RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transactions held above $3.5 billion in the week ending June 13, although total spending slipped 3.9 percent from the previous week, official data showed.
According to the latest figures from the Saudi Central Bank, POS transaction values totaled SR13.2 billion ($3.52 billion) during the seven-day period, while the number of transactions edged down 0.2 percent to 238.2 million.
Despite the overall softness, several sectors posted notable gains. Education expenditure jumped 43.2 percent to SR210.9 million, making it the standout performer during the week, while spending on books and stationery climbed 8.7 percent to SR115.8 million.
Jewelry spending surged 16 percent week on week to SR638.8 million, while airline spending rose 8.8 percent to SR57.2 million.
On the downside, recreation spending dropped 15.4 percent to SR212.5 million, while laundry services declined 13.6 percent to SR51.2 million. Freight transport and courier services also fell 13 percent to SR43.5 million.
Food and beverages retained the largest share of POS spending, though it fell 8.4 percent to SR2.1 billion.
Restaurants and cafes accounted for the second-largest share, slipping 4.5 percent to SR1.6 billion. Apparel, clothing and accessories spending declined 9.5 percent to SR966.7 million, ranking third among spending categories.
Riyadh, which accounted for the largest share of total POS spending, recorded a 1 percent drop in transaction value to SR4.6 billion, while the number of transactions inched up 1 percent to 76.3 million.
Jeddah saw transaction values fall 2.7 percent to SR1.8 billion, while Makkah posted the steepest decline among major cities, down 15.4 percent to SR466.9 million. Dammam edged down 0.2 percent to SR673.2 million.
POS data, tracked weekly by SAMA, provides an indication 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 supporting the Kingdom’s broader digital economy.
