Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates, represented by the National Committee for Statistics and chaired by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), joined countries worldwide in celebrating World Statistics Day, observed every five years on October 20, since its designation by the United Nations in 2010.
According to Emirates News Agency, this global observance aims to emphasize the importance of statistical data in development and decision-making, underscoring statistics’ vital role in monitoring global progress toward achieving development goals. The fourth observance of World Statistics Day in 2025 will be held under the theme ‘Driving change with quality statistics and data for everyone,’ stressing the significance of reliable, high-quality data in decision-making, policy development, and sustainable progress.
The UAE’s celebration is rooted in a legacy of achievements in its statistical journey and an ambitious vision for the future, setting the stage for a new decade of statistical transformation. This next phase will involve moving from traditional field surveys and data collection to proactive analysis and impact creation, reaffirming the UAE’s leadership as a nation shaping the future through data.
Hanan Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), remarked, “We join the world in celebrating World Statistics Day, which reflects the crucial and active role that statistical institutions play in supporting development pathways, enabling data-driven decision-making, and confidently and innovatively shaping the future.”
She further explained that the UAE’s statistical system is undergoing a qualitative transformation, leveraging advanced technology, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence to transition from data collection to a comprehensive system supporting strategic planning and future policymaking. This approach is based on a scientific and advanced understanding of data analysis and utilization.
Ahli noted that statistics in the UAE extend beyond numbers, serving as a language of the future that expresses reality and guides development. By unifying efforts at federal and local levels to publish standardized national data, the UAE reinforces its position as a global model of data accuracy and quality.
Since the establishment of the Union, the UAE’s statistical work has achieved numerous qualitative milestones, building an advanced statistical system in line with international standards. The UAE’s membership in the United Nations Statistical Commission for the 2025-2028 term supports its international statistical efforts, promoting best practices in data analysis and digital platforms.
The UAE government has launched initiatives such as the “Unified UAE Numbers” project to advance the statistical system, supporting development across various fields. Additionally, the “Data Index” was introduced as a benchmark to enhance government performance and track progress in managing and governing national data.
Hosting the regional headquarters for the UN’s “Big Data for Sustainable Development” platform in Dubai, the UAE is part of a global initiative to use big data to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the UAE enters a new chapter of statistical work, it aims to harness smart analytics, predictive modeling, and artificial intelligence to transform data into proactive knowledge, shaping decision-making and guiding the future.