Prime Highlights-
- Saudi POS transaction values rose to SR16.6 billion amid strong consumer spending across multiple sectors.
- Freight transport, retail, hospitality and digital payment activity recorded major weekly growth across the Kingdom.
Key Facts-
- Saudi Central Bank tracks weekly POS data to measure consumer spending and digital payment trends.
- Food and beverages remained the largest POS spending category during the monitored week.
Background-
Consumer spending in Saudi Arabia increased strongly during the first week of May, as point-of-sale transaction values rose to SR16.6 billion ($4.4 billion), based on data released by Saudi Central Bank.
The total number of transactions rose to 270.7 million during the week, driven by stronger consumer activity across retail, hospitality, transport and service sectors.
Food and drinks were the biggest spending category during the week, with total spending reaching SR2.83 billion. People also spent more at restaurants, and cafes, while spending on clothes, and apparel increased during the same period.
The transportation sector also recorded growth during the period, driven by higher spending on freight, and courier services. Airline bookings and vehicle rental activity also increased during the period.
Hotel spending continued to grow alongside stronger tourism and travel activity across the Kingdom. Transaction values in the hotel sector increased to SR355.2 million, while the number of hotel-related transactions also moved higher during the week.
Other sectors showing strong growth included telecommunications, jewelery and laundry services, reflecting broader consumer confidence and rising use of digital payments.
Among cities, Riyadh accounted for the highest share of spending after transaction values crossed SR5.5 billion. Jeddah, Makkah and Dammam also reported significant increases in consumer transactions
The central bank said the figures reflect continued growth in electronic payments and the wider expansion of digital payment infrastructure across Saudi Arabia. The rise also supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plans aimed at strengthening the digital economy and reducing reliance on cash transactions.
