home | Staff area | faq | sitemap | عربي

The Press Release about new National Strategy for the Development Of the Statistics in Qatar

The Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA) is in the midst of an important transformation that includes a new statistics law, a new organizational structure, and a new national strategy for the development of statistics in the country.

This was disclosed by HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani, QSA President in a press meeting held to brief members of the press on the QSA's latest developments. The press briefing was held at QSA premises.

During the meeting, HE Sheikh Hamad said that QSA was established by Emiri Decision in June 2007 as a new independent agency, replacing the Planning Council’s Statistics Department. It is the national statistics bureau and the official source of all statistical data and information in the State of Qatar. The QSA reports directly to the Heir Apparent.

"Our mission is to produce high-quality statistical information to support evidence-based decision making and to monitor social and economic development in the State," He stressed.

Commenting on the new National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS), he said: "NSDS represents an important milestone for our national development agenda. The NSDS is an ambitious development project that aims to improve the availability and quality of statistics in Qatar. It will strengthen our country’s national capacity to deliver the quality statistics necessary to design, monitor and evaluate national development plans."

He added that, through strategic planning, QSA could achieve its own vision and define ways to realize it, and address customer needs and organizational needs. Furthermore, it could diagnose hindrances and mobilize resources, and encourage stakeholder involvement.

Regarding improvements that the public and the data user community could expect, HE Sheikh Hamad explained: "In the coming years, the public can expect to see an improved institutional framework with better coordination among the various data producers, a more harmonized and integrated national statistical system."

Data users will see significant progress in reducing data gaps. Work programs are being expanded to include new data activities, publications, and analytical studies on economic and social topics. In addition, improvements are targeted in quality and in customer service. Important strides toward advancing methodology and technology, and enhancing access to statistical information will be made, he said.

On the development of the statistical system, he said that the NSDS was aligned with the Qatar national vision and was consistent with the global trend for countries to develop national strategies for the statistics sector in parallel with other government strategies.

Asked about recruitment efforts, he highlighted: "We are offering excellent opportunities for professionals in statistics-related fields." The QSA wants to develop a professional cadre of nationals committed to strengthening our country’s national capacity to deliver quality statistics, and we are inviting qualified Qatari professionals to join us in this exciting endeavor.

Regarding the changes related to organizational structure and institutional framework, he said a new committee, the National Statistics Consultative Committee (NSCC), is being formed. The NSCC is intended to act as a knowledgeable but impartial body to support the QSA and the national statistical system in the accomplishment of strategic goals. Elaborating, HE Sheikh Hamad explained: "The national statistical system includes all the statistical programs of government agencies collectively.

Commenting on the new Statistics Act, HE Sheikh Hamad said that a new law has been drafted to replace the 1980 statistical law. The new Statistics Act establishes QSA’s authority to collect and disseminate official statistics. The Statistics Act also identifies the duty of all government entities, private establishments, households and individuals to cooperate in furnishing statistical information. The Statistics Act strongly protects the confidentiality of all statistical data and provides penalties for the misuse of such data.