Local retailers accounted for 95.3% of online purchases in Saudi Arabia, significantly higher than purchases made through international shopping websites, according to the latest Saudi Internet Report issued by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST).
The fifth edition of the report found that 76.9% of consumers in the Kingdom purchased products or services online. The rate was higher among women, at 85.6%, compared with 70.2% among men.
While local retailers dominated online purchases at 95.3%, international shopping websites accounted for 55.4% of purchases.
Clothing and footwear were the most popular categories among online shoppers, with 87.7% purchasing these products. Cosmetics followed at 46.2%, while groceries accounted for 41.8%.
Computers and smartphones were purchased online by 36.9% of consumers, while 36.5% bought travel services through digital channels.
The Eastern Province recorded the highest rate of online shopping in the Kingdom at 85.2%.
The report also highlighted the widespread use of digital government services, with 96% of consumers using such platforms. Usage stood at 96.2% among men and 95.6% among women. Tabuk and Qassim recorded the highest adoption rates at 98.6% each, while Al-Baha recorded the lowest at 92.4%.
Digital banking services were used by 85.9% of consumers nationwide. Usage was broadly similar among women and men, at 86.2% and 85.7%, respectively.
The Eastern Province recorded the highest use of digital banking services at 89.6%, while Najran had the lowest rate at 78.1%.
The findings come as Saudi Arabia’s digital economy
