SEDA launches Saudi Technology label to boost global and domestic tech promotion 

The label will encourage Saudi technology companies to boost their value and penetrate other markets. Shutterstock. 
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Updated 19 October 2023
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SEDA launches Saudi Technology label to boost global and domestic tech promotion 

RIYADH: The Kingdom will now promote technological products and innovations thanks to a new subsidiary label established by the Saudi Exports Development Authority. 

Saudi Technology, launched during the second edition of the “Made in Saudi” exhibition in Riyadh, focuses on promoting tech products, strengthening their presence in global markets, and elevating local and international status for domestic companies and their products. 

The label will also support Saudi businesses and entrepreneurs to gain a competitive edge by documenting their technology advancements, according to the Kingdom’s state-run news agency. 

Additionally, it encourages Saudi technology companies to boost their value and penetrate other markets. 

Saud Al-Gublan, vice president of Services Export at SEDA, praised the collaborative efforts of the stakeholders in the technology sector, recognizing it as one of the most promising fields. Collective efforts increase the reach of national technology companies and products locally and internationally. 

This reflects a favorable image of the Kingdom to the rest of the world, reported SPA. 

Furthermore, Raed Al-Fayez, deputy governor for IT and emerging technologies at the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission, also emphasized the significance of utilizing the label’s membership to strengthen the position of technology companies and products. 

He also noted that the region’s initiatives will increase their competitiveness and raise local, regional and global credibility. 

Al-Fayez extended an invitation to entrepreneurs and tech firms to obtain the label’s membership and take advantage of the benefits it offers. 

This is done to market their products globally and expand international sales, contributing to raising non-oil exports and diversifying the national economy’s income sources. 

Notably, over 100 Saudi companies are participating in the “Made in Saudi” exhibition in the presence of Transport and Logistics Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser and Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef. 

The event is expected to create opportunities for companies to boost their profiles and attract international investors. It will feature workshops and panel discussions and welcome government and industry representatives. 


Saudi POS spending jumps 28% in final week of Jan: SAMA

Updated 06 February 2026
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Saudi POS spending jumps 28% in final week of Jan: SAMA

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale spending climbed sharply in the final week of January, rising nearly 28 percent from the previous week as consumer outlays increased across almost all sectors. 

POS transactions reached SR16 billion ($4.27 billion) in the week ending Jan. 31, up 27.8 percent week on week, according to the Saudi Central Bank. Transaction volumes rose 16.5 percent to 248.8 million, reflecting stronger retail and service activity. 

Spending on jewelry saw the biggest uptick at 55.5 percent to SR613.69 million, followed by laundry services which saw a 44.4 percent increase to SR62.83 million. 

Expenditure on personal care rose 29.1 percent, while outlays on books and stationery increased 5.1 percent. Hotel spending climbed 7.4 percent to SR377.1 million. 

Further gains were recorded across other categories. Spending in pharmacies and medical supplies rose 33.4 percent to SR259.19 million, while medical services increased 13.7 percent to SR515.44 million. 

Food and beverage spending surged 38.6 percent to SR2.6 billion, accounting for the largest share of total POS value. Restaurants and cafes followed with a 20.4 percent increase to SR1.81 billion. Apparel and clothing spending rose 35.4 percent to SR1.33 billion, representing the third-largest share during the week. 

The Kingdom’s key urban centers mirrored the national surge. Riyadh, which accounted for the largest share of total POS spending, saw a 22 percent rise to SR5.44 billion from SR4.46 billion the previous week. The number of transactions in the capital reached 78.6 million, up 13.8 percent week on week. 

In Jeddah, transaction values increased 23.7 percent to SR2.16 billion, while Dammam reported a 22.2 percent rise to SR783.06 million. 

POS data, tracked weekly by SAMA, provides an indicator of consumer spending trends and the ongoing growth of digital payments in Saudi Arabia.  

The data also highlights the expanding reach of POS infrastructure, extending beyond major retail hubs to smaller cities and service sectors, supporting broader digital inclusion initiatives.  

The growth of digital payment technologies aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, promoting electronic transactions and contributing to the Kingdom’s broader digital economy.