Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale activity remained strong during mid-November as spending trends held steady above the $3 billion level. The latest weekly data showed resilient consumer demand across several categories despite noticeable declines in others.
According to the Saudi Central Bank, total POS transactions reached SR13.07 billion in the week ending Nov. 15. This marked a 4.6 percent decline from the previous week, yet the overall figure stayed elevated. Additionally, the total number of transactions reached 232.67 million, showing a modest drop of 1.2 percent.
However, several categories recorded weekly gains. Spending on vehicles and spare parts increased by 0.6 percent, reaching SR513.75 million. Moreover, hotel expenditure rose 1.9 percent to SR318.79 million as seasonal travel activity continued. Gas station spending also edged up 0.1 percent to SR981.36 million, reflecting steady mobility across the country.
Nevertheless, most other categories moved lower. Education spending saw the largest decline and dropped 29.5 percent to SR126.76 million. Furthermore, furniture and home supplies fell 12.9 percent to SR478.25 million. Food and beverages, which hold the largest share of POS spending, decreased by 5.3 percent to SR1.97 billion. Restaurants and cafes followed with a 1.6 percent decline to SR1.62 billion.
Apparel spending also softened. The category slid 4.1 percent to SR1.18 billion, although it still ranked among the top contributors to national POS activity.
The Kingdom’s major cities posted similar movements. Riyadh maintained the largest share of POS spending, reaching SR4.68 billion, though this represented a 4.5 percent weekly decline. The number of transactions dropped 1.6 percent to 76.83 million. In Jeddah, spending decreased 5.5 percent to SR1.75 billion, while Dammam recorded a 5.9 percent drop to SR647.71 million.
Economists note that weekly POS data offers useful insight into national spending trends. The figures help track consumer resilience, business activity, and the ongoing transition toward electronic payments. Additionally, the data reflects expanding POS networks in smaller cities, which strengthens digital inclusion goals.
The push toward digital payments supports Vision 2030 objectives. The strategy encourages electronic transactions and promotes greater efficiency in the Kingdom’s developing digital economy. Moreover, analysts expect broader adoption of cashless services as infrastructure expands and customer behavior evolves.
Looking ahead, financial specialists anticipate continued growth in digital transactions as consumer habits stabilize. Policymakers also plan to enhance payment systems to support stronger spending trends during upcoming economic cycles.
