GASTAT President meets Al-Baha Governor to explore cooperation opportunities

President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, participated in the 14th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Statistical Commission (OIC-StatCom), in Ankara, Turkey, from October 1-3, 2025.
 The meeting brought together heads of official statistical centers from OIC member states to exchange expertise, showcase best practices, strengthen statistical capabilities within the organization, and discuss key statistical trends and mechanisms to enhance cooperation in data sharing and developing statistical capabilities.
The meeting discussed the follow-up on the implementation of the OIC-StatCom 2026-2030 work plan, along with the role of official statistical agencies and offices in Islamic countries to enhance the exchange of expertise among them, standardize statistical methodologies and standards, and review future aspirations for statistical work in member states.
It is noteworthy that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the 12th session of OIC-StatCom 2023, which took place in Jeddah over two days with the participation of the heads of official statistical centers from OIC member states. This was the first time that the committee's meetings were held outside the headquarters country (Turkey), reflecting the Kingdom’s international status and its Arab and Islamic position, and affirming its keenness to enhance communication and joint work among Islamic countries in all fields.
Moreover, it is noted that the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) is a subsidiary organ of the OIC which is mandated to collect, process, and disseminate socio-economic statistics; study and evaluate the economic and social developments; and organize training programs for OIC member states.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) participated in the 10th International Conference on Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange (SDMX), held in Rome under the theme “Smarter Data for Better Insights.” The event brought together heads and representatives of international organizations, national statistical offices, and leading global experts.
Dr. Fahad Aldossari, President of GASTAT, led the delegation to the conference. GASTAT’s participation focused on discussing the latest developments in statistical data and metadata, leveraging modern technologies to enhance digital statistical platforms, adopting global best practices in data governance, and ensuring the accuracy of statistical indicators. These objectives were pursued through strengthening the application of SDMX standards at the international level and by fostering cooperation and knowledge-sharing among international organizations and statistical agencies.
During his participation in a session titled “Enabling Artificial Intelligence in the Exchange of Statistical Data and Metadata,” Dr. Aldossari explained that GASTAT has adopted a data operating model based on SDMX and supported by advanced technologies. This model streamlines the entire statistical value chain—from data collection to dissemination—while ensuring interoperability and reusability of statistical data and metadata at both the national and international levels. It also strengthens integration across these elements to enhance the quality and accuracy of statistical outputs, while upholding privacy and metadata management standards.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Aldossari held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Bert Kroese, Director of Statistics at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and leveraging international initiatives to foster statistical innovation and development, with the aim of improving economic and development planning and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 10th International Conference on SDMX is being held over five days, featuring several high-level sessions on the importance of utilizing modern technologies within the SDMX initiative and exploring the role of artificial intelligence in this field. The conference program also includes a series of workshops designed to promote international cooperation among statistical organizations and advance the development of statistical systems across agencies.
Hosted by the Bank of Italy, the SDMX conference is recognized as one of the leading global events in the statistical sector. Organized biennially since its launch in 2002, the SDMX initiative is overseen by a consortium of international organizations with the mission of standardizing and modernizing the mechanisms and processes of statistical data and metadata exchange across the international statistical community.
 

GASTAT released Labor Market Statistics Publication for Q2 of 2025. Overall labor force participation rate (for Saudis and non-Saudis) reached 67.1%, while the overall unemployment rate (for Saudis and non-Saudis) reached 3.2%. Labor force participation rate among Saudis was 49.2%, and the unemployment rate among Saudis was 6.8%, according to the publication. 

The labor force participation rate among Saudi males was 64.0%, while the unemployment rate among Saudi males reached 4.3%. The results also indicated that the labor force participation rate among Saudi females was 34.5%, whereas the unemployment rate among Saudi females was 11.3%. The results related to young Saudi females (aged 15-24 years) showed that the employment to population ratio reached 13.8%, while their labor force participation rate was recorded at 17.4%. In comparison, the unemployment to population ratio among young Saudi males was 28.0%, and their labor force participation rate was 31.6%, the publication results noted. 

As for the labor market indicators in Q2 of 2025 concerning Saudi population (both males and females) in the core working age group (25-54 years), the employment to population ratio was 63.3%, while the labor force participation rate reached 67.3%. The results further indicated that the unemployment rate reached 5.9%.

Regarding the job search methods, it is noteworthy that the Labor Market Statistics Publication for Q2 of 2025 indicated that the most commonly used method was applying directly to employers, at a rate of 72.4%. This was followed by using the national unified employment platform (Jadarat) at 56.3%, while the method of asking friends or relatives about job opportunities constituted 50.5%.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today released the International Trade publication for July 2025, which showed a 30.4% increase in non-oil exports (including re-exports) compared to the same month in 2024.
The publication results showed that the non-oil merchandise exports to imports ratio rose to 44.6% in July 2025, compared to 33.4% in July 2024. The “Machinery, electrical equipment and parts” group accounted for 29.7% of total non-oil exports, followed by chemical industry products at 19.6%. On the imports side, the “Machinery, electrical equipment and parts” group accounted for 11.7% of total imports, marking an increase of 29.9% compared to July 2024. Followed by the “Transport equipment and parts” group, which represented 13.2% of imports, recording a decrease of 9.6% over the same period.
The results indicated that oil exports decreased by 0.7% during the same period, causing their share of total merchandise exports to decline from 72.8% in July 2024 to 67.1% in July 2025. In terms of the trade balance, the surplus increased by 53.4% compared to July 2024, driven by a 2.5% decrease in imports. 
The publication showed that China was the Kingdom’s largest trading partner, accounting for 14.0% of total exports and 25.8% of total imports. Followed by the United Arab Emirates, with 10.6% of exports and 6.4% of imports, then India with 9.4% of exports. The Kingdom’s total exports to the top 10 countries amounted to 65.7% of the total, while imports from the top 10 countries accounted for 64.3%. The results also indicated that King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam was the Kingdom’s main entry point for imports, handling 26.1% of the total, followed by Jeddah Islamic Port with 20.9%.
It is noteworthy that the International Trade Statistics are based on administrative records from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Energy (for oil exports). The Kingdom’s exports and imports are classified according to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), as adopted by the World Customs Organization.
 

His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Baha Region, received today at his office the President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, and his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, HRH reviewed a summary of GASTAT’s key achievements, statistical projects, and initiatives across the Kingdom, highlighting their role in supporting developmental and economic planning.
The discussion included a briefing on statistical indicators for Al-Baha Region, along with an overview of GASTAT’s efforts in providing accurate data to governmental entities in order to enhance planning efficiency, optimize expenditure, and support the achievement of Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals.
In conclusion, the meeting reflects ongoing cooperation to leverage statistical outputs in supporting national initiatives and achieving added value in regional development.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) met today with the Governor of Al-Baha Region at the Secretariat headquarters to discuss opportunities of cooperation between the two parties in statistical data and information exchange aimed at supporting regional urban planning and development.
During the meeting, both parties discussed the importance of integration in their respective areas of expertise and the utilization of accurate statistical indicators to enhance the efficiency of projects and services in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
It is noteworthy that this meeting reflects GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic partnerships with governmental and institutional entities across all sectors, leveraging its statistical products to support national initiatives and targets, and to advance development across various regions of the Kingdom.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and National Accounts Publication for Q2 2025. According to the results, real GDP recorded a growth of 3.9% compared to the same quarter in 2024. 
The results showed that all major economic activities recorded annual growth. Non-oil activities grew by 4.6%, followed by oil activities at 3.8%, while government activities grew by 0.6%. Non-oil activities were the main contributor to growth, adding 2.6 percentage points, while oil activities and net taxes on products contributed positively by 0.9 and 0.3 percentage points, respectively. Furthermore, compared to Q1 2025, the seasonally adjusted real GDP increased by 1.7%, with oil activities being the largest contributor to growth at 1.3 percentage points, followed by non-oil activities with 0.4 percentage points.
Additionally, at the level of economic activities, electricity, gas, and water activities achieved the highest annual growth rate of 10.3%, followed by financial, insurance, and business services at 7.0%, and wholesale & retail trade, restaurants, and hotels at 6.6%.

The Construction Cost Index (CCI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recorded an increase of 0.7% in August 2025 compared to the same month last year. This rise attributed to a 0.8% increase in the residential sector costs and a 0.6% increase in the non-residential sector costs, according to the CCI publication for August 2025 issued by GASTAT. 
On a monthly basis, construction costs in the residential sector recorded a slight increase of 0.1% in August 2025 compared to the previous month of the same year, while costs in the non-residential sector remained the same from the previous month.
It is noteworthy that CCI reflects price movements of construction inputs across 51 items of goods and services, with prices collected monthly from various regions of the Kingdom. The year 2023 has been set as the base year.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at strengthening integration and coordination between the two sides through establishing a comprehensive framework for joint activities and tasks. This contributes to developing human capacities and enhances innovation in data exchange and governance mechanisms.
The MoC emphasizes the exchange of technical expertise, knowledge, information, and statistics, along with joint efforts in conducting studies and research to strengthen transparency and ensure the reliability of statistical indicators. It also seeks to empower decision-makers in developing plans and shaping policies aligned with national development goals. Furthermore, the MoC covers the organization of conferences, seminars, workshops, and training programs, while fostering innovation and joint initiatives through the adoption of modern statistical tools and technologies.
It is noteworthy that GASTAT  is the Kingdom’s official body for statistics and the sole authorized reference for carrying out, technically supervising, and regulating statistical activities. Its responsibilities cover various aspects, most prominently the collection of statistical data and information from public and private entities as well as individuals, followed by their analysis and study to produce various statistical indicators. GASTAT also provides statistical consultations and reports for surveys and research, in addition to other data and statistical services that fall within its mandate.

The President of Al-Baha University, His Excellency Prof. Abdullah Alhussein, met with the President of the General Authority for Statistics, Fahad Aldossari. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways of cooperation within their respective areas of specialization.
The parties explored opportunities to strengthen their partnership by supporting academic and research programs, enhancing the statistical competencies of the university’s students, and providing access to statistical data and indicators to improve the quality of educational and research outputs.
H.E.  President of Al-Baha University affirmed that the university is open to cooperation with the General Authority for Statistics through its research centers and academic staff across various disciplines, in order to conduct studies that support GASTAT’s work.
For his part, GASTAT President appreciated the role played by Al-Baha University in building research and scientific capacity, stressing that GASTAT is keen to expand its partnerships with educational institutions to improve the efficiency of development plans and support decision-making through the exchange of statistical data, while keeping pace with international developments and best practices in educational statistics.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, met with the Chairman of Al-Baha Chamber of Commerce, Mashi Alomari, in the presence of representatives from both sides, as part of GASTAT’s delegation visit to the region.
During the meeting, the two parties reviewed opportunities for cooperation and ways to enhance the utilization of statistical data and indicators to support investors and entrepreneurs in the region, thereby contributing to better decision-making and improving the efficiency of developmental and economic planning.
It is noteworthy that this meeting comes as part of GASTAT’s efforts to strengthen its strategic partnerships with various entities and institutions across all sectors, to expand the scope of cooperation and leverage its statistical products in supporting national initiatives and targets, thus creating added value that contributes to driving the Kingdom’s development forward.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August 2025, recording an increase of 2.3% compared to the same month of the previous year, based on the updated CPI methodology. This methodology enhances the availability of more comprehensive, timely, and accurate data on inflation trends. It also provides flexibility in capturing changes in spending patterns and measuring the impact of price movements for goods and services in retail markets on household consumption expenditure. This step comes as part of GASTAT’s continuous efforts to develop and improve statistical products and indicators, in line with international standards, and to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and reliable data that support policymakers in shaping economic and social decisions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development plans and Vision 2030 goals. 
In this regard, GASTAT explained that the updated CPI methodology aims to improve the accuracy of measuring actual inflation in Saudi economy, consistent with best global practices and relevant international guidelines. Key updates include enhancements in price data collection methods, consumer basket weights, and variation of data sources. The new weights are derived from the 2023 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, in addition to household final consumption expenditure in the national accounts, data from Ejar platform, and other administrative records from various entities. Furthermore, the reference year of the index has been updated from 2018 to 2023, ensuring that the CPI better reflects actual spending patterns.

In the same context, GASTAT expanded the geographical coverage of points of sale to ensure comprehensive population coverage and a diversity of consumer categories. Using geospatial mapping techniques, the sampling frame was updated through reviewing coverage levels, increasing the number of outlets, and redistributing them to reflect population density and concentration across cities in the Kingdom. GASTAT also adopted the annual chain-linking methodology, a statistical approach that updates the CPI basket weights annually based on household final consumption expenditure data derived from national accounts, rather than relying on a fixed base year with unchanged weights for several years. This approach provides a consistent time series that better reflects economic realities and offers greater flexibility in capturing rapid market shifts and economic transformations.

GASTAT indicated that the expansion included increasing the number of retail outlets covered, from 32 thousand under the previous methodology to 82 thousand in the updated framework, and raising the sample of points of sale from 8,700 to 14 thousand. The number of items in the consumer basket was also expanded to 582, compared to 490 previously, in line with updated consumer behavior and preferences. Furthermore, the geographical scope of coverage was broadened by increasing the number of cities from 16 to 23 cities, enabling the publication of index results at the level of all administrative regions in the Kingdom. The updated methodology also incorporated the latest United Nations Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP 2018), with new levels added for index calculation and result generation, while maintaining linkage with the previous edition (COICOP 1999).

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the CPI methodology update forms part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive, reliable, and accurate statistical indicators that reflect consumption patterns and price movements in Saudi economy. These improvements strengthen support for policymakers, analysts, and specialists in monitoring price developments and in advancing effective economic and social planning.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of the Industrial Production Index (IPI) for July 2025, showing a 6.5% increase compared to the same month of the previous year (July 2024). The results revealed that mining and quarrying activity increased by 6.5% year-on-year, while manufacturing activity increased by 7%. 
According to the publication, electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply activity recorded an annual increase of 0.9%, whereas water supply, sewerage and waste management and remediation activities surged by 8.5%, compared to July 2024. Furthermore, according to the main economic activities of IPI, oil activities increased by 7.8%, while non-oil activities recorded a 3.5% rise.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today released its International Trade Statistics publications for June 2025 and for Q2 2025.
The results of the June publication revealed continued growth in non-oil exports (including re-exports), which recorded an increase of 22.1% compared to June 2024. National non-oil exports (excluding re-exports) rose by 8.4%, while the value of re-exported goods increased by 60.2%. Merchandise exports grew by 3.7% despite a 2.5% decrease in oil exports, which reduced the share of oil exports in total exports to 70.2% compared to 74.7% in June 2024.
Merchandise imports increased by 1.7%, which contributed to the improvement of the ratio of non-oil exports to imports, reaching 39.2% compared to 32.7% in June 2024. Meanwhile, the surplus in the merchandise trade balance increased by 10.6% compared to the same month of the previous year.
Chemical products topped the list of non-oil exports, accounting for 24.5% of the total, followed by machinery, electrical equipment, and parts with 23.3%. On the other hand, machinery, electrical equipment, and parts ranked first among imports with 30.6%.
The publication showed that the People’s Republic of China was the Kingdom’s main trading partner, accounting for 15.5% of total exports and 27.9% of total imports in June 2025.
In addition, the results of the Q2 2025 publication showed that non-oil exports (including re-exports) continued to grow by 17.8% compared to Q2 2024, while national non-oil exports increased by 5.6%, and the value of re-exported goods rose by 46.2%.
Meanwhile, merchandise exports decreased by 7.3% compared to Q2 2024, due to a 15.8% decline in oil exports. Accordingly, the share of oil exports in total exports decreased from 74.7% in Q2 2024 to 67.9% in Q2 2025.
Merchandise imports increased by 13.1% in Q2 2025 compared to the same period of the previous year, while the merchandise trade balance surplus decreased by 56.2%. The ratio of non-oil exports to imports rose to 37.3% compared to 35.8% in Q2 2024.
Chemical products were the top non-oil export items, accounting for 23.0% of the total, followed by machinery, electrical equipment, and parts with 21.7%. Machinery, electrical equipment, and parts were also the most imported goods, accounting for 28.9% of total imports.
The publication indicated that the People’s Republic of China was the Kingdom’s main trading partner in Q2 2025, accounting for 14.2% of total exports and 27.4% of total imports during this period.
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Centre for Statistics and Information in the Sultanate of Oman with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation and developing statistical work between the two parties. The memorandum was signed by GASTAT President, Fahad Aldossari, and the the National Centre for Statistics and Information CEO, Khalifa Al-Barwani, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Sultanate of Oman, Ibrahim bin Beshan.
GASTAT President affirmed that this memorandum is an extension of the Kingdom’s efforts to consolidate regional and international statistical partnerships and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing Gulf integration in the statistical field. He noted that it reflects the strength of the close relations between the two brotherly countries and their shared commitment to developing statistical work in a way that serves decision-makers and supports sustainable development plans.
For his part, the CEO of the National Centre for Statistics and Information in the Sultanate of Oman, Khalifa Al-Barwani, stated that this memorandum represents an important step toward building an integrated Gulf statistical system that contributes to producing accurate and reliable data to support decision-makers. He pointed out that cooperation with GASTAT will open wider horizons for exchanging expertise and developing national capabilities in support of common interests.
It is worth noting that the signing of the memorandum marked the highlight of GASTAT’s delegation visit to the National Centre for Statistics and Information in the Sultanate of Oman, which featured discussion sessions on key statistical developments and projects at local and international levels, aimed at enhancing integration and fostering the exchange of expertise between the two sides.
 

GASTAT’s President Fahad Aldossari met with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdul Rahman bin Farhan Al Saud , the CEO of Liajlehum Association to Serve People with Disabilities, at the Association's headquarters.
The meeting was held as part of efforts to support the Association's work and enhance cooperation across all areas within GASTAT's field. This includes supporting and developing initiatives launched by the Association that contribute to the support and empowerment of persons with disabilities, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
For his part, GASTAT’s President Fahad Aldossari affirmed that this meeting is part of GASTAT's efforts to enhance integration with the non-profit sector and to leverage its official statistical data to support planning and decision-making.
In the same context, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdul Rahman bin Farhan Al Saud the CEO of Liajlehum Association to Serve People with Disabilities stated that this type of meeting helps increase the efficiency of the programs offered. It also assists in building a knowledge base that enhances the social impact of the Association's activities and those of other non-profit associations with a social role. This contributes to supporting the target groups, including people with disabilities and their families, as well as other groups served by specialized non-profit associations and institutions.
It is worth noting that Liajlehum Association is considered one of the most prominent non-profit organizations dedicated to serving and empowering people with disabilities in the Kingdom. Through its programs and initiatives, it aims to create a supportive environment that helps improve the quality of life for this group and ensures equal opportunities for them.
 

GASTAT President, Fahad Aldossari, participated in the 12th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Permanent Committee for Statistical Work, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman on September,4-5, 2025. The meeting which brought together the heads of National Statistical Offices (NSO) of the GCC member states, discussed key joint statistical developments, ways of enhancing the cooperation and integration in statistical fields, in support of decision makers and in meeting the requirements of comprehensive development in the GCC countries. The meeting also reviewed the progress of implementing joint GCC statistical initiatives and projects. 
In his speech, GASTAT President emphasized the importance of unifying the GCC statistical efforts and developing mechanisms for joint action to keep pace with global developments in the statistical field. He noted that strengthening GCC statistical integration represents a fundamental pillar in supporting socio-economic growth, and enhances the region’s status in international reports and indicators. Furthermore, He expressed the Kingdome’s appreciation for the GCC-STAT role in coordinating joint efforts, confirming GASTAT’s commitment to continuing cooperation and working with its GCC counterparts to achieve statistical integration in line with the development visions of GCC countries.
The meeting concluded with the issuance of several recommendations, aimed at enhancing the exchange of expertise and experiences, as well as developing the Gulf statistical infrastructure, and expanding joint programs to build national capacities in this field.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released the results of Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics publication 2024. According to the publication, the rate of work injuries among workers aged 15 and above reached 245.7 non-fatal injuries and 1.1 fatal injuries per 100 thousand workers, excluding road traffic injuries. Additionally, according to survey respondents, the results indicated that 39% of workers received training in health and safety measures, and 40.4% have access to a dedicated occupational health and safety department at their workplace, while 32.2% of workers received periodic medical examinations provided at their workplace.
Regarding risks at workplace, the results highlighted that 5.4% of workers were required to work on hazardous machines, 2.1% were required to deal with chemicals, and 1% are exposed to heavy metals. Meanwhile, in the healthcare sector, 95% of workers reported that they have coverage to access essential healthcare services. 
The results also showed that over the past 12 months, the most common work-related health problems were "work-related stress" at 2.1%, followed by "eye and vision problems" at 2%, while 79.5% of workers reported that they had not experienced any work-related health problems during the same period.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the estimates of Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics are based on self-reported data from participants through field visits conducted in the 2024 National Health Survey (NHS), except for the work-related injury rate, which was calculated from the register-based data from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, and the 2024 population estimates from the General Authority for Statistics. 
 

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced today, in its quarterly publication, that the total number of Umrah performers reached 15,222,497 in Q1 of 2025. Saudi Umrah performers accounted for 24%, while males represented 60.5% compared to 39.5% for females.
The number of external Umrah performers reached 6,523,630, recording an increase of 10.7% compared to Q1 of 2024. The majority of them arrived through airports by 82.2%. Meanwhile, the number of internal Umrah performers totaled 8,698,867, of which non-Saudis represented 58%. January 2025 recorded the highest percentage of external Umrah performers with 36.5%. In contrast, March recorded the lowest number in terms of external Umrah performers. On the other hand, March recorded the highest number of internal Umrah performers at 80.9%, whereas January recorded the lowest number. The total number of visitors to Madinah reached 6,452,696 during Q1 of 2025, where external visitors represented 4,412,689, according to the publication.  
It is noteworthy that Umrah and Madinah visitation statistics are published on a quarterly basis starting from 2024, presenting the numbers and percentages of external and internal Umrah performers and visitors to Madinah. The results are based on field surveys and administrative records from the Pilgrim Experience Program and the Ministry of Tourism, in addition to approved statistical models.