Includes web links to local trade fair or show authorities and local newspapers, trade publications, radio/TV/cable information.
Last Published: 1/22/2020

The U.S. Commercial Service in Saudi Arabia organizes a number of annual trade promotion events aligned with market needs and priorities, such as leading buyer delegations to participate in International Buyer Program (IBP) shows in the United States. Bringing U.S. trade missions to Saudi Arabia introduces U.S. firms to opportunities and decision makers in the Kingdom and promotes U.S. products and services at local and regional trade events.  Trade promotion events take place from September through June, with most held in the modern exhibit centers in the three major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran.  Smaller exhibition facilities are also located in regional centers, and often operate in cooperation with or under the sponsorship of a local Chamber of Commerce.  Most Chambers have a pro-active approach to promote trade and will organize shows and presentations for individual companies or groups and are eager to attract American and other western suppliers.

Companies seeking to develop advertising and/or promotional campaigns will find experienced advertising agencies in the Kingdom.  These agencies can design and deploy locally-appropriate and effective campaigns using print media, radio, or television.  Advertising, especially on satellite television, is rapidly expanding, but commercials must conform to religious and ethical codes and local customs.  With some minor exceptions, it is not culturally or religiously acceptable to show the female human form in the media.  The Saudi monopoly on television broadcasting was broken with the introduction of satellite television, which also forced TV advertising rates to come down.

Saudi companies have opted to run commercials through international satellite TV channels, such as the Middle East Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Arab Radio and Television.  Arabic satellite channels that have also gained popularity in the Arab world include: LBC, Future Television, Dubai One TV, Dubai TV, New TV, Channel 2, MBC 2, and MBC 4.  Many Saudi companies place commercials on these channels as well as on two pan-Arab news channels, Al-Arabiya and Al-Jazeera.  Newspaper advertising is carried in both the local English and Arabic press, but its effectiveness is somewhat limited by low readership rates. 

The two local English dailies, Arab News and the Saudi Gazette, have an average daily circulation rate in the range of 35,000 copies.  The leading Arabic newspapers have a daily circulation rate in the range of 70,000 to 100,000.  The economic daily Al-Eqtisadiah has rapidly earned a loyal readership of executives and government officials.  Other newspapers with lower circulation and regional distribution include: Al-Bilad, AlJazirah, Al-Madina, Al-Nadwa, Al- Yaum, Um Al-Qoura, Al-Watan, and Al-Riyadiya (sports only).

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.