Saudi POS Transactions Surge to $4.16 Billion, Reflecting Robust Consumer Confidence and Digital Growth

Point-of-sale (POS) transactions in Saudi Arabia surged to SR15.6 billion ($4.16 billion) in the week ending August 2, marking a 31.5 percent increase from the previous week, according to data released by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).

The sharp rise in consumer spending was accompanied by an 18.2 percent weekly increase in the number of transactions, reaching 244.03 million. The growth underscores both the resilience of consumer confidence and the rapid acceleration of the Kingdom’s digital payment transformation, a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda.

The food and beverage sector retained its leading position, with spending rising to SR2.34 billion — a 38.2 percent jump in just one week. Meanwhile, expenditures at restaurants and cafes climbed to SR1.9 billion, up 22.8 percent.

Other sectors also recorded significant weekly gains. The transportation category saw a 28.2 percent rise to SR1.21 billion, while spending on professional and business services increased by 28.6 percent to SR1.19 billion. Apparel, clothing, and accessories recorded one of the sharpest spikes, jumping 49.4 percent to SR1.11 billion.

Additional spending highlights included SR1.09 billion at gas stations and SR1.02 billion in the healthcare sector.

The data reflects Saudi Arabia’s steady progress towards a cashless economy. SAMA noted in April that non-cash retail transactions reached 12.6 billion in 2024, up from 10.8 billion in 2023 — a testament to the growing adoption of electronic payment systems throughout the Kingdom.

Regionally, Riyadh led the way with POS transactions totaling SR5.08 billion, up 17.3 percent. Jeddah followed with SR2.11 billion, a 24.2 percent rise. Dammam recorded SR698 million in POS activity, while Makkah saw a 28.9 percent increase to SR646.01 million.

Madinah posted SR632.36 million in transactions — a 33.9 percent rise from the previous week. Al-Khobar registered SR399.83 million in sales, Buraidah recorded SR365.99 million, and Abha followed with SR301.68 million.

The sustained growth in POS activity signals strong consumer engagement and supports Saudi Arabia’s Financial Sector Development Program goals, which aim to increase cashless transactions and enhance financial inclusion across the Kingdom.