In January 2025, Saudi Arabia e-commerce growth hit a record 45%, surpassing $5.5 billion in total sales. This rise highlights the country’s rapid move toward online shopping and digital payments.
Several factors contributed to this growth. Higher consumer spending and wider adoption of digital wallets boosted transaction volumes. The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) reported that Mada card transactions increased by 33.65%, totaling 111.42 million. These transactions include online shopping, in-app purchases, and e-wallet activity.
Mada plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce growth. The card network supports contactless and secure payments through near-field communication (NFC) technology. As more Saudis use smartphones and NFC devices, the demand for digital payments keeps rising.
Moreover, Saudi consumers now prefer fast and secure transactions. Mada’s services meet this demand, especially for younger, tech-savvy shoppers. As digital trust grows, more residents rely on electronic transactions for daily needs.
A strong economy has also supported this shift. Many families now enjoy dual incomes, which raises spending power. Combined with government support for fintech and digital transformation, these factors are pushing Saudi Arabia closer to a cashless future.
Spending trends show how deep the digital shift goes. For example, purchases of personal care and supplies reached $1.9 billion, accounting for 12% of total spending. This reflects a broader trend of diversified online shopping habits.
