The latest data issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) revealed the continued momentum in digital financial transactions within the Kingdom, with sales through points of sale reaching approximately 12.5 billion riyals during the week ending January 24, 2026. This figure is compared to approximately 14 billion riyals recorded during the preceding week, reflecting the normal market movement related to the monthly salary cycle.
Details of operations and spending volume
According to the weekly point-of-sale (POS) transactions report, the number of transactions saw a slight change in line with sales volume, reaching approximately 213.6 million transactions during the week ending [date], compared to approximately 236.5 million transactions in the previous week. These figures strongly indicate the increasing reliance of consumers on electronic payment methods in their daily transactions, which aligns with the objectives of the Financial Sector Development Program, one of the programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to reduce reliance on cash and promote digital transformation.
Consumer behavior and spending seasons
Analysis of historical point-of-sale (POS) data reveals a consistent consumption pattern linked to salary payments and holidays. Weeks coinciding with government employee salary disbursements (the 27th of each month) witness significant sales increases, as do weeks coinciding with school holidays and festive seasons like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Conversely, sales naturally decline in the weeks immediately preceding salary payments, explaining the slight decrease in the week ending January 24th, as consumers tend to conserve spending while awaiting their next paycheck. The four-week moving average reached approximately SAR 14.4 billion.
Annual growth and evolution of digital payments
In terms of annual performance, data shows that the value of point-of-sale (POS) transactions continued its upward trend in 2025 compared to previous years (2024, 2023, and 2022). The average weekly sales value in 2025 ranged between SAR 11.4 billion and SAR 15.3 billion, reflecting economic growth and increasing purchasing power. For comparison, the average ranged between SAR 11.5 billion and SAR 13.8 billion in 2024, between SAR 10.4 billion and SAR 12.7 billion in 2023, and between SAR 9.4 billion and SAR 11.6 billion in 2022. This continued growth underscores the success of the Kingdom's digital payments infrastructure and the confidence consumers and merchants have in it.
The sectors with the highest spending
Regarding the distribution of spending by sector, basic consumer goods accounted for the largest share during the week ending January 24. Consumer spending was concentrated in the food and beverage sector, representing 15% with a total value of SAR 1.88 billion, followed by the restaurants and cafes sector , which accounted for 12% with a value of SAR 1.50 billion. These figures reflect the priority consumers place on basic goods and food-related leisure services, sectors that demonstrate high resilience and stable demand throughout the year.
