Start with language and layout
Arabic is the default language for most Saudi shoppers, and English is widely used for browsing too. Build both, but design the Arabic version first in right-to-left rather than mirroring an English layout at the end.
- Use typefaces designed for Arabic, with comfortable size and line height.
- Write product names and descriptions for the market, not machine-translated.
- Check numbers, prices, dates and mixed Arabic–English text in every template.
- Set up hreflang correctly so each language version reaches the right searchers.
Our web development in Saudi Arabia page covers the technical side.
Offer the payment methods customers expect
A checkout without familiar options feels risky. Plan for:
- mada, the national debit card network.
- Apple Pay and major credit cards.
- Buy now, pay later providers such as Tabby and Tamara, which are widely used for fashion, electronics and home goods.
- A clear decision on cash on delivery: some customers still look for it, but it adds cost and returns risk.
Choose a payment gateway licensed to operate in the Kingdom and confirm settlement currency, fees and onboarding time early; onboarding can take weeks.
Plan VAT and e-invoicing
Saudi Arabia applies VAT at 15%. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) runs the national e-invoicing programme, known as Fatoora, which is being rolled out to businesses in phases with specific technical requirements for how invoices are generated and shared.
Your store, accounting and ERP need to produce compliant invoices. Confirm your obligations and your integration wave with your accountant or tax adviser before launch.
Handle personal data properly
Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), overseen by the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), sets rules for collecting, using and transferring personal data. It affects consent, privacy notices, data transfers outside the Kingdom and how long you keep data.
Collect only what you need at checkout, publish a clear Arabic privacy policy and review where your platform stores data. Take legal advice for your specific setup.
Make delivery easy
- Support the Saudi National Address format, including the short address, to reduce failed deliveries.
- Integrate with local carriers and show delivery times and costs before checkout.
- Offer order updates on WhatsApp, which customers use daily.
- Make returns simple and clearly explained in Arabic.
Plan around the Saudi calendar
Demand in the Kingdom follows a distinct calendar. Build campaigns and stock plans around:
- Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, when browsing shifts to late evenings.
- Eid al-Adha.
- Founding Day (22 February) and Saudi National Day (23 September).
- White Friday in November, and 11.11.
- Back-to-school and summer travel seasons.
Because dates follow the Hijri calendar, Ramadan and the Eids move earlier each Gregorian year.
Get found and measure everything
Launch with tracking in place so every order and WhatsApp enquiry is attributed. Combine Arabic SEO for high-intent searches with paid media: Google for demand capture, and platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram, which are widely used in the Kingdom, for demand creation. See digital marketing in Saudi Arabia.
When you are ready, our e-commerce development team can help plan and build the store.
This article is general guidance, not legal or tax advice. Regulations change; confirm current requirements with the relevant authority or an adviser.