iGA Deputy Chief Executive for Statistics and Population Registry, Duaa Sultan Mohamed praised the continued efforts of professionals working in national statistics. “Their dedication to producing official statistics and conducting national surveys forms a cornerstone of the sector’s development, enhances data reliability, and supports strategic planning and evidence-based policymaking at both the national and GCC levels,” she stated.

“GCC Statistics Day represents an important opportunity to showcase statistical achievements while reinforcing regional and international collaboration,” she added, the iGA’s commitment to celebrating this occasion in partnership with statistical centers across the GCC and to continuing efforts aimed at data integration, innovation in statistical processes, and closer regional cooperation. These efforts, she explained, contribute to strengthening national statistical systems and ensuring the availability of accurate and data quality to support decision-making and development policies across the region.

She congratulated statistical professionals working at the iGA, as well as their partners across public and private sector entities in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in recognition of their contributions. She also extended her congratulations to the GCC Statistical Center and all statistical authorities across the GCC member states, wishing them continued progress in supporting sustainable development, advancing GCC statistical integration, and serving the aspirations of Gulf societies for an even more prosperous future.

She outlined several key achievements realized by the iGA in the field of statistics in 2025, most notably the launch of the new interface for the Bahrain Open Data Portal, data.gov.bh. The portal was enhanced through the use of AI technologies to improve smart search capabilities and data accessibility. It now hosts more than 460 datasets published by 44 government entities and has recorded over 15 million visits, with available files downloaded more than 232,000 times. Among the most requested datasets are demographic statistics, quarterly inward foreign direct investment by country, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In addition, the portal provides a dedicated section for statistical time-series reports , enabling researchers and specialists to access comprehensive and accurate data to support analysis, decision-making, transparency, and public participation.

In coordination with partners across the national statistical system and in line with international standards and methodologies, the iGA implemented several major surveys, including the 2024 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, the National Health Survey 2025, Economic Confidence Indicator surveys, Tourism surveys, and Producer Price Index (PPI) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) surveys. Preparatory work has also been completed for the Labour Force Survey, which is scheduled for launch in 2026.

She further highlighted the iGA’s efforts to update national statistical databases, including the water statistics database through 2021 and the GCC Common Market databases covering the period from 1995 to 2024. She pointed to the adoption of digital solutions, including the automation of economic confidence indicators and foreign investment data, in preparation for implementation beginning in 2026. These initiatives will further enhance the iGA’s ability to deliver timely, accurate, and reliable indicators to support planning and informed decision-making.

During 2025, the iGA published nearly 50 statistical releases in accordance with international standards, covering national accounts, foreign trade, consumer and producer prices, foreign investment, tourism surveys, and establishment surveys. These publications provide a comprehensive and accurate picture of economic and social sectors. In addition, the iGA launched the National Summary Data Page (NSDP) for key economic and financial indicators, in line with the International Monetary Fund’s General Data Dissemination System (GDDS), and in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, and the Ministry of Sustainable Development.

Over the same period, the iGA responded to more than 600 statistical data requests from government, private sector, and regional, and international entities, including the GCC Statistical Center, the United Nations Statistics Division, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. This reflects the iGA’s commitment to meeting both national and international data requirements. At the regional level, the iGA participated in more than 20 statistical committees and working groups, contributing to enhanced cooperation and the exchange of expertise.

She concluded by affirming that these achievements demonstrate the iGA’s commitment to developing national statistical systems in line with international best practices and to supporting data-driven decision-making. “Our efforts align with the leadership’s vision to advance digital transformation and innovation in statistical processes, contributing to sustainable development and strengthening the national economy, while underscoring continued government support for this vital sector,” she added.

GCC Statistics Day was established following a decision by the GCC Ministerial Council at its 141st session, held on 24th November 2016 in Manama, to highlight the importance of statistics and their critical role in development planning, and to strengthen partnerships among member states. This commitment has been reflected through regular meetings, agreements, and the organization of professional workshops and training programs, all of which have had a positive impact on GCC statistical systems, capacities, and data outputs.

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