RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s total point-of-sale transactions reached SR16.6 billion ($4.4 billion) in the week ending May 2, marking a 37.7 percent jump in transaction value.
According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank, the total number of transactions climbed to 270.7 million, up 20.2 percent from the previous week, reflecting broad-based momentum across consumer spending categories.
Freight transport and courier services posted the strongest gains in the transportation segment, with spending surging 92.4 percent to SR86.6 million. Outlays on airlines rose 19 percent to SR51.4 million, while auto and equipment rentals jumped 41.3 percent to SR79.2 million.
Food and beverages claimed the largest share of POS spending, with expenditure climbing 48.9 percent to SR2.83 billion. Restaurants and cafes followed with a 23.4 percent increase to SR1.99 billion. Apparel and clothing surged 53.1 percent to SR1.38 billion, making it the third-largest spending category during the monitored week.
Hotel spending also saw a notable uptick, rising 7 percent in value to SR355.2 million, with the number of hotel transactions growing 11.2 percent to 956,000. The sector continued to benefit from stronger travel and hospitality activity across the Kingdom.
Laundry services recorded one of the sharpest weekly increases, with spending jumping 61.9 percent to SR76.3 million.
Telecommunications expenditure rose 58 percent to SR243.6 million, while jewelry spending climbed 46.4 percent to SR499.5 million.
Riyadh, which accounted for the largest share of total POS spending, saw transaction values rise 29.6 percent to SR5.52 billion. The number of transactions in the capital reached 86.3 million, up 16.8 percent week-on-week.
In Jeddah, transaction values increased 30 percent to SR2.18 billion, while Makkah reported a 28.6 percent rise to SR779.2 million. Dammam saw spending grow 28.5 percent to SR809.8 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.
