Riyadh: The fifth edition of the Saudi Internet Report, issued by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), highlighted the growing adoption of digital channels among consumers, with 76.9% purchasing products or services online, including 85.6% of women and 70.2% of men.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the report found that 95.3% of online purchases were made through local retailers, compared with 55.4% through international shopping websites. Clothing and footwear were the most purchased online products at 87.7%, followed by cosmetics at 46.2%, groceries at 41.8%, computers and smartphones at 36.9%, and travel services at 36.5%.
Geographically, the Eastern Region recorded the highest rate of online shopping at 85.2%. The report also noted that 96% of consumers used government digital services, with Tabuk and Qassim regions recording the highest use at 98.6% each, while Al-Baha Region recorded the lowest at 92.4%.
Furthermore, 85.9% of consumers used digital banking services, with the Eastern Region showing the highest rate of usage at 89.6%, while Najran Region recorded the lowest at 78.1%. These indicators come amid continued growth in Saudi Arabia's digital economy.
The Kingdom's communications and information technology market is projected to reach SAR199 billion by the end of 2025, recording a compound annual growth rate of 8% over the past five years and reinforcing its position as the largest and fastest-growing market in the Middle East and North Africa.