BNPL emerges as the preferred payment option for Saudi consumers

BNPL emerges as the preferred payment option for Saudi consumers
According to a recent report from leading BNPL provider Tabby, 77 percent of Saudi consumers now use BNPL for essential purchases. Shutterstock
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Updated 27 December 2024
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BNPL emerges as the preferred payment option for Saudi consumers

BNPL emerges as the preferred payment option for Saudi consumers

RIYADH: The fintech landscape in Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming daily financial practices, with buy now, pay later services gaining significant popularity. This shift is simplifying access to flexible payment options, reshaping how people manage their finances and make purchases across the nation.

According to a recent report from leading BNPL provider Tabby, 77 percent of Saudi consumers now use BNPL for essential purchases. 

Data from Tabby shows that first-time BNPL transactions are twice as likely to be for necessary items rather than discretionary ones, with education and medical expenses at the forefront. This indicates that a large portion of BNPL usage is dedicated to essential transactions rather than non-essential wants.

Tabby’s data also reveals that the average value of essential purchases made through BNPL is higher than that of discretionary spending. This suggests that while consumers are prioritizing needs, BNPL offers an accessible and affordable way to purchase high-value necessities, such as insurance and home goods.

Impact of BNPL

By allowing payments to be spread over an extended period, BNPL has revolutionized shopping habits. Not only does it provide consumers with more control over their finances, but it also alters their relationship with businesses.

In an interview with Arab News, Tarabut CEO Abdulla Al-Moayed explained that the rise of BNPL among Saudi consumers can be attributed to several factors. 




Tarabut CEO Abdulla Al-Moayed

“BNPL’s interest-free installment structure makes it an attractive and Shariah-compliant payment option for many Saudi consumers — a positive shift from traditional credit cards or loans,” he said.

“Because BNPL offers a low-barrier alternative to traditional credit, it doesn’t require a high credit score or lengthy approval process, making it accessible to a wider population, particularly younger and lower-income individuals. The ease of using BNPL through mobile apps and online platforms also aligns well with a generation that values convenience and speed,” Al-Moayed added.

He also pointed out that the supportive regulatory environment in Saudi Arabia has fueled the rapid growth of fintech solutions, leading to the emergence of various local BNPL providers. This increased competition has ultimately led to better services and offerings for consumers.

Arjun Vir Singh, partner and global head of fintech at business intelligence firm Arthur D. Little, offered another perspective on the surge in BNPL adoption. He noted that the e-commerce boom, accelerated by COVID-19, has significantly driven the growth of BNPL among consumers. Singh also emphasized the growing convergence of online and offline shopping experiences. 




Arjun Vir Singh, partner and global head of fintech at business intelligence firm Arthur D. Little. Supplied

“As customers’ journeys and payment methods in-store and offline become increasingly digital, we expect BNPL adoption to expand into this segment as well,” he said.

Singh further explained that digital payments, seamless integration, merchant sponsorship, and the rising cost of living have all contributed to BNPL’s rapid growth.

BNPL vs. traditional credit

Singh noted that BNPL is beginning to disrupt traditional credit models in consumer finance, a trend that is expected to expand as BNPL adoption spreads across sectors like travel, real estate, and automotive. “Arguably, the biggest impact will come if BNPL successfully expands into the B2B credit and financing segment,” he stated.

Singh also highlighted that banks and credit card companies are already responding to the rise of BNPL by adjusting their consumer finance offerings. Many are now partnering with BNPL providers or collaborating with major players like Visa and Mastercard, which are concerned about losing consumer spending. Some banks are even developing their own flexible payment solutions that mimic the BNPL model.

For Al-Moayed, the simplicity, transparency, and digitalization of consumer credit will force traditional credit models to adapt.

“Traditional credit models that rely on rigorous background checks and higher entry barriers need to evolve quickly while still managing risk effectively, in order to appeal to a broader consumer base and offer more flexible, secure, and customer-friendly credit options,” he said.

He also emphasized the role of Open Banking in this evolution, saying it could revolutionize credit risk management by utilizing real-time and historical behavioral data. “Open Banking has the potential to make a significant impact by giving lenders more agile and secure access to data, enabling personalized credit solutions,” Al-Moayed added.

As BNPL expands consumer spending power, he believes that as the market matures, empowered consumers will become more financially literate, leading to better-informed financial decisions. 

“Open Banking will help by providing enriched data to improve insights into consumers’ financial health, preventing unsustainable debt,” he said.

Al-Moayed also pointed out that early adopters of Open Banking will gain a competitive edge by providing more intelligent financial services, better user experiences, and faster, more affordable options for all consumers.

Singh concurs, noting that as traditional players adjust to the changing landscape, innovation in consumer finance will continue to flourish. “This shift includes segmenting customers based on different criteria, using alternative data to enhance credit models, and adapting models to the nature of the spend. Innovation is also extending to customer service, not just credit models,” Singh said.

Merchants and BNPL

“Retailers have been the greatest sponsors of BNPL, helping to legitimize and drive the growth of e-commerce,” said Singh. This was initially true for e-commerce platforms, but as more retail experiences shift online, BNPL adoption among merchants has grown exponentially. “The adoption of digital payment solutions across all retail models is driving BNPL growth,” Singh added.

Arthur D. Little’s proprietary research has shown that merchants are seeing substantial benefits from BNPL, including increased average transaction values, more frequent purchases, access to new customers, and lower customer acquisition costs. Merchants also enjoy a differentiated offering compared to their competitors.

Al-Moayed agrees that BNPL offers numerous advantages for merchants but suggests that more value could be unlocked by leveraging the data collected on consumer behavior and spending patterns. “Merchants should explore how to use this valuable data to offer personalized promotions or product recommendations,” he said.

“Hyper-personalized sales and marketing will be key to increasing customer engagement and loyalty. This will soon be expected across the Kingdom’s retail market,” Al-Moayed added.

The future of BNPL

“Over the next few years, BNPL services will become even more integrated into the broader financial ecosystem, using Open Banking to enhance personalization and accessibility,” said Al-Moayed. 

He also foresees the global adoption of big data and artificial intelligence further enhancing the BNPL customer experience. “We may see BNPL providers developing educational tools to help consumers manage their financial health effectively while using these services,” he added.

Singh, however, envisions a different future for BNPL. “BNPL will expand into the B2B segment, particularly as a tool to service underserved micro and small businesses,” he said. 

Singh also predicts that AI, enhanced regulations, and market consolidation will all play crucial roles in BNPL’s future growth.


Public-private collaborations crucial to tackling unemployment, Saudi minister says

Public-private collaborations crucial to tackling unemployment, Saudi minister says
Updated 19 sec ago
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Public-private collaborations crucial to tackling unemployment, Saudi minister says

Public-private collaborations crucial to tackling unemployment, Saudi minister says

RIYADH: Stronger working between governments, the private sector, and international organizations is needed to address the global unemployment crisis, according to a top Saudi official.

During the opening remarks of the Global Labor Market Conference taking place in Riyadh from Jan. 29 – 30, the Kingdom’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi highlighted that with 67 million young people unemployed across the world — and over 20 percent of youth in some regions outside of education, employment, or training — targeted policies are urgently needed to tap into this labor market potential.

Global employment grew in 2024, along with the expanding labor force, keeping the unemployment rate steady at 5 percent, the same as in 2023. However, the growth in employment was too weak to address the ongoing global shortage of decent work, according to the International Labor Organization.

“While the challenges may vary, the solutions require collaboration between governments, the private sector, and international organizations. By working together, we develop strategies that benefit everyone,” Al-Rajhi said.

“The numbers are concerning, and the urgency is clear. These figures are not just statistics, they represent untapped potential in all of our labor markets,” the official added, stressing that addressing youth unemployment with the right strategies is essential for driving economic growth and social progress worldwide.

The minister went on to note that freelance work has become a growing opportunity in Saudi Arabia.

“Registered freelancers increased from 400,000 in 2020 to 2.2 million this year. This growing industry now contributes almost SR72.5 billion ($19.33 billion) to the economy. The majority of these freelancers are young people,” Al-Rajhi said.

He concluded his opening remarks by saying: “The following critical questions will guide our efforts to shape effective policies that can transform our labor markets at home while also shaping the global labor market. What innovative policies for strengthening youth employment have been applied and with what results? What new initiatives our trials can help us better to understand how to quickly get job seekers into jobs? How is technology impacting youth employability?”

The minister added that the GLMC is a platform for discussion and a space for action. It exists to identify policies and strategies that can be adapted and scaled across countries, with a clear focus on the young people who will quickly form the core of the global labor market.

Vice Minister for Labor Sector in Saudi Arabia Abdulla Nasser Abuthnain highlighted that empowering young people with skills, opportunities, and support is vital to achieving Saudi Vision 2030.

“Our approach focuses in creating pathways to quality jobs that drive productivity and innovation,” Abuthnain said.

“Here in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced a comprehensive youth development strategy designed to address the most pressing challenges facing young Saudis. As a result, the need rate for youth aged 15 to 24 has decreased from 17.8 percent in 2022 to 13.7 in the second quarter of 2024,” he added.

The minister continued to stress that with regard to the freelance market, Saudi Arabia is working on enhancing workforce flexibility by offering 690 contracts under flexible work arrangements and more than 204,000 remote work contracts.

“Finally, we are enhancing job matching through digital platforms. Our unified national employment platform Edarat integrated AI (artificial intelligence) to connect to job seekers with employees, ensuring more efficient and tailored matching process,” Abuthnain said.

“In closing, Saudi Arabia remains committed to fostering dynamic labor market that empowers its youth, equip them for future and position them as a key contributor to global economy,” he added.

The Kingdom is emerging as an international leader in addressing labor market challenges, skill development, and workforce requalification, according to a report released by GLMC in December.

The inaugural report, issued by the conference hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, emphasized the government’s initiatives to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and market demands. 

These efforts include enhancing education and training programs and preparing young job seekers for the rapidly evolving global labor landscape.


Saudi labor market transformation ‘spectacular,’ says former Swedish minister 

Saudi labor market transformation ‘spectacular,’ says former Swedish minister 
Updated 29 January 2025
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Saudi labor market transformation ‘spectacular,’ says former Swedish minister 

Saudi labor market transformation ‘spectacular,’ says former Swedish minister 

RIYADH: Countries around the world can take lessons from the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s labor market, a former Swedish employment minister has insisted.

Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the Global Labor Market Conference in Riyadh, Sven Otto Littorin praised the Kingdom’s progress since the launch of Vision 2030, which has seen female workforce participation doubling in nearly six years. 

The changes have seen Saudi Arabia emerge as a global leader in addressing labor market challenges, skill development, and workforce prequalification, as highlighted in the inaugural GLMC report in December. 

The findings align with Vision 2030’s goal to reduce unemployment from 11.6 percent in 2017 to 7 percent by the end of the decade. 

“I would go as far as to say that most other countries could learn a thing or two from Saudi Arabia. The transformation of the Saudi labor market since the start of Vision 2030 is truly nothing less than spectacular. The Kingdom has made so much progress in such a short time it is hard to choose,” said Littorin, who is also an international business and policymaking expert. 

He praised the significant increase in female workforce participation, noting that Saudi Arabia achieved a twofold rise in just six years, a feat that took Sweden 40 years to accomplish. 

“Roughly 35 percent of women in the workforce have leadership positions, and I saw an opinion poll recently that stated that over 75 percent of Saudi men saw this as very favorable to family life,” he added. 

Unprecedented progress 

The Kingdom’s labor market reforms align with Vision 2030 goals, as recent data from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics shows the overall unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in the third quarter of 2024, a 0.5 percentage point drop from the previous year. 

Unemployment among Saudi nationals was 7.8 percent, while female participation reached 36.2 percent. 

Littorin emphasized the broader societal impact of these changes, saying: “As a foreigner, I have to say that it is so gratifying to see these women in the labor market, earning their own money, contributing to their families and to the growth of the country with their productivity, their grit, and ambition.” 

He added: “Saudi Arabia is a richer nation for it, where everyone is involved in the growth of the country.”

Saudi Arabia’s young workforce is another key driver of its economic transformation, Littorin noted. “The Gulf Cooperation Council region and Saudi Arabia, in particular, have a very young workforce. This is a great advantage compared with many other places around the world. A young workforce is versatile, agile, and finds it easier to learn new skills than others,” he said. 

The former minister also pointed to the Kingdom’s growing appeal to international investors and tourists. “When I first came to Riyadh in 2017, I was almost the only foreigner on every flight I took into the Kingdom. Now, these flights are filled with tourists and investors alike. The interest in Saudi Arabia has exploded,” Littorin said. 

A November report by BlackRock Investment Institute echoed this sentiment, predicting that Saudi Arabia’s future growth will be driven by its young population and abundant natural resources. However, the report cautioned that success will depend on governance, regulatory improvements, and labor market reforms. 

Sustainable growth 

Littorin stressed the importance of international cooperation to sustain this growth. He suggested partnerships between Saudi Arabia and countries like Sweden to enhance the Kingdom’s job market. 

“Saudi Arabia might want technological solutions in waste management from Sweden, for instance,” Littorin said. 

He added that the Saudi workforce is young and eager to learn from abroad, suggesting that joint venture solutions could foster mutual learning, with the possibility of exchanging workforces for a period to strengthen bonds between companies, economies, and countries. 

“Solutions like this would create larger markets for the companies involved, enhance job training for both Swedes and Saudis, broaden international exposure and contacts while increasing relevancy to both countries. The world is global, and so are its solutions,” Littorin added. 

Global platform 

The Global Labor Market Conference in Riyadh. AN

The second edition of the GLMC is taking place at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center on Jan. 29-30, drawing over 5,000 attendees and 200 speakers, including ministers, CEOs, and experts from more than 50 countries. 

Littorin, a keynote speaker at the event, described the conference as a global platform for dialogue on future labor market trends. This year’s conference focuses on skills and productivity, exploring how education, skilling, upskilling, and reskilling can better meet tomorrow’s demands. 

“Solutions in economic policy, education policy, and labor market policy need to go hand in hand to support the transformation of our economies for the good of both people, companies, and countries,” he said. 

Littorin emphasized the need for upskilling and reskilling to adapt to the fast-evolving job market. “The long-term key to economic growth and prosperity is not only to find ways to create more jobs but to create better jobs; jobs that through higher productivity are more rewarding to the individual and contribute more to the economy,” he said. 

The former minister highlighted the role of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence in shaping global labor markets, particularly in the Middle East, emphasizing that “technology, digital transformation, and AI are key in so many aspects.” 

“Technology will enhance our ability to better understand where we are and where we are going. Digitalization will improve productivity not only in general terms but specifically in education and job matching,” Littorin said.


Oil Updates — prices ease on rising US inventories, Libyan output

Oil Updates — prices ease on rising US inventories, Libyan output
Updated 29 January 2025
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Oil Updates — prices ease on rising US inventories, Libyan output

Oil Updates — prices ease on rising US inventories, Libyan output

SINGAPORE/TOKYO: Oil prices slid on Wednesday, giving up some of last session’s gains, as an increase in US crude stockpiles and easing worries over Libyan supplies weighed on prices, although the decline was limited by potential US tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports.

Brent crude futures fell 18 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $77.31 a barrel by 8:48 a.m. Saudi time, while US crude futures declined 15 cents, or 0.2 percent, at $73.62 a barrel.

“While markets are tackling demand side pressures, easing backdrop on supply side is equally weighing over oil prices,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova in Singapore.

“Markets are under pressure with Trump’s plans to boost US oil production and await further clarity on Trump’s energy policies.”

US President Donald Trump began his term last week issuing several executive orders to ease the permitting of energy infrastructure and boost already record-high oil and gas output.

US crude oil and gasoline stocks rose last week, while distillate inventories fell, market sources said on Tuesday, citing American Petroleum Institute figures.

The Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the US Department of Energy, is due to release its weekly data at 6:30 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday.

The resolution of supply concerns in Libya has also added to selling pressure, said Chiyoki Chen, chief analyst at Sunward Trading in Tokyo.

Those fears eased after the state-run National Oil Corp. said on Tuesday export activity was running normally after it held talks with protesters demanding a halt of loadings at one its main oil ports.

The White House said on Tuesday that President Trump still plans to issue 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico on Saturday.

It remains unclear how any new tariffs could affect oil imports to the US from the countries. Canada supplied 3.9 million barrels per day of oil to the US in 2023, roughly half of overall imports for the year, while Mexico supplied 733,000 bpd, according to data from the EIA.

Saudi Arabia’s energy minister and several of his OPEC+ counterparts have held talks following Trump’s call for lower oil prices and ahead of a meeting next week of OPEC+ oil-producing countries, according to official statements and sources.

Oil benchmarks fell to multi-week lows early this week as news of surging interest in Chinese startup DeepSeek’s low-cost artificial intelligence model prompted concerns over energy demand to power data centers, rattling the overall energy sector, while weak economic data from China further soured the demand outlook.

Technology stocks regained ground on Tuesday, a day after the DeepSeek rattled markets. 


Saudi Arabia’s property market set for growth with billions in new projects

Saudi Arabia’s property market set for growth with billions in new projects
Updated 29 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s property market set for growth with billions in new projects

Saudi Arabia’s property market set for growth with billions in new projects
  • The largest PIF projects in the Kingdom are in the Asir region
  • At least 50 percent of the country’s tourism is expected be centered in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Saudi real estate landscape is poised for substantial growth, as industry leaders, policymakers, and investors gathered at the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh to unveil major developments in property investment and tourism.

Highlighting the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 objectives, Asir Gov. Prince Turki bin Talal revealed the Public Investment Fund is spearheading nine major projects in the region, with four already launched and five in progress. “The largest PIF projects in the Kingdom are in the Asir region,” the governor said, emphasizing the region’s pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s evolving property market.

The governor highlighted the region’s growing hospitality sector, with between 6,000 and 8,000 approved hotel rooms currently available. 

He also announced that Abha’s World Cup bid had been officially recognized as the best in the Kingdom by the Ministry of Sports. 

Meanwhile, Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal unveiled plans to expand the region’s hospitality offerings. “Our pipeline includes over seven or eight hotels and more than 25 rural lodges, including three five-star hotels: Hilton, Radisson Blu, and Hilton Garden Inn,” he said. Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb noted the rapid expansion of the Kingdom’s hospitality industry, with hotel room capacity expected to grow from 475,000 to 675,000 by 2030. Al-Khateeb also discussed the impact of major infrastructure projects, such as the King Salman International Airport expansion and the launch of Riyadh Air, which are central to the Kingdom’s hyper-tourism strategy. 

He forecast that at least 50 percent of the country’s tourism will be centered in Riyadh, but emphasized efforts to keep the capital’s share from exceeding 80-90 percent. In the financial sector, Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, chairman of the Capital Market Authority, discussed the increasing role of real estate in the Kingdom’s investment market. 

“Around 20 percent of the 55 initial public offerings currently under review involve real estate companies,” he revealed. 

El-Kuwaiz emphasized the importance of financial stability and transparency for companies looking to list, advising them to treat investors as partners. 

In a significant move, he also announced that listed companies owning properties in Makkah and Madinah can now welcome foreign investors immediately.


SAMA permits full public launch of STC Bank in digitalization push

SAMA permits full public launch of STC Bank in digitalization push
Updated 28 January 2025
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SAMA permits full public launch of STC Bank in digitalization push

SAMA permits full public launch of STC Bank in digitalization push

RIYADH: The Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, has authorized STC Bank to launch its full operations in Saudi Arabia.

As the first licensed digital bank in the Kingdom, STC Bank’s approval marks a significant step in SAMA’s ongoing strategy to accelerate digital transformation and enhance competitiveness in the banking sector.

At the same time, the move ensures the safeguarding of financial stability, according to a press statement from the central bank.

This milestone underscores the growing dynamism and potential of Saudi Arabia’s digital economy, while also highlighting SAMA’s efforts to create a regulatory framework that fosters innovation within the financial sector.

“SAMA is committed to strengthening the resilience of the banking sector, boosting its appeal, and increasing its role in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s broader national objectives. This includes empowering entrepreneurs and financial institutions to deliver innovative financial services to the Saudi market,” the central bank said.

The approval follows a significant step taken in April 2024, when SAMA formally approved the transition of STC Pay — the mobile financial services arm of Saudi Telecom Co. — to STC Bank. Following a nine-month beta launch, STC Bank is now poised to begin its full banking operations.

Additionally, in December 2024, SAMA also gave the green light to D360 Bank, another digital financial institution, allowing it to begin its operations in the Kingdom.