The development of the Saudi digital economy took center stage at the inaugural LEAP East conference in Hong Kong, where on-demand delivery platform Keeta released a new white paper. According to عاجل, the document outlines how digital delivery platforms contribute to national economic transformation. Tony Qiu, Vice President of Meituan and CEO of Keeta, presented the study during a session at the event.
Growth of the Saudi digital economy
The white paper, titled “From the Silk Road to the Last Mile: Food Delivery as a New Horizon for Saudi-Chinese Partnership,” analyzes the rapid expansion of digital services. Specifically, the report projects that the number of online food delivery users in Saudi Arabia will reach 19.3 million by 2028. This growth is driven by ongoing urbanization and major upcoming global events, including Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
Economic Ties and Trade Figures
Economic relations between Saudi Arabia and China continue to expand in technology, trade, and investment. For instance, bilateral trade volume between the two nations reached 107.53 billion USD in 2024. Meanwhile, non-oil activities contributed 54.8% of the Saudi gross domestic product (GDP), indicating a steady diversification of the national economy.
Role of Digital Delivery Platforms
Digital platforms are evolving beyond simple delivery services to become vital infrastructure for commerce and logistics. By using artificial intelligence and smart logistics, these platforms help restaurants improve operational efficiency and understand customer needs. Consequently, technologies like demand forecasting and route optimization improve delivery reliability for users and merchants alike.
Support for Small and Medium Enterprises
The white paper emphasizes the role of digital platforms in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Currently, the SME sector in Saudi Arabia comprises over 1.7 million enterprises, providing approximately 8.88 million jobs and contributing 22.9% of the GDP. Keeta, which entered the Saudi market in September 2024, has built a network of over 50,000 partner restaurants and 25,000 delivery riders to support the Saudi digital economy.
“The food delivery sector in the Kingdom is an important window for understanding the economic transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia. Youth, advanced digital infrastructure, entrepreneurial spirit, and local culture together create new opportunities for businesses and communities.”
Tony Qiu, CEO of Keeta
Furthermore, the report identifies several areas for future cooperation between technology platforms and the public and private sectors. These areas include developing national talent, supporting localization programs, and enhancing logistics for major events. Ultimately, these collaborative efforts aim to strengthen the Saudi digital economy through sustainable technological integration.
