Post-break return of students drives surge in education spending, SAMA data shows

There was a 7 percent increase in spending on books and stationery across the week. Getty
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Updated 30 January 2026
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Post-break return of students drives surge in education spending, SAMA data shows

RIYADH: Spending on education in Saudi Arabia increased by 141.1 percent for the week ending Jan. 24, as students returned to the classroom after the mid-year break.

This was accompanied by a 7 percent increase in spending on books and stationery, which reached SR146.17 million ($38.9 million).

According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank, the over POS value dropped 10.6 percent to SR12.52 billion, with transactions representing a 9.7 percent week-on-week decrease to 213.62 million.

This week saw negative changes across all the remaining sectors. Spending on bakeries and pastries saw an 18.4 percent decline to SR229.71 million, while gas stations saw an 11 percent drop. Professional and business services decreased by 11.6 percent.

Expenditure on apparel and clothing fell by 19.7 percent to SR985.94 million, followed by a 2.8 percent drop in spending on jewelry.

Spending on car rentals in the Kingdom fell by 14.7 percent, while airlines saw a 9.3 percent decrease to SR38.16 million.

Expenditure on food and beverages saw a 7.9 percent decline to SR1.88 billion, claiming the largest share of the POS. Restaurants and cafes retained the second position despite an 18.5 percent decrease to SR1.50 billion.

Geographically, Riyadh accounted for the largest share of total POS spending, but still saw a 6 percent dip to SR4.46 billion, down from SR4.74 billion the previous week. The number of transactions in the capital settled at 69.07 million, down 6.8 percent week on week.

In Jeddah, transaction values decreased by 13.6 percent to SR1.75 billion, while Dammam reported a 4.8 percent decrease to SR640.59 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 the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, promoting electronic transactions and contributing to the Kingdom’s broader digital economy.


Dubai’s GDP hits $96.6bn in first 9 months of 2025 

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Dubai’s GDP hits $96.6bn in first 9 months of 2025 

Dubai’s economy expanded 4.7 percent in the first nine months of 2025, lifting gross domestic product to 355 billion dirhams ($96.6 billion) as growth accelerated across finance, construction and services, according to state data. 

GDP reached 113.8 billion dirhams in the third quarter alone, up 5.3 percent from a year earlier, the Emirates News Agency – WAM reported, citing official figures.  

Private-sector forecasts point to continued expansion, with a December research note from Emirates NBD projecting growth of about 4.5 percent in 2026, supported by tourism, investment and infrastructure momentum. 

In its latest analysis, WAM said the sustained growth in Dubai’s economy reflects the vitality of the local economy and the success of development policies driving the emirate’s prosperity. 

Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said: “The growth we are seeing today in Dubai’s economy is beyond what the numbers show, as it means more economic prosperity, family well-being, and growing confidence in the future of the Emirate.”   

He added: “Dubai does not rely on a single sector, but on an economic system in which all sectors are integrated, to grow together strongly and steadily, based on harmonious work teams united by the determination to achieve the highest goals of the Emirate.” 

Health and social work activities were the fastest-growing segment, expanding 15.4 percent year on year in the first nine months and contributing about 1.5 percent to GDP. Financial and insurance activities grew 8.5 percent and accounted for roughly 12 percent of output, highlighting the emirate’s role as a regional financial hub. 

In the first three quarters of 2025, the construction sector grew by 8.5 percent and contributed 6.7 percent to the emirate’s GDP. 

The real estate sector expanded by 6.7 percent during the first nine months of 2025, with its contribution to Dubai’s GDP reaching 8.2 percent. 

Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism, Helal Saeed Al Marri, said: “Dubai’s economic performance during the first nine months of 2025 reflects our ability to sustain and accelerate growth.”  

He added: “Collaboration with our partners in the public and private sectors will enable us to launch initiatives that enhance competitiveness and open new horizons of opportunity, ensuring that Dubai remains on track to achieve the ambitious goals of Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda.”