Saudi POS transactions stayed strong, holding above $3 billion for a second week. Despite a drop in weekly totals, spending remained high, according to SAMA.
Notably, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) released new figures on consumer payments. These show that total point-of-sale (POS) transactions reached SR13.1 billion, or $3.47 billion, in just one week.
Though strong, this number marks a 15.4% decrease compared to the week before. However, the trend still confirms steady retail activity across the country.
Importantly, Riyadh topped all regions with the highest spending. The capital saw SR4.6 billion worth of POS transactions. This shows that consumer activity remains high in urban centers.
Meanwhile, Saudi POS transactions in all sectors reported a drop in POS spending. Education saw the sharpest fall. The total transaction value in that sector dropped by 32.3%, down to SR162.1 million.
Additionally, the number of education-related transactions fell by 25.1%, landing at 144,000 for the week.
Other categories, such as clothing, food, and entertainment, also experienced moderate declines. But retail and personal services still accounted for a large portion of weekly spending.
Besides that, Saudi POS transactions continue to reflect the health of the consumer economy. Although the numbers dropped, the totals remain strong by historical standards.
With digital payments rising, POS data now gives a close view of Saudi Arabia’s spending habits. The country continues to push toward a cashless economy as part of Vision 2030.
Essentially, the ongoing shift toward card and mobile payments boosts transparency. It also helps improve tracking of economic activity.
Government reforms have played a big role in encouraging the use of POS systems. More businesses now offer card payment options, making it easier for consumers to use digital methods.
Meanwhile, Saudi POS transactions in major Saudi cities continue to drive the bulk of the spending. Urban development, tourism, and growing consumer confidence all play a part in this trend.
As the Saudi economy diversifies, POS data remains an important signal. It shows how different sectors perform week by week. It also helps spot seasonal shifts and trends in consumer behavior.
In conclusion, Saudi POS transactions reflect a resilient economy. The totals may change week to week, but the larger pattern remains strong and steady.
