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Saudi Arabia

Here are some fast facts for you to digest about Saudi Arabia.

  • Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the GCC.
  • Major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam/Al Khobar, Makkah, Madinah
  • Cons: Conservative, suspicious, capricious
  • Pros: large market

Trade Structure (2007)

   Saudi Arabia
 Hyper/supermarket             430 (39%)
 Other self-service  3490 (20%)
 Large grocery  10860 (22%)
 Bagalas  18150 (18%)

Market background

  • Population: 24.6 million (2007)
  • GDP: £7,590 per head (2007)
  • Unemployment rate: 5.7% (2007)
  • Inflation: 4.1% (2007)
  • Consumer expenditure on food and non-alcoholic drinks: £403 per head (2007)

Trade environment

  • UK food and drink exports to the market: £57.4 million in 2007 (+16%)

Retail environment

Top retailers by number of outlets (2007)

 1 Alazizia Panda              59   
 2 Al Othaim 58
 3 Giant 17
 4 Geant 6
 5 Carrefour 6