The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre of the UAE has entered into a strategic partnership with the Saudi General Authority for Statistics. This initiative aims to enhance institutional collaboration in statistics and data, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and support efforts to build a future development framework rooted in data strength.
This partnership was announced during the UAE delegation’s participation in the Saudi Statistics Forum 2025. The objective is to develop joint programs for promoting statistical culture and improving the quality of national data in accordance with international standards. This will provide reliable data for decision-makers to support policy formulation, positively impacting community life.
The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. The agreement was signed by Hanan Mansour Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, and Dr. Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Dosari, President of the Saudi General Authority for Statistics.
Sheikh Nahyan highlighted that this partnership exemplifies the strong fraternal relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, reflecting both nations’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in vital areas that contribute to sustainable development and an innovation-driven future based on data.
Leading the Region
Hanan Mansour Ahli stated, “This collaboration is a significant step toward enhancing the region’s leadership in data-driven development. It reflects our shared commitment to advancing statistical excellence, fostering innovation, and shaping a future where development is guided by the power of data to serve our nations, the region, and the world.”
Exchange of Expertise
Dr. Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Dosari emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation between statistical institutions, focusing on the exchange of knowledge, expertise, experiences, and success stories, which will enrich the statistical landscape in the region.
He mentioned, “We are pleased to sign the memorandum of understanding between the Saudi General Authority for Statistics and the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre of the UAE to collaborate in the field of statistics, which will support the exchange of expertise between both parties to develop statistical operations.”
As part of the UAE delegation’s participation in the accompanying events of the Saudi Statistics Forum, Hanan Ahli took part in a discussion session titled “International Statistical Methodologies and Practices,” where she highlighted the significance of statistical governance mechanisms amid the rapid transformations in the field of data worldwide.
Hanan Ahli noted that national statistical offices are facing unprecedented pressure due to the massive influx of data from multiple sources, including the private sector, posing significant challenges to implementing effective statistical governance.
The development of innovative mechanisms is necessary to ensure coordination and integration between government and private entities, safeguarding data, ensuring its quality, and enabling its efficient use.
She further mentioned that the UAE’s innovative statistical initiatives reflect the proactive vision of its leadership. The UAE’s active role as a member of the United Nations Statistical Commission for the period of 2025-2028 will bolster the development of the international statistical framework and foster global cooperation in innovative statistical knowledge and expertise exchange.