GASTAT postpones Sixth UN World Data Forum and Second Saudi Statistics Forum to 2027

GASTAT has moved the Sixth UN World Data Forum and the Second Saudi Statistics Forum, planned for 9 to 12 November 2026 in Riyadh, to 2027, with new dates to follow through official channels.

What was announced

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced on 22 October 2026 that the Sixth UN World Data Forum and the Second Saudi Statistics Forum have been postponed to 2027. The two events had been planned to run together in Riyadh from 9 to 12 November 2026.

Key details

• New timing: 2027, with exact dates to be announced later through official channels.
• Reason: according to Arab News, GASTAT presented the move as part of its commitment to delivering an experience that meets participants' expectations and did not cite a specific cause.
• Wider calendar: the same report notes that several other Riyadh events, including the FII10 investment conference, have also been moved or rescheduled.

Why it matters for businesses

Hosting the UN World Data Forum was a notable milestone for the Kingdom's data and statistics agenda, which supports Vision 2030 goals around evidence-based policy, digital government and transparency. The forum brings together national statistics offices, international organisations, the private sector and academia to discuss how official and alternative data are produced and used.

For businesses, the practical effect is limited to the events calendar: companies in data, analytics, research and technology that planned to attend, sponsor or hold meetings in Riyadh during the forum will need to adjust their plans. The postponement does not change GASTAT's regular publication schedule for economic statistics, which businesses continue to rely on for planning.

The decision also has a wider signalling value. Large international gatherings in Riyadh support the Kingdom's ambition to become a regional hub for conferences and exhibitions, so the timing of rescheduled events will be followed closely by organisers, hotels and event-service suppliers planning their 2027 calendars.

What to watch next

• The confirmed 2027 dates and any revised programme for both forums.
• Whether registrations made for the 2026 edition carry over; participants should confirm this directly with the organiser.
• GASTAT's ongoing releases, including GDP, price and business statistics.

What businesses may want to do

Organisations that registered, planned exhibition activity or booked travel for the November 2026 forum may want to contact GASTAT through its official channels, review cancellation terms with travel and venue providers, and keep the 2027 edition on their watch list once dates are confirmed.

Sources

• General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT): Sixth UN World Data Forum and Second Saudi Statistics Forum Postponed to 2027
• Arab News: Saudi Arabia postpones UN World Data Forum and Saudi Statistics Forum to 2027