Saudi EXIM reports record credit facilities of $10bn in 2025

Saudi Export-Import Bank was established in February 2020. File/Saudi EXIM
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Updated 10 December 2025
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Saudi EXIM reports record credit facilities of $10bn in 2025

RIYADH: The total credit facilities provided by the Saudi Export-Import Bank surpassed SR40 billion ($10.6 billion) in 2025, according to the institution’s chairman. 

In an interview with Argaam, Saad Al-Khalab said that since its establishment in February 2020, the bank has now extended cumulative credit support exceeding SR100 billion. 

This portfolio is allocated with approximately 40 percent dedicated to direct financing and 60 percent to insurance solutions, designed to bolster Saudi exporters, local financial institutions, and foreign buyers of Saudi goods.

Sectorally, industrial exports receive the largest share of support at 60 percent, followed by over 20 percent for the mining sector. The remaining facilities are directed towards services, technology, and agricultural industries.

Al-Khalab highlighted a significant surge in demand for both raw and processed mining products. To meet this demand, Saudi EXIM has established revolving credit facilities worth over $1.5 billion for more than eight major exporters and global trading firms, facilitating exports to over 150 countries worldwide.

The chairman outlined the bank’s ongoing mission to address financing challenges for exporters, strengthen export risk insurance, and help penetrate new international markets. 

Key initiatives include the Jusoor program, which allows manufacturers in the Kingdom to secure international financing for importing essential raw materials and equipment, and the introduction of investment insurance for Saudi ventures abroad.

In terms of geographic focus, Saudi exports continue to prioritize Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The bank is simultaneously driving expansion into African markets, supported by operational offices in Johannesburg and Casablanca, with a planned branch in Cairo to enhance coverage across the continent.


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.