E-commerce sales in Saudi Arabia have witnessed an unprecedented surge, reaching record highs that reflect the accelerating digital transformation in the financial sector. According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), sales via Mada cards reached their highest monthly level ever in October 2025, exceeding SAR 30.7 billion.
Record numbers and rapid growth
The statistical bulletin revealed that this achievement represents a remarkable annual growth of 68%, an increase of approximately SAR 12.4 billion compared to October 2024, when sales reached SAR 18.3 billion. This growth wasn't limited to the year-on-year figure; sales also saw a monthly increase of 6% compared to the previous month of September, which recorded sales of SAR 29.1 billion, reflecting the continued momentum of digital purchasing.
In terms of quarterly performance, e-commerce continued its upward trajectory, with total sales reaching SAR 88.3 billion in the third quarter of 2025. This figure represents a quarterly growth of 15.2%, an increase of SAR 11.6 billion compared to the second quarter of the same year, which recorded SAR 76.6 billion.
The context of Vision 2030 and digital transformation
These figures cannot be viewed in isolation from the Kingdom's overall economic context, as they are a direct result of the objectives of Vision 2030, specifically the Financial Sector Development Program. The Kingdom aims to increase the share of non-cash transactions to 70% by 2030, which explains the significant government support for digital payment infrastructure and the encouragement of innovation in financial technology (FinTech).
Evolution of payment infrastructure
This record increase in the use of Mada cards online, through apps, and via digital wallets reflects growing consumer confidence in the Saudi payment system. Technological advancements in the national payment network, the ease of use of electronic payment gateways, and the widespread adoption of smartphones have all contributed to a shift in Saudi consumer behavior, leading them to prefer secure and fast digital channels over traditional cash.
Expected economic impact
This growth carries positive economic implications that extend beyond mere sales figures; it indicates a recovery in purchasing power and enhances the transparency of financial transactions, thus contributing to the fight against commercial concealment and the informal economy. Furthermore, the flourishing of e-commerce opens up vast opportunities for the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector and the logistics sector, thereby strengthening the diversification and sustainability of the national economy.
It should be noted that these statistics cover only payments made via “Mada” cards on shopping websites and applications, and do not include transactions made via credit cards, which means that the total market size may be much larger when all payment methods are taken into account.
