Saudi Arabia won the bid to host the United Nations World Data Forum in Riyadh in 2026

Following a competitive bidding procedure, Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), has been awarded the right to host the United Nations World Data Forum in Riyadh in 2026.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the decision was made by the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB).

The global event is anticipated to draw some 22,000 attendees from 193 nations, including data scientists, representatives from UN member states' statistical agencies, and those with an interest in statistics. 

The HLG-PCCB group was provided with Saudi Arabia's offer by GASTAT President Dr. Fahad Aldossari.

Saudi Arabia suggested "Using the latest technologies and methodologies" as the forum's topic to improve global statistics systems and support sustainable development.