Local retailers account for 95.3% of online purchases in Saudi Arabia

According to the Saudi Internet Report issued by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), local retailers currently dominate the e-commerce landscape in Saudi Arabia, accounting for 95.3 percent of online purchases. The data highlights a significant shift in consumer behavior, with 76.9 percent of the population now utilizing digital channels to acquire goods and services. This adoption rate is notably high across demographics, with 85.6 percent of women and 70.2 percent of men reporting active online shopping habits.

The report provides a detailed breakdown of consumer preferences, identifying clothing and footwear as the most popular categories for online transactions, capturing 87.7 percent of the market. Other significant sectors include cosmetics at 46.2 percent, groceries at 41.8 percent, and technology hardware such as computers and smartphones at 36.9 percent. Travel services also maintain a strong presence in the digital economy, accounting for 36.5 percent of online activity.

Geographically, the Eastern Province has emerged as the most active region for e-commerce, recording an 85.2 percent engagement rate among its residents. The findings underscore the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia's digital infrastructure and the increasing trust consumers place in local digital marketplaces. As the Kingdom continues to pursue its Vision 2030 goals, the growth of these digital channels is expected to remain a central pillar of the national retail strategy, further integrating technology into the daily lives of Saudi citizens and residents.