Saudi POS Spending Jumps to SR16.6bn as Consumer Activity Accelerates

Consumer spending in Saudi Arabia recorded a sharp rise during the week ending May 2, with total point-of-sale transactions climbing to SR16.6 billion ($4.4 billion), reflecting growing momentum across retail, hospitality and transportation sectors.

New figures released by the Saudi Central Bank showed transaction values increased 37.7 percent compared with the previous week, while the number of transactions rose 20.2 percent to 270.7 million.

The latest data points to continued strength in domestic consumption and the expanding use of electronic payments across the Kingdom as Saudi Arabia pushes ahead with its digital transformation plans under Vision 2030.

Food and beverages remained the largest spending category during the monitored week, with transaction values rising 48.9 percent to SR2.83 billion. Restaurants and cafes followed closely, posting a 23.4 percent increase to SR1.99 billion.

Apparel and clothing spending also recorded strong growth, surging 53.1 percent to SR1.38 billion, making it the third-largest spending segment during the week.

Transportation-related sectors showed some of the strongest gains. Spending on freight transport and courier services nearly doubled, jumping 92.4 percent to SR86.6 million. Auto and equipment rental spending climbed 41.3 percent to SR79.2 million, while expenditure on airlines increased 19 percent to SR51.4 million.

The hospitality sector continued to benefit from stronger tourism and travel activity across the country. Hotel spending rose 7 percent to SR355.2 million, while the number of hotel-related transactions increased 11.2 percent to around 956,000.

Other service sectors also recorded notable increases. Spending on laundry services climbed 61.9 percent to SR76.3 million, while telecommunications expenditure rose 58 percent to SR243.6 million. Jewelry sales increased 46.4 percent to SR499.5 million during the same period.

Riyadh accounted for the largest share of overall POS spending, with transaction values rising 29.6 percent to SR5.52 billion. The capital also recorded 86.3 million transactions, up 16.8 percent week-on-week.

In Jeddah, spending increased 30 percent to SR2.18 billion, while Makkah posted a 28.6 percent rise to SR779.2 million. Spending in Dammam climbed 28.5 percent to SR809.8 million.

The weekly POS data published by SAMA is widely viewed as a key indicator of consumer activity and economic trends within the Kingdom. Analysts say the steady rise in transaction values also reflects the growing adoption of digital payment technologies among businesses and consumers alike.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in expanding POS infrastructure and encouraging cashless transactions as part of broader efforts to modernise the economy. The latest figures suggest digital payment systems are continuing to spread beyond major urban centres into smaller cities and a wider range of commercial sectors.

Officials say the transition toward electronic payments forms a central part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme, which aims to strengthen financial technology, improve digital inclusion and reduce dependence on cash transactions.