Manama: The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) marked GCC Statistics Day, observed annually on December 24, alongside the GCC Statistical Center and statistical authorities across the Gulf region, under the theme 'Unified Data, Shared Vision,' reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen statistical cooperation and coordination among GCC states.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Duaa Sultan Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive for Statistics and Population Registry at the iGA, commended the efforts of national statistical professionals, noting that their work in producing official statistics and conducting national surveys strengthens data reliability and supports strategic planning and evidence-based policymaking at both national and GCC levels.
She stated that GCC Statistics Day provides an important opportunity to highlight statistical achievements while reinforcing regional and international cooperation, emphasizing the iGA's commitment to data integration, innovation in statistical processes, and enhanced regional collaboration to strengthen national statistical systems and ensure the availability of accurate, high-quality data to support decision-making and development policies.
Duaa Sultan congratulated statistical professionals at the iGA and their partners across public and private sector entities in the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as the GCC Statistical Center and statistical authorities in GCC member states, wishing them continued progress in supporting sustainable development and advancing statistical integration.
Deputy Chief Executive Duaa Sultan outlined key statistical achievements realized by the iGA in 2025, including the launch of a new interface for the Bahrain Open Data Portal (data.gov.bh), enhanced through artificial intelligence to improve smart search and data accessibility. The portal hosts more than 460 datasets published by 44 government entities, has recorded over 15 million visits, and more than 232,000 file downloads. Frequently accessed datasets include demographic statistics, quarterly inward foreign direct investment by country, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The portal also includes a dedicated section for statistical time-series reports to support research, analysis, transparency, and public participation.
She noted that, in coordination with national partners and in line with international standards, 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 CPI surveys. Preparations have also been completed for the Labour Force Survey scheduled for launch in 2026.
She added that national statistical databases were updated, including water statistics through 2021 and GCC Common Market databases covering 1995 to 2024. Digital solutions were also adopted, including the automation of economic confidence indicators and foreign investment data, in preparation for implementation from 2026.
During 2025, the iGA issued nearly 50 statistical publications in accordance with international standards, covering national accounts, foreign trade, prices, foreign investment, tourism, and establishment surveys. It also 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, 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 national, regional, and international entities, including GCC, UN, World Bank, and FAO bodies, and participated in more than 20 regional statistical committees and working groups.
She concluded by emphasizing that these achievements reflect the iGA's commitment to developing national statistical systems in line with international best practices and supporting data-driven decision-making, in line with the leadership's vision for digital transformation and sustainable development.
GCC Statistics Day was established by a decision of the GCC Ministerial Council at its 141st session in November 2016 in Manama to highlight the role of statistics in development planning and strengthen partnerships among member states.