Saudi Arabia has demonstrated remarkable progress in the World Bank’s Statistical Performance Index (SPI), jumping 22 spots in 2023. The Kingdom now leads the Gulf and Arab regions and ranks 14th among G20 nations, an improvement from 18th in 2022.
The World Bank’s latest evaluation, which includes 187 countries, highlighted the Kingdom’s significant advancements across five essential development areas globally. These areas include data sources, service quality, statistical usage, infrastructure, and related technological development across various sectors in Saudi Arabia. An updated methodology and time series data from 2016 to 2023 supported this comprehensive and detailed assessment of progress. Saudi Arabia achieved an impressive 95% score in the fifth area of development, demonstrating remarkable progress in its metrics. This score placed Saudi Arabia among the top seven G20 countries in terms of this specific development area.
Leadership and Strategy Drive Statistical Advancements
Dr. Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Dosari, President of the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), attributed Saudi Arabia’s success to the dedicated support from the nation’s leadership. He emphasized that the government’s focus on advancing statistical capabilities has significantly improved the sector’s ability to produce quality data. This high-quality and comprehensive data is crucial for informed decision-making across various sectors within the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s statistical transformation strategy aims to strengthen GASTAT’s technological infrastructure and broaden the scope of statistical surveys nationwide. It also focuses on fostering partnerships with the public, private sectors, and civil society to enhance collaboration. This strategic approach meets data needs locally, regionally, and internationally while ensuring user-friendly, interactive data presentations.
Supporting Vision 2030 with Advanced Data Capabilities
Saudi Arabia’s statistical improvements are pivotal for its broader development objectives aligned with Vision 2030. By providing accurate and readily available data, the Kingdom supports sustainable development planning, consolidating its position as a global leader in statistical performance. This achievement not only showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking but also sets a benchmark for statistical excellence across the region.
