RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transactions remained above the $3 billion mark for the third consecutive week, underscoring the resilience of consumer activity even as overall spending moderated in mid-October.
According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, consumer spending stood at SR12.2 billion ($3.25 billion) during the week ending Oct. 18, reflecting a 9 percent decline from SR13.4 billion a week earlier.
The total number of transactions also eased 6.1 percent to 222.7 million, compared with 237.2 million in the prior seven-day period.
Data revealed declines across most spending categories, led by education, which saw the steepest fall — a 31.2 percent drop in value, reflecting a slowdown after earlier back-to-school spending peaks. Recreation and culture followed, with a 14.6 percent decrease.
Spending on restaurants and cafes dropped 9.3 percent to SR1.52 billion, while food and beverages fell 6.8 percent to SR1.92 billion. Purchases of apparel and accessories decreased 9 percent to SR880.53 million, and construction and building materials slipped 5.6 percent to SR395.63 million.
