Saudi Arabia commands 93% of Gulf e-commerce investments

According to the Saudi Gazette, Saudi Arabia has solidified its position as a primary driver of the digital economy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), accounting for approximately 93 percent of total e-commerce investments in the region by 2025. This figure represents a significant increase from 46 percent in 2021, highlighting the Kingdom's rapid expansion as a regional hub for digital retail and logistics.

The findings were presented during the 'New Geography of Growth' session, held in London and organized by the RLC Global Forum in partnership with Selfridges. Despite the surge in investment, the report notes that e-commerce penetration within the broader Gulf retail sector remains at 11 percent. Industry experts suggest this relatively low penetration rate indicates substantial untapped potential for further growth in the coming years.

Discussions at the forum emphasized that the Gulf region is increasingly influential in shaping the global luxury goods market. This trend is reportedly fueled by robust domestic demand, consistent inflows of investment, and a growing openness to international markets. Beyond traditional retail, the data indicates that e-commerce investments in the region are diversifying to encompass broader logistics and infrastructure projects, further integrating the Gulf into the global digital trade ecosystem.