GASTAT and Najran University sign MoU

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released today the results of Tourism Establishments Statistics for Q3 of 2025. The findings indicate that the hotel room occupancy rate reached 49.1% during Q3 2025, representing an increase of 2.9 percentage points compared to the same quarter of 2024, when the occupancy rate was 46.1%. In contrast, the occupancy rate for serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities stood at 57.4% in Q3 2025, compared to 58.0% in the corresponding quarter of 2024, reflecting a decline of 0.5 percentage points.
Results indicated that the total number of licensed tourism hospitality facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia amounted to 5,622 facilities during Q3 2025, an increase of 40.6% compared to the same quarter of 2024, when the number reached 3,998 facilities. Serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities constituted 52.6% of the total, with 2,955 facilities, while hotels accounted for 47.4%, totaling 2,667 hotels.
The average length of stay for hotel guests during Q3 2025 was approximately 4.1 nights, recording a decrease of 1% compared to the same quarter of 2024, when the average stay was 4.2 nights. Meanwhile, the average length of stay for guests in serviced apartments and other hospitality facilities reached about 2.1 nights during the same period, declining slightly by 0.2% compared to Q3 2024, according to the publication.
The publication also revealed that the total number of employees engaged in tourism activities during Q3 2025 reached around 1,009,691, marking a growth of 6.4% compared to the same quarter of 2024, when employment totaled 948,629 employees. Saudi employees accounted for 245,171 employees, representing 24.3% of the total, while non-Saudi workers numbered 764,520, or 75.7%. In terms of gender distribution, male employees totaled 875,658, accounting for 86.7% of the total, whereas female employees numbered 134,033, representing a participation rate of 13.3%.
It is worth noting that the Tourism Establishments Statistics for Q3 2025 are compiled from multiple sources to ensure comprehensive coverage of tourism activities in the Kingdom. These sources include administrative records, statistical surveys, and secondary data.
 

Pursuant to Council of Ministers’ Resolution No. (11) dated 13/01/1437 AH, approving the Regulations of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), as the entity responsible for statistics and the sole official reference for conducting statistical work. GASTAT announces the commencement of its statistical activities and field, telephone, and self-reporting surveys in the economic, social, and environmental and spatial domains. These activities are being carried out across Saudi Arabia’s regions, including cities and their affiliated governorates, to collect accurate data for the 2026 statistics.
These surveys target individuals, households, and establishments across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, aiming to collect accurate and comprehensive data that supports decision-making, and the formulation of evidence-based development policies. In conducting these activities, GASTAT employs the latest data collection methods and internationally recognized statistical practices, ensuring the quality and accuracy of its statistical outputs.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT provides the necessary statistical information and data as part of its vital national role, contributing to the monitoring of performance indicators for Saudi Vision 2030 and measuring progress toward achieving SDGs.
In addition, GASTAT urges all individuals, households, and establishments targeted by these surveys to respond and cooperate in fulfilling this national duty by providing updated data. GASTAT also emphasizes that all collected information is kept strictly confidential in accordance with official regulations and is used solely for statistical purposes, following the principles and standards governing statistical work. For inquiries, GASTAT has provided a unified contact number (199009).
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported that the value of Saudi Arabia’s services exports reached SAR 58.2 billion in Q3of 2025, while the value of services imports into Saudi Arabia amounted to SAR 120.8 billion during the same period.
According to the publication’s results, travel services ranked first among the Saudi Arabia’s  services exports, with a value of SAR 33.8 billion, followed by transport services in second place at SAR 9.7 billion. On the imports side, transport services ranked first with a value of SAR 32.3 billion, while travel services came second at SAR 30.8 billion.
GASTAT emphasized that it adopts a statistical methodology based on international best practices, in accordance with the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6) and the Extended Balance of Payments Services Classification (EBOPS 2010). Data quality is ensured through the treatment of missing values and the review of internal and temporal consistency, in line with internationally recognized standards and practices.
 

Results of the Digital Economy Survey 2024 indicated an increase in the digital economy’s share in Saudi Arabia’s GDP, reaching 16.0% compared to 15.6% in 2023, an increase of 0.4 percentage points. According to the digital economy classifications, the core digital economy contributed 2.7%, while the narrow digital economy accounted for 2.4%. The broad digital economy represented the largest share, amounting to 10.9% of GDP.
Publication’s results indicated that the operating revenues of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector reached SAR 249.8 billion in 2024. Telecommunications activities recorded the highest revenues, amounting to SAR 133.9 billion, followed by computer programming activities with revenues of SAR 31.1 billion.
Operating expenditures for the sector totaled SAR 122.2 billion, while employee compensation reached SAR 29.2 billion. Telecommunications activities also ranked first in this category, with compensation amounting to SAR 16.1 billion.
In terms of foreign trade, the results indicated an increase in imports of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) goods from SAR 54.9 billion in 2023 to SAR 67.9 billion in 2024, representing a growth rate of 23.5%. Telecommunications equipment accounted for the largest share of these imports, with a value of SAR 36.8 billion.
Meanwhile, the value of exports and re-exports of ICT goods rose significantly, reaching SAR 25.8 billion in 2024 compared to SAR 11.8 billion in 2023, reflecting a growth rate of 118%
It is noteworthy that Digital Economy Statistics are based on a unified methodological framework that follows the Statistical Business Process Model and adheres to the international standards outlined in the Handbook on Measuring the Digital Economy issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD, 2020). The methodology is also aligned with the G20 roadmap for measuring the digital economy. The digital economy is classified into three levels: core, narrow, and broad according to the nature of economic activities and the extent of their reliance on digital inputs.
 

The results of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Statistics for Q3 of 2025 indicated that net inflows reached SAR 24.9 billion, representing an increase of 34.5% compared to the same quarter of the previous year, amounting SAR 18.5 billion. Net inflows also recorded a 5.2% increase compared to the previous quarter, during which they totaled SAR 23.7 billion. According to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Statistics publication for Q3 of 2025 issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). 
Publication’s results indicated that FDI inflows reached approximately SAR 27.7 billion in Q3 of 2025, representing a 4.4% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024, reaching SAR 26.5 billion. In addition, inflows rose by 3.3% compared to the previous quarter, during which they totaled SAR 26.8 billion.
Publication’s results indicated that FDI outflows amounted to approximately SAR 2.7 billion in Q3 of 2025, reflecting a decrease of 65.7% compared to the same quarter of 2024, reaching SAR 8.0 billion. In addition, outflows declined by 11.4% compared to the previous quarter, reaching SAR 3.1 billion.
It is noteworthy that FDI reflects a long-term relationship and a permanent interest of economic entities residing in an economy other than the Saudi economy. This means that an individual foreign investor or a group of foreign investors owns 10% or more of the voting power of shareholders’ rights.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the Waste Accounts publication for 2024. According to its results, the quantity of recorded waste generated from various economic activities, in addition to household waste, reached 135.1 million tons, compared with 111.4 million tons in 2023.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing activity recorded the highest quantity of waste at 46.9 million tons, followed by construction activity at 32.2 million tons, then households at 20.5 million tons. Waste generated by manufacturing industries amounted to 18.3 million tons during 2024.
Results also showed that organic waste constituted the largest share of total recorded waste in 2024, accounting for 45.7%, with a quantity of 61.7 million tons. This was followed by construction materials waste at 22.8% and plastic waste at 5.8% of total waste.
In addition, industrial sector waste increased to 26.7 million tons, compared with 22.1 million tons in 2023. Waste from manufacturing industries accounted for 68.6% of total industrial sector waste, followed by waste from mining and quarrying at 26.4% and waste from electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply at 5.0%
Waste Accounts publication was prepared in accordance with the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Central Framework issued by the United Nations Statistics Division. It is based on data from GASTAT, as well as administrative data from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Center for Waste Management.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Labor Market Statistics for Q3 of 2025, which showed a year-on-year decline in the unemployment rate and a notable improvement in females’ participation in economic activity indicators. The survey results indicated that the unemployment rate among Saudis reached 7.5% in Q3 of 2025, down by 0.3 percentage points compared to Q3 of 2024.
The publication’s results also showed a year-on-year decline in unemployment among Saudi females, reaching 12.1% and down 1.5 percentage points compared to Q3 of 2024. This reflects the effectiveness of programs and initiatives aimed at supporting women’s empowerment and enhancing their employment opportunities.
The results also indicated an increase in the Saudi males’ economic participation rate, reaching 64.3% an increase of 0.3 percentage points. Meanwhile, the employed Saudi females rate rose by 3 percentage points over the past five years to reach 29.7% reflecting positive shifts in the structure of the Saudi labor market.
The total labor force participation rate reached 66.9% reflecting a quarterly decline of 0.2 percentage points, while marking a year-on-year increase of 0.3 percentage points. Meanwhile, the employment-to-working-age population ratio stood at 64.6% marking a decrease of 0.4 percentage points compared to Q2 of 2025, while recording a year-on-year rise of 0.5 percentage points compared to Q3 of 2024.
GASTAT emphasized that these indicators reflect the ongoing national efforts to develop the Saudi labor market and provide opportunities for social engagement in building a thriving economy while achieving balance and sustainability in the labor market. This aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and its related programs focused on human capital development and fostering economic growth.
 

President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, met today with Chairman of Najran Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bader Hamod Almojel, to discuss potential cooperation between the two parties in exchange of statistical data and information. The meeting took place during a visit by a GASTAT delegation to the region.
The discussion focused on the importance of collaboration in their respective fields, leveraging accurate statistical indicators to support development plans, and improving the efficiency of commercial and industrial projects in the region, in line with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
This meeting reflects GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic partnerships with entities and institutions across all sectors, utilizing its statistical outputs to support national initiatives and objectives and advance development across various regions of Saudi Arabia.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) is participating alongside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in celebrating Gulf Statistics Day, held annually on 24 December. This year’s celebration comes under the theme “Unified Data for Shared Vision”, reflecting the commitment of GCC statistical ecosystems to advancing statistical work and enhancing its role in supporting comprehensive development plans and achieving the objectives of national visions across the Council’s member states.
This year’s celebration continues the GCC countries’ efforts to build advanced statistical data ecosystems that provide accurate and harmonized statistics, enhancing the effectiveness of public policies, and supporting decision-making to meet sustainable development objectives. Gulf Statistics Day serves as an annual occasion to highlight the importance of the statistical sector and its pivotal role in shaping the developmental future of the GCC countries, as well as to raise public awareness of the value of statistical data as a key element in development, growth, and progress.
In this context, the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, emphasized that Gulf Statistics Day underscores the GCC countries’ commitment to enhancing statistical integration. He noted that harmonizing statistical data and unifying production methodologies constitute a fundamental pillar for achieving a shared vision based on a strong economy and sustainable development, in partnership with GCC statistical ecosystems, alongside the development of national transformation plans and modern methodologies for data production.
It is noteworthy that during its 141st session, held in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, on November 24, 2016, the GCC Ministerial Council approved the designation of an annual Gulf Statistics Day. The initiative aims to strengthen community partnerships with statistical authorities, highlight the vital role of statistics in supporting sustainable development, and underscore the strategic role of the Gulf data system in shaping policies and guiding developmental decision-making across the region.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and Najran University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and integrating efforts in statistics, research, and statistical studies. The MoU was signed during a visit by a GASTAT delegation to Najran Region, where the delegation also met with H.R.H. the Governor of Najran Region and several officials from relevant entities.
The MoU was signed by GASTAT President, Fahad Aldossari, and Najran University President ‏Prof. Abdulrahman Alkhedhairi‏. It seeks to enhance cooperation between the two parties through the exchange of expertise and knowledge transfer, the establishment of a general framework for joint activities and tasks, and the development of institutional capabilities, in support of shared goals and interests.
The cooperation covers the exchange of technical and knowledge-based expertise in areas of mutual interest, joint research, studies, and publications, and enabling staff from both sides to participate in professional development programs, seminars, scientific conferences, and workshops. It also includes support for innovation, the development of joint initiatives, and the application of best practices in research and statistical studies. In addition, the MoU provides cooperative training opportunities for Najran University graduates in line with GASTAT policies, as well as collaboration in raising awareness of statistical work and data analysis.
This MoU reflects GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to expand its partnerships with public and private sector entities, contributing to the advancement of statistical work and the achievement of national objectives.
 

GASTAT’s President met today at the Municipality headquarters with the Mayor of Najran Municipality, Eng. Saleh Alghamdi to discuss potential areas of collaboration, particularly in the exchange of data and statistical information that support planning and urban development in the region.

During the meeting, both parties discussed the importance of integration within their respective areas of expertise and the effective use of accurate statistical indicators to enhance the efficiency of projects and services, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

It is worth noting that this meeting comes as part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic partnerships with government entities and institutions across all sectors, leveraging its statistical products to support national initiatives and targets and to advance development priorities across the various regions of the Kingdom.

H.E. the Minister of Economy and Planning and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GASTAT, Faisal F. Alibrahim, inaugurated a virtual workshop titled “Statistical Practices: Saudi statistical data… a pivotal role in supporting national development”. The workshop is organized by GASTAT as part of Road to Riyadh events in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s preparations hosting of the 6th UNWDF in November 2026.
In his opening speech, H.E. emphasized that this workshop represents an important step in strengthening the role of statistical data as a fundamental basis for national policy-making, formulating development plans, and measuring their impact. He highlighted that the integration of government efforts in developing a national statistical ecosystem that serves decision-makers, enhances transparency, and improves government performance. H.E. also stressed the importance of statistical data in monitoring Saudi Arabia’s progress toward achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and SDGs, affirming that statistics have become a strategic enabler to support flexible decision-making that keeps pace with global economic and social changes.
During the workshop, the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, delivered a detailed presentation on GASTAT’s transformation journey over the past years. He reviewed the pre-transformation phase, during which GASTAT provided around 50 statistical products, and highlighted the post-transformation phase, which marked a major leap in the statistical product system, now exceeding 80 products. Furthermore, he discussed the development of existing products, the implementation of modern methodologies aligned with international standards, and the increased frequency, level of detail, and statistical coverage of publications.
He also emphasized that the Council of Ministers approval of the Statistical Law represented a pivotal milestone in the development of the statistical ecosystem, enhancing the governance of statistical work and organizing roles and responsibilities in line with international best practices. He highlighted GASTAT’s key roles in collecting comprehensive data and information from various sources, producing and developing official statistics, publishing them, and providing them to government entities, private establishments, individuals, and international organizations.
Furthermore, he highlighted key statistical products issued by GASTAT, including GDP, industrial production index, international trade statistics, household income and expenditure survey, housing statistics, labor market statistics, and transportation and renewable energy statistics, emphasizing the role of these products in supporting decision-makers with accurate and reliable indicators.
In addition, he highlighted GASTAT’s efforts to facilitate access to statistical data, increase compliance with statistical publication to 94% and raise the number of website users to 8.5 million in 2025. He also noted the development of the website and the launch of the Microdata Lab as an advanced electronic service designed to meet clients’ requests using the best and fastest technological means.
Moreover, he highlighted Saudi Arabia’s success in securing the hosting of the 6th UNWDF 2026 in Riyadh. He noted Saudi Arabia’s membership in the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for statistics (HLG-PCCG) and its co-chairing of the Data Governance Working Group. Also, he emphasized GASTAT’s efforts to strengthen community and scientific partnerships through the Saudi Statistical Forum, the Universities and Statistical Associations Forum, and the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first specialized statistics Innovation Lab.
Additionally, he emphasized the progress achieved in institutional performance, noting that the Digital Transformation Measurement Index rose to 86% in 2025. He also highlighted programs for developing future leaders and Saudi statisticians, the transition to accrual-based accounting, the achievement of the Expenditure Efficiency Index, and advancement in the assessment of performance management practices from the transitional stage to the advanced stage.
Moreover, he addressed future focus areas, which include the growth and expansion of statistics, enhancing the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, leveraging new data sources, supporting statistical innovation, raising awareness, and building statistical capacity through training programs and the provision of statistical certifications for users, students, and professionals. These efforts aim to strengthen statistical literacy and increase the utilization of national data.
It is noteworthy that this workshop is part of a series of ongoing efforts by GASTAT within Road to Riyadh events, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host the 6th UNWDF in 2026 and reinforcing its leading role in the development of statistical work at both regional and international levels.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Construction Cost Index (CCI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for November 2025. According to the publication, CCI recorded an increase of 1.0% compared to the same month of the previous year, driven by a rise of 1.0% in construction costs for the residential sector and an increase of 1.0% for the non-residential sector.
Meanwhile, CCI survey results showed that prices remained stable in November 2025 compared to October 2025.
It is noteworthy that the CCI results publication is part of the ongoing efforts by GASTAT to develop statistical products for vital sectors, provide a reliable and effective reference, and offer accurate estimates to support the decision-making of contractors, real estate developers, and relevant authorities. This also contributes to outlining a clear roadmap for residential and non-residential construction projects in the building and construction sector.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), achieved a new milestone by continuing its advancement in the Statistical Performance Indicator (SPI) issued by the World Bank since the data update 2020. Saudi Arabia’s score rose to 83.3% in 2024, compared with 81.5% in 2023, maintaining its 1st place ranking in the Arab region and advancing three positions among G20 countries, moving up 11th place from the 14th place ranking as published last year. Saudi Arabia further advanced four global places, ranking 51st place out of 188 countries. This accomplishment stems from the Kingdom’s ongoing statistical development, its adoption of a digital transformation approach within the national statistical ecosystem, and its efforts in capacity-building, promoting innovation, strengthening transparency, and facilitating the monitoring of progress toward SDGs.
The World Bank had announced on its official website the results of the SPI assessment 2024, which evaluated five main pillars comprising 51 indicators covering: data use, data services, data products, data sources, and data infrastructure. Saudi Arabia ranked 6th among G20 countries, scoring 93.2% in the second pillar related to data services. It was also ranked 7th among G20 countries in the fourth pillar concerning data sources and advanced to 17th place globally, compared to 36th place as published last year. Saudi Arabia further achieved advanced results by being placed within the top 20% of countries in three pillars: Data services, Data sources, and Data infrastructure.
For his part, GASTAT President, Fahad Al-Dossari, extended his congratulations to the wise leadership on this international achievement, expressing his appreciation for the support and attention GASTAT continues to receive. Affirming that this sustained support has contributed to enhancing the quality and efficiency of statistical sector operations and outputs, as well as its significant development and alignment with global advancements and rapid changes in this field, reflecting the advancement of the Saudi statistical ecosystem.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT continues its efforts to implement comprehensive statistical transformation, aimed at developing the infrastructure for field and digital surveys and enhancing integration with various governmental, private, and non-profit entities. In achieving this transformation, GASTAT relies on innovation and the use of advanced technologies in data collection and analysis, contributing to improving the quality of statistical outputs and enabling decision-makers to access accurate data that supports the achievement of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 targets. Furthermore, GASTAT continues its pursuit of building national capabilities and adopting the best global practices and methodologies to ensure the sustainability of statistical development and to keep pace with the rapid global changes in the field of statistics.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) will organize, next Tuesday, 23 December, the first quarterly virtual panel discussion as part of Road to Riyadh events. The discussion, titled “Saudi statistical data ... a pivotal role in supporting national development”, aims to highlight GASTAT’s experiences and best practices in fulfilling its mandate, promote knowledge exchange within the statistical community, and explore future development opportunities to strengthen the role of statistics in supporting economic, environmental, and social development. The discussion will also discuss future aspirations for the work of statistical offices and ways to leverage advanced technologies.

In this context, GASTAT has invited professionals and those interested in statistical work to attend the Road to Riyadh events, which will be livestreamed via GASTAT’s official social media platforms and will target both local and international audiences. GASTAT has also made all Road to Riyadh events available through its official electronic portal.

It is worth noting that these events were launched as part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) in 2026, aiming to showcase Saudi Arabia’s statistical advancement and comprehensive digital transformation in the field of statistical data. The events will continue until the convening of the Second Saudi Statistical Forum on 8 November, ahead of UNWDF, scheduled to take place from 9 to 12 November 2026.

The Warehousing and Logistics Statistics 2024 results showed an increase in the number of activated logistics centers in Saudi Arabia to 23 centers, with a total area of 34.6 million square meters, compared with 22 centers in 2023.
Makkah Region recorded the largest total area, at 20.4 million square meters, distributed across six logistics centers.
The total number of licensed commercial warehouses reached 12,234 with a combined area exceeding 22 million square meters, while the number of construction warehouses stood at 1,189, covering an area of 7.5 million square meters. Data also showed that freight volumes through maritime transportation amounted to 331.3 million tons, compared with 25.7 million tons through road ports, while railway transportation reached 15.6 million tons, and 1.2 million tons through air transportation.
Regarding delivery activity, Warehousing and Logistics Statistics 2024 indicated that the number of orders fulfilled exceeded 290 million, marking an increase of 27.2% The average delivery time decreased from 45 to 35 minutes, while the number of active Saudi drivers in this sector rose to 140,000, and non-Saudi drivers reached 302,000.
Meanwhile, the customs clearance activity witnessed an increase in valid licenses, reaching 1,179 licenses at maritime ports, 465 licenses at road ports, and 722 licenses at airports by the end of 2024.
It is noteworthy that the Warehousing and Logistics Statistics are based on administrative records from several government and private entities. This annual publication provides statistics and indicators on the warehousing and logistics sector, and is used for local, regional, and international comparisons, as well as for conducting studies and research in the field of warehousing and logistics.
 

The annual inflation rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Saudi Arabia reached 1.9% in November 2025, compared with November 2024, recording relative stability on a monthly basis at 0.1% compared with October 2025.
Meanwhile, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) recorded an annual increase of 2.3% in November 2025, compared with the same month in 2024, while the index recorded a monthly decline of 0.3% compared with October 2025.
It is noteworthy that CPI reflects changes in the prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of 582 items, while WPI reflects movements in the prices of goods at the pre-retail stage for a fixed basket of 343 items.
 

GASTAT hosted the 13th meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work at its headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting was attended by President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari; Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center in the UAE, Hanan Ahli ; CEO of the Information and eGovernment Authority in Bahrain, Mohammed Al-Qaed; CEO of the National Center for Statistics and Information in Oman, Dr. Khalifa Al-Barwani; Director of the National Center for Statistics in Qatar, Ahmed Al-Obaidly;  Director General of the Central Statistical Bureau in Kuwait, Wafaa Al-Yahya and Director General of GCC Statistical Centre, Intisar Al-Wahaibi.

During the opening discussion, the President of GASTAT expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the role played by the GCC-STAT in coordinating efforts and strengthening Gulf integration in the statistical field. He emphasized the importance of unifying statistical efforts across GCC and developing joint work mechanisms to keep pace with international developments. He also affirmed GASTAT’s commitment to continuing its collaboration with GCC statistical offices to achieve an integrated statistical system aligned with the development visions and programs of the GCC countries. He noted that statistical integration among GCC member states is a fundamental pillar for advancing economic and social development and enhancing the region’s presence in international reports and indices.
The meeting discussed most notable statistical developments and reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation and integration in various statistical domains in support of decision-makers and the requirements of sustainable development. The meeting also addressed the progress of implementing joint GCC statistical initiatives and projects and discussed the strategic plan for joint GCC statistical work for the period 2026–2030.
The meeting concluded with the issuance of several recommendations aimed at strengthening the exchange of expertise and best practices and advancing the statistical infrastructure across the GCC. The recommendations also called for expanding joint programs to build national capacities in the statistical field.
These regular meetings form a key element of the GCC countries’ ongoing efforts to strengthen the framework of joint statistical work and improve its tools to support development strategies and elevate the region’s standing in the global statistical domain, keeping pace with rapidly evolving global changes.
 

General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the Food Security Statistics 2024 results, which showed an increase in self-sufficiency ratios for several plant and animal-based food products compared to 2023. For animal-based food products, the results showed that the self-sufficiency ratio for shrimp reached 149% followed by 131% for dairy products, and 103% for table eggs. The results also indicated that self-sufficiency ratios for vegetables reached high levels, with 105% for eggplant, 102% for okra, 101% for cucumbers, and 100% for zucchini. Meanwhile, dates recorded the highest self-sufficiency ratio among fruits at 121%, followed by figs with a self-sufficiency ratio of 99%
Regarding the increases in self-sufficiency ratios achieved by certain food products in 2024 compared to 2023, self-sufficiency in onions rose by 41.2% followed by tomatoes with 9.2% while fish recorded an increase of 8.2% and poultry self-sufficiency increased by 1.4% In addition, the Food Security Statistics 2024 publication results showed that rice was the highest among plant products in the Saudi Arabia, reaching 52 kg per capita per year, followed by dates at 36 kg per year. For vegetables, per capita share per year from the total available was 20.50 kg for onions, and 19.56 kg for tomatoes. As for animal products, the results indicated that the per capita share of milk was 70.3 liters per year. For poultry meat, the per capita share reached 46.9 kilograms per year, while table eggs averaged 235 eggs per person per year. 
It is noteworthy that these results are based on data from field surveys conducted by GASTAT, in addition to administrative records from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the General Food Security Authority (GFSA), and the Agricultural Development Fund. The data were collected and analyzed using precise methodologies and high-quality standards to ensure the reliability of the indicators and to support national policies in the field of food security.
 

Today, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organized a panel discussion titled “International Statistical Standards and the Role of GCC Statistical Offices in Development and Implementation” as part of “Road to Riyadh”. The discussion coincided with the Kingdom hosting the 13th meeting of the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The discussion was attended by the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari; CEO of the National Center for Statistics and Information in Oman, Dr. Khalifa Al-Barwani; CEO of the Information and eGovernment Authority in Bahrain, Mohammed Al-Qaed; Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center in the UAE, Hanan Ahli, and Director of the National Center for Statistics in Qatar, Ahmed Al-Obaidly. The dialogue was moderated by Intisar Wahaibi, Director General of GCC Statistical Centre.
 It is noteworthy that this discussion is part of the “Road to Riyadh” organized by the GASTAT, as part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th UNWDF in Riyadh in November 2026. It aims to promote knowledge exchange, highlight developments in the statistical sector at both regional and international levels, and showcase the Kingdom’s advancements in statistics as it keeps pace with rapidly evolving global trends.