The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organized today a panel discussion titled “Data Innovation to Advance Official Statistics” as part of the Road to Riyadh events. The initiative comes within Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th  UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh next November, with broad international participation from global experts, academics, and specialists in the fields of data, statistics, and sustainable development.
The panel discussion aimed to foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise on best practices for enhancing the capabilities of Arab statistical agencies in the field of data innovation, while enabling the effective use of innovative data approaches to improve statistical operations, enhance the quality of statistical indicators, support public policy design, and contribute to economic and social development plans.
The panel discussion brought together a distinguished group of regional and international experts and specialists in data and statistics. It was moderated by Dr. Lilac Alsafadi, Advisor at  GASTAT, and included the participation of Dr. Ziad Abdullah, Director General of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics;  Ms. Jenna Slotin, Interim CEO of Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data; Mr. Mohammed Al-Musfer, General Supervisor for Data Management and Governance at GASTAT and Dr. Abdulrahman Habib, President of International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics. Participants discussed key opportunities and challenges in the field, as well as ways to leverage advanced technologies in data collection, analysis, and dissemination to keep pace with rapid global transformations.
It is noteworthy that the 6th UNWDF 2026 is one of the most prominent international platforms focused on data and sustainable development. It brings together a distinguished group of representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society to discuss the future of data and its role in supporting public policies, measuring Sustainable Development Goal indicators, and fostering global innovation. Riyadh’s hosting of this event reflects international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s standing, organizational capabilities, and growing leadership in the fields of data and statistics.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics(GASTAT) Dr. Fahad Aldossari participated in a panel discussion held as part of the Regional Data and Community Development Forum in Sharjah, UAE. The session included a distinguished group of experts in social development, economists, data specialists, and decision-makers to discuss statistical offices in the age of artificial intelligence. Notable participants in the discussion included Ms. Kersti Kaljulaid, former President of Estonia, Mr. Ali bin Mahboob, former Chair of the UN Statistical Commission, and Mr. Alan Smithson, Co-Founder of MetaVerse.
During his participation in the "Expert Talk" session, Dr. Fahad Aldossari explained that GASTAT has invested in expanding the diversification of data sources by utilizing administrative records available from various entities in both the public and private sectors. He emphasized the importance of expanding strategic partnerships that support this direction, supplemented by satellite data and big data, in addition to the surveys conducted by GASTAT. He affirmed that diversifying data sources enhances their quality and reliability.
In the same context, He stated that focusing on the development of statistical systems aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes technological innovation and governance based on organized and unbiased data. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia's investment stems from the belief that technological advancement is not only a means to improve efficiency and accuracy but is also a fundamental pillar for transforming statistical centers into strategic tools that support decision-makers in developing data-driven economic and social policies.
It is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia is participating in the Regional Data and Community Development Forum, represented by GASTAT, at the invitation of the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development which will take place on 9-10 October 2024. The forum aims to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of data in addressing social and environmental issues and to highlight best practices and examples in this field. The forum brings together policymakers, government officials, and private sector representatives along with community development experts, academics, researchers, national statistical offices, and international organizations.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the official statistics for Hajj 1446H, reporting a total of (1,673.230) pilgrims. Of these, (1,506,576) pilgrims arrived from outside the Kingdom through various entry points, while (166,654) were citizens and residents pilgrims, including both Saudi citizens and residents. According to GASTAT’s statistical release, the number of male pilgrims, both internal and external, reached (877,841), while the number of female pilgrims totaled (795,389). GASTAT also revealed that a total of (1,435,017) pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom through airports, while (66,465) pilgrims entered via land border crossings, and (5,094) pilgrims arrived through seaports. 
It is worth noting that the General Authority for Statistics has relied on administrative records from the Ministry of Interior as the primary source for data and statistical indicators related to the Hajj season of 1446H / 2025. This approach aims to provide high-accuracy and reliable register-based data for Hajj statistics, using a standardized model that includes several key components. This methodology is a continuation of the statistical approach adopted over the past five years. 
As the Kingdom’s official statistical authority, GASTAT is the exclusive provider of official statistics in Saudi Arabia that is entrusted with overseeing all national statistical activities. Its responsibilities include providing technical supervision, conducting field surveys and research, performing data analysis, and managing the documentation, preservation, and tabulation of statistical information across all sectors of life in the Kingdom. 
On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of GASTAT, extended his sincere appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, for their unwavering support and comprehensive care provided to the pilgrims. He also prayed to Allah Almighty to accept the pilgrims’ Hajj and to grant continued success to all government entities in delivering outstanding services.

To view the executive summary of Hajj statistics 1446 AH, please visit the following link:

https://www.stats.gov.sa/documents/d/guest/hajj-report-1446h-en-1-

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Non-profit Sector Organizations Statistics for 2024, which show that the total revenues of the sector reached SAR 73.1 billion, an increase of 22% compared to 2023. Expenditures rose to SAR 60.8 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 17%, while employees’ compensation amounted to SAR 28.9 billion, up 13% from 2023.
Results indicated that education and research activities contributed 29% of total revenues, followed by health at 24% and culture and entertainment at 19%, making these the largest contributors to the sector’s revenues. Data also showed that culture and entertainment activities accounted for 42% of total employees, followed by social services at 20%, while development and housing activities recorded 9%.
Regarding fixed capital formation, the value of asset purchases reached SAR 4.37 billion, with the health sector contributing the highest share at SAR 1.4 billion.
These statistics provide a comprehensive economic database for the non-profit sector. They are collected according to precise methodologies and high-quality standards to ensure the reliability of indicators and to support decision-makers and developmental policies.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes a panel discussion titled “Data Innovation to Advance Official Statistics” on Monday, May 11, as part of “Road to Riyadh” series of events, which comes in preparation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 6th UNWDF 2026 in Riyadh next November. The Forum will bring together a broad international participation of experts, decision-makers, and specialists in the fields of data, statistics, and sustainable development.
The session aims to share knowledge and exchange expertise on best practices for developing the capabilities of Arab statistical offices by showcasing successful experiences and pioneering initiatives in the fields of statistical innovation, institutional development of statistical entities, enhancing the efficiency of national talent, and enabling the use of modern data in public policy design and in supporting economic and social development plans at the regional level.
This session is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of innovation in developing statistical ecosystems and improving the efficiency and quality of official data production by adopting the latest practices and modern methodologies and leveraging advanced technologies in data collection, analysis, and dissemination. This contributes to supporting decision-making, enhancing the reliability of national indicators, and increasing the readiness of statistical offices to keep pace with rapid digital transformations.
The “Road to Riyadh” series of events reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its leading role in supporting the future of data and statistics at the international level through integrated activities that include panel discussions, specialized conferences, and focused workshops highlighting key global transformations in data ecosystems. It also promotes exchange of expertise and the building of international partnerships, in line with Saudi Arabia’s advanced position in statistics and digital transformation. These events further serve as an important preparatory platform to showcase national efforts and enhance organizational and technical readiness for hosting the global Forum next November.
It is noteworthy that the 6th UNWDF 2026 is one of the most prominent international platforms focused on data and sustainable development. It brings together a distinguished group of representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society to discuss the future of data and its role in supporting public policies, measuring Sustainable Development Goal indicators, and fostering global innovation. Riyadh’s hosting of this event reflects international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s standing, organizational capabilities, and growing leadership in the fields of data and statistics.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organized a specialized workshop titled “The National Framework for Statistical Training,” bringing together several experts, statisticians, and data producers and users. The workshop comes as part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to develop national capabilities and enhance the efficiency of the workforce in the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia.
The workshop reviewed the objectives of the National Framework for Statistical Training and its role in establishing an integrated professional system that contributes to developing the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors of those working in the statistical field, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. It also aims to enhance the quality of statistical outputs and strengthen institutional performance efficiency. The workshop also featured specialized working sessions that addressed the proposed professional domains, in addition to discussing the structure of training programs and specialized tracks in the areas of data production, statistical analysis, data governance, and statistical dissemination. The sessions also discussed aligning these tracks with the actual needs of the statistical sector and its role in producing reliable statistical indicators.

In this context, the President of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, stated that this workshop represents a qualitative milestone in the development of the national framework for statistical training. He emphasized that investing in statistical capacity building is a strategic necessity to ensure the quality and reliability of statistical outputs. In addition, Aldossari highlighted the Saudi Statisticians Program, which has contributed to a tangible improvement in the efficiency of national cadres, thereby supporting the readiness of the statistical sector to keep pace with rapid developments in data production and its use in decision-making. He further emphasized the importance of equipping interested individuals, practitioners, and graduates with the minimum required statistical skills and competencies, particularly in light of the growing importance of data and indicators in supporting national objectives.
The National Framework for Statistical Training represents a strategic pillar for enhancing the quality and efficiency of specialized statistical training in the Kingdom, in light of the accelerating production of statistical data and its use in supporting decision-making. It also serves as an integrated national framework that defines the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors required of statistical practitioners, ensuring the readiness of national talent to meet future requirements. It further contributes to the development of training programs based on the actual needs of the labor market and aligned with international best practices in statistical training, thereby enhancing professionalism in the sector and enabling training entities to measure program impact. 
It is noteworthy that the workshop comes as part of GASTAT's commitment to its national role in continuously building and developing the capabilities of statisticians and practitioners in line with international standards and the latest global training practices, thereby enhancing the efficiency of statistical performance and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness at both the regional and international levels.

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, participated in a panel discussion on “Statistics and Decision-Making: Leading Transformation for Sustainable Impact in the Era of Data", organized by King Saud University, represented by the College of Science. The session was held as part of efforts to enhance awareness of the importance of statistical data and its role in supporting sustainable development. The event was attended by the Dean of the College of Science, Dr. Zeid Alothman, along with several faculty members from the departments of Statistics and Operations Research, Mathematics, Quantitative Analysis, and Economics, as well as a group of specialists and experts in data and statistics.
During the session, Aldossari emphasized that GASTAT places great importance on building national capacities and empowering specialized expertise, given the importance of human capital in developing statistical work. He highlighted GASTAT’s efforts to promote statistical knowledge, disseminate data culture and indicators, and support decision-makers with accurate and reliable statistics. He also noted that GASTAT continues its statistical transformation journey by adopting digital technologies and artificial intelligence and by leveraging big data and administrative records, which contribute to enhancing the quality of statistical products and accelerating their production to meet the requirements of the data era.
He further noted GASTAT’s commitment to empowering youth and equipping them with future skills in statistics and data science, thereby enhancing their readiness to contribute to building a knowledge-based economy and achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
It is worth noting that this participation comes as an extension of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its knowledge and community presence and to expand its partnerships with universities and academic institutions in a way that supports scientific research and contributes to preparing national talents capable of supporting the national development journey.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics Publication for 2025. According to the results, the risk awareness index among workers aged 18 years and above reached 76.7%. The rate of occupational injuries among workers aged 15 years and above recorded 245 non-fatal injuries and 1.3 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, excluding road traffic accidents.
The results showed that 51.8% of workers reported the availability of preventive measures implemented by their workplace, while 46.6% indicated the availability of at least one initiative aimed at facilitating daily work tasks. In addition, 34.5% of workers reported the availability of at least one resource provided by the work entity that supports their personal health.
The publication also indicated that Prolonged standing (for at least 4 hours per day) is the most common risk in the workplace, accounting for 25.3%, followed by Fatigue or working beyond one’s capacity at 16.7%. Regarding work-related health problems during the past twelve months, the results showed that work-related stress ranked first at 6%, followed by eye and vision problems at 3%.
It is worth noting that the Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics estimates are based on self-completion data collected from participants through household field visits under the National Health Survey 2025. Meanwhile, the occupational injury rate was calculated based on administrative records data from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the International Trade in Goods Publication for February 2026, which showed a 15.1% increase in non-oil exports, including re-exports, compared to February 2025. Non-oil national exports, excluding re-exports, also increased by 6.3%, while re-exported goods recorded a significant increase of 28.5%. This growth was driven by a 59.9% rise in exports of machinery, electrical equipment and parts, which accounted for 53.9% of total re-exports.
The results also showed a 4.7% increase in total goods exports and a 0.6% rise in oil exports, while their share of total exports declined from 71.5% to 68.7% over the same period. On the imports side, they recorded a 6.6% increase, which contributed to a 1.0% decline in the merchandise trade balance surplus compared to the same month of the previous year.
According to the publication’s results, China ranked as Saudi Arabia’s top trading partner in goods in February 2026, accounting for 13.7% of total exports and 29.8% of total imports. Followed by the United Arab Emirates, with 12.1% of exports and 8.0% of imports, while Japan ranked next with 9.3% of total exports. Saudi Arabia’s exports to its top 10 trading partners accounted for 67.7% of total exports, while imports from the top 10 partners represented 71.2% of total imports.
It is noteworthy that International Trade in Goods Statistics are based on administrative records obtained from the relevant authorities, including the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority for non-oil data and the Ministry of Energy for oil data. These records undergo statistical processing and validation to ensure data quality and accuracy prior to publication.
 

Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, honored the winning teams in the Data Innovation Hackathon, along with partners and supporters represented by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), the Saudi Society for Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems, the Professional Association for Statisticians and Data Scientists, and the Saudi Association for Statistical Sciences. The recognition took place during a ceremony held today at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The ceremony featured the announcement of the winning teams in the Hackathon, which GASTAT organized from 15 February to 15 April 2026. The Hackathon represents the first of its kind in leveraging innovation and modern technologies to advance statistical work. It was held as part of the “Road to Riyadh” series of events, in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum in November 2026.
Aldossari emphasized that the Data Innovation Hackathon reflects GASTAT’s commitment to adopting modern technologies and leveraging artificial intelligence capabilities to advance statistical work. He noted that the solutions presented by participating teams demonstrate the high caliber of national talent and their ability to develop innovative solutions with sustainable impact. He added that GASTAT will continue to support qualitative initiatives that contribute to building an advanced data ecosystem and enhance Saudi Arabia’s position in the fields of statistics and innovation, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The ceremony also featured a showcase of the winning projects, highlighting the most prominent innovative solutions that contribute to enhancing data collection and analysis processes and improving their efficiency, thereby supporting decision-makers with accurate and reliable indicators.
GASTAT explained that the Hackathon featured two main tracks, in which 132 teams competed, with 16 teams advancing to the final stage—eight teams in the Innovative Data Collection track using non-traditional data sources and eight teams in the Intelligent Processing and Classification track using artificial intelligence technologies.
The total value of the Hackathon prizes amounted to SAR 75,000, allocated to support and recognize the winning teams and to encourage the development of innovative solutions in the fields of data and statistics.
The judging process resulted in the selection of six teams that successfully presented innovative solutions that enhance the quality and reliability of official statistics. The winning teams were as follows: Hoarders, Athr, Ain, GigScope, Spondylus, and Optimizers.
It is noteworthy that the Data Innovation Hackathon represents an extension of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to expand the use of modern technologies and to empower national talent—including students, academics, and professionals—to contribute to developing practical solutions to statistical challenges. This, in turn, enhances the data-driven economy and supports statistical work and its outputs, including results, reports, and indicators.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in Saudi Arabia participated in the extraordinary coordinating meeting of the heads of national statistical offices of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The meeting was held virtually, with the participation of the heads of statistical offices of the member countries, along with the Director General of the GCC Statistical Centre.
This meeting was convened to enhance statistical coordination and integration among the GCC countries, thereby supporting decision-makers with accurate, reliable, and up-to-date data and indicators that reflect economic performance and keep pace with rapidly evolving global changes.
The president of GASTAT, Fahad Aldossari, emphasized the continued efforts to develop the statistical ecosystem and enhance its readiness by improving the quality of official statistics, strengthening the efficiency of statistical analysis, and expanding the use of administrative records to support national indicators.
The meeting also discussed several priority topics, most notably economic indicators such as price indices, industrial production, foreign trade, and gross domestic product (GDP).
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continuing joint statistical work, strengthening data integration and exchange, and developing coordination mechanisms and knowledge sharing to support effective responses to global changes and contribute to stability and sustainable growth.
 

The annual inflation rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Saudi Arabia reached 1.9% in March 2026, compared with March 2025. On a monthly basis, the index recorded a relative increase of 0.3% compared to February 2025.
In the same context, the annual rate of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) reached 3.3% in March 2026 compared to its counterpart in 2025. On a monthly basis, the index recorded a relative increase of 0.2% compared to February 2026. 
It is worth noting that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects changes in prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of 582 items, while the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) reflects price movements for goods at the pre-retail stage for a fixed basket of 343 items.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the winning teams of the Data Innovation Hackathon, organized from February 15 to April 15, 2026. The hackathon is the first of its kind in leveraging innovation and technology to advance statistical work, as part of “Road to Riyadh” series of events in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 6th UNWDF in November 2026.
In addition, GASTAT revealed that the hackathon comprised two main tracks, in which 132 teams competed. A total of 16 teams qualified for the final stage, with eight teams in the “Innovative Data Collection” track focusing on the use of non-traditional sources and eight teams in the “Intelligent Processing and Classification” track, leveraging artificial intelligence technologies. The final judging phase resulted in the selection of six winning teams that presented innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of official statistics and enhancing their reliability.
In the same context, GASTAT will hold the closing ceremony on Monday, April 20, at its headquarters, where the detailed results of the hackathon will be announced. The event will showcase the winning projects and highlight the most prominent innovative solutions presented, in addition to honoring the winning teams in recognition of their efforts and contributions to advancing statistical work and enhancing data quality.
It is noteworthy that the Data Innovation Hackathon reflects GASTAT’s commitment to expanding the use of modern technologies and enhancing the role of artificial intelligence in developing statistical processes, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a knowledge-based economy driven by data. It also highlights the progress of the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia and strengthens its position as a leading regional hub in data and innovation while enabling national and international talent, including students, academics, and professionals to participate in developing practical solutions to statistical challenges.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Industrial Production Index (IPI) for February 2026, which showed an increase of 8.9% compared to the same month of the previous year, supported by growth in mining and quarrying, manufacturing, and water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities.
In terms of sub-indices, the sub-index for mining and quarrying activity recorded a year-on-year increase of 13.0%. The manufacturing sub-index rose by 3.6%, while the sub-index for water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities increased by 8.1%. In contrast, the sub-index for electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply recorded a year-on-year decrease of 3.7%.
As for the main economic activities, the results showed a 11.5% year-on-year increase in the oil activities index and a 2.4% increase in the non-oil activities index.
It is noteworthy that the IPI is an economic indicator that reflects the relative changes in the volume of industrial production, based on data from the Industrial Production Survey. The survey is conducted on a sample of establishments operating in the targeted industrial activities, namely mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, as well as water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) held a panel discussion titled “Pulse of Numbers: Statistical Data in the Service of Health” as part of “Road to Riyadh” events, with the participation of a distinguished group of leaders and experts from GASTAT, the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Authority, and the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.
The session discussed the pivotal role of statistical data in supporting decision-making in the healthcare sector by enhancing the quality and reliability of health indicators, advancing data governance practices, and strengthening integration among relevant entities, thereby improving the efficiency of health planning. It also addressed the role of advanced technologies in developing health systems and improving data accessibility, as participants reviewed prominent experiences and practices in this field.
Participants also addressed investment in modern technologies and the qualitative leap it has achieved in health data analysis, as well as the role of artificial intelligence, which has become a key enabler in supporting data-driven healthcare decision-making.
Participants highlighted Saudi Arabia’s achievement of advanced levels of international recognition for the quality of its health data, noting that improvements in mortality data quality have contributed to increasing life expectancy. They also indicated that health data has helped reshape a more comprehensive understanding of the health status in Saudi Arabia through the integration of statistical data with administrative records, as well as the role of field surveys in achieving more accurate population representation.
It is noteworthy that this session is part of GASTAT’s efforts to highlight the statistical progress witnessed by Saudi Arabia under Saudi Vision 2030, as well as to enhance preparedness and coordination for hosting the 6th UNWDF 2026, scheduled to take place next November.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) organizes a panel discussion titled “Pulse of Numbers: Statistical Data in the Service of Health” on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The session is part of “Road to Riyadh” event series, organized in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 6th UNWDF, scheduled to take place in Riyadh next November.
This session is part of efforts to strengthen the role of statistical data in supporting the national healthcare system by enhancing the quality and reliability of health statistics and advancing data governance practices, thereby improving the efficiency of health-related decision-making and strengthening the sector’s ability to respond to emerging health challenges.
The session addresses several key themes, including the role of advanced technologies in shaping the future of healthcare, strengthening the measurement of health indicators to support sustainable development, and improving access to and governance of health data. The session features several leaders and experts, including Dr. Abdullah Mufreh Asiri, Dr. Abdulaziz Mohammed Al-Rabiah, Eng. Saad Abdulatif Alhuzami, Dr. Ada Mohammed Al-Qunaibet, Dr. Omar Saleh Aldibasi, and Dr. Arash Rashidian. The session is opened by Dr. Fatimah Al Waef, General Supervisor of Social Statistics at GASTAT, and moderated by Dr. Arwa Mohammed Alameenn, Director General of the General Department of Statistics and Information at the Ministry of Health.
It is noteworthy that this session is part of an integrated series of events including panel discussions, conferences, and workshops organized by GASTAT under “Road to Riyadh” events. These events aim to highlight the statistical advances underway in Saudi Arabia under Saudi Vision 2030 and to enhance coordination and readiness for hosting the Forum next November.