Saudi Arabia – Retail and Consumer Issues

What are the typical opening hours for shops in Saudi Arabia?

Retail trading hours in Saudi Arabia follow a rhythm that may surprise those new to the country. Most shops open their doors at around 9:30am, close at 1pm, and then reopen between 4 and 5pm, staying open until roughly 10pm. This split-schedule tradition is rooted in both the intense midday heat and the daily cycle of prayers, and it governs the routine of most smaller independent retailers and service providers throughout the Kingdom.

Of all the factors shaping shopping hours, prayer times are the most significant. At each of the five daily prayer times, shops, banks, businesses, and government offices shut for between 20 and 30 minutes. Since the Islamic lunar calendar means prayer times shift slightly each day, major newspapers publish the daily schedule. Newcomers are strongly advised to download a dedicated prayer-time app before arriving, so they can plan errands and avoid arriving at a closed door.

Larger supermarkets and hypermarkets typically keep far longer hours than smaller outlets, and many major grocery stores in the big cities now trade around the clock. A decision by the Saudi Council of Ministers in December 2019 opened the door for shops and businesses to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, provided they fulfil specific requirements and secure the appropriate municipal licence.

Friday holds particular significance as the holy day in Saudi Arabia, playing a role comparable to Sunday in many Western countries. In cities like Jeddah, major supermarkets typically open after the midday prayer concludes — around 1pm — while smaller outlets may wait until the afternoon prayer at 4–5pm before unlocking. During Ramadan, the entire retail schedule shifts noticeably later, with restaurants, cafés, and stores all adjusting their opening and closing times accordingly.

Unlike countries such as Germany or Austria, where Sunday trading is restricted or even banned by law, Sunday is simply a regular trading day in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, making Sunday the equivalent of Monday elsewhere. During major public holidays — particularly Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha — many shops close for several days, while larger malls and supermarkets may operate on reduced hours. It is always advisable to check ahead during festive periods.

What forms of payment are typically accepted in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has seen a sweeping transformation in how people pay for goods and services. In 2021, electronic payments surpassed cash as the most common form of transaction in the Kingdom for the first time, according to the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). This shift is no coincidence: a central ambition of Vision 2030 is to drive Saudi Arabia’s digital economy forward, with a target of raising cashless transactions to 70% by 2025.

The cornerstone of the payments ecosystem is Mada. Established and overseen by SAMA, the Mada network connects every ATM and point-of-sale terminal across the country to a centralised payment switch. It handles the overwhelming majority of electronic transactions, both in physical stores and online. Its smooth compatibility with Apple Pay has been a key driver behind the explosion of contactless mobile payments across the Kingdom.

For new arrivals and visiting foreigners, the payments landscape is reassuringly accessible. Cash, major international debit and credit cards — including Visa and Mastercard — and mobile wallets are all widely accepted. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and the domestic Mada Pay are commonplace in cities. Local digital wallets such as STC Pay and urpay are also popular among residents and are worth activating once you have opened a Saudi bank account.

Cash still has its place, particularly in traditional souqs, smaller independent traders, and areas outside the main urban centres. While regulations now require even small retailers to provide card payment facilities via POS devices, some very small market stallholders continue to prefer cash in practice. Carrying a modest amount of Saudi Riyals (SAR) remains sensible. ATMs are plentiful at airports and in cities; most machines accept international cards, though foreign cardholders may face fees of around 2–3%.

One payment innovation that may be unfamiliar to newcomers from outside the region is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). Demand for BNPL solutions is strengthening, with Saudi merchants offering an increased basket size per customer of up to 10x versus traditional lending options. This instalment-based option is increasingly offered by retailers and woven into the checkout experience both online and in-store.

What are the major supermarkets in Saudi Arabia, and how do they differ?

Saudi Arabia’s supermarket sector is well developed and varied, ranging from compact neighbourhood stores catering to everyday needs to sprawling international-standard hypermarkets. Riyadh in particular is home to high-end hypermarkets, local grocery chains, large-format stores, and small convenience outlets. The city’s expanding expat community has encouraged more stores to cater for diverse food preferences, stocking everything from organic produce to halal-certified versions of well-known Western products.

Here is a summary of the main chains and how they compare:

Panda is among the most widely available chains across the country, making it a practical choice for shoppers watching their budgets. Its shelves carry local staples alongside a reasonable selection of international goods at competitive prices — broadly comparable in positioning to a mid-tier supermarket. Danube, by contrast, pitches itself at the premium end of the market: its stores are meticulously laid out, its produce sections are well stocked with fresh goods, and its ranges extend to gourmet cheeses, imported snacks, and in-house bakery items — comparable in character to a Waitrose or Whole Foods.

LuLu Hypermarket carries a particularly strong selection of South and South-East Asian products, reflecting its origins in India. This makes it a favourite among expats from those regions, as well as anyone seeking a wider international product variety. Al Jazera Market is one of the most established and longstanding chains in Riyadh, built on a reputation for competitive pricing and quality produce. Its loyalty programme, the Mukafaat app, rewards regular shoppers.

Neighbourhood convenience stores — known locally as baqalas — are found on virtually every street corner. These small shops are ideal for last-minute purchases or late-night essentials and serve as an everyday resource for both residents and expats.

How popular is online shopping in Saudi Arabia, and what are the main platforms?

E-commerce is experiencing exceptional growth in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, the Saudi online retail market was valued at US$10 billion, and projections point to it reaching US$17 billion by 2027. This trajectory is being powered by high levels of smartphone ownership and a youthful, digitally confident population.

The key online shopping platforms for expats to know are:

• Noon — one of the region’s largest e-commerce marketplaces, covering electronics, fashion, groceries, and homeware, with a Saudi-focused interface and efficient local delivery.
• Amazon.sa — the Saudi iteration of Amazon, with a broad product catalogue and Prime delivery available in major cities.
• Carrefour (carrefourksa.com) — a strong online grocery offering with same-day or next-day delivery across major urban areas.
• LuLu Hypermarket online — widely used for grocery deliveries or click-and-collect orders.
• Tamimi Online — well regarded for consistent grocery quality and dependable delivery.
• Noon Minutes / similar rapid-delivery apps — express delivery services capable of bringing groceries to your door in as little as 15 minutes for everyday essentials.

Platforms such as Noon, Carrefour, and Tamimi Online allow shoppers to browse and buy from home with ease. Most provide English-language interfaces, accept international payment cards, and offer delivery within 24–48 hours depending on location. For newly arrived expats still finding their feet, this convenience can be invaluable.

Delivery services are generally reliable in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major urban centres, but coverage can be inconsistent in smaller towns and rural areas. It is advisable to verify which platforms serve your neighbourhood before depending on them. Saudi addresses do not always follow a conventional street numbering system, and many deliveries rely on GPS pin-drops — taking care to confirm your exact delivery location when ordering can prevent unnecessary confusion.

If you are ordering from an overseas retailer shipping directly to Saudi Arabia, be aware that customs duties may apply depending on the value and type of goods involved. Check with Saudi Customs (zatca.gov.sa) for up-to-date thresholds and applicable rates, as these are subject to change.

Are there shops or products in Saudi Arabia catering specifically to expats or international tastes?

The Kingdom’s large and ethnically diverse expat community — drawn from South Asia, South-East Asia, the Arab world, Africa, Europe, and the Americas — has had a marked influence on the retail market. Specialty stores stocking Asian and European products are scattered across cities, particularly in districts with high concentrations of expatriates, such as Al Olaya and Al Malaz in Riyadh. The breadth of international food options available in major Saudi cities often surprises newcomers.

For those hunting down specific imported ingredients, LuLu Hypermarket is widely considered one of the best destinations for South Asian, South-East Asian, and East Asian food products. Carrefour and Danube similarly carry extensive selections of imported goods from Europe, the United States, and elsewhere. Many internationally recognised brands are available in halal-certified formulations.

Organic and locally grown produce is also becoming increasingly accessible. The Thumamah Organic Farm Market, which opens at weekends, offers fresh organic produce sourced directly from local farms and attracts a loyal following among Riyadh’s expat community. Comparable organic markets operate in Jeddah and other cities.

A wide array of global retail brands operate in Saudi Arabia, predominantly through major shopping malls. These include IKEA, H&M, Zara, Marks & Spencer (food halls), Boots (pharmacy and beauty products), Sephora, and numerous international restaurant and fast-food chains. For electronics and stationery, Jarir Bookstore — which stocks a substantial range of tech products in addition to books — and Xcite are well-regarded local alternatives to large international electronics retailers.

Alcohol is entirely prohibited in Saudi Arabia and cannot be purchased anywhere in the country, including supermarkets and restaurants. This is a fundamental and non-negotiable difference from the retail environments of many other countries. A wide range of non-alcoholic substitutes, including alcohol-free beers and mocktails, is freely available. Pork products are similarly absent from mainstream supermarkets, though some specialist international food stores in expat neighbourhoods may stock pork items in clearly designated sections — always check packaging and store signage carefully.

What are your rights as a consumer in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has established a robust consumer protection framework that extends genuine rights to all residents — including expatriates — when disputes arise. Consumer protection legislation sets out minimum warranty standards, entitlements to return goods, and procedures for resolving disputes, shielding buyers from defective merchandise and deceptive commercial practices. These rules apply to all retailers in the Kingdom, encompassing international brands and online sellers alike.

The right to redress in the case of faulty goods is clearly defined. The Ministry of Commerce is committed to safeguarding consumer rights by ensuring appropriate protections during commercial transactions. The Ministry has developed Consumer Protection Regulations, including the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law and the Trademark System. Where a consumer purchases a product that subsequently turns out to be defective, adulterated, or counterfeit, they are entitled to return it and receive a full refund of the amount paid.

Online purchases attract additional protections under dedicated e-commerce legislation. The Ministry of Commerce brought into immediate effect the Implementing Regulations of the E-Commerce Law on 31 January 2020. These regulations are designed to strengthen trust in online transactions, shield consumers from fraud, deception, and misleading information, and support the broader development of e-commerce activity within the Kingdom.

One of the most practically significant rights for online shoppers is the statutory cooling-off period. A consumer may withdraw from an online contract and receive a full refund within seven days of taking delivery of the goods, as of 2020. This is broadly analogous to the 14-day withdrawal right available to consumers under EU law, though the Saudi window is shorter. Shoppers should retain proof of purchase, delivery records, and all correspondence with the retailer as a matter of course.

On advertising standards, electronic advertisements are regarded as having contractual force and are binding on all parties involved. Any electronic advertisement must set out clear details about the product or service being promoted and must not contain false claims or present information in a way that could mislead or deceive consumers. This provides a basis for complaint if a retailer’s marketing misrepresents what you have purchased.

Consumer protection legislation continues to evolve under Vision 2030, and international retailers are adapting to meet Saudi market expectations. Since the specific provisions of the Consumer Protection Law and its associated regulations may be updated, always verify the current legal position directly with the Ministry of Commerce (mc.gov.sa) or take professional legal advice in relation to specific disputes.

Which organisations protect consumers in Saudi Arabia, and how can you contact them?

A number of official bodies share responsibility for consumer protection in Saudi Arabia. Knowing which organisation to approach — and how to reach them — can make a meaningful difference when you need to resolve a problem.

• Ministry of Commerce (وزارة التجارة)
  The Ministry of Commerce is responsible for enforcing consumer protection standards and providing a complaints resolution service for warranty and returns disputes. It oversees the Consumer Protection Department and handles complaints concerning retailers, misleading advertising, and defective products. Complaints may be submitted online or by telephone.
  Official website: mc.gov.sa
  Commercial complaint hotline: 1900
• Maroof Platform (معروف)
  The Saudi Ministry of Commerce encourages consumers to purchase from online stores registered on its e-commerce verification platform, Maroof, which confirms the legitimacy of online traders. The platform allows you to check whether a particular online retailer is registered, or to report one that is not.
  Official website: maroof.sa
• Saudi Central Bank — SAMA (البنك المركزي السعودي)
  SAMA established and administers the Mada national payments network, linking all ATMs and POS terminals throughout the Kingdom. It is also the primary regulator for financial services complaints — disputes involving banks, payment service providers, or insurance companies should be directed to SAMA.
  Official website: sama.gov.sa
• Saudi Food and Drug Authority — SFDA (الهيئة العامة للغذاء والدواء)
  The SFDA is responsible for regulating the safety and quality of food, medicines, and medical devices on sale in Saudi Arabia. If you encounter a food safety concern or a product that appears to breach labelling requirements, the SFDA is the appropriate body to contact.
  Official website: sfda.gov.sa
• Communications, Space and Technology Commission — CST (هيئة الاتصالات والفضاء والتقنية)
  The CST regulates telecommunications and digital services across Saudi Arabia. Complaints about internet service providers, mobile networks, or digital platforms fall within its remit. It also has oversight of certain elements of the e-commerce infrastructure.
  Official website: cst.gov.sa

To lodge a complaint about a retailer or commercial matter, the most straightforward route is the Ministry of Commerce’s online complaints portal at mc.gov.sa. You will need to provide supporting documentation — such as receipts, photographs of defective goods, and records of your communications with the seller. Complaints can generally be submitted in either Arabic or English. Keep copies of all documents, and consult the portal for current guidance on processing timescales.

Frequently asked questions: retail and consumer issues in Saudi Arabia

Is Sunday a rest day for shops in Saudi Arabia?

No. Sunday is a regular working and shopping day in Saudi Arabia. The official weekend is Friday and Saturday. This is an important adjustment for those arriving from countries where Sunday trading is restricted, such as Germany or Austria. Most shops, supermarkets, and malls trade normally on Sundays.

Do shops in Saudi Arabia close for prayer times?

Yes. At each of the daily prayer times, shops, businesses, banks, and government offices close for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This occurs up to four or five times throughout the day. Downloading a prayer-time app is strongly recommended so you can schedule your shopping around these closures — particularly on Fridays, when prayer breaks tend to be longer.

Can I use my international debit or credit card in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Cash, major international credit and debit cards — including Visa and Mastercard — and mobile payment methods are all widely accepted. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and the local Mada Pay wallet are in common use in urban areas. ATMs are readily available at airports and in cities; most accept foreign cards, though fees of around 2–3% may apply. Notifying your bank before you travel is advisable to prevent your card being flagged and suspended.

What is the Mada card, and do I need one?

Mada is Saudi Arabia’s national payment network, established and operated by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). When you open a bank account in Saudi Arabia, you will automatically receive a Mada debit card. It is the most universally accepted card in the country and works seamlessly with Apple Pay for contactless transactions. For everyday purchases, it offers considerably more convenience than relying solely on a foreign card.

What are my rights if I receive a faulty product in Saudi Arabia?

If you purchase a product that proves to be defective, adulterated, or counterfeit, you are entitled to return it and receive a full refund of what you paid. Hold onto your receipt and contact the retailer in the first instance. If the retailer declines to help, you can submit a formal complaint to the Ministry of Commerce through mc.gov.sa or by dialling 1900.

Can I return an online purchase in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Under the E-Commerce Law that came into effect in 2020, consumers are entitled to cancel an online contract and receive a complete refund within seven days of receiving their order. Individual retailers may offer more generous return periods, so it is worth reviewing each seller’s specific policy. Keep your delivery confirmation and all written exchanges with the retailer in case you need to substantiate a claim.

Is alcohol available to buy in supermarkets or off-licences in Saudi Arabia?

No. The sale and consumption of alcohol is strictly and comprehensively prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. It is not sold in any supermarket, restaurant, or shop, and this prohibition applies to all residents and visitors irrespective of nationality or faith. Non-alcoholic alternatives are widely stocked in supermarkets and served in cafés and restaurants.

Where can I find international or imported food products in Saudi Arabia?

Specialty stores carrying Asian and European products can be found in most cities, especially in districts with large expat populations. Major hypermarkets including LuLu, Carrefour, and Danube all stock extensive ranges of imported goods. For organic and fresh local produce, weekend farm markets in Riyadh and other major cities are well attended by the expat community and offer a quality alternative to supermarket shopping.