GASTAT Marks 65 Years Of Official Statistical Work In Saudi Arabia's Development

GASTAT recently marked 65 years of statistical work in Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of Minister Faisal Alibrahim. The celebration took place at GASTAT's new headquarters in Riyadh, attended by Dr. Fahd Al-Dossari and other leaders. This milestone reflects a journey that began in 1960 with Royal Decree No. 23, establishing the Kingdom's official statistical body.

Minister Faisal Alibrahim highlighted the pivotal role statistics play in national decision-making during the event. He emphasised that GASTAT is entering a new era where statistical outputs are vital for Saudi Arabia’s transformation across all sectors. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which depends on precise data for measuring performance.

Dr. Fahd Al-Dossari shared that Saudi Arabia ranked first among Arab nations and moved up 22 places globally in the 2023 Statistical Performance Index. This accomplishment has enhanced the Kingdom’s global reputation and allowed it to host significant international events like the 6th UN World Data Forum.

The evolution of GASTAT into an independent authority underscores its role as the official reference and regulator for statistical work in Saudi Arabia. Its establishment as an independent entity highlights its importance in guiding public policy, monitoring development, and evaluating national targets.

The Kingdom's improved standing also led to its election to the UN High-Level Group on Statistics for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. This recognition reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing its statistical capabilities on a global scale.

The ceremony underscored GASTAT's ongoing commitment to providing accurate data essential for national progress. As Saudi Arabia continues to develop, reliable statistics will remain crucial for informed decision-making and achieving strategic goals outlined in Vision 2030.

With inputs from SPA