GASTAT holds a workshop on developing the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
01-04-2026
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) held today its quarterly virtual workshop titled “A Development Journey: Consumer Price Index (Inflation Index),” which reflects the changes in prices paid by consumers for goods and services. This comes as part of “Road to Riyadh” events, with the participation of a number of specialists and stakeholders in the statistical and economic fields.
The workshop, which featured Abdulaziz Alshaikh, director of the Price Statistics Department at GASTAT, and Dr. Miaad Alqurashi, an economic expert, reviewed the developmental journey of the CPI. It emphasized the importance of periodic updates and revisions to the index, as well as showcased its development areas and stages in a manner that reflects economic changes and consumption patterns, thereby enhancing the index’s accuracy and reliability. The workshop also provided a detailed overview of the chain-linking methodology used to connect the consumer basket weights. In addition, it highlighted the use of artificial intelligence in developing the index.
This workshop is part of GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to enhance awareness of statistical practices and to further develop economic indicators, thereby supporting economic policymaking and improving the efficiency of development planning.
It is noteworthy that “Road to Riyadh” events comprise a series of workshops, conferences, and scientific forums organized by GASTAT to promote knowledge exchange and highlight the progress achieved by the statistical ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. This comes as part of preparations to host the 6th UNWDF in November 2026.