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RIYADH: Consumer spending in ����ֱ�� accelerated last week, with point-of-sale transactions rising 3 percent to SR12.77 billion ($3.40 billion), driven by higher spending across most sectors, official data showed. 

According to figures from the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, the number of transactions edged up 1.7 percent to 221.43 million in the week ending Sept. 27. 

The sustained momentum highlights consumer confidence and the Kingdom’s ongoing digital payments transformation under Vision 2030 initiatives. 

Spending on recreation — the fastest-growing subsector — surged 16 percent during the week to SR255.27 million, with 2.77 million transactions, boosted by anticipation of Riyadh Season, the Kingdom’s flagship entertainment festival set to begin later this month. 

Telecommunication spending came second, rising 12 percent to SR155.73 million. Personal care rose by 10.3 percent to SR114.01 million, while the number of transactions increased by 7.2 percent to 2.37 million. 

Expenditure on apparel and clothing rose 7.9 percent to SR951.08 million, with transaction volumes climbing 9.5 percent to 8.63 million. 

On the downside, education posted the steepest drop, falling 34.3 percent to SR113.43 million. Freight transport, postal and courier services also declined, down 11.2 percent to SR28.23 million. 

Food and beverages — the sector with the biggest share of total POS value — recorded a 2.3 percent increase to SR1.85 billion, while the restaurants and cafes sector saw a 9.7 percent increase, totaling SR1.59 billion and claiming the second-biggest share of this week’s POS. 

Notably, spending in gas stations claimed the third biggest share at SR948.56 million despite a 0.7 percent decline. 

The top three categories accounted for approximately 34.37 percent of the week’s total spending, amounting to SR4.39 billion. 

Furniture and home supplies saw an 11.9 percent increase to SR682.05 million, expenditure on laundry services rose 2.5 percent to SR44.56 million. 

Geographically, Riyadh dominated POS transactions, with expenses in the capital reaching SR4.55 billion, a 1.5 percent increase from the previous week.  

Jeddah followed closely with a 1.9 percent rise to SR1.80 billion, while Dammam ranked third, up just 0.8 percent to SR640.83 million. 

RIYADH: The Council of Economic and Development Affairs held a video conference to review a series of key economic and strategic reports.

The council examined the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s periodic report, which assessed the global economy, including forecasts for trade volume in 2025, performance trends in major economies, and ongoing external challenges to the Kingdom. 

The report affirmed the continued resilience and diversification of ����ֱ��’s economy in line with Vision 2030, noting a recovery in non-oil activities, which now account for 56 percent of gross domestic product, and highlighting sustained private-sector growth.

The council also reviewed the Strategic Management Office’s quarterly update on Vision 2030 realization programs and national strategies for the second quarter. The report showcased achievements across national plans, performance indicators, and future aspirations, underscoring steady progress under Vision 2030’s three core pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.

The council reviewed the second-quarter performance report of public agencies, submitted by the National Center for Performance Measurement, also known as Adaa. The report outlined efforts to support and empower government bodies in achieving Vision 2030 goals, presented overall results of national strategies, and included data on beneficiary satisfaction with government services, as well as future aspirations and planned steps.

A joint presentation by the Saudi Halal Center and the Halal Products Development Co. highlighted progress in the halal sector, including its size, key achievements, development pathways, targeted sub-sectors, and proposed solutions to challenges.

The council also reviewed other agenda items, among them a semi-annual update from the National Center for Privatization and PPP on supervisory committee reports, along with annual summaries from the Quality of Life Program Center and the Digital Content Council.

The council also reviewed a range of policy and procedural matters, including unified Gulf Cooperation Council rules to empower persons with disabilities and intellectual property initiatives covering patents, utility models, plant varieties, integrated circuit layouts, and design systems.

It was also briefed on the annual report of the Citizen Account Program and received executive summaries on key economic indicators such as GDP and national accounts, foreign trade, the Consumer Price Index, and wholesale prices, along with the underlying reports.

The council concluded by adopting the necessary decisions and recommendations on these matters.