In collaboration with the UAE local statistical centers, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) has launched the National Framework of Statistical Data Quality. Framework marking the 18th edition of the statistical manuals series published by FCSA on a regular basis. The national framework is featured by adopting the state-of-the-art principles, standards and system recognized internationally. Launching the National Framework of Statistical Data Quality aims at promoting, developing and managing the quality of approved official statistical processes and governance of the national statistical system to furnish accurate statistics to decision makers, general policy makers and all stakeholders.
Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Director General of FCSA, stated: "FCSA is working incessantly and intensively with its partners from federal and local government authorities to put into practice the up-to-date internationally recognized statistical methods to guarantee the availability of data featured by being scientific and accurate, as well as to ensure its quality consistent with international standards."
"UAE has an advantage that single it out amongst most countries in the region, that is numerous local statistical centers and departments play a key role in statistical operations, data collection and dissemination of such data and make it accessible to support future plans and UAE competitiveness," emphasized he.
In his turn, Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman of Statistics Centre− Abu Dhabi (SCAD), said that the quality framework helps out all entities participating in UAE national statistical system to adopt a unified national concept of statistics quality consistent with the international concepts and standards of statistics quality. He further explained: "Processes of preparing the quality framework is the culmination of hard constant work of a national team representing a number of UAE statistical institutions."
Al Mansoori added: "SCAD is well aware of the importance of retaining a framework for the statistics quality of the statistical systems. Therefore, a framework dedicated for the quality of the statistical system in Abu Dhabi was issued two years ago and all the essential support to the national quality team was provided to develop it. He emphasized: "Such a framework will boost the level of the national indicators quality, which in turn contributes to assessing UAE's progress, competitiveness and achievement of sustainable development goals, as well as UAE Vision 2021."
Added Value
"Statistical work enjoys a substantial degree of standardization," stated Aref Al Muhairi, Executive Director of Dubai Statistics Center (DSC). He pointed out: "Although UAE statistical centers developed their own frameworks of data quality, the integration and consolidation of these efforts within one unified framework adopted in all UAE is a sizeable added value." He added: "The process of standardization among the various statistical bodies enhances the quality and integrity of outputs."
Strategic Decisions
Dr. Hagar Saeed Al Hubeishi, Executive Director of Ajman Statistics and Competitiveness Centre, underscored the importance of statistical data quality in view of using the statistical data in various fields, including planning, development, policy formulation and strategic decisions.
Dr. Ibrahim Akum, Director of Center for Statistics and Studies in Ras Al Khaimah stated: "UAE is one of the leading countries to adopt the best international practices in statistical work." He pointed out that UAE and its statistics centers adoption of international recommendations on the general framework of statistical data quality is an unblemished example of the dedicated efforts exerted by these centers to boost the statistical functions directed at improving the features and quality of data produced and being accessible to decision-makers, researchers and the business community.
Data Quality
Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Director General of Fujairah Statistics Center, expressed that launching the National Framework of Statistical Data Quality serves as a beacon for any organization. "It includes the basic pillars and elements that give rise to the quality of statistical data," said he.
Measurement
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of Department of Statistics and Community Development in Sharjah, indicated: "Measuring the quality of statistical data is not only limited to the accuracy and efficiency of such data, but also exceeded that to include other standards that reflect the level of meeting the users' requirements and their satisfaction." He concluded: "Statistical data and outputs could not be considered of high quality unless the implementation of the comprehensive quality standards is guaranteed starting with the users' needs, methods of data collection, auditing data, dissemination of data and ending with assessing their impact."