GASTAT President Joins 15th GCC Statistical Committee

President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari participated on November 10, 2026, in the 15th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Permanent Committee for Statistical Work, held via videoconference and organized by the GCC Statistical Center. The meeting brought together the heads of statistical agencies from all GCC member states to strengthen cooperation and coordination and to advance joint statistical work in support of development across the region. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the committee discussed a proposed governance framework to improve the sharing of statistical knowledge and expertise among member states, document their national experiences, and strengthen statistical capabilities.

The agenda also included a methodological framework for measuring tourism’s total contribution to the economy, a draft memorandum of understanding between the GCC Statistical Center and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and guidelines for giving international organizations access to microdata while promoting statistical cooperation and protecting data confidentiality. The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to advance joint statistical work across the GCC and make member states’ statistical systems more efficient and better able to respond to future development needs. So why does this seemingly technical gathering matter for the region’s economic future and for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious transformation?

Context and Background

What is the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work, and why has it become a cornerstone of regional integration? Established under the umbrella of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the committee serves as the primary platform for statistical agencies from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman to harmonize methodologies, exchange best practices, and produce comparable data. The GCC Statistical Center, based in Muscat, Oman, provides technical and logistical support, organizing regular meetings that rotate among member states or take place virtually when necessary. The 15th meeting, held via videoconference on November 10, 2026, marked another step in a long tradition of collaboration that dates back to the council’s founding in 1981.

Over the years, the committee has overseen the development of common statistical standards, including classifications, sampling frames, and data dissemination policies. These efforts have enabled the GCC to speak with a more unified voice in international forums and to provide investors, policymakers, and researchers with reliable, cross-border data. For Saudi Arabia, participation in this committee aligns with the Kingdom’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and modernize its institutions under Vision 2030. The General Authority for Statistics, led by Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, has been at the forefront of these efforts, implementing advanced data collection methods and expanding the scope of official statistics to cover new sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and renewable energy. The 15th meeting thus built on a solid foundation of prior achievements while addressing emerging challenges.

Why is statistical cooperation more critical now than ever before? As the GCC economies become increasingly interconnected, the demand for timely, accurate, and comparable data has never been higher. Governments need reliable statistics to design fiscal policies, monitor labor markets, and assess the impact of mega-projects. The private sector relies on data to make investment decisions and identify growth opportunities. International organizations, including the United Nations and its specialized agencies, use GCC statistics to track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, the Permanent Committee for Statistical Work plays a vital role in ensuring that data flows seamlessly across borders and meets global quality standards. The 15th meeting’s agenda reflected these priorities, focusing on governance, tourism measurement, and data access—three areas that are essential for the region’s next phase of development.

Key Details

What exactly was discussed at the 15th meeting, and how will these discussions translate into action? According to SPA, the committee reviewed a proposed governance framework designed to improve the sharing of statistical knowledge and expertise among member states. This framework aims to document national experiences, facilitate the exchange of technical know-how, and strengthen statistical capabilities across the GCC. By formalizing the way knowledge is shared, the committee hopes to reduce duplication of effort, accelerate the adoption of best practices, and ensure that all member states benefit from each other’s innovations. The governance framework is expected to include mechanisms for regular reporting, peer reviews, and joint training programs, which will help build a more cohesive statistical community in the Gulf.

The agenda also featured a methodological framework for measuring tourism’s total contribution to the economy. This is particularly significant for Saudi Arabia, which has identified tourism as a key pillar of Vision 2030. The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030 and increase tourism’s share of GDP to 10 percent. To track progress toward these goals, GASTAT and its GCC counterparts need robust methodologies that capture not only direct tourism spending but also indirect and induced effects. The proposed framework will provide a standardized approach for measuring tourism’s economic footprint, enabling more accurate comparisons across countries and informing policy decisions. This initiative complements Saudi Arabia’s own efforts to develop a Tourism Satellite Account, which provides a comprehensive picture of the sector’s contribution to employment, investment, and exports.

Another key item on the agenda was a draft memorandum of understanding between the GCC Statistical Center and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This partnership would focus on improving population statistics, reproductive health data, and demographic analysis—areas where UNFPA has significant expertise. By collaborating with UNFPA, the GCC Statistical Center aims to enhance the quality and availability of population data, which is essential for planning public services, infrastructure, and social programs. The memorandum of understanding, once finalized, will facilitate joint capacity-building activities, technical assistance, and research initiatives. It reflects the GCC’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships to advance its statistical systems.

Finally, the committee discussed guidelines for giving international organizations access to microdata while promoting statistical cooperation and protecting data confidentiality. Microdata—detailed, anonymized records from surveys and censuses—are invaluable for researchers and policymakers seeking to understand complex social and economic phenomena. However, sharing such data raises legitimate concerns about privacy and confidentiality. The guidelines aim to strike a balance by establishing clear protocols for data access, including accreditation requirements, secure data enclaves, and strict confidentiality agreements. By adopting these guidelines, GCC member states can facilitate evidence-based research while safeguarding the privacy of individuals and businesses. This approach aligns with international best practices and reinforces the region’s reputation as a responsible data steward.

International and Regional Impact

How will the outcomes of this meeting resonate beyond the Gulf region? The decisions taken by the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work have implications for international organizations, foreign investors, and global data users. When GCC countries adopt common statistical standards, they make it easier for entities like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations to analyze regional trends and compare the Gulf’s performance with other parts of the world. Harmonized data also reduces the risk of discrepancies that can undermine confidence in official statistics. For international businesses, the availability of reliable, comparable data across the GCC is a key factor in investment decisions, as it allows for more accurate market assessments and risk evaluations.

At the regional level, the meeting reinforced the spirit of cooperation that defines the GCC. By working together on statistical issues, member states demonstrate their commitment to collective progress and shared prosperity. The proposed governance framework, in particular, will help smaller member states benefit from the experience and resources of larger ones, while also allowing them to contribute their own unique perspectives. This collaborative approach is essential for addressing common challenges, such as measuring the impact of climate change, tracking labor market dynamics, and monitoring the effectiveness of economic diversification policies. The 15th meeting thus contributed to a more integrated and resilient Gulf region.

What does this mean for Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the region? As the largest GCC economy and the host of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has a natural interest in promoting high-quality statistics. GASTAT’s active participation in the committee underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to regional cooperation and its willingness to share expertise. Under the leadership of Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, GASTAT has undertaken a comprehensive modernization program, adopting advanced technologies such as satellite imagery, big data analytics, and mobile data collection. These innovations have not only improved the accuracy and timeliness of Saudi statistics but also positioned the Kingdom as a leader in the field. By sharing its experiences with other GCC countries, Saudi Arabia helps raise the overall standard of statistical work in the region, which in turn supports the Kingdom’s own economic and social goals.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why should economists and business leaders pay attention to statistical harmonization? In an era of data-driven decision-making, the quality of statistics directly affects the quality of economic policy. For Saudi Arabia, reliable data is essential for monitoring the progress of Vision 2030 initiatives, from the growth of the private sector to the expansion of the tourism industry. The methodological framework for measuring tourism’s contribution, for example, will help policymakers understand the true impact of investments in entertainment, hospitality, and cultural heritage. This, in turn, will inform decisions about where to allocate resources and how to design incentives. Similarly, the governance framework for knowledge sharing will accelerate the adoption of best practices, leading to more efficient statistical operations and cost savings.

From a strategic perspective, the meeting reinforced the GCC’s position as a hub for investment and innovation. When international organizations and investors see that the Gulf countries are committed to transparency and data quality, they gain confidence in the region’s economic prospects. The draft memorandum of understanding with UNFPA, for instance, signals that the GCC is serious about addressing demographic challenges and improving social outcomes. The guidelines on microdata access demonstrate a commitment to balancing openness with privacy, which is increasingly important in the digital age. Together, these initiatives enhance the GCC’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment and as a partner for global research collaborations.

Moreover, the meeting highlighted the role of statistics in supporting economic diversification. As GCC countries reduce their dependence on oil, they need accurate data on non-oil sectors to track progress and identify new opportunities. The tourism measurement framework is a prime example: by quantifying tourism’s total contribution, governments can better assess the return on investment in tourism infrastructure and promotion. For Saudi Arabia, this is particularly relevant as it develops mega-projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Diriyah Gate, all of which have significant tourism components. Reliable statistics will help ensure that these projects deliver the expected economic benefits and create jobs for Saudi citizens.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does GASTAT’s participation in the 15th meeting align with Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is built on three pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. Each of these pillars relies on accurate, timely data. GASTAT, as the Kingdom’s official statistical authority, plays a central role in providing the evidence base for Vision 2030 programs. By engaging with GCC counterparts, GASTAT not only strengthens regional cooperation but also brings back valuable insights and best practices that can be applied domestically. The meeting’s focus on tourism measurement directly supports the Vision 2030 goal of increasing tourism’s contribution to GDP and creating jobs in the sector. The governance framework for knowledge sharing will help GASTAT continue to modernize its operations, ensuring that Saudi statistics meet the highest international standards.

Furthermore, the partnership with UNFPA on population statistics supports the Vision 2030 objective of improving quality of life and building a vibrant society. Accurate demographic data is essential for planning healthcare, education, and social services, all of which are key components of the Vision. The guidelines on microdata access reflect the Vision’s emphasis on transparency and good governance, while also protecting the privacy of Saudi citizens. As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation, the role of GASTAT will only grow in importance. The 15th meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to regional collaboration and to using data as a tool for progress. Under the leadership of Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, GASTAT is well positioned to help Saudi Arabia achieve its ambitious goals and to contribute to a more prosperous and integrated Gulf region.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main purpose of the 15th meeting of the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work?

A1. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation and coordination among GCC statistical agencies, advance joint statistical work, and support development across the region. It focused on governance, tourism measurement, and data access.

Q2. Who represented Saudi Arabia at the meeting?

A2. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), represented Saudi Arabia. He participated via videoconference on November 10, 2026.

Q3. What is the GCC Statistical Center, and what role does it play?

A3. The GCC Statistical Center, based in Muscat, Oman, provides technical and logistical support for statistical cooperation among GCC member states. It organized the 15th meeting and facilitates joint initiatives.

Q4. What governance framework was proposed at the meeting?

A4. The proposed governance framework aims to improve the sharing of statistical knowledge and expertise among member states, document national experiences, and strengthen statistical capabilities through regular reporting and peer reviews.

Q5. Why is measuring tourism’s total contribution to the economy important?

A5. It helps policymakers understand the full economic impact of tourism, including direct, indirect, and induced effects. This supports informed decisions on investment and policy, especially for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism goals.

Q6. What is the draft memorandum of understanding between the GCC Statistical Center and UNFPA about?

A6. The draft MoU focuses on improving population statistics, reproductive health data, and demographic analysis. It will facilitate joint capacity-building, technical assistance, and research initiatives between the two organizations.

Q7. What are microdata, and why are guidelines for access needed?

A7. Microdata are detailed, anonymized records from surveys and censuses. Guidelines are needed to balance research access with privacy protection, ensuring data confidentiality while promoting statistical cooperation.

Q8. How does this meeting benefit Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A8. It supports Vision 2030 by enhancing data quality for tourism, population, and economic planning. Regional cooperation helps GASTAT adopt best practices and improve statistics that underpin Vision 2030 programs.

Q9. What is GASTAT’s role in Saudi Arabia?

A9. GASTAT is the Kingdom’s official statistical authority, responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating reliable data. It supports evidence-based policymaking and monitors progress toward Vision 2030 goals.

Q10. How often does the GCC Permanent Committee for Statistical Work meet?

A10. The committee meets regularly, typically annually, with the 15th meeting held in 2026. Meetings may be held in person or via videoconference, depending on circumstances.

Q11. What are the benefits of harmonizing statistics across the GCC?

A11. Harmonization enables comparable data across member states, facilitating regional planning, investment decisions, and international comparisons. It also strengthens the GCC’s collective voice in global forums.

Q12. How will the tourism measurement framework be implemented?

A12. The framework will provide a standardized methodology for measuring tourism’s economic contribution. Member states will adopt it to produce consistent data, which will inform policy and investment decisions.

Q13. What role do international organizations play in GCC statistical work?

A13. International organizations like the UNFPA provide expertise, technical assistance, and capacity-building. They also use GCC statistics to track global development goals and support evidence-based research.

Q14. How does data confidentiality factor into the guidelines?

A14. The guidelines include strict protocols for data access, such as accreditation and secure enclaves, to protect individual and business privacy while allowing researchers to use microdata responsibly.

Q15. What are the next steps after the 15th meeting?

A15. The committee will finalize the governance framework, tourism methodology, and MoU with UNFPA. Member states will then implement these initiatives and report on progress at future meetings.

Q16. How does this meeting reflect Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the region?

A16. Saudi Arabia’s active participation demonstrates its commitment to regional cooperation and its leadership in statistical modernization. GASTAT’s expertise contributes to raising standards across the GCC.

Q17. What are the economic implications of better tourism statistics?

A17. Better statistics enable more accurate assessment of tourism’s economic impact, guiding investment and policy. This can lead to job creation, increased GDP contribution, and more effective promotion of destinations.

Q18. How does GASTAT use technology to improve statistics?

A18. GASTAT employs advanced technologies such as satellite imagery, big data analytics, and mobile data collection. These tools enhance the accuracy, timeliness, and scope of Saudi statistics.

Q19. What is the significance of the UNFPA partnership for the GCC?

A19. The partnership will strengthen population data and demographic analysis, which are essential for planning public services and social programs. It also aligns with global development goals.

Q20. How can the public access GCC statistical data?

A20. Statistical data are disseminated through official websites and publications of national statistical agencies and the GCC Statistical Center. Many datasets are available for free to researchers and the public.

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