Saudi Arabia E-commerce Eyewear Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecast (2025 - 2030)

Saudi Arabia E-Commerce Eyewear Market Trends and Insights

Flexible and diverse payment options supports the market

Saudi Arabia's payment ecosystem is undergoing significant transformation, creating a conducive environment for the expansion of the online eyewear market by minimizing transaction barriers and fostering greater consumer confidence. A notable development in this regard is the Saudi Central Bank's collaboration with Google to introduce Google Pay by 2025. This initiative, which integrates with the national Mada network, represents a critical upgrade to the country's payment infrastructure, aimed at simplifying and enhancing the eyewear purchasing experience. Additionally, the increasing adoption of buy-now-pay-later services and digital wallets is particularly beneficial for eyewear transactions, as these purchases often involve higher price points and require extended decision-making periods. The modernization of payment systems is effectively addressing the traditional reliance on cash-based transactions, which has historically hindered the growth of the online eyewear market, especially for prescription products that necessitate thorough evaluation before purchase.

Technological advancements drives the market

Saudi Arabia's eyewear market is witnessing a major overhaul, largely due to the adoption of augmented reality (AR) virtual try-on features and AI-driven recommendation systems. These tech advancements are not only reshaping what consumers expect but also how they shop. A pivotal moment in this evolution came in May 2025, when Google unveiled a USD 150 million investment, teaming up with Warby Parker to craft AI-enhanced glasses. This move underscores a broader industry pivot towards "smart" eyewear, merging traditional vision correction with cutting-edge digital features. Virtual try-on tech is already making waves, providing shoppers with a tailored and engaging buying journey. The blend of AR/VR with prescription eyewear offers brands a golden chance: to stand out by marrying crucial medical needs with the modern consumer's tech-savvy desires. Meanwhile, AI-driven insights from social media are spotlighting new trends, allowing brands to swiftly tweak their product lines and marketing strategies.

Growing awareness of eye health drives demand

The increasing reliance on remote work, online education, and social media has significantly contributed to the growing prevalence of digital eye strain (DES), particularly among younger populations. This condition has prompted consumers to actively seek solutions, such as blue light-blocking glasses and anti-glare lenses, through online platforms to mitigate symptoms like discomfort, dryness, and fatigue. Vision 2030 has allocated substantial financial resources to preventive healthcare initiatives, leading to improved early diagnosis rates for eye-related conditions. For example, the Seha Virtual Hospital has conducted over 1.6 million teleconsultations, many of which include eye screenings, effectively directing patients toward online eyewear purchases. Additionally, with life expectancy goals set at 80 years, there is an intensified focus on promoting long-term ocular health. Advanced AI-driven analytics are further enhancing the early detection of refractive errors, offering significant potential for improved eye care outcomes.

Influence of social media platforms and celebrity endorsements

Saudi Arabia's youthful demographic, with over 75% smartphone penetration, presents significant opportunities for social media-driven eyewear marketing through influencer collaborations and celebrity endorsements. In 2023, the Kingdom's digital economy was valued at over USD 40.94 billion^{[1]Source: International Trade Association, " Saudi Arabia Country Commercial Guide', www.trade.gov}, highlighting the population's active use of digital platforms as primary channels for discovering fashion and health products. The cultural emphasis on personal appearance and brand awareness in Saudi society enhances the impact of social media marketing, particularly for eyewear, which holds both functional and fashion appeal. The rise of local digital influencers and the increasing adoption of global fashion trends via social media have created multiple engagement opportunities for eyewear brands. Additionally, internet usage for health-related information has grown, with influencers' websites playing a key role. For instance, in 2024, 25.4% of consumers aged 15-19 in Saudi Arabia used the internet for health-related information, according to the General Authority for Statistics (Saudi Arabia)^{[2]Source: General Authority for Statistics (Saudi Arabia), "Health Care Statistics", www.stat.gov.sa}.

Availability of counterfeit products limits the growth

Unregulated third-party sellers on e-commerce platforms frequently distribute counterfeit branded eyewear. Customers, unaware of the deception, may receive inferior products, incorrect prescriptions, or, in severe cases, experience eye damage. Such incidents diminish trust in online shopping, prompting consumers to favor physical stores that ensure product authenticity. Brands leading in eyewear innovation, such as those producing AR smart glasses, AI-integrated lenses, and eco-friendly frames, face heightened risks of counterfeiting. These counterfeiters devalue genuine innovation and create challenges for authentic sellers in maintaining premium pricing. Unlicensed vendors circumvent the Medical Device Marketing Authorization, offering frames and lenses of questionable quality. The associated health risks include inaccurate prescriptions and potential allergic reactions. Although Saudi Arabia was removed from the USTR Priority Watch List in 2022, enforcement challenges persist. The Saudi government has made progress in intellectual property enforcement; however, the digital marketplace presents significant obstacles, with counterfeit products rapidly spreading across multiple platforms.

Logistical challenges in fulfillment and delivery

Saudi Arabia's vast geography and densely populated urban areas pose significant logistical challenges for eyewear deliveries, particularly for prescription products that require precise handling and timely distribution. Under its Vision 2030 initiative, the Kingdom has invested USD 18 billion in modernizing its logistics sector, focusing on infrastructure upgrades and digital integration to address these issues. However, the specialized requirements of eyewear products, such as prescription lenses and contact lenses, demand temperature-controlled storage and expedited delivery capabilities, which remain underdeveloped in several regions. Effective October 2024, a revised customs service fee structure introduced a 0.15% import fee, capped at SAR 500 for standard shipments and SAR 15 for e-commerce orders under SAR 1,000. These changes are likely to impact pricing strategies for imported eyewear products in the Kingdom.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Spectacles Remain the Mainstay while Contacts Gain Pace

In 2024, spectacles led the Saudi Arabian online eyewear market, capturing 60.15% of the market share. Their ability to address both medical requirements and fashion preferences ensures they remain the primary revenue contributor. The demand for spectacles in Saudi Arabia has grown, supported by influencer-driven trends promoting the ownership of multiple frames for various occasions. Affordable polycarbonate lenses and lightweight titanium frames appeal particularly to students and first-time buyers. Additionally, the increasing adoption of blue-light filtering coatings highlights the influence of screen-intensive lifestyles on purchasing behavior.

Contact lenses are experiencing the fastest growth, with a projected CAGR of 6.42% through 2030. This growth is fueled by the rising participation of women in the workforce and an increasing interest in sports and outdoor activities. Digital health platforms now simplify the process by providing repeat prescriptions online, effectively eliminating traditional clinic delays. To address the Kingdom's dry climate, brands are emphasizing silicone-hydrogel materials, which enhance comfort and extend wear time. While sunglasses represent a smaller portion of the market, they maintain steady sales due to consistent demand for UV-blocking lenses driven by year-round sunshine. Prescription sunglasses, though a niche segment, combine medical correction with lifestyle attributes, signaling potential advancements toward smart-glasses in the future.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Category: Mass Holds Volume, Premium Builds Margin

In 2024, the mass segment emerged as the leading category in the Saudi Arabian online eyewear market, accounting for a significant 68.95% share. This dominance was primarily attributed to the availability of an extensive assortment of products, attractive price promotions, and bundled lens packages that appealed to a broad consumer base. The frequent flash sales conducted by major online marketplaces further enhanced price transparency, fostering customer trust and encouraging repeat purchases. Additionally, a growing number of lower-income consumers increasingly preferred house brands, which provided affordable alternatives by replicating premium designs without compromising on style.

Premium frames are expected to grow at a 6.85% CAGR through 2030, fueled by demand from professionals and high-net-worth individuals seeking features such as lightweight acetates, proprietary hinge systems, and exclusive limited-edition collaborations. To support premium pricing, flagship stores of major global brands now offer personalized styling consultations and same-day lens edging services. Furthermore, smart eyewear prototypes currently in pilot testing are anticipated to launch within premium price categories. Over time, production scaling may result in certain SKUs transitioning from the premium segment to the mass market, enabling brands to sustain volume while optimizing their overall product mix.

By End User: Female Spend Leads, Unisex Designs Accelerate

In 2024, women contributed 53.74% of total revenue, driven by factors such as a strong interest in fashion discovery, active engagement in social commerce, and rising spending power, all of which align with eyewear upgrades. Female consumers show a preference for color-swapping lens options and frame embellishments that reflect seasonal fashion trends. Furthermore, loyalty programs offering birthday discounts and lens upgrade vouchers significantly enhance repeat purchases.

The unisex category, expanding at a 7.29% CAGR, benefits from streamlined designs and neutral color palettes that transcend traditional gender norms. Younger consumers increasingly favor minimalist metal frames and classic rectangular frames, which are worn interchangeably by men and women. Among male shoppers, the adoption of lighter materials and subtle brand detailing has driven an increase in average selling prices. Simultaneously, brands focusing on child-friendly hinges and stain-resistant coatings are targeting the Kingdom’s younger demographic, aiming to build early loyalty and secure long-term customer relationships.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Platform Type: Third-Party Marketplaces Lead, Brand Sites Seek Differentiation

In 2024, Amazon KSA and Noon.com, two leading third-party portals, the third-party players captured a substantial 84.54% share of the Saudi Arabian online eyewear market and are growing at a 7.64% CAGR to 2030. This dominance is driven by their extensive product catalogs, nationwide delivery capabilities, and integrated wallet support. By utilizing deep retail data, these platforms effectively cross-sell accessories, such as lens cleaning kits, thereby increasing the overall basket value. However, their large scale also attracts parallel importers, which can undermine brand equity if not carefully managed.

To challenge this dominance, company-owned platforms are introducing advanced features, including virtual try-ons, lens thickness calculators, and streamlined insurance claim processes. By directing prescription orders to in-house labs, these platforms reduce delivery times, particularly for high-index or progressive lenses. Additionally, proprietary sites are better positioned to enforce compliance with Saudi Food and Drug Authority regulations, providing a competitive edge in regulated product categories. Subscription models for contact lenses and anti-blue-light filters are showing early potential in fostering stronger customer retention.

Geography Analysis

In Saudi Arabia, the online eyewear market demonstrates significant activity in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province. These regions benefit from a combination of higher disposable incomes, a well-established modern retail culture, and early adoption of 5G technology, making them key drivers of market growth. Urban consumers are more inclined to adopt fashion-forward eyewear trends and exhibit higher average spending per purchase compared to their rural counterparts. While the western provinces show a strong preference for European luxury eyewear brands, central regions prioritize durable and functional designs that cater to professional and academic needs.

Despite achieving an impressive 99% internet penetration rate, rural areas continue to face challenges related to last-mile delivery reliability and limited awareness of digital prescription services. However, government initiatives, such as the expansion of fiber-optic networks and the rollout of 77% 5G coverage^{[3]Source: International Trade Association, " Saudi Arabia Country Commercial Guide', www.trade.gov}, are progressively addressing these issues. Additionally, public healthcare facilities are incorporating tele-optometry tools, which direct patients to verified e-commerce platforms for eyewear purchases. A notable development in this regard is the Seha Virtual Hospital, which, by February 2025, will connect 224 physical hospitals. This initiative is expected to extend screening services to smaller towns, thereby facilitating online eyewear purchases once prescriptions are issued.

Emerging economic zones, including NEOM and Qiddiya, are attracting a growing population of young professionals who demand premium eyewear products and smart-wear integrations. These zones are creating localized demand clusters outside traditional urban centers. The surge in logistic registrations highlights the private sector's commitment to catering to these new demand nodes. Furthermore, companies are leveraging AI-driven marketing tools to segment audiences based on city and device type. This approach enables highly targeted promotions for specific frame styles and ensures delivery timelines align with regional consumer expectations, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and market penetration.