RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s total point-of-sale transactions reached SR13.71 billion ($3.65 billion) in the week ending Nov. 8, driven by increased spending on airlines. 

According to data from the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, spending in the airline sector rose 5.3 percent to SR66.68 million, even as the number of transactions declined 5.3 percent to 138,000. 

Overall POS spending dropped 14.4 percent week on week, while the total number of transactions fell 7.5 percent to 235.47 million compared with 254.45 million the previous week. 

Data revealed decreases across most categories, led by freight transport, postal and courier services, which saw the largest dip at 26.3 percent to reach SR47.15 million. Spending on telecommunication followed, with a 24.4 percent decrease to reach SR183.17 million. 

Expenditure on food and beverages decreased 21.9 percent to SR2.08 billion, accounting for the largest share of total POS spending. 

The subcategory of personal care saw a 15.7 percent decrease to reach SR124.95 million, while expenditure on auto and equipment rentals saw a 20.7 percent fall to SR71.53 million. 

Spending on restaurants and cafes dipped by 10.5 percent to SR1.64 billion, while apparel and clothing decreased by 10.2 percent to SR1.23 billion, claiming the third largest share of the POS during the monitored week. 

The Kingdom’s key urban centers mirrored the national decline. Riyadh, which accounted for the largest share of total POS spending, saw a 10.2 percent dip to SR4.91 billion, down from SR5.46 billion the previous week. The number of transactions in the capital reached 78.07 million. 

In Jeddah, transaction values decreased 9.6 percent to SR1.85 billion, while Dammam reported a 10.2 percent dip to SR688.21 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 figures also highlight 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.