E-commerce in Saudi Arabia continues to expand at a rapid pace. In the first quarter of 2025, online sales made through Mada cards reached SAR 69.3 billion ($18.5 billion), according to the Saudi Central Bank’s May bulletin. This marks a 56% year-on-year increase, up from SAR 44.4 billion ($11.9 billion) in the same period of 2024.
More than 370 million transactions were recorded during the first three months of 2025, highlighting the Kingdom’s swift move towards digital retail.
Steady Momentum Across All Quarters
Compared to Q4 2024, when online sales stood at SAR 55.2 billion ($14.7 billion), the first quarter of 2025 saw a 26% increase. This growth signals strong consumer confidence and further acceleration in the shift from traditional to digital commerce.
May 2025 alone recorded SAR 27.4 billion ($7.3 billion) in e-commerce sales—a notable 18% rise from April’s SAR 23.3 billion ($6.2 billion). The month also saw more than 147 million transactions, demonstrating continued high engagement from consumers.
Consistent Monthly Growth in Sales Volume
Between January and May 2025, the volume of e-commerce sales via Mada cards increased steadily. Sales grew by SAR 6.5 billion ($1.7 billion), climbing from SAR 20.9 billion ($5.6 billion) in January to SAR 27.4 billion ($7.3 billion) in May. This consistent upward trend illustrates the sustained momentum of digital spending in the Kingdom.
A Digital Future Fueled by Innovation
Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking figures reflect its ambitious digital transformation goals. Factors such as high internet penetration, a vibrant fintech ecosystem, and strategic government initiatives have significantly contributed to this upward trajectory. The country’s retail sector is also adapting quickly, with more businesses embracing e-commerce platforms to meet consumer demand.
As the Kingdom advances Vision 2030 and economic diversification, experts expect digital payments and e-commerce to reshape the future of retail and financial services.
