Eid Al-Adha Spending Surge Pushes Saudi POS Transactions to SR15.5 Billion

Consumer spending in Saudi Arabia surged in the lead-up to Eid Al-Adha, with point-of-sale (POS) transactions jumping 33 percent to SR15.5 billion ($4.15 billion) during the week ending May 31, according to the latest figures released by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).

The increase in spending was seen across all major sectors, with clothing and footwear leading the surge. The sector recorded a 72.7 percent spike in value, reaching SR1.2 billion, alongside a 61.6 percent rise in transaction volume to 8.6 million.

The education sector followed with a 61.6 percent increase in transaction value, reaching SR242.1 million. Spending in telecommunications rose by 44.5 percent to SR136.2 million, with over 2.1 million transactions recorded — a 19.9 percent increase from the previous week.

Food and beverages, which claimed the largest share of total spending, jumped 34.2 percent to SR2.2 billion. Restaurants and cafes came in second, growing 24.3 percent to hit SR2 billion. The two sectors, along with miscellaneous goods and services — which saw a 34.4 percent rise to SR1.9 billion — accounted for nearly 40 percent of all POS transactions for the week.

Other sectors also showed strong momentum. Transportation spending increased by 29.7 percent to SR898.8 million, while the health sector rose by 28.4 percent to SR952.8 million. Public utilities posted a 29.1 percent gain, hitting SR55.3 million, and electronics climbed 23.1 percent to SR187.2 million. Spending on recreation and culture rose by 42.5 percent to SR324.3 million.

Spending on hotels and building materials showed more modest gains. Hotel-related transactions edged up 9 percent to SR207.5 million, while construction and building materials rose 12.9 percent to SR267.6 million.

Geographically, Riyadh saw the highest value of transactions, reaching SR5.4 billion — a 42.7 percent rise from the previous week. Jeddah followed with SR2.1 billion (up 27.7 percent), and Dammam recorded SR776.5 million (up 25.1 percent).

Smaller cities also experienced notable spending surges. Hail registered the largest weekly increase at 52.6 percent, with total transactions of SR262.6 million. Tabuk followed closely with a 51.3 percent rise to SR323.6 million. Transaction volumes in Hail and Tabuk climbed 24.7 percent and 21.1 percent, respectively.

The spending surge reflects heightened consumer activity during the festive period, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s retail resilience amid continued economic diversification efforts.