Doha, October 13 (QNA) – The total number of visitors arriving in Qatar surged by 24.5% in August, reaching approximately 328,000 visitors on a year-on-year basis compared to the same month last year, while recording a 3.3% increase compared to July 2024.

Data published in the latest issue of the "Qatar Monthly Statistics Bulletin," issued by the National Planning Council, showed that the majority of visitors came from GCC countries, accounting for 41% of the total. Regarding entry by mode of transport, air travel dominated, with 64% of visitors arriving by air.

Among the notable changes in this issue was a monthly increase of 0.6% in total new driver licenses issued, accompanied by an 11.3% rise in newly registered vehicles compared to July 2024, reaching 8,605 new registered vehicles. Meanwhile, total traffic violations saw a monthly decrease of 8.6% compared to July 2024, alongside a 3.2% drop in traffic accident cases.

The data indicated that the total number of traffic accidents, excluding non-injury accidents, amounted to 583 in August 2024, reflecting a 3.2% monthly decline. Additionally, a 1% year-on-year decrease was recorded. Minor injuries constituted the majority of traffic accidents during the same month, accounting for 92%, followed by severe injuries at 6%, while fatalities totaled 11, representing just 2% of total traffic accidents.

In terms of vital statistics, the total number of live births reached 2,615 in August 2024, with a 1.8% increase in Qatari live births compared to the previous month. The total number of deaths reached 196, registering an 11.3% decrease compared to July 2024.

August 2024 also witnessed a 7.5% monthly increase in the total number of marriage contracts, while there was a 37.3% decline in the total number of divorce certificates. The total number of marriage contracts reached 374, while the total number of divorce certificates stood at 153.

Regarding social security data, the value of social security benefits amounted to 77 million Qatari Riyals in August 2024 for 14,387 beneficiaries, showing a slight monthly decrease of 0.1% in the value of benefits, while the number of beneficiaries saw a marginal monthly increase of 0.01%.

In the banking sector, the broad money supply (M2) reached approximately 731 billion Qatari Riyals in August 2024, reflecting a 6.7% annual increase compared to August 2023. The value of quasi-money, which includes commercial bank deposits, stood at around 1,035 billion Qatari Riyals in August 2024, showing an annual increase of 11.6% compared to August 2023, when total deposits amounted to approximately 928 billion Qatari Riyals.

As for building permits, the total number of permits issued reached 721 in August 2024, marking a monthly decrease of 2.7% and an annual increase of 8.3%.