GASTAT President Opens High-Level Workshop on Big Data Policies in Riyadh
President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Fahad Aldossari opened a high-level workshop entitled “Big Data Policies”, organized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Riyadh on January 19, 2026. The workshop explored ways to leverage big data in support of macroeconomic statistics and enhance the quality of government decision-making.
According to GASTAT, the workshop aims to enhance high-level dialogue among senior officials from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on integrating big data with official statistics and on developing regional cooperation to advance innovative solutions. It also seeks to build institutional capacity to use data sources to support economic and development planning, as well as decision-makers and policymakers.
During his participation, Aldossari reviewed the Kingdom’s key achievements in data and statistics, highlighting the National Strategy for Statistical Development and the General Population and Housing Census 2022, which received wide recognition at both regional and international levels. He also referred to the Kingdom’s progress in several international statistical indicators in accordance with approved international classifications, as well as GASTAT’s efforts to enhance the technical infrastructure, adopt advanced analytical tools, and expand the scope of local and international partnerships, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, affirming the role and importance of big data in developing national statistical systems.
Aldossari concluded his participation by referring to the Kingdom’s ongoing preparations to host the prominent global event, the 6th United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF), in November 2026, and the launch of the Road to Riyadh series of events. He highlighted the forums, seminars, workshops, and in-person and virtual dialogue sessions held during the past period and scheduled for the coming months, which aim to showcase the Kingdom’s readiness for hosting the forum, keep pace with rapidly evolving global developments in statistical work, and strengthen its strategic partnerships at both the regional and international levels.
Furthermore, GASTAT hosted members and representatives from the IMF who participated in the workshop to brief them on the Kingdom’s latest statistical developments, including initiatives and programs implemented throughout 2025.
