Saudi consumer spending rises 12% to SAR 107.3 bln in April

POS device

Total consumer spending in Saudi Arabia rose 12% to SAR 107.3 billion in April from SAR 96.1 billion in the same month last year.

Consumer spending in Saudi Arabia represents total cash withdrawals, POS transactions and e-commerce via Mada cards.

POS transactions in Saudi Arabia saw a 26% year-on-year (YoY) rise to around SAR 49.44 billion in April.

Online sales were carried out through 531.3 million transactions and 1.16 million devices.

POS transactions represent what is spent by consumers using their ATM cards and credit cards in shopping malls, retail stores, pharmacies, etc.

Cash withdrawals declined 7% YoY in April to SAR 47.6 billion.

Withdrawals were processed through 16,400 ATMs and through 128.6 million transactions in April.

Online sales transacted through Mada cards rose 85% YoY to reach SAR 10.26 billion in April.

The sales were performed through 51.8 million transactions, according to the monthly data issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).

Online sales include Mada cards processes in payment and purchases through online shopping and applications, but do not include transactions carried out via Visa, Mastercard or other credit cards.