Saudi POS Spending Tops $3.5 Billion Despite Weekly Dip in Consumer Transactions

Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale (POS) transactions remained above the $3.5 billion mark in the week ending June 13, despite a decline in overall consumer spending, according to new figures released by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).

The data showed that total POS transaction values reached SR13.2 billion ($3.52 billion) during the seven-day period, representing a 3.9 percent decrease compared with the previous week. The total number of transactions also recorded a slight decline, falling 0.2 percent to 238.2 million.

While overall spending eased, several sectors posted strong gains. Education registered the largest increase, with expenditure rising 43.2 percent to SR210.9 million. Spending on books and stationery also climbed 8.7 percent to SR115.8 million, reflecting stronger activity in education-related purchases.

Jewelry sales recorded a notable increase of 16 percent, reaching SR638.8 million during the week. Airline-related spending also moved higher, rising 8.8 percent to SR57.2 million, indicating continued demand for travel services.

In contrast, some sectors experienced significant declines. Recreation spending dropped 15.4 percent to SR212.5 million, while expenditure on laundry services fell 13.6 percent to SR51.2 million. Freight transport and courier services recorded a 13 percent decline, with spending totaling SR43.5 million.

Food and beverages continued to account for the largest share of consumer spending, despite an 8.4 percent decline from the previous week. Transactions in the category reached SR2.1 billion. Restaurants and cafes followed as the second-largest spending segment, with values slipping 4.5 percent to SR1.6 billion.

Spending on apparel, clothing and accessories ranked third among major categories. The sector recorded a 9.5 percent decline, with total transactions amounting to SR966.7 million.

Among Saudi cities, Riyadh maintained its position as the largest contributor to POS spending. Transaction values in the capital reached SR4.6 billion, down 1 percent from the previous week. However, the number of transactions increased slightly by 1 percent to 76.3 million.

Jeddah recorded SR1.8 billion in transaction value, marking a 2.7 percent decline. Makkah experienced the sharpest drop among major cities, with spending falling 15.4 percent to SR466.9 million. In Dammam, transaction values edged down 0.2 percent to SR673.2 million.

SAMA’s weekly POS data provides insight into consumer spending patterns across the Kingdom and highlights the continued expansion of digital payment usage. The figures also reflect the growing reach of electronic payment infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to increase digital transactions and strengthen the broader digital economy.