Saudi Arabia has surfaced as one of the most prosperous economies in the Middle East. With a population of 34 million people, the country has a vast consumer base with an appetite for online shopping. With the increasing population and development, the country has surfaced with a huge number of audience for the online exchanges. Here in this article, we are going to explore rise of E-commerce in Saudi Arabia.
We will know the influencing factors that promote the sector in the country, and will also look up to some challenges and future expectations for Ecommerce in Saudi Arabia.
Factors Driving the Growth of Ecommerce in Saudi Arabia
Starting with a some of the factors that affects the growth and the working of Ecommerce in a country like Saudi Arabia are as follows-
Ecommerce in Saudi Arabia: Young and Techy Population
The population of Saudi Arabia is quite young, with over 50% of its population as youth. These youths are known to the new technologies, and have adopt them with ease. Making E Commerce an impactful sector in the Arab world.
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Increasing Internet Potential
The availability of the internet also plays a great role in the development of E commerce in the country. The increased use of the internet in countries like Saudi Arabia has made E-commerce more popular and effective among the population, and has provided them with an accessibility.
With over 90% of the population using a smartphone, access to the internet has become easy, and more widespread than ever. Making the Ecommerce an effective sector in the country.
Support of Government
Unlike any other countries in the world, Saudi Arabia seeks excellence with their technology and developments in the different fields. The government has been really efficient with the working and development of the digital infrastructure, and has aimed at promoting E-commerce in the country.
High Disposable Income of Individuals
Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the Middle East with a huge number of individuals living as millionaires, multi-millionaires, and billionaires in the country. With that much disposable income in hand, the expense on luxury items comes to mind, which automatically enhances the digital purchases and makes E-commerce effective.
Challenges Faced By E-Commerce in Saudi Arabia
With a number of developments and high demand in the country, the sector of E-commerce also possesses some of the major challenges that need to be encountered. Some of those challenges are-
Limit on Option of Paying Methods
One of the major challenges with the business of E-commerce in Saudi Arabia is the limit to the method of paying for the exchange. With credit cards and debit cards being widely used. There is no such development in the net banking or E-wallets in the country. Creating a little bit of difficulties out there.
Ecommerce in Saudi Arabia: Cultural Barriers
Being a strict believer of the cultural laws and regulations, Saudi Arabia is one of the most conservative societies. Making it a difficult prospect for the development of E-commerce. There are people with the belief of traditional exchanges in the country. Besides, language barrier also becomes a great sabotage for foreign E-commerce companies in the country.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is also one of the major challenges in the development of the E-commerce sector in Saudi Arabia. Being a conservative society in the Middle East, the people feel a bit cautious while bingeing over the E-commerce platforms. Besides, the country has also been confront with a number of cyber attacks in the recent decades, making E-commerce a challenging prospect of development.
Future of E-commerce in Saudi Arabia
Despite all the challenges and sabotages on the road, the e-commerce sector is forging forward without any intention to extinguish, and continues to grow at a rapid pace in the country. According to a report by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, the country’s e-commerce market is expected to reach $13.9 billion by 2025, driven by factors such as increasing internet penetration, government support, and a young and tech-savvy population.
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The various companies on the other hand are promoting the sector by indulging into the mobile transactions, improved logistics network, and localised customer support. Companies are also partnering with local retailers and logistics providers to improve their delivery networks and reach customers in remote areas.
Ecommerce in Saudi Arabia: Conclusion
By looking at all these major points regarding the development and efforts put down for e-commerce culture in Saudi Arabia. There is no doubt for a successful establishment of the sector.
We can expect a revolutionising impact over the way of exchange in Saudi Arabian society and can find out some of the major developments in the upcoming years of its existence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Limited payment options, logistics challenges, cultural barriers, and cybersecurity are some of the major resistance to the development of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia.
The products that directly or indirectly offend the cultural laws are prohibited by the government over e-commerce platforms. It cannot be sold in the country.
Yes, foreigners can indulge in the e-commerce business of Saudi Arabia. But they must comply with the rules and regulations of the country, and partner up with a local sponsor.
Souq.com, which is now own by Amazon, is the most popular e-commerce platform in Saudi Arabia.