Why has Eid al-Adha become a "golden sales window" for e-commerce in the Middle East? Is it feasible for China to Saudi?
As the second most important Islamic holiday, Eid al-Adha is not only a peak for religious rituals but also a time of family reunions, gift-giving, and upgraded consumption. Here's how it drives e-commerce demand:
Strong Demand
Family Gatherings: There's a surge in demand for home décor, tableware, and kitchenware. Customized dinner sets and Arabian-style lighting see particularly strong sales.
Gift Exchange: Over 80% of consumers plan to give Eid gifts. Popular categories include sweets, perfumes, children's clothing, and electronics. Gift sets and premium goods account for a rising share of purchases.
Travel Consumption: Short-distance travel boosts sales of travel gear, storage products, and outdoor goods.
Data shows that during Saudi's 2023 Eid al-Adha sales event, TikTok Shop orders skyrocketed 150% year-over-year, highlighting the power of scenario-based consumption.
Cultural Customs
Buying New Clothes: Muslims wear their best clothes for morning prayers. This drives sales of traditional garments like children's thobes, along with accessories such as jewelry and watches. Female shoppers make up 34% of buyers, with average spending exceeding $133.
"Sheep" Symbolism: The holiday commemorates the story of sacrificing a lamb, making black-headed white sheep symbols popular in decorations and gifts. Businesses design themed products around this motif to boost conversions.
Charitable Associations: Eid traditions include donating meat to the poor. Brands that promote charitable collaborations can strengthen consumer goodwill.
Retailers must adapt to local culture by adhering to halal certification and avoiding religiously sensitive symbols—missteps can easily backfire.
E-Commerce Environment
Demographic Dividend: Over half of the Middle East's population is under 30. Young consumers show high rates of online shopping, with 70% of retail transactions conducted via mobile devices.
Policy Support: Government initiatives like Saudi's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Digital Government Strategy 2025 actively promote e-commerce. In 2022 alone, Saudi issued over 30,000 e-commerce licenses, accelerating sector regulation.
Supply Chain Optimization: Chinese cross-border platforms (e.g., SHEIN, Anker Innovations) leverage their light manufacturing strength to export clothing and electronics to the Middle East, addressing local production gaps. Notably, Anker's Middle East revenue rose 35.7% in 2022, underscoring the market fit.
Ontask Express focuses on the Saudi special line, providing customers with efficient and reliable Saudi door to door logistics, with a focus on the Middle East region. With overseas warehouses in Jeddah and Riyadh, along with a self-managed Chinese delivery team, we empower Chinese products to go global and benefit all humanity!