Digital payments exceed cash for first time in Saudi Arabia with 94% transaction value 

The use of electronic payments increased to 62 percent last year from 44 percent in 2019. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 14 August 2022
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Digital payments exceed cash for first time in Saudi Arabia with 94% transaction value 

RIYADH: Electronic payments exceeded the use of cash for the first time in Saudi Arabia in 2021, with these transactions representing 94 percent of all payments when measured by value, a study conducted by the Saudi Central Bank revealed.

In terms of volume, the use of electronic payments increased to 62 percent last year from 44 percent in 2019 across all areas of economic activities.

The Saudi government sector has almost completely converted to electronic payment methods for all outward payments to individuals, business establishments or other government agencies, the report noted. 

The study indicated that cash is no longer the most used method of payment by individuals for the first time in the Kingdom. This comes as electronic payments of individuals have grown significantly to reach 57 percent in 2021 of the total number of transactions executed, compared to just 36 percent in 2019, the report added.

When it comes to the business sector, the share of electronic payments reached a substantial 84 percent of all business payments in 2021, up from 51 percent in 2019, recording a growth of 65 percent over the two years.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, this comes as part of the government’s efforts to promote digital payment solutions to transform the Kingdom into a less-cash society by reaching 70 percent of non-cash payments by 2025.


Jordan, Saudi Arabia launch business network to deepen private sector ties 

Updated 22 sec ago
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Jordan, Saudi Arabia launch business network to deepen private sector ties 

JEDDAH: Jordan and Saudi Arabia have launched a new business network aimed at accelerating private-sector partnerships and boosting trade and investment flows between the two countries. 

The initiative was unveiled in Riyadh during a high-level economic gathering attended by senior executives, investors and business leaders.

The Jordan–Saudi Business Network was launched by the Amman Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Jordanian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Jordan News Agency, known as Petra, reported. 

The next phase will involve the formation of specialized sectoral committees, regular business forums and structured follow-up of joint initiatives, in coordination with public and private stakeholders in both countries. 

Saudi Arabia is Jordan’s largest Arab trading partner and its third-largest trading partner globally. Bilateral trade exceeds $5 billion, while cumulative investments between the two countries have surpassed $24 billion as of 2024. 

Khalil Al-Hajj Tawfiq, chairman of the Amman Chamber of Commerce, said the network marks a shift from traditional economic engagement to a more structured, data-driven, and results-oriented model of cooperation, the agency added. 

“He noted that the platform is intended to serve as a permanent institutional link between Jordanian and Saudi businesses, enabling direct engagement, faster deal-making, and informed investment decisions,” Petra reported. 

Al-Hajj Tawfiq stated that the network will give companies access to reliable information on regulations, incentives, and investment opportunities, facilitate the entry of Jordanian products and services into the Saudi market, and support integration across regional supply chains. 

He noted that the initiative responds to market demand in Saudi Arabia while leveraging Jordan’s competitive strengths, particularly in the food industry, construction, professional services, information technology, tourism, transport, and logistics. 

The network’s operating model includes sectoral committees, a digital matchmaking platform, periodic business meetings, an annual forum and a dedicated business bulletin, with the aim of translating commercial opportunities into executable projects rather than symbolic cooperation. 

Jordan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Haitham Abu Al-Foul, described the launch as a timely and strategic step toward institutionalizing economic engagement and expanding trade and investment cooperation. 

The diplomat highlighted the strength of bilateral relations and praised the contributions of Jordanian professionals in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing their expertise and prominent role across key economic sectors. 

Mohammad Tahboub, secretary of the ACC board, said the network will serve as a flexible platform providing sector-specific data, investor matchmaking, and structured collaboration, helping companies integrate into value chains and turn business ideas into viable projects. 

The launch follows the Saudi–Jordanian Business Forum held a day earlier at the Federation of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh, which brought together around 200 companies and investors.