The “mada” Point-of-Sales (POS) network has experienced a remarkable increase in both reach and usage since the beginning of the year. According to one of the Kingdom’s leading bankers, for the first time in its history, mada, has surpassed the 200,000 handsets mark. Over 90,000 retailers across the Kingdom now use mada-networked POS devices.
Talaat Hafiz, secretary-general of the Media and Banking Awareness Committee for Saudi Banks, explained that the usage of POS terminals linked to Saudi banks has recorded unprecedented growth throughout 2015. “At the end of October we had 204,175 devices linked to the network, which is an increase of 57 percent over the same period last year. From January to October, mada added 65,396 new devices to keep up with demand from both retailers and consumers alike.”
According to Hafiz mada aims to add more devices over the coming five years to continue expanding the number of retail-based POS devices in the Kingdom. This expansion will be supported by infrastructure upgrades to support the expected increase in electronic payment transactions. “There’s an increasing trend for Saudi consumers to favor smart payment technologies when making purchases. We’re witnessing a rapid shift to a less cash dominated society with the Kingdom’s residents using electronic payment solutions more often due to their convenience. There’s also higher levels of public trust in the security offered by Saudi banks when it comes to electronic payments, which is helping to promote a change in behavior.”
To support this change, Saudi banks have adopted a number of measures to promote electronic payments including a review of services charges and fees imposed on each transaction undertaken at a POS device, as well as costs levied on retailers for POS installation, maintenance and network fees.
Mada's point-of-sales network breaks 200,000 handsets barrier
Mada's point-of-sales network breaks 200,000 handsets barrier
LuLu marks Founding Day with ‘Made in Saudi’ campaign
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources honored LuLu Hypermarket in recognition of its pivotal role as the exclusive retail partner of the “Najoud Bikhairna 2026” initiative, commending its continued efforts in supporting and empowering national industries while showcasing the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
The initiative, led by the ministry in partnership with the Saudi Export Development Authority, represented by the Made in Saudi program, stands as a pioneering model of public-private sector collaboration in activating community-driven initiatives with sustainable impact. Through this program, more than 280,000 Saudi-made products were distributed to 10,000 families across various regions of the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan, reinforcing the presence of national products and strengthening the values of social solidarity among individuals and institutions alike.
The ministry’s recognition of LuLu Hypermarket coincided with the official launch of its Saudi Founding Day celebrations at the Dharat Laban branch in Riyadh, marked by the unveiling of a comprehensive promotional campaign dedicated to Saudi-made products. On this occasion, a wide range of special offers was introduced on local products, available across all LuLu Hypermarket branches throughout the Kingdom.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mohammed bin Dayel, general supervisor of the Made in Saudi program at the Saudi Export Development Authority, and Mohamed Haris, director of LuLu Saudi Arabia, alongside members of LuLu’s executive management team. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the specially designed Founding Day gateway.
Following the inauguration, guests toured several dedicated zones and exhibitions highlighting national products. The tour commenced at the grocery and “Made in Saudi” consumer goods sections, showcasing the diversity and quality of local brands. It also included the “Made in Saudi” dates pavilion, presenting a premium selection of the finest locally sourced dates in celebration of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic national symbols.
The visit continued to the fruits and vegetables section under the theme “From Our Land,” featuring an exceptional assortment of Saudi agricultural products, reflecting the richness and excellence of the local agricultural sector. Guests also explored the LuLu private label corner, which features products exclusively manufactured within the Kingdom for LuLu, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing.
The tour concluded with a presentation of “Made in Saudi” products within the chilled and frozen categories, underscoring the rapid growth and qualitative advancement of the Kingdom’s food manufacturing sector, and further reinforcing the strong market position and competitiveness of Saudi products.
