The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has launched a new Micro Data Center service to provide accurate statistical data and information to clients, including decision-makers, policymakers, academics, and researchers. The initiative, announced on January 5, 2025, via the Saudi Press Agency, aims to empower users to leverage data for analysis, modeling, identifying opportunities, and addressing future challenges in economic and social activities, while supporting comprehensive and sustainable development objectives.
Context and Background
GASTAT’s Micro Data Center represents a significant advancement in the Kingdom’s data infrastructure, offering structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data across multiple fields. The center facilitates both descriptive and predictive analysis, bolstering GASTAT’s role as the primary provider of official statistics. This launch comes amid increasing demand for high-quality data to support strategic planning and performance measurement in line with Saudi Arabia’s national priorities.
Key Details
GASTAT emphasized that the Micro Data Center will deliver data in a new, accessible format to government and private sectors, individuals, and international organizations. All information provided is kept strictly confidential, ensuring protection and use solely for statistical purposes. Access to the center’s services can be requested via the GASTAT website at https://www.stats.gov.sa/micro-data, by contacting the Statistical Information Center at the unified number (199009), or by emailing customer support at [email protected]. The service supports the development of strategies, plans, performance programs, and indicators through an integrated framework with relevant government entities.
Implications and Impact
This initiative is expected to enhance evidence-based decision-making across the Kingdom, enabling more precise policy formulation and economic planning. By providing researchers and analysts with high-quality data, the center will contribute to identifying growth opportunities and addressing social and economic challenges. The confidentiality measures ensure trust among users, fostering broader data utilization for sustainable development.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The Micro Data Center aligns directly with Saudi Vision 2030 by supporting data-driven governance and economic diversification. By equipping decision-makers with accurate statistics, the service aids in measuring progress toward national goals, enhancing transparency, and fostering innovation. This launch underscores GASTAT’s commitment to modernizing statistical services and contributing to the Kingdom’s long-term vision of a vibrant society and thriving economy.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Micro Data Center?
A1. The Micro Data Center is a new service by GASTAT that provides accurate statistical data and information to clients for analysis, modeling, and decision-making.
Q2. Who can use the Micro Data Center?
A2. The service is available to decision-makers, policymakers in government and private sectors, academics, researchers, and those interested in statistical matters.
Q3. When was the Micro Data Center launched?
A3. The Micro Data Center was announced on January 5, 2025, through the Saudi Press Agency.
Q4. What types of data does the center offer?
A4. The center offers structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data across various economic and social fields.
Q5. How can users access the Micro Data Center?
A5. Users can access the service via the GASTAT website at https://www.stats.gov.sa/micro-data, by phone at 199009, or by email at [email protected].
Q6. What is the main purpose of the Micro Data Center?
A6. The purpose is to empower users to utilize data for analysis, identifying opportunities, and addressing future challenges in economic and social activities.
Q7. How does the center ensure data confidentiality?
A7. All information provided is kept strictly confidential, with protection and usage solely for statistical purposes.
Q8. Who announced the launch of the Micro Data Center?
A8. The launch was announced by GASTAT through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Q9. What analytical methods does the center support?
A9. The center supports both descriptive and predictive analysis methods.
Q10. How does the Micro Data Center support Vision 2030?
A10. It supports Vision 2030 by enabling data-driven decision-making, measuring progress, and fostering transparency and innovation.
Q11. What is the role of GASTAT in Saudi Arabia?
A11. GASTAT is the official provider of statistics in Saudi Arabia, responsible for collecting and disseminating accurate data.
Q12. Can international organizations use the Micro Data Center?
A12. Yes, the center’s services are available to international organizations, along with public and private sectors and individuals.
Q13. What are the benefits for researchers?
A13. Researchers receive high-quality, precise data for analysis, enabling them to contribute to economic and social studies and planning.
Q14. How does the center address increasing data demand?
A14. By providing a new way to access diverse data types, the center meets growing needs for accurate information in strategy development.
A15. The center works with all relevant government entities to ensure an integrated framework for data provision.
Q16. What is the unified number for the Statistical Information Center?
A16. The unified number is (199009).
Q17. Does the center support sustainable development goals?
A17. Yes, the service supports comprehensive and sustainable development objectives through improved data access.
Q18. How does the center help in identifying opportunities?
A18. By providing accurate data for modeling and analysis, the center helps users identify opportunities in economic and social activities.
Q19. What is the email for customer support?
A19. The customer support email is [email protected].
Q20. How does the Micro Data Center improve decision-making?
A20. It provides accurate, reliable data that empowers policymakers and decision-makers to formulate strategies and plans based on evidence.
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