Saudi Arabia quick commerce market sees boom in user base
The market for quick commerce in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly. New research from Maven Insights lays out the factors that make ultra-fast delivery models successful in the Kingdom: Near-universal connectivity, a highly urbanized population, a young consumer base, and a digitalized payment ecosystem.
The promise of quick commerce has always been straightforward: Providing whatever a consumer needs right when they need it. In Saudi Arabia, this convenience has evolved from a pandemic-era luxury into a standard expectation.
The report by Maven Insights, which surveyed nearly 3,000 consumers in KSA, reveals that the market is shifting. While speed was once the primary goal, the future of the industry now depends on reliability, trust, and consistent execution.
Shopping online goes mainstream
The conditions are just right in Saudi Arabia: There is an estimated 99% internet penetration and 85% of residents live in urban centers. Furthermore, 79% of retail payments are now electronic, and 66% of the population is under the age of 35.
These factors, supported by the infrastructure investments of Vision 2030, have created a digital-first environment where ultra-fast delivery can thrive. Currently, 34% of the population are active users of these services, while 66% have yet to adopt the habit.
For those who use these platforms, the motivation is clear. Approximately 70% of users place orders because they need an item urgently, while 60% do so for general convenience. The items most frequently found in delivery baskets include snacks and beverages at 51% and groceries at 47%.
Health and pharmaceutical products also represent a significant portion of the market at 42%. Consumers are not using these apps to browse or discover new trends – they are using them to solve immediate problems.
Consumers want reliability and lower fees
When choosing which app to use, speed remains the most important factor, followed by product price and promotions. However, the survey suggests that speed alone is no longer enough to keep a customer. Reliability in the ordering process is what builds long-term habits.
Despite the high adoption rates, significant barriers remain that prevent users from ordering more frequently. High delivery fees are a concern for 54% of respondents, and 42% feel that the product selection is too limited.
Quality concerns regarding fresh food also affect 38% of users. When issues arise, such as a missing item or a necessary return, the experience can make or break customer loyalty. Roughly 68% of consumers cite refund delays as their primary frustration, while 56% value a fast refund above all other solutions.
Loyalty in this space is functional rather than emotional. Many consumers hold multiple subscriptions to avoid fees and ensure they can find the products they need. In the current market, Jahez leads with 46% of paid subscribers among those surveyed, followed by Careem at 39% and Noon at 33%. These users are looking for a seamless experience that minimizes the effort required to manage their households.
There is also a significant opportunity for growth in new categories. Users expressed a strong desire to see small home appliances, fitness gear, and clothing available for rapid delivery. As the market matures, the focus will likely shift toward these lifestyle categories. To win over the remaining 66% of the population who do not yet use quick commerce, providers must address the perception of cost.
The next chapter for the Saudi Arabian retail market will be all about operational excellence. Retailers will need to turn efficiency into trust. Every on-time delivery and every accurately filled order serves as a proof point for a consumer base that values its time above all else.
