Important trade shows
Saudi Arabia is an important country in terms of international trade, and it has several crucial channels for the development of global buyers as well as a range of significant exhibitions.
Firstly, one of the major international purchasing channels in Saudi Arabia is through its participation in various free trade agreements. The country is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which enables it to establish trade relationships with other GCC countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. This provides an avenue for international buyers to access not only the Saudi Arabian market but also other regional markets through a unified customs union.
Secondly, Saudi Arabia has established economic cities such as King Abdullah Economic City and Jazan Economic City. These economic cities have been developed to attract foreign investors and facilitate international trade. They offer incentives for companies willing to invest in these areas that include access to local and regional markets.
Thirdly, Saudi Arabia has various specialized industrial zones like Jubail Industrial City and Yanbu Industrial City. These zones focus on specific industries such as petrochemicals, oil refining, and manufacturing. International buyers can explore these industrial zones to find potential suppliers or partners for their procurement needs.
In addition to these purchasing channels, there are numerous important exhibitions held in Saudi Arabia that provide opportunities for global buyers:
1) Saudi Agriculture Exhibition: This exhibition focuses on agriculture-related products including machinery/equipment, livestock farming solutions, agricultural chemicals/fertilizers/pesticides among others. It attracts both local exhibitors and international participants seeking business opportunities within the agricultural sector.
2) Big 5 Saudi: This construction exhibition showcases a wide range of construction products including building materials, machinery/tools/equipment along with architectural designs/innovations from around the world. It serves as a platform for global construction-related entities looking to expand their presence or secure contracts within the Saudi Arabian construction industry.
3) Arab Health Exhibition: As one of the largest healthcare exhibitions in the Middle East, it showcases healthcare products, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and innovations. It attracts a diverse range of international participants seeking business collaborations or partnership opportunities within the Saudi Arabian healthcare sector.
4) Saudi International Motor Show (SIMS): This exhibition brings together leading automobile manufacturers and suppliers from across the globe. It serves as a platform for global automotive entities aiming to present their latest models/innovations and establish partnerships or distribution networks within the Saudi Arabian automotive market.
These are just a few examples of significant international purchasing channels and exhibitions in Saudi Arabia. The country's strategic location, economic development plans, and participation in free trade agreements make it an attractive hub for global buyers seeking business opportunities within various industries.
Common search engines
In Saudi Arabia, the most commonly used search engines are:
1. Google (www.google.com.sa): As the world's most popular search engine, Google holds a dominant position in Saudi Arabia too. It provides a wide range of services including web and image searches, along with maps and translation features.
2. Bing (www.bing.com): Developed by Microsoft, Bing is another widely used search engine in Saudi Arabia. It offers similar features to Google and has gained popularity over the years as an alternative option.
3. Yahoo (www.yahoo.com): While Yahoo may not be as popular as it once was globally, it still remains a preferred choice for some users in Saudi Arabia due to its enhanced email services and news portal.
4. Yandex (www.yandex.com.sa): Although less popular than Google or Bing, Yandex is a Russian-based search engine that offers localized services for users in Saudi Arabia with Arabic language support.
5. DuckDuckGo (duckduckgo.com.sa): Known for its emphasis on privacy and security, DuckDuckGo is gaining popularity among internet users globally including those residing in Saudi Arabia who prioritize personal data protection.
6. AOL Search (search.aol.com): Though not as prominent anymore compared to earlier times, AOL Search still has some usage within certain demographics of internet users in Saudi Arabia who have been using it historically.
It's worth mentioning that these are just a few examples of commonly used search engines in Saudi Arabia; other regional or specialized options may also be available depending on specific user preferences or needs.
Major yellow pages
Saudi Arabia's main yellow pages directories are:
1. Sahara Yellow Pages - sa.saharayp.com.sa
2. Atninfo Yellow Pages - www.atninfo.com/Yellowpages
3. Saudian Yellowpages - www.yellowpages-sa.com
4. Daleeli Saudi Arabia - daleeli.com/en/saudi-arabia-yellow-pages
5. Arabian Business Community (ABC) Saudi Arabia Directory - www.arabianbusinesscommunity.com/directory/saudi-arabia/
6. DreamSystech KSA Business Directory - www.dreamsystech.co.uk/ksadirectors/
These yellow pages directories provide comprehensive listings of businesses, services, and organizations across various industries in Saudi Arabia. From restaurants to hotels, medical clinics to educational institutions, these websites serve as an essential resource for users to find contact information, addresses, and other details for local businesses in the country.
It is important to note that the availability of specific listings and accuracy may vary among these directories depending on updates and changes made by businesses themselves or the directory operators.
Please note that it is always recommended to verify the information provided through multiple sources before making any decisions based on the directory listings.
Major commerce platforms
Saudi Arabia, being one of the largest economies in the Middle East, has witnessed significant growth in its e-commerce sector over the past few years. Here are some of the main e-commerce platforms in Saudi Arabia along with their website links:
1. Jarir Bookstore (https://www.jarir.com.sa) - Known for its wide range of electronics, books, office supplies, and more.
2. Noon (https://www.noon.com/saudi-en/) - A leading online retailer offering a diverse range of products including fashion, electronics, beauty products, home appliances, and groceries.
3. Souq.com (https://www.souq.com/sa-en/) - Acquired by Amazon in 2017 and now known as Amazon.sa. Offers an extensive collection of products ranging from appliances and electronics to fashion and groceries.
4. Namshi (https://en-ae.namshi.com/sa/en/) - Specializes in clothing, footwear, accessories for men and women from various local and international brands.
5. Extra Stores (https://www.extrastores.com) - A popular hypermarket chain that also operates an online platform selling electronics, appliances, furniture, toys & games.
6. Golden Scent (https://www.goldenscent.com) - An online beauty store offering a vast selection of perfumes and cosmetics for both men and women.
7. Letstango (https://www.letstango.com) - Offers a wide variety of electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops as well as other consumer goods including fashion items.
8. White Friday (part of noon group)- Organizes annual sales events during Black Friday where customers can avail massive discounts on various products from different categories such as electronics to fashion items
These are just a few prominent examples among many thriving e-commerce platforms in Saudi Arabia; additional options include Othaim Mall Online Store( https://othaimmarkets.sa/), eXtra Deals (https://www.extracrazydeals.com), and boutiqaat (https://www.boutiqaat.com) as some notable mentions. It's important to note that the e-commerce landscape in Saudi Arabia is continually evolving, with new platforms emerging regularly to cater to the growing demands of consumers.
Major social media platforms
In Saudi Arabia, there are several popular social media platforms used by the general population for communication, networking, and sharing information. Here are some of the main social media platforms along with their website addresses:
1. Twitter (https://twitter.com) - Twitter is widely used in Saudi Arabia for sharing short messages and news updates.
2. Snapchat (https://www.snapchat.com) - Snapchat is widely popular in Saudi Arabia for sharing real-time photos and videos with friends.
3. Instagram (https://www.instagram.com) - Instagram is used extensively in Saudi Arabia to share photos, videos, and stories within personal networks.
4. Facebook (https://www.facebook.com) - Facebook remains a prevalent platform in Saudi Arabia for connecting with friends, joining groups or communities, and sharing various types of content.
5. YouTube (https://www.youtube.com) - YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform among Saudis where individuals can watch or upload various types of videos.
6. Telegram (https://telegram.org/) - Telegram messaging app has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional SMS messaging due to its end-to-end encryption feature and ability to create large group chats.
7. TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/) - TikTok has recently gained immense popularity in the country as a platform where users can share short entertaining videos showcasing their creativity or talent.
8. LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com) - LinkedIn is widely used by professionals for networking purposes, sharing work-related content, and searching for job opportunities across industries.
These platforms play significant roles in fostering connectivity among individuals across different age groups while also providing opportunities for businesses and brands to reach out to consumers effectively in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Major industry associations
Saudi Arabia is home to several major industry associations that play a crucial role in promoting and protecting their respective sectors. Here are some prominent industry associations in Saudi Arabia along with their websites:
1. Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) - The CSC represents the private sector and acts as an umbrella organization for various business chambers in Saudi Arabia.
Website: www.saudichambers.org.sa
2. Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) - SAGIA aims to attract and facilitate investments in various sectors, such as manufacturing, energy, healthcare, tourism, and more.
Website: www.sagia.gov.sa
3. Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC) - FGCCC promotes economic cooperation among member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Saudi Arabia.
Website: www.fgccc.org.sa
4. Zamil Group Holding Company - Zamil Group specializes in various sectors like steel fabrication, shipbuilding, engineering, petrochemicals, manufacturing towers for telecommunication companies.
Website: www.zamil.com
5. National Agricultural Development Co. (NADEC) - NADEC is a key player in the agriculture sector focusing on dairy products production in Saudi Arabia.
Website: www.nadec.com.sa/en/
6. Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jeddah (CCI Jeddah)- CCI Jeddah plays a pivotal role in promoting trade within the city by providing support to local businesses.
Website: jeddachamber.com/english/
7. General Authority for Small & Medium Enterprises Development (Monsha’at) – Monsha'at focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises by offering training programs, financing options,
and other resources that promote entrepreneurship.
These are just a few examples of major industry associations operating within Saudi Arabia's diverse economy across different sectors ranging from commerce to investment facilitation to agricultural development.
Business and trade websites
Sure! Here are some of the popular economic and trade websites in Saudi Arabia along with their respective URLs (Please note that these URLs are subject to change):
1. Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) - The official investment promotion agency in Saudi Arabia.
URL: https://www.sagia.gov.sa/
2. Ministry of Commerce and Investment - Responsible for regulating commerce, supporting domestic trade, and attracting foreign investment.
URL: https://mci.gov.sa/en
3. Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Represents business interests in Riyadh region.
URL: https://www.chamber.org.sa/English/Pages/default.aspx
4. Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Represents business interests in Jeddah region.
URL: http://jcci.org.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
5. Dammam Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Represents business interests in Dammam region.
URL: http://www.dcci.org.sa/En/Home/Index
6. Council of Saudi Chambers - An umbrella organization representing various chambers across the country.
URL: https://csc.org.sa/
7. Ministry of Economy and Planning - Responsible for formulating economic policies, implementing development plans, and managing public investments.
URL: https://mep.gov.sa/en/
8. Arab News – One of the leading English-language newspapers covering economic news in Saudi Arabia
URL:https://www.arabnews.com/
9.Saudi Gazette-The oldest English-language newspaper published daily within the Kingdom
URL:https:/saudigazette.com.
10.General Authority for Zakat & Tax (GAZT)-responsible for Zakat ("wealth tax") administration as well as tax collection including VAT
url:https:/gazt.gov.sa/
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, but it includes several important economic and trade websites relevant to Saudi Arabia.
Trade data query websites
Saudi Arabia has several trade data inquiry websites that provide information on the country's trade statistics. Here are a few of them along with their respective URLs:
1. Saudi Exports Development Authority (SAUDI EXPORTS): This website provides comprehensive information about Saudi exports, including product-wise statistics, market analysis, and export services.
Website: https://www.saudiexports.sa/portal/
2. General Authority for Statistics (GaStat): GaStat serves as the official statistical agency of Saudi Arabia and offers a wealth of economic and trade-related data. It provides access to various indicators, including trade balances, imports/exports classifications, and bilateral trading partners.
Website: https://www.stats.gov.sa/en
3. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA): SAMA is responsible for maintaining monetary stability and providing reliable economic data in the Kingdom. Their website offers detailed reports on external trade statistics as well as other financial indicators.
Website: https://www.sama.gov.sa/en-US/Pages/default.aspx
4. National Information Center (NIC): The NIC is a central repository of various government databases in Saudi Arabia. It provides access to multiple sectors' statistical data, including external trade figures.
Website: http://www.nic.gov.sa/e-services/public/statistical-reports
5. World Integrated Trade Solutions (WITS) by the World Bank: WITS allows users to explore international merchandise trade data from multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia. Custom queries can be created based on specific criteria such as time period and product classification.
Website: https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/SAU/
Please note that some websites may require registration or subscription to access detailed trade data beyond general summaries or overviews.
It's always recommended to verify the accuracy and reliability of any information obtained from these sources by consulting relevant authorities or conducting further research if needed.
B2b platforms
There are several B2B platforms in Saudi Arabia that facilitate business-to-business transactions. Here are some of them along with their website URLs:
1. SaudiaYP: A comprehensive business directory and B2B platform in Saudi Arabia that allows businesses to create profiles, list products and services, and connect with potential partners.
Website: https://www.saudiayp.com/
2. eTradeSaudi: This platform offers a wide range of services including B2B matchmaking, business opportunities listing, trade statistics, and industry news to support businesses in Saudi Arabia.
Website: http://www.etradenasaudi.com/
3. Business-Planet: A B2B marketplace for various industries in Saudi Arabia where companies can showcase their products/services and connect with suppliers or buyers.
Website: https://business-planet.net/sa/
4. Gulfmantics Marketplace: It is an online marketplace where businesses from different sectors can buy and sell products/services across the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia.
Website: https://www.gulfmantics.com/
5. Exporters.SG - Saudi Arabian Suppliers Directory: This platform specifically focuses on connecting international buyers with Saudi Arabian suppliers across various industries.
Website: https://saudiarabia.exporters.sg/
6. TradeKey - Saudi Arabia B2B Marketplace: TradeKey provides an online platform for global trade that includes a dedicated section for businesses based in Saudi Arabia to promote their products/services internationally.
Website (Saudi Arabian section): https://saudi.tradekey.com/
Please note that these platforms may vary in terms of popularity and functionality, so it is advisable to explore each website individually to determine which one suits your specific requirements the best.