Shopping in Saudi Arabia: Where Expats Love to Shop for Groceries, Clothes & More

Shopping in Saudi Arabia: Where Expats Love to Shop for Groceries, Clothes & More

Saudi Arabia offers a rich and modern shopping experience for expats. Whether you're looking for familiar international brands, fresh produce, electronics, or traditional Arabic items, you’ll find a wide range of options in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

This guide will walk you through the best places to shop, helpful tips for navigating Saudi malls and souks, and where to find expat-friendly products.

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🛒 Grocery Shopping in Saudi Arabia

Supermarkets in Saudi Arabia are well-stocked and diverse, offering both local and imported items. Popular grocery chains include:

  • Panda – affordable and found in most neighborhoods
  • Danube – upscale grocery stores with lots of international products
  • Carrefour – French hypermarket chain, great for variety
  • Lulu Hypermarket – expat favorite, especially among South Asians and Filipinos
  • Tamimi Markets – known for American products and high quality

Tip: Many stores have home delivery apps like Carrefour Now, Nana, and HungerStation.

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👕 Clothes & Fashion

Whether you want global fashion brands or modest wear, Saudi Arabia offers both luxury and budget options. Major shopping malls in big cities include:

  • Riyadh Park – modern, stylish, with Zara, H&M, Mango, and more
  • Red Sea Mall (Jeddah) – one of the biggest malls in the country
  • Dhahran Mall – popular among expats in the Eastern Province
  • Kingdom Centre (Riyadh) – luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and more

For traditional Saudi attire or abayas, try local boutiques and souks. Women’s clothing stores usually have privacy screens for trying outfits.

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📱 Electronics & Appliances

If you're looking to purchase phones, laptops, or home appliances, the top stores include:

  • Extra – major electronics retailer with frequent promotions
  • Jarir Bookstore – not just books! Offers tech, office items, and gadgets
  • Noon & Amazon.sa – online shopping with fast delivery options

It’s worth comparing prices online vs in-store, as deals often vary.

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🛍️ Shopping Malls vs Local Markets

Expats in Saudi Arabia enjoy a mix of modern malls and traditional markets (souks). Here’s how they compare:

Malls:

  • Air-conditioned and family-friendly
  • Open daily, including weekends
  • Host global brands, food courts, cinemas, and play zones

Markets/Souks:

  • Offer traditional items like spices, incense, carpets, gold, and Arabic coffee sets
  • Prices are negotiable – bargaining is expected!
  • Great for cultural experience and souvenirs

Read more: Navigating Daily Life in Saudi Arabia: Money, Groceries, and Local Tips for Expats

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💸 Payment Methods

Most stores accept:

  • Debit/Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Mada)
  • Apple Pay and STC Pay
  • Cash (although becoming less common)

Tip: Always carry your Iqama when using cards to avoid any ID issues.

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📆 Shopping Hours & Weekends

Typical store hours are:

  • Morning: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Evening: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

However, malls and supermarkets in major cities are often open continuously from 9 AM to midnight, especially on weekends (Thursday–Saturday).

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🧴 What About Personal Care & Beauty Products?

You’ll find familiar brands like The Body Shop, Bath & Body Works, Sephora, and local favorites like Abdul Samad Al Qurashi for perfumes and oils. Pharmacies like Al Nahdi and Tadawi also stock skincare and wellness products.

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🎁 Souvenirs & Gift Shopping

Looking for memorable gifts from Saudi Arabia? Some ideas include:

  • Arabic perfumes and oud
  • Handcrafted prayer beads (misbahas)
  • Spices and dates (Ajwa from Madinah is famous)
  • Traditional coffee pots (dallahs) and cups
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🚗 Parking & Accessibility

Malls usually offer free or paid parking. Some high-end malls have valet service. Parking can get busy during evenings and weekends, so arrive early. Most stores are wheelchair accessible.

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🧾 Final Thoughts

Shopping in Saudi Arabia is a unique blend of the traditional and modern. From global malls to bustling souks, expats can enjoy convenience, luxury, and culture in one place. Whether you're new to the Kingdom or just exploring your city more deeply, shopping is one of the most enjoyable parts of expat life here.

— The Author, My Life in Saudi

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