Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transactions climbed 17.8 percent to SR15.79 billion ($4.21 billion), the largest increase in three weeks, as consumer spending accelerated across most sectors in a sign of robust economic momentum. 

The number of transactions rose 11.2 percent to SR237 million in the week ended Aug. 30, according to data from the Saudi Central Bank. 

The strong spending reflects sustained consumer confidence and the ongoing shift toward digital payments, supported by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform initiative. 

The food and beverage sector remained the largest spending category, rising 29.4 percent to SR2.30 billion. Restaurant and cafe spending increased by 9.9 percent to SR1.70 billion.

In contrast, POS spending in the hotel sector declined by 6.5 percent to SR254 million. 

Transportation sector activity grew 16.9 percent to SR1.13 billion, while expenditure on professional and business services climbed 18.8 percent to SR1.10 billion. 

Spending on apparel, clothing, and accessories increased by 16.3 percent to SR1.18 billion. Meanwhile, education-related transactions reached SR1.10 billion, and spending at gas stations totaled SR1.08 billion. 

The strong performance aligns with Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector expansion, which remained firmly in growth territory according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index. This consistent consumer activity underscores the success of economic diversification efforts away from hydrocarbon dependence.

Riyadh dominated POS transactions, with expenses in the capital reaching SR5.47 billion, a 11.7 percent increase compared to the previous week. 

Jeddah followed with a 24.1 percent increase to SR2.19 billion, and Dammam ranked third at SR771.70 million, up 14.7 percent. 

Spending in Madinah rose 27.1 percent to SR624.30 million, while Makkah reached SR610.99 million. Al-Khobar recorded SR441.49 million, followed by Buraidah with SR378.78 million, and Abha at SR221.03 million. 

The widespread adoption of digital payment platforms, combined with rising disposable incomes and a growing youth population, continues to fuel the transformation.