Big Data Policies Highlighted As GASTAT President Opens IMF-Organised Workshop In Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics is using an international workshop on big data policies in Riyadh to underline how new data sources can support macroeconomic statistics and improve government decision-making, while also strengthening regional cooperation on statistical innovation across the Middle East and North Africa.

President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Fahad Aldossari opened the high-level event, organised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and linked its themes to Saudi Vision 2030, stressing that big data now plays a central role in developing robust national statistical systems.

Aldossari outlined GASTAT’s main achievements, focusing on the National Strategy for Statistical Development and the General Population and Housing Census 2022, which have drawn broad recognition at regional and international levels, and have helped the Kingdom progress across several global statistical indicators that follow recognised international classifications.

The workshop seeks to deepen dialogue among senior MENA officials on how to integrate big data with official statistics, develop new regional partnerships, and build institutional capacity so that diverse data sources can support economic and development planning, and provide stronger evidence for decision-makers and policymakers across participating countries.

Aldossari also referred to Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 6th United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF) in November 2026, noting the launch of the Road to Riyadh programme, which includes forums, seminars, workshops and both in-person and virtual dialogue sessions held recently and planned for the coming months.

During their visit, IMF members and representatives attending the workshop were briefed at GASTAT on the Kingdom’s latest statistical developments, including initiatives and programmes scheduled through 2025, as Saudi Arabia continues to highlight its readiness for the UNWDF and its aim to align with global developments in statistical work.

With inputs from SPA