Saudi Consumer Spending Hits SAR 170.5 Billion

Aug 24, 2026
Share this article
Saudi Consumer Spending Hits SAR 170.5 Billion

Consumer spending in Saudi Arabia has reached 170.5 billion SAR, combining ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale transactions, and SADAD payments. The figure represents a 4.2% increase year-on-year, but a 8.6% decline compared with the previous month, pointing to softer recent demand alongside continued annual growth.

Monthly spending levels through early and mid-2026 have varied. February 2026 recorded 133.5 billion SAR, up 8% year-on-year, while March 2026 reached 150.1 billion SAR, supported by a 28% surge in e-commerce. June 2026 stood at around 130.14 billion SAR, a 6% annual rise.

Within the latest total, point-of-sale sales in recent months ranged between 59.9 and 66.1 billion SAR, ATM withdrawals were near 43.2 billion SAR, and e-commerce via Mada cards came in around 30.4 to 35.4 billion SAR. In the first quarter of 2026, total spending through official payment channels reached 425 billion SAR, up 6.8% year-on-year.

Why it matters

The numbers reflect a clear structural shift for residents and businesses: spending is moving steadily away from cash withdrawals toward cashless payments and online shopping. E-commerce via Mada cards has been growing by roughly 28% to 46% year-on-year in recent months, and overall spending in the year to April 2026 rose about 9% to 10% in nominal terms.

Weekly data show spending peaks around salary periods and seasonal occasions, including 16.1 billion SAR in weekly point-of-sale transactions during early Ramadan in March 2026, with mid-August 2026 weekly point-of-sale spending near 14.19 billion SAR. For shoppers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond, the trend signals wider adoption of digital payment options and a stronger e-commerce market.


Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

Up Next

Saudi Unemployment Falls to 6.4% in Q1 2026

Saudi Unemployment Falls to 6.4% in Q1 2026

Saudi citizen unemployment dropped to 6.4% in Q1 2026, while overall labor force participation topped 67%, exceeding a key Vision 2030 target.

Aug 24,2026
Umrah Performers Reach 15.2 Million in Q1 2026

Umrah Performers Reach 15.2 Million in Q1 2026

Saudi statistics show 15.2 million Umrah performers in Q1 2026, with 62% from inside the Kingdom and 38% from abroad.

Aug 24,2026
900 Saudis to Train for Media and Communications Jobs

900 Saudis to Train for Media and Communications Jobs

A new partnership will train 900 job seekers in Saudi Arabia for technical and specialized media careers over 12 months, with certification and English-language programs.

Aug 24,2026
SAR 12.9M Wooden Door Subcontract for Housing Project

SAR 12.9M Wooden Door Subcontract for Housing Project

A SAR 12.9 million subcontract for supplying and installing wooden doors in a major housing project runs over 12 months. Here's what it means.

Aug 24,2026
Saudi Consumer Spending Hits SAR 170.5 Billion | Saudi Living