade statistics are built on administrative records from Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (non-oil), and the Ministry of Energy (oil). Saudi Arabia's merchandise exports and imports are classified according to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding Systems 2022.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Project Management Institute (PMI) in Saudi Arabia. Representing GASTAT, the MoC was signed by Mr. Rami bin Ahmed Ghurab, General Supervisor of Data and Partnerships and, Dr. Ibtisam Alqahtani, Vice President, represented PMI.

The MoC aims to enhance collaboration between the two entities, coordinate efforts in their respective fields, establish a general framework for joint activities and tasks, develop their institutional capabilities, and improve the efficiency and qualification of project management professionals through courses and training programs. Additionally, it seeks to foster integration between both parties to achieve their mutual objectives.

This initiative is part of GASTAT's efforts to strengthen its cooperation with various public and private sector institutions and entities. It also seeks to raise statistical awareness through effective local, regional, and international partnerships, keeping pace with current demands and realizing the future aspirations of the statistical sector.
 

The annual inflation rate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recorded relative stability at 2.3% in June 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) also remained stable at 0.2% in June 2025 compared to May 2025 on a monthly basis.
In the same context, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) recorded relative stability at 2.1% year-on-year, while it declined by 0.1% compared to May2025.
It is worth noting that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects changes in consumer prices for a fixed basket of goods and services consisting of 490 items. The selection was based on the 2018 Household Expenditure and Income Survey. Price data was gathered through field visits to retail outlets, and CPI statistics were published monthly in the Kingdom

The General Authority for Statistics released today the Renewable Energy Statistics Publication for the year 2024.The results of renewable energy statistics showed that five solar energy projects were operated in 2024, with a total capacity of 3,751 megawatts. By the end of 2024, the total number of operated renewable energy projects reached ten, nine of which were solar energy projects with a combined capacity of 6,151 megawatts, in addition to one wind energy project with a total capacity of 400 megawatts.
As of the end of 2024, the total investment volume in renewable energy projects reached approximately SAR 19.839 billion. This includes SAR 18.264 billion invested in solar energy projects and SAR 1.575 billion allocated to the wind energy project.
The results indicated that by the end of 2024, the number of housing units estimated to be supplied with electricity from renewable energy achieved approximately 1,140,800 housing units. 
The Shuaiiba 1 Solar Power project recorded the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) in the Kingdom at 3.9 Saudi Halala per kilowatt-hour, compared to (LCOE) of other renewable energy projects, which ranged between 3.9 to 11.18 Saudi Halalas per kilowatt-hour.
It is worth noting that the Renewable Energy Statistics Publication presents data on renewable energy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Energy is the primary source of this data, which is available as a time series covering 2019–2024.
 

Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Economy and Planning, Chairman of GASTAT’s Board of Directors, Mr. Faisal Alibrahim, GASTAT organized a celebration at its new headquarters in Riyadh to mark 65 years since the launch of official statistical work in the Kingdom. The event was attended by GASTAT’s President, Dr. Fahad Aldossari, along with a number of GASTAT’s leaders and employees.
This celebration comes as an extension of a national journey of statistical work that began in 1960 with the issuance of Royal Decree No. (23), which established the official statistical body in the Kingdom. This body later evolved into an independent authority that serves as the only official statistical reference for implementing, supervising, and regulating statistical work. 
In a speech delivered during the celebration, His Excellency the Minister emphasized that this occasion represents a documentation of a national journey that has made statistics a central element in decision-making, guiding public policies, tracking progress, measuring performance, and evaluating the impact of national targets.
His Excellency explained that GASTAT is entering a new stage, where statistics play a key role in the national transformation taking place across all levels in the Kingdom. This aligns with the ambitious national targets of Saudi Vision 2030, which has linked the performance measurement of various sectors to data and statistical indicators.
For his part, GASTAT’s President, Dr. Fahad Aldosaari, expressed his appreciation for the Minister’s patronage of the celebration, affirming that this occasion embodies the trust in the fundamental value of statistical work and the continuous support from the wise leadership. He added, “The statistical achievements realized to date would not have been possible without the support of the Kingdom's leadership, which is aware of the importance of this sector. They also wouldn't have been possible without the integrated efforts among government entities and the cooperation of society-both individuals and institutions-in providing GASTAT with data. He noted that in 2023, the Kingdom led Arab countries in the Statistical Performance Index and advanced 22 ranks globally. This achievement significantly strengthened the Kingdom's international standing, enabling it to host global statistical events, such as the sixth edition of the United Nations World Data Forum, which the Kingdom successfully bid to organize in 2026. Furthermore, it was elected as a member of the High-Level Group for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Statistics.
It is worth noting that statistical work in the kingdom began at an early stage in 1930 with the issuance of the imports and exports statistics system. It later became an organized activity with legal, administrative, and technical foundations established by the General Statistics Law issued by Royal Decree No. (23) dated 07/12/1379 AH (corresponding to 01/06/1960), aiming to activate and enhance the impact of statistical work. In its early stages, it relied on limited field surveys. The department was later transformed into a "General Authority" in 1436 H (2016) by a Royal Decree, becoming an independent entity with legal personality and financial and administrative autonomy, and was entrusted with leading, organizing, and managing the statistical sector in the Kingdom.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) is set to commemorate, the 65th
anniversary of establishment of official statistical work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This milestone traces back to the issuance of Royal Decree No. (23) on 07/12/1379 AH (01/06/1960),
which laid the foundation for the national statistical system. The decree played a pivotal role in advancing the Kingdom’s development strategies and economic and social policymaking. It also marked the introduction of the General Statistics Law, which established the General Department of Statistics.
Over the decades, the statistical sector has witnessed key milestones, starting with the issuance of the Imports and Exports Statistics Regulation in 1349 H (1930), followed by the establishment of the General Department of Statistics as the official statistical body in 1379 H (1960). In 1437 H (2015), a Royal Decree was issued transforming the department into the General Authority for Statistics. This marked a major turning point in the Kingdom’s statistical journey, as GASTAT became an independent entity with legal personality and full financial and administrative autonomy. GASTAT now leads, organizes, and manages the statistical sector through a Board of Directors comprising ministers, officials, and independent experts, strengthening its role as a prominent national statistical reference.
This historic occasion provides an important opportunity to highlight the significance of statistical work in implementing development plans and achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. It also
emphasizes the role of GASTAT as a trusted official source for data and statistical indicators, a key partner in decision-making alongside public and private sector entities, and a vital component in policy-making, performance measurement, and support for economic and social growth.
Furthermore, GASTAT plays a crucial role in strengthening the Kingdom’s position in statistical work both regionally and internationally.
It is worth noting that statistical work in Saudi Arabia began as early as 1349 H (1930) and later became an organized practice based on legal, administrative, and technical foundations under the
General Statistics Law issued by Royal Decree No. (23) dated 07/12/1379 H (01/06/1960). This law regulated the statistical sector by defining the relationship between the Department of Statistics and
Information (as a central statistical body) and other entities, with the aim of activating, expanding,and deepening the impact of statistical work in planning and promoting statistical awareness.
Throughout this period, several major developments occurred, including Council of Ministers Resolution No. (284) dated 24/11/1426 H, which approved the recommendations of the Ministerial
Committee for Administrative Organization on the study of the information, research, and studies sector. Under this decision, the department was made responsible for statistics and information in the Kingdom, and its name was changed to the Department of Statistics and Information. Later, Council of Ministers Resolution No. (11) dated 13/01/1437 H approved the establishment of the General Authority for Statistics. This decision assigned GASTAT technical oversight and regulation of
the statistical sector and tasked it with building a comprehensive system of national statistical databases across various fields. It also called for the development of a centralized national information system at GASTAT, linked electronically to all public entities, and participation in the
advancement of information systems and statistical work to establish a comprehensive, accurate, and unified statistical system. 

In the presence of His Excellency Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), and Eng. Olayan bin Mohammed Alwetaid, CEO of STC Group, GASTAT signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with STC Group. This agreement aims to enhance their collaboration, coordinate efforts to strengthen and diversify sources of statistical information and data, integrate to achieve shared objectives, and facilitate the exchange of expertise in their respective fields.
MoC was signed by Mr. Rami bin Ahmed Ghurab, General Supervisor of Data Management and Partnerships, on behalf of GASTAT, and Mr. Amir Al-gabrini, CEO of Regulatory and Compliance Affairs represented STC Group.
Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, stated that the statistical work undertaken by GASTAT is a crucial contributor to achieving national targets. He emphasized that cooperation with STC Group will help diversify data sources, which are essential inputs for statistical products and play a vital role in improving their quality.
This initiative is part of GASTAT's efforts to foster collaboration with various public and private sector institutions and entities. The goal is to provide statistical data and indicators and enhance service levels using the latest modern technological means, all within the framework of activating digital transformation, supporting the national economy, and promoting sustainable development to contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.