What This Article Is About & Why It Matters
This article highlights a key meeting between Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and the UAE’s Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) on April 30, 2025. It underscores both nations’ commitment to data-driven development by enhancing statistical cooperation, aligning national visions, and supporting smart governance through robust, shared analytics.

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Saudi Arabia, UAE Strengthen Data Partnership

On April 30, 2025, the President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, welcomed a distinguished delegation from the UAE’s Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), led by Managing Director Hanan Ahli. The meeting took place in Riyadh and focused on forging deeper collaboration in the field of national statistics.

The two sides agreed on key strategic initiatives, including the integration of data collection tools, the refinement of statistical methodologies, and the exchange of technical expertise. These efforts aim to boost the accuracy, transparency, and impact of statistical data to support policy-making and national development goals in both countries.

In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, this partnership reflects the Kingdom’s pursuit of data excellence as a foundation for strategic decision-making, economic diversification, and international cooperation. By enhancing statistical reliability and insight, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its role as a regional leader in smart governance and institutional innovation.

This initiative is also a testament to the Kingdom’s values—collaboration, modernization, and evidence-based planning—further strengthening bonds among Gulf nations and positioning Saudi Arabia as a pioneer in global data diplomacy.

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Vision 2030 Alignment
This statistical partnership supports Vision 2030’s focus on innovation, transparency, and institutional transformation by advancing data infrastructure and analytical capabilities across key sectors.

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Historical Context
Since unification in 1932, Saudi Arabia has evolved from an oil-reliant economy to a data-driven state. Statistics now play a vital role in national planning, echoing its ongoing transformation.

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International Benchmarks
Saudi Arabia, alongside the UAE, now ranks among top Gulf nations for data integration and smart governance. GASTAT’s reforms align with international standards in statistical excellence and cross-border collaboration.

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Vision 2030 Metrics in Focus

• Enhanced data accuracy and accessibility for national projects
• Integration of AI and modern analytics in policymaking
• Cross-border cooperation with strategic Gulf partners
• Evidence-based monitoring of Vision 2030 goals
• Expansion of open data platforms and digital transparency

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For Non-Saudi Nationals
Saudi Arabia warmly invites international professionals and researchers to engage with its fast-growing data ecosystem, rooted in transparency, innovation, and collaboration.

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3 Helpful Government Links

• www.stats.gov.sa – GASTAT: Access official statistics, economic reports, and development indicators
• www.vision2030.gov.sa – Vision 2030 Portal: Explore national goals, metrics, and transformation updates
• www.fsc.gov.ae – UAE FCSC: Learn about Emirati statistical efforts and partnership programs

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Factbox Summary (50 words)

• Date: April 30, 2025
• Location: Riyadh
• Event: GASTAT hosts UAE’s FCSC for statistical talks
• Topics: Methodology, data sharing, strategic indicators
• Vision 2030 Link: Smarter governance, data integration, regional cooperation

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Discover
Explore how Saudi Arabia is transforming data into progress. From sharing knowledge with Gulf neighbors to pioneering analytics for policy, the Kingdom is building a smarter, more transparent future with every dataset.

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15 FAQ and Answers

1. What was the purpose of the GASTAT and FCSC meeting?
The meeting focused on enhancing statistical cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE through shared tools, expertise, and methodologies.

2. When did the meeting take place?
The high-level discussion occurred on April 30, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

3. Who led the Saudi delegation?
Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), led the Saudi side.

4. Who represented the UAE?
Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), led the Emirati delegation.

5. What are the goals of the collaboration?
Goals include improving statistical methods, data sharing, and the development of strategic indicators to aid national planning.

6. How does this align with Vision 2030?
The initiative supports Vision 2030’s emphasis on transparency, innovation, and data-informed decision-making.

7. What will improved data integration achieve?
It will enable better governance, more accurate development planning, and real-time monitoring of economic and social trends.

8. Will the two countries share their data systems?
They aim to align methodologies and collaborate on system improvements while maintaining national data sovereignty.

9. How will this benefit policymakers?
It provides them with reliable, updated information to support evidence-based strategies and efficient resource allocation.

10. Are AI and digital tools part of this plan?
Yes. The collaboration includes modern tools like AI and data analytics for enhanced statistical outputs.

11. Why is regional cooperation important in data science?
It improves comparability, encourages innovation, and fosters mutual learning across similar national agendas.

12. What is GASTAT’s broader role in Vision 2030?
GASTAT monitors progress across sectors, providing the metrics necessary to evaluate Vision 2030 initiatives.

13. Can this cooperation expand to other Gulf states?
Yes. The initiative may inspire similar collaborations across the GCC to unify development metrics and plans.

14. How does this reflect Saudi Arabia’s values?
It demonstrates values of partnership, progress, and transparency in national governance and planning.

15. Where can I access GASTAT data?
Visit www.stats.gov.sa for economic indicators, demographic reports, and development data.

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Final Message from Harry Stuckler
At KSA.com, we applaud Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking leadership in statistics and cooperation. These partnerships make the Kingdom a regional hub for evidence-based progress and intelligent planning.

“Bringing Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia.”
By 2030, KSA.com will proudly be the Kingdom’s largest global platform—spotlighting innovation, partnerships, and prosperity.

With appreciation,
Harry Stuckler
Editor & Publisher, KSA.com