Saudi Arabia Sees Strong Growth in POS Transactions Amid Digital Payment Push

Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale (POS) transactions climbed to SR13.02 billion ($3.47 billion) in the week ended December 27, marking a 4.3 percent increase from the previous week, official data showed.

According to the latest report from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the number of transactions also rose 1.1 percent to 220.65 million during the period. Analysts say the sustained momentum reflects strong consumer demand and the Kingdom’s ongoing transition toward digital payments under its Vision 2030 agenda.

Spending in the food and beverages sector remained the largest contributor, totaling SR1.91 billion, up 1.2 percent week on week. Restaurants and cafes recorded SR1.57 billion in transactions, a marginal 0.1 percent increase. The apparel, clothing, and accessories segment saw a 1.3 percent rise, reaching SR1.23 billion.

Expenditure in the transportation sector climbed 7.7 percent to SR943.18 million, while spending at gas stations slipped slightly by 0.1 percent to SR918.88 million. The health sector posted a notable 6.8 percent weekly increase, with POS transactions reaching SR776.02 million. Professional business services accounted for SR746.76 million, and furniture and home supplies totaled SR515.88 million.

SAMA’s data highlight resilient consumer confidence despite global economic uncertainties, supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader economic transformation and the expansion of its digital payment infrastructure. Earlier this year, the central bank reported that non-cash retail transactions reached 12.6 billion in 2024, up from 10.8 billion in 2023, demonstrating rapid adoption of electronic payment systems. Electronic payments now account for 79 percent of total retail transactions, up from 70 percent a year earlier.

On a regional level, Riyadh led in POS spending with SR4.63 billion, reflecting a 5 percent weekly increase, while the number of transactions rose 1.6 percent to 70.95 million. Jeddah followed with SR1.77 billion in transactions, up 3 percent from the previous week. Dammam recorded an 8.4 percent increase to SR659.53 million, while Makkah and Madinah posted SR594 million and SR559.74 million, respectively. Alkhobar recorded SR386.06 million.

The figures underline the Kingdom’s rapid shift toward digital financial services, a key component of Vision 2030, which aims to modernize the economy and reduce reliance on cash-based transactions. The growth in POS spending suggests that consumers are increasingly embracing electronic payments for everyday purchases, from groceries and dining to health and professional services.

With these trends, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader in digital payments within the region, reflecting both technological adoption and strong consumer activity. The latest weekly gains in POS transactions indicate continued confidence in the domestic economy heading into 2026.