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Consumer spending in Saudi Arabia rose to SAR 133.5 billion in February 2026, an 8% increase compared to SAR 123.1 billion in February 2025. This growth was driven by a 3% rise in point-of-sale (POS) transactions to SAR 59.9 billion, a 46% surge in e-commerce sales via Mada cards to SAR 30.4 billion, and a 3% decline in ATM cash withdrawals to SAR 43.2 billion. The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) reported 939.3 million POS transactions across 2.4 million terminals, alongside 169.7 million e-commerce transactions. The data highlights a shift toward digital payments and online shopping, reflecting evolving consumer behavior.
This spending growth signals strong consumer confidence and economic resilience in Saudi Arabia, which could bolster domestic demand and support sectors like retail and e-commerce. For traders, the data may influence perceptions of the Saudi economy’s health, potentially affecting the Saudi equity market and regional investor sentiment. The rise in digital transactions also underscores the kingdom’s progress toward Vision 2030 goals of financial inclusion and digital transformation.
Looking ahead, investors should monitor how this spending trend impacts corporate earnings, particularly in retail and fintech sectors. Central bank policies and inflation dynamics will also be critical, as higher consumer activity could pressure price levels. The shift toward cashless payments may further accelerate fintech adoption, offering opportunities for tech-driven companies in the Gulf.
