Doha, November 23 (QNA) - The National Planning Council (NPC), through the National Statistics Center and in collaboration with the GCC Statistical Center (GCC-Stat), organized the Third GCC Statistical Forum on 23 November 2025 under the theme: "Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Towards a Sustainable Statistical Future in the Gulf."

The Forum brought together leaders and delegations from the statistical agencies of the GCC member states, alongside a select group of experts in statistics, specialists from research and academic centers, representatives from government entities and principal national data sources.

In his opening remarks, Director-General of the National Statistics Center at NPC Ahmed Hassan Al Obaidly said: "This Forum reflects the GCC countries' strategic vision to build an advanced statistical ecosystem by embracing digital transformation and integrating artificial intelligence into statistical processes."

He underscored that the event enhances cooperation among GCC states in the statistical field, reaffirming their commitment to collective action, knowledge sharing, and the advancement of national statistical systems in step with global transformations and the imperatives of sustainable development.

Al Obaidly further highlighted that sharing visions, standards and platforms across GCC nations is essential to building a unified, secure Gulf data system - one that supports international reporting and accurately portrays the region’s development trajectory.

He added: "The future of statistical work in the GCC hinges on a comprehensive regional partnership that consolidates expertise and transforms data into informed decisions that propel the national visions of the GCC countries." He also announced the launch of a data and artificial intelligence competition for universities throughout the GCC.

For her part, Director General of GCC-Stat Intisar bint Abdullah Al Wahaibi said: "This forum reflects our collective commitment to strengthening statistical integration in the Gulf, exchanging expertise, and advancing modern data and statistical systems that underpin informed decision-making and the development of sustainable policies across the GCC."

She further emphasized the significant progress made by Gulf statistical agencies in adopting technology and innovation at every stage of the statistical process - from data production to dissemination - in ways that support national visions and reinforces joint Gulf cooperation.

During the Forum sessions, participants examined cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance statistical accuracy and strengthen institutional capacity in data management through innovative, sustainable approaches. Discussions emphasized the importance of fostering a data-driven culture across sectors to accelerate digital transformation.

Attendees also reviewed recent advancements in data and statistics, exchanging best practices to support evidence-based policymaking.

They stressed the need for national and regional policies that ensure the optimal use of data, develop the skills of human cadres in statistical analysis, and promote innovation through the creation of new tools and technologies to further advance statistical processes.

The Forum sessions also tackled technical and security challenges related to data protection and privacy, while reviewing strategies for statistical integration among Gulf institutions to foster regional cooperation and keep pace with rapid digital transformation.

Moreover, participants showcased successful regional statistical models and engaged in open dialogue on strengthening collaboration among GCC statistical agencies.

In closing the Forum, participants underscored the vital need to establish a sophisticated data infrastructure across GCC countries and cultivate a strong data-driven culture, supported by national policies that ensure the optimal use of data and statistics.

They emphasized the importance of strengthening human capacities and fostering innovation in data production. Additionally, participants called for the adoption of the Forum’s recommendations to enhance statistical cooperation within the GCC and deliver positive outcomes for all member states. (QNA)