RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transaction value remained above $3.5 billion in the week ending May 16, with several sectors recording gains even as overall spending edged down from the previous week.
According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank, total transaction value reached SR13.7 billion ($3.65 billion), while the number of transactions stood at 249.8 million.
Freight transport and courier services led the sectoral gainers, rising 5.6 percent in value to SR67.6 million. Apparel and clothing edged up 1.9 percent to SR1.22 billion, while trade of vehicles and spare parts increased 2.3 percent to SR533.2 million.
Food and beverages remained the largest spending category despite a 5.4 percent decline to SR2.14 billion. Restaurants and cafes followed with a 2.2 percent decrease to SR1.73 billion.
Education spending recorded the steepest sectoral decline, falling 22 percent in value to SR164.1 million. Hotel spending slipped 4.8 percent to SR177 million, while furniture and home supplies fell 10 percent to SR528.2 million.
