Amid a slowdown in global fashion markets, Saudi Arabia is rising and taking the lead in the Middle East’s fashion industry in 2025.

According to the State of Culture Report, the fashion and beauty market reached 34 billion dollars, including 5 billion in the luxury segment, with projections for the total to climb to 40 billion dollars by 2029.

The transformation of Saudi Arabia’s fashion market did not happen by chance, it was driven by clear and specific factors. Women’s empowerment has boosted purchasing power. Today, 60 percent of the population is under thirty, and women hold 55 percent of jobs in the fashion sector. This is a young and active demographic that seeks diversity and quality while supporting local brands. A 2025 survey showed that 55 percent of Saudi consumers prefer local labels out of national pride, 43 percent purchase fashion at least once a month, and 19 percent shop weekly.

Domestic tourism and major events have also flipped the equation. Events such as Riyadh Fashion Week have become spaces for showcasing and experiencing fashion, now recognized by 77 percent of the public, with 79 percent expressing interest in attending. Meanwhile, government investments in luxury malls, infrastructure, and regulations have made access easier for both global and Saudi brands.

Digital solutions and flexible financing have reshaped consumer behavior as well. Over the past five years, e-commerce multiplied twentyfold to reach 53 billion dollars in 2024. Services such as Tabby and Tamara have made luxury shopping more accessible and widespread among young consumers. Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Dior have expanded their stores in Riyadh and Jeddah and launched apps and exclusive collections for Saudi Arabia, offering a fully elevated experience within the Kingdom.

National Day is a moment to showcase this strength: a massive market, local designers innovating, and global brands adapting to a new Saudi identity. The opportunity now is to turn this momentum into a Saudi fashion industry with global ambitions, built not only on consumption but on establishing a foundation of production and creativity that can compete on the world stage.