Saudi Retail, Wholesale Trade Revenues Rise in 2026

Saudi Living reports that operating revenues in the Kingdom's wholesale and retail trade sector continued to grow through 2026, reinforcing the resilience of the wider economy. The general operating revenues index rose 7.3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 and 0.5% quarter-on-quarter, reaching 124.8 index points.

Within that quarter, retail trade excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles recorded a 9.6% year-on-year increase and a 1.3% quarterly rise, while wholesale trade excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles grew 5.5% year-on-year and 1.8% quarter-on-quarter.

Momentum carried into the second quarter of 2026, when the general index climbed 3.2% compared with the same period in 2025, though it eased 0.6% against the first quarter. Retail trade activity led the gains with a 13.4% year-on-year jump, followed by wholesale trade at 6.5% and motor vehicle sales and repair at 2.4%.

On a monthly basis, the index for wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles rose 3.6% in May 2026 compared with May 2025, and 1.3% versus April 2026.

Why it matters

The trade sector remains a key pillar of the Saudi economy. Real GDP expanded 3.0% in the first quarter of 2026, supported by a 3.6% increase in wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair activities. For residents and business owners, the steady growth points to healthy consumer spending and an active commercial market across all regions of the Kingdom. The figures are published quarterly and cover the entire country through official statistical bulletins and datasets.

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