Spending in Saudi Point-of-Sales (POS) systems witnessed a 5% increase in the early part of July, primarily fueled by the thriving hotel sector.

Spending in Saudi Point-of-Sales (POS) systems witnessed a 5% increase in the early part of July, primarily fueled by the thriving hotel sector.

In the week ending July 5, 2022, **Saudi Arabia's point-of-sale (POS) transactions increased by 5% to SAR 14.3 billion (approximately $3.81 billion)**[1], according to data from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) reported by Arab News[1]. This growth was driven by spending increases across various sectors.

The **sector-wise breakdown** of the point-of-sale transaction values and growth is as follows:

| Sector | Transaction Value (SAR Million) | Growth (%) | Notes | |------------------------|---------------------------------|------------|---------------------------------------------| | Hotels | 260.74 | +22.7% | Largest jump in transaction value | | Telecommunications | 136.09 | +9.8% | Second highest growth | | Public Utilities | 56.92 | +8.8% | Transactions also up 7.2% | | Food and Beverages | 2,130 | +6.9% | Largest share of total POS value | | Transportation | 776.28 | +4.1% | Moderate increase | | Restaurants and Cafes | 1,950 | +3.5% | Second largest share of POS value | | Miscellaneous Goods & Services | 1,790 | +8.6% | Third largest share of total transaction value |

Additional details reveal that hotel transactions also experienced an 18% rise in number, reaching 802 million transactions[1]. Public utilities transactions reached 740 million[1].

The hotel sector showed the most significant relative growth in spending, with hotel transactions increasing by 22.7% to SR260.74 million. Spending on gas stations rose by 1.1% to SR974.03 million. The telecommunication division transactions increased by 9.8% to SR136.09 million.

Total POS transactions in Jeddah rose by 6.8% to SR2.06 billion, while Dammam saw a 1% increase to SR680.17 million. Khobar recorded a 0.5% increase in POS transactions to SR387.48 million. Total POS transactions in Riyadh increased by 3.9% to SR4.87 billion.

The health sector increased by 3.7% to SR871.34 million, and spending on recreation and culture fell by 2.3% to SR287.79 million. Hail had 4.21 million deals in transaction volume, up 6.4%.

This data reflects a diversified increase in consumer spending in multiple sectors in Saudi Arabia during that week, with the hotel sector showing the most significant relative growth in spending.

**Source:** Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) data reported by Arab News[1].

1. The hotel sector in Saudi Arabia witnessed the most significant relative growth in spending, with a 22.7% increase in transaction value and an 18% rise in number of transactions.
2. The telecommunication division also saw an increase, with transactions growing by 9.8% to SAR 136.09 million.
3. The food and beverage sector contributed the largest share of total point-of-sale (POS) value, with a 6.9% growth to SAR 2,130 million.
4. The economic growth in Saudi Arabia was also reflected in the health sector, which experienced a 3.7% increase to SAR 871.34 million.
5. In contrast, spending on recreation and culture decreased by 2.3% to SAR 287.79 million.
6. Overall, the growth in POS transactions in Saudi Arabia was driven by spending increases across various sectors, with business sectors like hotels, telecommunications, and food and beverages showing significant growth. [Sources: Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) data reported by Arab News[1]]

Read also: