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Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

11/06/2026

Statistical Presentation

Data description

Umrah statistics show data on the number of Umrah performers from inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
Data on the main characteristics are collected as follows:

•     Internal Umrah performers. 
•     External Umrah performers.
•     Visitors to Madinah from inside the kingdom.
•     Visitors to Madinah from inside the kingdom.

The data are also used to estimate the following: 

•     Distribution of internal Umrah performers by the number of times they perform Umrah.
•     Distribution of internal Umrah performers by age groups.
•     Distribution of internal visitors to Madinah by the number of times they visit.
•     Distribution of internal visitors to Madinah by age groups. 

Classifications 

The following classifications are applied in Umrah statistics:
Saudi Standard Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations (SASCED-20):
A statistical classification based on the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED_11) and (ISCED_13) for education and training, issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It serves as the reference classification for organizing educational programs and qualifications according to their levels and fields of study. It comprehensively covers all educational programs, levels, and methods, spanning from early childhood education to higher education levels.
This classification is used in the Umrah Statistics to categorize individuals aged 15 years and older according to their specializations and educational levels.
National Code of Countries and Nationalities (3166 ISO – codes Country):
A statistical classification based on the international standard  (ISO 3166_Country codes), which is a standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO of the UN), and this classification gives numeric and literal codes for the world’s (248) countries, based on the classification of countries.  
The classification is used in the Umrah Statistics to classify Saudi or non-Saudi individuals.
The classifications are available on the GASTAT’s website: www.stats.gov.sa

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts of Umrah Statistics:

• Umrah:

It is the intention of visiting the sanctified house of Allah to perform a ritual consisting of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and shaving or cutting the hair.

• Umrah performer: 

A Muslim person who intends to visit the sanctified house of Allah to perform the rites of Umrah.

• Visiting Madinah:

The movement of an individual from their usual place of residence to Madinah for a temporary period for the purpose of visiting Al-Masjid An-Nabawi and associated religious sites, without the intention of permanent residence.

• Makkah: 

It is the first sacred city for Muslims, home to Al-Masjid Al-Haram and the Kaaba, the qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims. It is the birthplace of the noblest of creation, our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Makkah (Mecca) is located in the western part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has witnessed great attention during the reign of the kingdom's kings. The care and development continue to provide the best services to the Umrah performers and the pilgrims.

• Al-Masjid Al-Haram:

It is the largest congregational mosque, surrounding the revered Kaaba. Makkah is referred to as Al-Masjid Al-Haram, and the entire sanctuary area carries the same name. The Kaaba is situated at its center. 

• Ihram: 

It is the state of entering into the worship of Umrah. This is done when the umrah performer intends to perform Umrah and begins with the Talbiyah. From the moment of making this intention, certain actions that were previously permissible become prohibited for the person in Ihram.

• Miqat:

Mawaqeet Makaniyya are the locations from which one must enter the state of Ihram when intending to travel to Makkah to perform the Umrah rituals. An Umrah performer can enter Ihram at the Miqat itself or when passing parallel to it, whether by land, sea, or air. They are five Miqats from which the people of the city and those passing by must enter the state of Ihram.

• Miqat Dhu al-Hulayfah:

It is the Miqat for the people of Medina and those coming through their route. It is now known as Abyar Ali, and it is approximately 420 kilometers away from Makkah.

• Miqat al-Juhfah:

It is the Miqat of the people of the Levant, Egypt, Sudan, and all the countries of the Maghreb, and those who pass through it for Hajj or Umrah, and is located close to the highway connecting Mecca and Medina, and away from Mecca about 186 kilometers.

• Miqat Yalamlam:

It is the Miqat for the people of Yemen and those passing through it. It is located to the south of Makkah on the coastal road, approximately 120 kilometers away from Makkah.

• Miqat Dhat 'Irq:

It is the Miqat for the people of Iraq and those coming from beyond, as well as those passing through it. It is located approximately 100 kilometers from Makkah.

• Miqat Qarn al-Manazil:

It is the Miqat (designated station for donning Ihram) for the people of Najd, and it is now used by pilgrims from the East who travel by land, such as those coming from the Gulf countries. It is located on the route between Mecca and Taif, about 75 kilometers away from Mecca. The Miqat is now commonly known as *As-Sail Al-Kabir*. As for the Miqat of Wadi Muharram, it is an extension of *As-Sail Al-Kabir* Miqat, as it is located in the same valley, known as *Qarn Al-Manazil*, on the road now called Al-Hada. It is not considered an independent Miqat.

Data sources

Umrah Statistics are based on two data sources:
First source: The statistical surveys are represented by the Umrah and Madinah visit survey.  
The main published variables of the Umrah and Madinah visit survey data are the following:

•     Distribution of internal Umrah performers by sex, nationality, and administrative regions.
•     Distribution of internal Umrah performers by months, type of housing, and means of transportation.
•     Distribution of internal visitors to Madinah by sex, nationality, and administrative regions.
•     Distribution of internal visitors to Madinah by month, type of accommodation, and means of transportation.

Second source: Administrative records data for Umrah Statistics:

•     Pilgrim Experience Program of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
•     Ministry of Tourism.

The main published variables from the administrative data source are:

•     Number of external Umrah performers by sex and months.
•     Percentage of external Umrah performers by age groups and entry points.
•     Number of external visitors to Madinah by sex and month.

Designing the data collection tool

The data were collected using a questionnaire prepared and designed by specialists at GASTAT. The data collection instrument was developed in an electronic format (CATI and CAPI) to ensure ease of use by field researchers. International recommendations, standards, and definitions were taken into consideration in designing the instrument. It was also shared with relevant entities to obtain their views and observations. Furthermore, the questions were formulated using a specific scientific approach to standardize the wording and administration of the questions.
The questionnaire consists of several sections, including:

•     Demographic data.
•      Umrah performance data.
•     Details of the Umrah trip.
•     Data on visiting Madinah.
•     Details of visiting Madinah.   
•     Head of household data.    

https://www.stats.gov.sa/documents/d/guest/-2025-r-25-q-us
Review and validation rules:
Audit and control rules have been established in the form to ensure that the data collected is consistent, accurate, and logical. These rules were designed by establishing logical relationships between responses, questions, and various variables to assist the field researcher in directly detecting any errors during data entry.
To ensure the quality of the Umrah and Madinah Visit Survey data, three types of validation rules were established, as follows:

•  Navigation rules between sections and fields:

Special rules were programmed to regulate automatic navigation between sections and fields based on the respondent’s answers, totaling 32 rules.

•  Error rules:

Rules that cannot be bypassed during the data entry process, where the field researcher is required to modify the data by referring back to the respondent to verify its accuracy. These rules amount to (50).

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Cognitive testing of the survey questionnaire was conducted using a random sample of households distributed across the regions of Saudi Arabia, taking into account differences in the educational level, age group, sex, and nationality of the participants.
During the cognitive testing process, the following evaluation criteria were considered: The overall concept of the question, clarity of question wording, clarity of the terms used in the question, appropriateness of response options, participants’ ability to answer the questions effectively, and their willingness to provide responses were assessed, leading to the preparation of a report presenting a comprehensive summary of the cognitive testing results.

Statistical population

The statistical population of Umrah Statistics is defined based on key characteristics and developed using an integrated approach between surveys and administrative records, as follows:
First: Framework of Umrah and Madinah Visit Survey 
The statistical population of the Umrah and Madinah Visit Survey consists of all Saudi and non-Saudi households and individuals residing in Saudi Arabia across all administrative regions.
Second: Framework of administrative records for Umrah Statistics
The statistical population of the administrative records for Umrah Statistics consists of all individuals who do not reside in Saudi Arabia and who performed Umrah or visited Madinah during the reference period. 

Sample Design

Sampling frame:
The list of all private housing units from the 2022 Population and Housing Census was used as the survey sampling frame, as it includes all household data and characteristics, such as household nationality, number of individuals, and geographic data.
Sample design:
The sample was designed using a two-stage stratified systematic cluster random sampling method. In the first stage, a random sample of primary sampling units (enumeration areas) was selected from each stratum of the approved sample design. In the second stage, a systematic random sample of housing units (households) was selected within each selected primary sampling unit.
To increase the efficiency of the sample and enhance its representation of the target population, the primary sampling units in the sample frame were classified into homogeneous strata. To obtain more accurate results than a simple random sample of the same size and to provide a sufficient number of households at publishable levels with acceptable precision, governorates were used as explicit strata.
The estimated sample size was 10,500 households at the national level. The total sample size was first estimated at the national level and then distributed across the final target strata (administrative governorates) using proportional allocation within each administrative region.
Table1: Sample distribution at the administrative region level:
 

Statistical unit

The statistical unit in Umrah Statistics is the household.

Data collection

Data collection from the survey:
Data on internal Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah are collected through computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) and computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI).
Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with the relevant GASTAT departments responsible for implementing the survey and managing data collection, the administrative data used in the Umrah Statistics publication are obtained from the Pilgrim Experience Program and the Ministry of Tourism. These data include the number of Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah from outside Saudi Arabia. 
The data are stored in GASTAT's databases after undergoing auditing and review processes in accordance with approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. The data source is referred to whenever errors are detected or observations are identified in the data.

Data collection frequency

 Data collection for Umrah Statistics is conducted on a quarterly basis.

Reference area

The Umrah statistics cover:

•     All thirteen administrative regions of Saudi Arabia for internal Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah.
•     This coverage pertains to the cities of Makkah and Madinah, specifically for Umrah performers and visitors arriving from outside the Kingdom. This coverage is based on administrative records obtained from the Pilgrim Experience Program and the Ministry of Tourism.

Reference period (time reference)

All data related to Umrah Statistics refer to the period from the first day to the last day of Q3 2025.

Base period

Not applicable, as Hajj Statistics do not rely on a fixed base period, and changes are measured through direct comparisons over time.

Measurement unit

Umrah Statistics data are measured using the following: 

•  Number (for results):

A unit of measurement used to express data counted as whole numbers, such as the number of Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah.

•  Percentages (for indicators):

A unit of measurement used to express relative values compared to a total or reference value, such as the percentage of external Umrah performers by entry point.

Time coverage

The data are available from 2016 to Q3 2025.

Publication frequency

Umrah Statistics results are published on a quarterly basis in accordance with the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

A set of automated validation rules was developed within the survey data collection tool to ensure the quality and accuracy of the inputs. These rules include:

•     50 error rules to detect illogical or out-of-range values.
•     32 navigation rules to ensure consistency in the flow of responses.

These rules cover the validation of outliers, missing values, logical relationships between variables, and the internal consistency of responses

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

The data are reviewed and validated to ensure their accuracy in accordance with their nature, with the aim of enhancing the quality and accuracy of the statistics provided. 
Data for the current quarter are compared with those of the previous quarter to ensure their validity and consistency during the preparation stage, prior to data processing, results extraction, and review.
In addition, the data are processed and tabulated to verify their accuracy. All outputs are stored and uploaded to the database after being computed by GASTAT, and are subsequently reviewed and processed by specialists in the Tourism, Hajj, and Umrah Statistics Department using modern technologies and software applications designed for this purpose.

Imputation and calibration

Compensation (for non-response cases or incomplete datasets): 
Statistical inference methods are used to impute missing values according to the type of data (categorical or numerical). Numerical values are imputed using the arithmetic mean within groups, while categorical values are imputed using measures of categorical association.
How to calculate sampling weights:
Design weight: Reflects the probability of selecting each household in the sample. It is calculated as the inverse of the selection probability as follows:
If π_hirepresents the probability of selecting household i from stratum h, then the sampling weight of the selected household is calculated as follows:

Adjustment of weights due to non-response:
Weight adjustment is performed to compensate for non-response or missing data and to ensure proper sample representation. This adjustment is carried out after data collection and identification of response cases and is calculated using the following formula:

Whereas:

•        :    The adjusted weight for non-response for the household in the stratum   
•        : Design weight for the household in the stratum      
•     fₘₕ: ₕ: Adjustment factor for enumeration area m in stratum h, calculated as follows:

Whereas: Where denotes the number of response cases and denotes the number of non-response cases.
Final adjustment (weight calibration)
If the survey indicators relate to individuals rather than households, the weights are calibrated (adjusted) to align with the population distribution based on known characteristics such as age, sex, nationality, and administrative region. This is carried out as follows:

•     Adjustment categories, referred to as post-strata, are created by combining the variables mentioned above. Updated population totals for each adjustment category are obtained from population projections. 
•     The totals of the weights adjusted for non-response are calculated within each adjustment category.
•     The weight calibration factor is calculated by dividing the population totals by the totals of the non-response-adjusted weights within each adjustment category.  

The following equation illustrates the weight calibration mechanism.

Where:

• :     j  Represents the final weight of the individual in the adjustment category after calibrating the weights  .
•   :    j  Represents the final weight of the individual in the adjustment category after calibrating the weights  .
•        Represents the total population in the adjustment category according to population projections.
•  : Represents the sum of weights adjusted for non-response for individuals in the adjustment category .

Method of calculating the indicators:
GASTAT uses formulas based on international standards to calculate the main indicators of Umrah Statistics, as follows:

•     Total number of Umrah performers = number of internal Umrah performers + number of external Umrah performers
•     Total internal Umrah performers = number of Saudi internal Umrah performers + number of non-Saudi internal Umrah performers.
•     Total external Umrah performers = number of male external Umrah performers + number of female external Umrah performers.
•     Total number of visitors to Madinah = number of internal visitors to Madinah + number of external visitors to Madinah
•     Total internal visitors to Madinah = number of Saudi internal visitors to Madinah + number of non-Saudi internal visitors to Madinah.
•     Total number of external visitors to Madinah = number of male external visitors to Madinah + number of female external visitors to Madinah

Seasonal adjustments

Periodic analyses are based on comparing results with the same period of the previous year to ensure accurate interpretation of changes. Standard seasonal adjustment methods are not applied unless necessary and in accordance with approved statistical methodologies.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Some results may be published on a preliminary basis and are subsequently subject to revision when more complete data becomes available or after the completion of verification processes. Any significant differences between preliminary and final results are disclosed to ensure transparency.

Resources used

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that indicates the extent to which the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

Internal users in the GASTAT for Umrah statistics data:

• Department of customer support.

A number of external users and beneficiaries make extensive use of Umrah Statistics data, including:

•     Government entities.
•     Regional and international organizations.
•     Research institutions.
•     Media.
•     Individuals. 

Key variables used by external users:

Completeness 

Umrah Statistics are based on two main data sources, namely statistical surveys and administrative records, to provide integrated estimates of the number of internal and external Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah. Aligning these sources contributes to providing broad statistical coverage within the approved frameworks, while enhancing the accuracy of estimates through data integration and cross-checking across data sources.
However, the degree of completeness may be affected by certain challenges related to the nature of the data sources, such as delays in recording or updating some cases in the administrative records, in addition to the possibility that some target groups may not be fully covered in the statistical surveys. Data completeness may also be affected by the timing of survey implementation and the frequency of updates to the administrative records.
Continuous efforts are underway to improve the level of completeness by developing statistical frameworks, strengthening integration and linkage among data sources, and enhancing the quality of administrative records, thereby contributing to greater coverage and improved accuracy of statistics over time.

Accuracy and reliability 

A measure of the extent to which calculations or estimates are close to the true values and reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

The accuracy of Umrah Statistics reflects the extent to which the published estimates are close to the actual numbers of internal and external Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah, taking into account that the data may be affected by factors such as coverage limitations, non-response in statistical surveys, and differences in the nature and integration of data sources between administrative records and statistical surveys. The level of accuracy is assessed through a set of validation and verification procedures designed to detect unusual changes and ensure the logical and temporal consistency of the data.

•     Data are analyzed and compared with previous periods to detect any significant changes that may indicate unexplained variations or effects arising from data collection or processing methods.
•     The internal consistency of the data is verified before finalization, including the alignment of totals with detailed data and the consistency of the logical relationships between variables related to the numbers of Umrah performers and visitors.
•     Relationships among different variables are examined, and consistency between data derived from statistical surveys and administrative records is verified, contributing to reducing unexplained variation over time.

Despite the application of these procedures, a limited degree of statistical uncertainty may remain, particularly during exceptional periods (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) or as a result of changes in data sources or estimation methodologies. Nevertheless, these effects are not expected to materially affect the overall trends of the indicators.

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness A standard that indicates the length of time between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
Punctuality It reflects the time lag between the data publication date and the target date when publication actually occurs.
    Timeliness 
GASTAT is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement, clarification of the time of publishing statistics on its official website, as outlined in the statistical calendar, as well as adhering to the announced time of publication. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality 

The publication is released in accordance with the dates specified in the statistical calendar for Umrah Statistics published on GASTAT's website.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical calendar. If publication is delayed, GASTAT provides the reasons for the delay.

Coherence and comparability

A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.

Comparability - geographical

The data are comparable across the administrative regions of Saudi Arabia, as they are based on unified statistical standards and classifications.

Comparability - over time 

Umrah Statistics were introduced in 2016, and the following are the main changes that have occurred in recent years:

• 2016م - 2019م:

Umrah Statistics are based on an annual statistical survey conducted alongside the Labor Force Survey to estimate the number and characteristics of internal Umrah performers, as well as on administrative records of Umrah visas from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to estimate the number and characteristics of external Umrah performers.

• 2020م - 2023م:

Umrah Statistics are based on administrative records from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, obtained through the Nusuk and Eatmarna applications, to estimate the number and characteristics of internal Umrah performers, as well as on administrative records from the Pilgrim Experience Program to estimate the number and characteristics of external Umrah performers.

• 2024:

Umrah Statistics are based on administrative records and preliminary estimates derived from statistical models to estimate the number of internal Umrah performers, due to limitations in the accuracy of the administrative data obtained through the Nusuk and Eatmarna applications. Administrative records from the Pilgrim Experience Program to estimate the number of external Umrah performers. The data have been published on a quarterly basis since the beginning of the year.

• 2025:

Umrah Statistics are based on statistical surveys to estimate the number and characteristics of internal Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah, as well as on administrative records to estimate the number and characteristics of external Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah.

Coherence- Cross domain

Umrah Statistics are consistent across different administrative regions, as the same definitions, concepts, and classifications are applied. Data collected from all sources are also subject to standardized validation procedures to ensure comparability across administrative regions.
Unified definitions and concepts for Umrah performers are applied across all target indicators in Umrah Statistics, ensuring consistency among indicators published within the same publication and with previous releases. Some supporting indicators may also be used in other statistical domains, such as Tourism Statistics, in accordance with different methodological frameworks.
National guidelines and approved statistical standards are also followed to ensure consistency of concepts across various related statistical domains.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Umrah Statistics have been published on a quarterly basis since Q1 2024, with data produced regularly to monitor changes in the number of internal and external Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah throughout the year. For annual analysis purposes, annual values are calculated by aggregating the quarterly data for the same reference year, reflecting the total number of Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah during the year.
This approach reflects the nature of flow-based indicators, such as the number of Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah, which are measured on a cumulative basis over time. It ensures consistency between quarterly and annual data and allows direct comparability between them.
Data derived from statistical surveys and administrative records are used in an integrated manner to ensure the consistency of estimates across different periods. Methodological validation procedures are also applied to ensure that no unexplained discrepancies exist between quarterly data and annual totals.
Users should note that annual values represent the total flows during the year, while quarterly data reflect the temporal distribution of these flows within the year. This difference does not indicate a change in methodology; rather, it reflects the nature of the indicators used to measure Umrah activity and visits to Madinah.

Coherence- National Accounts 

Umrah and Madinah Visit Statistics contribute to the development of estimates related to the national accounts, particularly within the framework of the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), where data on the number and characteristics of internal and external Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah are used as key inputs to estimate demand for tourism-related activities associated with Umrah. Expenditure data for Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah also constitute a key component in estimating tourism consumption, which is one of the main components used to measure the contribution of the tourism sector to gross domestic product (GDP).
Consistency between these statistics and the national accounts is strengthened by aligning statistical concepts and definitions, to the extent possible, with relevant international standards, while taking into account differences in conceptual frameworks and estimation methodologies between sectoral statistics and the national accounts. Some differences may arise due to variations in data sources or calculation methods. However, efforts are made to minimize these differences by improving data quality and strengthening integration across data sources.

Coherence- Internal 

Estimates of Umrah Statistics exhibit a high degree of internal consistency, as they are based on the same data sources and estimation methods, while noting that minor differences may arise due to updates or periodic revisions.

Accessibility and clarity

It refers to users' access to data, the availability of microdata and aggregated data, as well as the availability of the Methodology and Quality Report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 10.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: 
Press release

Publications

GASTAT regularly publishes Umrah Statistics publications and reports in accordance with a predefined dissemination plan through its website. GASTAT is committed to disseminating its results in a manner that serves all categories of users. This includes publications in various formats containing dissemination tables, charts presenting data and indicators, the Methodology and Quality Report, and the questionnaires used, in both Arabic and English.
Results of Umrah statistics are available on:
Umrah Statistics

Online database

The data are published in the statistical database at:
GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)

Microdata accessibility

Accurate data is unit-level disaggregated data obtained from multiple sources such as sample statistical surveys, general population and housing censuses, and administrative systems, providing detailed information about the characteristics of individuals, families, business entities, and geographical areas, supporting the construction and development of statistical indicators and scientific research.
Different types of microdata files are available to meet diverse information needs.

•    Public use: 

‌‌It consists of sets of records containing information on individuals, households, or business entities anonymized in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly (by combining different – especially rare – characteristics of respondents), such as age, occupation, education, etc.

•    Scientific use:

These files established based on specific methodology asked by data requester to extract the datasets with specific characteristics used for strategic studies and decision making as well scientific research purposes on individuals, households and enterprises with no direct identifiers, which have been subject to control methods to protect confidentiality.
Qualified users who meet the standards and procedures of confidentiality protection can access the files of scientific use of accurate data through the platform "ITAHA" of the General Authority for Statistics, while the most sensitive data for use is shared by visiting the accurate data laboratory within a secure environment managed by the Authority.

References and standards

The General Authority for Statistics adopts a unified methodology in carrying out all its statistical work, according to the nature of each statistical product.  It relies on the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM), which aligns with the procedures adopted by international organizations, and is implemented in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the quality and efficiency of statistical operations. For more details, you can refer to the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM) via the following link:
Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)
The concepts, definitions, and classifications used in Umrah Statistics are based on the international standards issued by the United Nations Tourism Organization, ensuring their consistency with international best practices and their comparability. The most prominent of these references include:
International Recommendations for Tourism Statistics 2008 (IRTS 2008): 
It serves as the methodological reference framework for the collection and production of tourism statistics, providing the conceptual foundations and standard definitions related to measuring visitor movements, including Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah associated with religious activities. These recommendations serve as a primary reference for aligning the concepts of Umrah and Madinah Visit Statistics with the international statistical framework.
https://unstats.un.org/unsd/publication/seriesm/seriesm_83rev1e.pdf
International Recommendations for Tourism Statistics 2008: Compilation Guide:
This guide provides detailed practical guidance on the use of statistical sources and data collection and processing methods, thereby supporting the production of high-quality data and indicators. It is used in developing the methodologies for Umrah and Madinah Visit Statistics, particularly with regard to integrating survey and administrative data and enhancing the quality and international comparability of estimates.
  https://unstats.un.org/unsd/tourism/publications/E-IRTS-Comp-Guide%202008%20For%20Web.pdf

Quality assurance

GASTAT is committed to the following principles: Impartiality; user-oriented statistical products; quality of processes and outputs; effectiveness of statistical processes; and minimizing respondent burden. 
Data are validated through quality assurance procedures and controls implemented at various stages of the statistical process, including: data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT carries out all statistical activities in accordance with the National Model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)). During the comprehensive evaluation stage, which is the final stage of the GSBPM, information collected throughout each stage and sub-process is used to prepare an evaluation report summarizing all quality-related challenges associated with each statistical process. This report serves as an input for improvement and development actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1397, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data of SMEs survey are presented in right tables in order to summarize, understand, as well as extract their results. Moreover, to compare them with other data, and to obtain statistical significance about the selected study population. However, referring to such data indicated in tables is much easier than going back to check the original questionnaire that may include some data like: names and addresses of individuals, and names of data providers, which violates data confidentiality of statistical data.
“Anonymity of data” is one of the most important procedures. To keep data confidential,

GASTAT removed information on individual persons, households, or business entities in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly by combining different, especially rare, characteristics of respondents, such as age, occupation, education, etc.

Dissemination policy

Statistical calendar

The Umrah statistics have been included in the statistical calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT's objectives is to better meet its clients' needs. Therefore, it promptly provides them with the results of the Umrah Statistics publication upon its release.
GASTAT also receives clients' questions and inquiries regarding the publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:

•     GASTAT’s official website: :  www.stats.gov.sa
•     GASTAT's official email address::  info@stats.gov.sa
•     Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•     Official letters.
•     Statistical telephone: (199009).