The General Authority for Statistics plays a pivotal role in shaping the Saudi economy, being the primary official source of economic and social data in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since its establishment in 2015, the authority has become an indispensable reference for investors, decision-makers, and analysts in the Saudi financial market. The data released by the authority—such as GDP, inflation rates, and unemployment—indirectly influences stock valuations and sectors within the Tadawul market. Understanding how the General Authority for Statistics operates and the accuracy of its data enhances the ability of all parties in the market to make more informed and objective decisions. In this article, we will detail the establishment of the authority, its responsibilities, the impact of its data on the financial market, key recent statistics, its relationship with national policies, and the most frequently asked questions about it. We will also highlight how the market and investors can benefit from the authority's services, showcasing the latest developments and initiatives it has recently launched. The golden advice remains: consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Definition of the General Authority for Statistics and Its Importance in the Financial Market
The General Authority for Statistics is the official government body authorized to collect, analyze, and publish statistical data in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established by royal decree in 2015, it serves as the sole national reference for official figures and statistics. The authority operates under the Ministry of Economy and Planning but works independently in its methodologies and statistical processes, adhering to international standards in this field.
In the Saudi financial market, the statistics from the General Authority for Statistics form the knowledge infrastructure relied upon by financial analysts and investors to assess economic performance and stocks. When the authority releases reports on GDP or inflation and unemployment rates, the market reacts to this data, as it reflects the overall economic condition affecting the profits of listed companies and growth expectations in vital sectors. Government entities, banks, financial institutions, and even individual investors rely on the authority's results to shape their financial policies and make strategic decisions.
Thus, the role of the General Authority for Statistics is not limited to publishing numbers; it extends to enhancing economic transparency, improving the investment climate, and achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by supporting decision-making processes based on accurate and reliable data.
Core Tasks of the General Authority for Statistics
The General Authority for Statistics focuses on several core tasks that represent the backbone of national statistics in the Kingdom. Among the most prominent of these tasks are:
1. Data Collection: Conducting periodic and comprehensive field surveys on population, employment, spending, industry, agriculture, trade, and other sectors. These surveys are conducted according to internationally recognized methodologies to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
2. Statistical Analysis: Specialized teams analyze raw data and convert it into meaningful economic and social indicators, such as growth rates, inflation, unemployment, and consumer spending.
3. Publication and Distribution: Issuing periodic reports (monthly, quarterly, annually) available to government and private institutions and the general public through the authority's website and open data platforms.
4. Supporting Government Policies: Providing decision-makers with the necessary data to design economic and social policies and evaluate the effectiveness of national development programs.
5. International Cooperation: Representing the Kingdom in global statistical forums and organizations, coordinating with international statistical entities to exchange expertise and ensure compliance with modern standards.
These tasks make the General Authority for Statistics a cornerstone in the economic information system, ensuring the credibility and reliability of the figures relied upon by the financial market.
Impact of the General Authority for Statistics Data on the Saudi Financial Market
Data from the General Authority for Statistics plays a crucial role in guiding the movement of financial markets in the Kingdom. The indicators it releases—such as GDP, inflation indicators, unemployment rates, and foreign trade data—are fundamental to all financial studies and analyses conducted by investors and analysts to assess the health of the economy and its future trends.
These data influence several aspects:
- Stock Valuation: Growth in GDP or a decrease in unemployment is often interpreted as a positive indicator supporting expectations of corporate profit growth, enhancing the attractiveness of stocks in related sectors.
- Central Bank Policies: Inflation figures play a key role in determining interest rates, which in turn affect the cost of borrowing and investment in the financial market.
- Investment Fund Decisions: Major funds rely on the authority's statistics to adjust their investment portfolios and allocate assets among different sectors.
- Market Confidence: Increased reliability of official data boosts confidence among local and international investors, attracting more capital to Saudi markets.
Thus, the timing of the release of data from the General Authority for Statistics often witnesses noticeable reactions in stock prices and financial indicators, underscoring the importance of monitoring these statistics for all parties in the market.
Key Recent Economic Indicators from the General Authority for Statistics (2024–2025)
Recent years have seen a significant development in the economic indicators released by the General Authority for Statistics, reflecting the dynamics of the Saudi economy. Below are the most important of these indicators according to the latest data:
- Economic Growth: The authority's estimates showed GDP growth of 1.3% in 2024 after a decline of -0.8% in 2023, indicating the beginning of economic recovery.
- Performance of the Non-Oil Sector: The non-oil sector recorded significant growth of 4.6% in the last quarter of 2024, reflecting the effectiveness of economic diversification programs.
- Inflation: The annual inflation rate stabilized at 1.9% by the end of 2024 and reached 2.3% in August 2025, with relative control over the prices of goods and services thanks to flexible monetary policies.
- Unemployment: The unemployment rate among Saudis stood at 6.8% in the second quarter of 2025, continuing a gradual downward trend supported by national employment programs.
- Trade and Exports: Oil exports increased at the end of 2024 with improved global prices, while non-oil exports maintained a moderate growth pace.
These indicators reflect the continuity of the Saudi economic recovery and the diversification of growth sources away from oil, while the market maintains its relative stability despite global fluctuations.
Methodology for Data Collection and Analysis in the General Authority for Statistics
The General Authority for Statistics relies on advanced and internationally recognized methodologies for data collection and analysis. The authority ensures the comprehensiveness of statistical samples and the accuracy of results through the following steps:
1. Survey Design: The authority prepares methodological designs for each statistical survey, specifying the time, geographical, and qualitative frameworks for the targeted samples.
2. Data Collection: Collection operations are carried out by trained field teams and advanced electronic techniques to ensure the speed and accuracy of information gathering.
3. Verification and Review: Preliminary data undergo multiple levels of auditing, including automated and human reviews, to detect errors or outlier values.
4. Statistical Analysis: Quantitative analysis tools and statistical modeling are applied to extract and interpret final indicators within the macroeconomic context.
5. Publication and Documentation: Results are published through detailed reports and made available to beneficiaries through the authority's official platforms.
These processes ensure that the outputs of the General Authority for Statistics are highly credible and usable in financial market reports and government policy-making.
The Role of the General Authority for Statistics in Achieving Saudi Vision 2030
The General Authority for Statistics is one of the executive arms supporting the achievement of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Its primary contribution lies in providing a reliable and accurate database to measure progress in national transformation indicators. By issuing periodic reports on the performance of non-oil sectors, unemployment rates, and inflation, the authority helps governmental and private entities evaluate the effectiveness of reform programs.
The authority has allocated special statistical programs to monitor the impact of economic diversification initiatives, such as measuring the contribution of tourism, health, entertainment, and technology to GDP. It has also developed new indicators to track the impact of localization programs, women's empowerment, and support for small and medium enterprises. The authority participates in preparing follow-up reports for Vision 2030, facilitating decision-makers in identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Through the integration of the authority's efforts with executive and regulatory bodies, accurate statistical data contributes to shaping more effective policies and supports strategic planning processes to achieve the Kingdom's economic and social aspirations.
Analysis of the Sector to Which the General Authority for Statistics Belongs
The General Authority for Statistics operates within the government sector, specifically in the public administration and statistical services sector. This sector is not competitive in the traditional sense, as the authority is the only entity officially authorized to issue national statistical data in the Kingdom.
The government statistics sector is characterized by several features:
- Focus on providing informational services rather than profit-making.
- Commitment to international statistical standards, such as recommendations from the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund.
- Indirect influence on other economic sectors by providing essential data for decision-making.
From the perspective of the financial market, the General Authority for Statistics represents the "digital infrastructure" upon which all productive, service, and financial sectors rely. The higher the quality and accuracy of the authority's data, the greater the market's ability to predict economic changes and plan for the future.
Is There Competition for the General Authority for Statistics in the Saudi Market?
There is no direct competition for the General Authority for Statistics within the Kingdom, as it is the exclusive entity for issuing official statistical data. However, there are some entities that may provide independent economic data or analyses, but they often rely on the authority's data itself. These entities include:
- International financial institutions: Such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which issue reports on the Saudi economy based on the authority's data.
- Local banks and research companies: Publish economic analyses and forecasts but largely depend on figures from the General Authority for Statistics.
- Financial media: Convey the authority's statistics and add various analyses or interpretations.
In summary, the General Authority for Statistics remains the primary and reliable source of data in the Kingdom, and its figures are used as the foundation for any economic study or report issued locally or internationally.
Latest Developments and Initiatives in the General Authority for Statistics (2024–2025)
Recently, the General Authority for Statistics has witnessed a series of developments and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and efficiency of statistical data in the Kingdom:
- Launch of the Open Data Portal: The authority has provided an electronic platform that allows easy and quick access to statistical indicators, supporting researchers, investors, and decision-makers.
- Updating Methodologies: Modern international statistical standards have been adopted in national surveys, with an expanded scope to include new sectors such as the digital economy and tourism.
- Development of Digital Services: The authority has launched smart applications that allow real-time inquiries about certain economic and social indicators.
- International Cooperation: The authority has strengthened its partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations, contributing to the recognition of the quality of Saudi data at the international level.
- Supporting Data Governance: A digital governance system has been developed, and data review processes have been updated to align with the goals of Vision 2030.
These initiatives reflect the authority's ongoing commitment to innovation and improving data quality, enhancing the Kingdom's position as a leading statistical hub regionally and internationally.
How to Access and Use Data from the General Authority for Statistics
The General Authority for Statistics provides its data and reports through several official channels to ensure access for all beneficiaries:
1. Official Website: The primary source for downloading monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and statistics.
2. Open Data Portal: A digital platform that allows downloading detailed databases, supporting researchers and programmers in developing advanced analytical solutions.
3. Press Releases: The authority issues brief data through media outlets, including key indicators and recent changes.
4. Collaboration with Government and Financial Entities: The authority provides customized reports for ministries, banks, and major companies to support planning and analysis operations.
Investors and institutions can benefit from this data in building financial models, predicting market trends, and assessing investment risks and opportunities. The authority also provides direct communication channels for technical inquiries or requests for additional data.
Impact of the General Authority for Statistics Data on Investment Decisions in the Saudi Market
Although the General Authority for Statistics does not provide investment recommendations, its data serves as a fundamental reference for investors in the Saudi stock and bond markets. For example:
- When positive data on GDP growth or declining inflation is released, it may be interpreted as an indicator of economic strength, boosting investor confidence in Saudi stocks.
- Conversely, rising unemployment rates or weak economic growth may prompt investors to reconsider their asset allocation or adopt more conservative policies.
- Investment funds and banks use the authority's data to build growth forecasts and estimate corporate profits, which reflects on stock prices in vital sectors such as banking, real estate, retail, and energy.
It is important to emphasize that the authority's data is a decision-making aid, and a licensed financial advisor should always be consulted before executing any investment in the market.
Future Challenges Facing the General Authority for Statistics
Despite the successes of the General Authority for Statistics in developing the national statistical system, it faces several challenges that require continuous response:
1. Accelerating Data Publication: The need to reduce the time gap between data collection and publication to meet immediate market demands.
2. Expanding Survey Scope: The necessity to monitor emerging sectors such as the digital economy, innovation, and financial technology.
3. Ensuring Data Security: Enhancing the digital governance system and protecting databases from cyber threats.
4. Raising Statistical Awareness: Encouraging institutions and individuals to use data scientifically and improving statistical literacy in society.
5. Integration with Other Government Entities: Developing mechanisms for data exchange with ministries and agencies to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of national indicators.
The authority is working to address these challenges by developing digital infrastructure, investing in human competencies, and continuously collaborating with local and international partners.
The Role of the General Authority for Statistics in Supporting Transparency and Economic Sustainability
The General Authority for Statistics directly contributes to enhancing transparency and economic sustainability in the Kingdom. By publishing accurate and reliable data on economic and social performance, the authority allows all parties—from investors, companies, decision-makers, and citizens—to understand the reality of the Saudi economy and its future directions.
Data transparency supports increased openness to foreign investments and raises accountability in the implementation of government programs. The authority's indicators help assess the environmental and social impact of economic policies, supporting the Kingdom's direction towards achieving sustainable development.
Additionally, the authority represents a platform for developing national competencies specialized in statistics and data analysis, enhancing the community's ability to face future challenges and make knowledge-based decisions.
Conclusion
The General Authority for Statistics represents the cornerstone of the economic structure of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, providing official statistics and accurate data relied upon by everyone in assessing economic performance and determining financial and investment policies. Through continuous development of digital infrastructure, adopting modern methodologies, and expanding the scope of services, the authority enhances the Kingdom's position as a leading statistical hub in the region. Although it is not an investment entity and does not provide financial recommendations, its role in supporting transparency and improving the quality of economic information is indispensable in the Saudi financial market. Always remember the importance of consulting a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision, and the SIGMIX platform can be an optimal starting point to benefit from analyses based on the official data issued by the General Authority for Statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core tasks of the General Authority for Statistics include collecting, analyzing, and publishing official statistical data about various economic and social sectors in the Kingdom. These tasks include conducting field surveys, issuing periodic reports (monthly, quarterly, annually), supporting decision-makers with the necessary data to shape policies, and developing new indicators that meet the needs of Saudi Vision 2030. The authority also commits to applying international standards in all its statistical operations.
The authority's data indirectly affects the Saudi financial market by providing macroeconomic indicators such as GDP, inflation, and unemployment. Investors and financial institutions use this data to assess the health of the economy and forecast the future performance of companies listed on the Tadawul. The central bank's policies also rely on the authority's indicators to determine interest rates and monetary measures.
Data from the General Authority for Statistics can be accessed through the authority's official website, which provides monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and statistics. An open data portal is also available for downloading detailed databases, along with press releases and reports published by the authority through media and government platforms.
The authority relies on internationally recognized methodologies for data collection, including designing representative samples, using electronic techniques for information gathering, conducting multi-level data review and verification, and advanced statistical analysis. It also collaborates with various government entities to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of indicators, and it commits to continuously reviewing and updating its methodologies to keep pace with global developments.
The data from the General Authority for Statistics enjoys a high degree of reliability, as the authority adheres to international statistical standards and is recognized by organizations such as the United Nations. The data undergoes periodic reviews and internal and external audits to ensure accuracy and reliability, and it is used as a foundational element in reports from local and international financial institutions.
The authority supports the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 by providing accurate and reliable data to monitor the performance of economic and social sectors. This data helps evaluate the impact of economic diversification programs, women's empowerment, support for small and medium enterprises, and improving quality of life, thereby enhancing decision-makers' ability to achieve national vision goals.
The authority does not issue real-time reports directly, but it regularly provides monthly and quarterly indicators. It has also launched an open data portal that allows downloading periodically updated databases and is continuously working to accelerate the pace of data publication to meet changing market needs.
The most important data for investors includes GDP indicators, inflation (Consumer Price Index), unemployment rates, and foreign trade data. These indicators help analyze economic trends, estimate future corporate profits, and formulate investment strategies based on scientific and realistic foundations.
The authority does not issue detailed reports on public finance or public debt, as these fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance and the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority. However, the authority includes public finance data within GDP calculations and the distribution of sectoral contributions to the national economy.
Companies and financial institutions use the authority's data to estimate expected growth in various sectors. For example, an increase in GDP or improvement in employment indicators may positively reflect on profit forecasts for companies in sectors such as banking, real estate, and retail. This data is integrated into financial models to predict future stock performance.
The General Authority for Statistics is not an investment entity nor a publicly traded company on the Tadawul; it is a government body providing statistical services. There is no specific share for the authority, but its data indirectly affects stock valuations and sectors in the Saudi financial market.