Digital Payments Revolution Boosts E-Commerce Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

For an extended period, the Saudi Arabian economy predominantly relied on cash, stemming from a culture rich in traditional local markets and negotiations.
This preference, once reinforced by a lack of trust in banking systems and the absence of regulatory frameworks for online transactions, is rapidly evolving.
With two-thirds of the kingdom’s population being under the age of 35, and the country ranking third globally in smartphone usage, Saudi Arabia is undergoing a swift transformation in payment preferences.
This shift not only reshapes consumer behavior but also serves as a pivotal element in the broader narrative of digital transformation, paving the way for a more efficient system for e-commerce and logistical services.
In a society where cultural traditions once dictated a preference for cash transactions, the Kingdom now embraces the digital revolution.
This transformation is evident in how both consumers and merchants swiftly adapt to online financial activities.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, cash-on-delivery was the preferred method for e-commerce transactions. However, today, digital payments have seen a significant surge in adoption, propelled by a large number of tech-savvy youth and the impact of the pandemic.
Digital Payments
In 2020, digital payment transactions in the Kingdom surged by 75%, while cash withdrawals from ATMs experienced a significant decline.
The reality is that this shift towards digital payments is not merely a matter of convenience or a response to global trends. It is a strategic move aligned with the Kingdom’s national transformation plan, “Vision 2030,” aiming to accelerate the digital economy and increase cashless transactions.
Government initiatives, such as the introduction of the SADAD system, and the efforts of the Saudi Central Bank to regulate and unify the digital payment sector, have streamlined electronic payments and enhanced trust among users.
This regulatory framework has played a crucial role in encouraging the adoption of online payment services, making digital transactions more secure and reliable.
Payment Applications
The e-commerce sector in Saudi Arabia, expected to surpass $13.2 billion by 2025, directly benefits from the growing trend towards digital payments.
With consumers becoming more comfortable with online payments, there has been a surge in demand for e-commerce, exemplified by a 60% increase in online shopping from 2019 to 2020.
The emergence of mobile payment applications such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and various local apps has facilitated this shift, making smartphone payments more convenient than ever.
This increasing convenience in digital transactions not only enhances consumer comfort but also drives the expansion of the e-commerce sector. It also brings about an innovative approach in the logistics services domain to keep pace with this growth.
The rapid evolution of payment methods within the Kingdom represents a transformation reshaping the landscape of e-commerce and the logistics sector, particularly in the realm of order delivery.
Reducing cash transactions simplifies the delivery process, minimizes errors, enhances efficiency, and simultaneously supports environmental sustainability goals by reducing paper usage and improving delivery routes, resulting in decreased fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
One of the prominent challenges traditionally faced by Saudi Arabia in delivery services has been the absence of a clear and unified system for delivery addresses.
The lack of postal codes and precise addresses often leads to reliance on phone calls and detailed descriptions from customers, adding complexity and potentially causing delays in delivery operations.

To overcome these challenges in order delivery, leading logistics companies in Saudi Arabia are increasingly turning to the adoption of innovative technologies.
The Internet of Things
Nowadays, global positioning systems and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, along with advanced transportation management systems, are being utilized to achieve an immediate and smarter vision in order delivery.
These technologies not only enhance route planning and delivery efficiency but also ensure the fulfillment of the increasing demand for e-commerce through equally sophisticated logistical solutions.
The integration of these technologies serves as a testament to the industry’s commitment to overcoming fundamental challenges in delivery, especially within the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Looking to the future, the potential use of drones and self-driving vehicles is also a fantastic means to enhance delivery services.
These advanced solutions could revolutionize the efficiency and speed of delivery operations, especially in hard-to-reach areas or during peak hours.
Meanwhile, Saudi Post has embarked on an ambitious initiative to provide an address for every workplace or residence.
Individuals or companies registering their addresses receive a short code consisting of 8 characters (4 letters and 4 numbers), creating a unified and comprehensive address system for all regions, cities, and villages in Saudi Arabia.
The current challenge lies in encouraging e-commerce retailers to include the new addresses in their customers’ orders for faster and more standardized adoption.
Despite the challenges, companies in the Kingdom are expanding their local networks and exploring on-demand delivery tools, allowing customers to specify delivery times and locations.
However, maintaining a balance between service quality and cost management remains a continuous and fundamental challenge in this sector.
Innovative Solutions
Saudis are anticipating a future where synergy between online payment methods, e-commerce, and logistics services in the Kingdom becomes more integrated and advanced.
The widespread adoption of digital payment methods is expected to drive an increase in e-commerce activities.
This evolution extends beyond enhancing current systems; it creates both opportunities and new challenges in the logistics landscape.
In conclusion, the shift towards digital payment methods serves as a catalyst for a broader transformation in the sectors of e-commerce and logistics in Saudi Arabia.
The future will witness a rise in seamless digital transactions and efficient logistical solutions, fostering the growth of the e-commerce sector and contributing to the broader economic objectives of the kingdom.
As Saudi Arabia continues to embrace digital transformation, the future of e-commerce and logistics appears not only promising but also integral to economic growth and diversification in the country.

As discussions over the future of Gaza continue, the conflicting visions among key players make reaching a consensus increasingly difficult. The phrase “it’s complicated,” used by US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to justify Israel’s continuation of the war, summarizes the deep divisions among stakeholders.

Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, followed by Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, international efforts to define the “day after” scenario have remained unresolved.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to allow either the Palestinian Authority (PA) or Hamas to govern Gaza. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump envisions turning Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East”—without the PA, Hamas, or even Palestinians themselves. Arab states are considering an independent committee to manage Gaza, while the PA insists on taking sole control. Hamas, on the other hand, has proposed a support committee to oversee governance. The result is a landscape where no party shares a unified vision for post-war Gaza.

A senior Palestinian official emphasized that the PA and Arab states are relying on the US to take a firm stance and impose a solution on Israel. “There is no agreement yet. The issue must still be settled,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat. The official stressed that a binding US position, along with Arab and international support, is necessary for any effective governance plan.

While Trump and Netanyahu have outlined different visions for Gaza, behind the scenes, the US is engaged in discussions about post-war governance. Yet, Netanyahu has repeatedly avoided addressing this issue, preferring to focus on military operations. Israeli writer Avi Shilon argued in Yedioth Ahronoth that Netanyahu is prolonging the war to evade making a tough decision about Gaza’s future.

Both Witkoff and Shilon believe Hamas intends to maintain its presence in Gaza. While Witkoff insists that Hamas’ continued rule is unacceptable to Trump’s administration, he hinted that the group could participate politically if it disarms.

Witkoff also suggested that negotiations might provide a path forward, arguing that Hamas is not as ideologically rigid as some claim.

This approach aligns with US efforts to engage Hamas indirectly, recognizing that Israel has been unable to decisively eliminate the group. Shilon noted that Israel’s demand to end Hamas’ rule is justified in principle but impractical in reality.

“Israel cannot force Hamas to surrender. A group willing to sacrifice tens of thousands of its people and endure Gaza’s destruction has no incentive to return hostages if all we offer is their removal from power,” he wrote, adding that the US has come to the same realization.

Hamas responded swiftly to Witkoff’s remarks, with spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanoua stating that some of these proposals are under discussion with mediators. He affirmed that Hamas is open to governance arrangements in Gaza, provided they have broad consensus. “We approved the formation of a societal support committee in Gaza that does not include Hamas. We have no ambitions to govern Gaza; what matters to us is national consensus, and we are committed to its outcomes,” he said.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty previously outlined a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, including training Palestinian security forces in Egypt and Jordan before their deployment to the Strip. A Hamas official confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the group genuinely does not seek to govern Gaza, but it insists that governance arrangements be Palestinian-led, without US or Israeli dictates. “Our weapons are not up for discussion unless it leads to a Palestinian state,” the official emphasized.

The PA and Fatah have also entered the debate, calling on Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza. Fatah spokesperson Munther al-Hayek urged Hamas to step aside, warning that the upcoming period could be “even more severe” for Gaza’s civilians.

A lingering question remains: Will the October 7 attack ultimately bring Palestinians closer to statehood, or will it destroy their aspirations?

Thirty-two years after the Oslo Accords—when US sponsorship, international backing, and a strong PA seemed to pave the way for peace—Israel’s refusal to conclude negotiations has kept Palestinians in a cycle of talks, conflicts, and political paralysis. Over time, Israel’s approach has weakened the PA and, whether intentionally or not, bolstered Hamas’ influence—leading to the devastating events of October 7.

As the region contemplates Gaza’s future, the unresolved question remains: What lessons have Washington and Tel Aviv learned, and what do they truly want?

Digital Payments Revolution Boosts E-Commerce Opportunities in Saudi Arabia