Amazon launches in Saudi Arabia: what can customers expect?

Same-day delivery, language options and shopping internationally, here is what you need to know about the newly rolled out online store

Amazon.sa has launched in Saudi Arabia. Courtesy Amazon.sa

Today, Amazon has announced the launch of Amazon.sa, a dedicated online store for customers in Saudi Arabia.

Shoppers in Saudi will be able to browse and buy products from both local and international businesses, including products from Amazon US.

So far, the site has a total of 34 categories, including supermarket and grocery items, fashion products, electrical, beauty and cosmetics, home appliances and books.

Is Amazon.sa in Arabic or English?

The Amazon.sa site offers Arabic and English, on both the shopping app and on the website. It will also offer customer support in both languages.

Is there next-day delivery?

Amazon.sa will offer free next day delivery on orders above SAR 200 (Dh195). In selected areas of Saudi Arabia, there will also be an option of paid same-day delivery.

Amazon will continue to work with Saudi Post to fulfil deliveries in the country.

Does Souq.com still exist in Saudi?

All Souq.com customers in the kingdom will now be automatically redirected to the Amazon.sa store. Amazon acquired Souq in 2017.

"All existing Souq.com customer credentials, wish lists, orders, delivery addresses, payment methods and customer support queries have been converted to new Amazon.sa accounts," Amazon said a statement.

Do I need to re-download the app? 

No, there is no need to download a new app for the Saudi Arabia store. Customers who already have the Amazon app can change to the Saudi Arabia in settings, under "Country & Language" to browse the kingdom's store. In the same settings section, you can move between Arabic and English languages.

Is Amazon Prime available in Saudi? 

Amazon Prime, which is on offer in the UAE, is not yet available in Saudi.

A representative for Amazon told The National: "We're constantly working on adding and improving services for our customers, but have nothing to announce currently regarding Amazon Prime."

Amazon Prime is a paid-for subscription service, which offers free next-day delivery on selected products, video and gaming streaming, and access to Amazon Prime Day, a 48-hour sale that gives members access exclusive discounts. In the UAE, Amazon Prime membership costs Dh16 for the month or Dh140 for the year, and the site also offers a 30-day free trial.

What about sales?

The last big sale, Amazon Prime Day, was held globally in July 2019. Dates for the 2020 event have not been announced yet, but it is expected to be held a little later this year. Reuters has speculated it will be held in September 2020.