Spending levels at point-of-sale locations decreased by 4.6% during the period from November 9 to 15, reaching 13 billion riyals spent across various sectors through 232.6 million transactions, compared to 13.7 billion riyals through 235.4 million transactions in the previous week.
Spending on transportation reached approximately 989.6 million riyals
According to data, spending on transportation reached about 989.6 million riyals, while healthcare spending was 839.6 million riyals, representing a decrease of approximately 6%. Additionally, 1.6 billion riyals were spent on restaurants and cafes, 248.8 million riyals on baked goods and sweets, 318.7 million riyals on hotels, and 1.9 billion riyals on food and beverages, with a 5% decrease.
Consumers also spent 1.1 billion riyals on clothing and accessories, 301.9 million riyals on culture and entertainment (a 7% decrease), 737.1 million riyals on professional and commercial services, 183.9 million riyals on electronic and electrical appliances, 478.2 million riyals on furniture and household supplies (a 13% decrease), and 405.7 million riyals on construction and building materials.
Spending on jewelry reached 325.2 million riyals (a 7% decrease), 49.1 million riyals on public utilities, 126.7 million riyals on education (approximately a 30% decrease), 981.3 million riyals on fuel stations, 52 million on laundry services, in addition to 2.1 billion on other categories.
At the city level, 148.2 million riyals were spent in Abha, 48.6 million riyals in Al-Baha (a decrease exceeding 7%), 383.6 million riyals in Al-Khobar, 647.7 million riyals in Dammam, 4.6 billion riyals in Riyadh (a decrease of about 5%), 516.7 million riyals in Medina, 535.1 million riyals in Mecca, and 1.7 billion riyals in Jeddah (a 6% decrease).
Abha
Abha is the capital of Asir Province in southwestern Saudi Arabia, a city known as the “Bride of the Mountain” due to its lush, green highland scenery. Historically, it was a key market and administrative center for the Asir region and is famous for its distinctive architecture, including ancient forts and palaces made of stone and mud. Today, it serves as a popular summer tourist destination, celebrated for its cool climate and rich cultural heritage.
Al-Baha
Al-Baha is a scenic region in southwestern Saudi Arabia, historically known as part of the ancient trade routes of the Arabian Peninsula. It is famous for its diverse natural landscapes, which include lush green mountains and forests, as well as traditional villages and heritage sites that reflect its rich cultural history.
Al-Khobar
Al-Khobar is a major port city on Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast, which grew from a small fishing village in the early 20th century into a vital commercial and economic hub. Its modern development was heavily influenced by the discovery of oil in the region, as it served as a key logistics center for the Saudi Aramco oil company. Today, it forms part of the Dammam metropolitan area and is known for its modern corniche, bustling business district, and shopping malls.
Dammam
Dammam is a major port city on the Arabian Gulf and the capital of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It grew from a small fishing village into a modern metropolis following the discovery of oil in the region in the 1930s. Today, it serves as the administrative center for the Saudi oil industry and a key commercial hub.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, serving as the nation’s political and administrative center. Historically a walled oasis town and a significant trading hub, it became the capital in 1824 and later the capital of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after its unification by King Abdulaziz Al-Saud in 1932. The city has since undergone rapid modernization, transforming into a bustling metropolis and a major financial hub.
Medina
The Medina refers to the historic old city found in many North African towns, most famously in Fez, Marrakech, and Tunis. These walled urban centers, often dating back to the medieval period, are characterized by a dense, labyrinthine maze of narrow streets, bustling souqs (markets), mosques, and traditional houses. Recognized for their outstanding universal value, many Medinas, such as those in Fez and Tunis, are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their preservation of historic Islamic architecture and urban design.
Mecca
Mecca is the holiest city in Islam, located in Saudi Arabia. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine in Islam, which Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. Every year, millions of Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime.
Jeddah
Jeddah is a major port city on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, historically serving as the gateway for pilgrims traveling to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Its historic core, Al-Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its traditional coral houses and ornate merchant buildings, some of which are centuries old. This area highlights Jeddah’s long-standing role as a vital center for trade and cultural exchange.
