The Saudi Shopping Calendar: What to Buy and When

Shopping in Saudi Arabia follows a rhythm. Some purchases are driven by the calendar, such as Eid outfits and school supplies, while others are better timed around the moments when retailers usually run promotions. Planning around that rhythm means you buy needs when you need them and wants when the price is friendlier. This guide walks through the year and suggests what to buy at each point.

One rule first: this is a planning aid, not a promise of specific sales. Retailers announce their own events, and dates and terms change from year to year. Always read the offer on the store page before you commit.

Start of the year: slow months and Founding Day

The early months are a calm period after the year-end rush. Founding Day on 22 February is a national holiday that many shoppers use for a family outing or a short break. It is a good moment to review what the household needs before Ramadan arrives, because Ramadan shopping starts earlier than most people expect.

Good to buy now: basics you have been postponing, such as everyday clothing, home organisers and small appliances.
Good to prepare: a Ramadan and Eid list with sizes written next to each name.

Ramadan and the two Eids

Ramadan changes spending habits. Food and hosting items come first, and many families also buy new clothes and gifts for Eid Al Fitr. Delivery slots fill up in the final week, so order early.

Before Ramadan: kitchen and hosting items, prayer clothing, and home fragrance such as bakhoor.
Last ten days: children's Eid outfits, gifts and perfume. Check delivery estimates before paying.
Eid Al Adha: the second Eid brings travel and family visits, so luggage, modest outfits and gifts matter more than usual.

For perfume and oud, Rasees lists code RS100 in Saudi Arabia: 7% off at checkout.

Summer: travel and light purchases

Summer is for travel, so it is the time to sort flights and hotels. IHG Hotels offers a link deal: book InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and more through the link, no code needed. Etihad Airways is also a link deal: book through the link, no code needed. Summer is also a sensible time to buy lighter fabrics and swimwear for family trips.

Back to school

School supplies, uniforms and shoes are a fixed cost, so treat them as a budget line rather than an impulse. Buy uniforms first, because sizes sell out, then stationery and bags. If you shop for several children, compare totals across two stores before paying, since delivery fees can erase a small discount.

Measure children before ordering and allow room to grow, but not more than one size.
Keep one spare uniform set rather than many.
Buy devices for study only if the school requires them.

National Day, 23 September

National Day is a time of celebration with green clothing, flags and family events. Buy decorations and outfits a week ahead, because last-minute delivery is unreliable. Fashion stores such as Namshi are a common place to look for outfits; code DIV gives 5% cashback up to SAR/AED 10 for new and existing customers with no minimum spend.

White Friday and the end of the year

White Friday is the biggest online shopping moment in the region. It rewards preparation: build a wish list weeks ahead, note the usual price of each item, and only buy what was already on the list. If you have never tracked prices, a simple note on your phone is enough.

Do not buy something only because it is discounted. Ask whether you would buy it at the normal price.
Stack carefully: read whether a coupon can combine with store events. Terms differ.
Check return rules, since sale items sometimes have different policies.

For marketplace shopping, noon has code FBR: new customers get 10% (up to 50) and existing customers 5% (up to 10). For toys, new customers get 10% (up to 100) and returning customers 5% (up to 50). For children's gifts you can also look at Dabdoob, where code EK6 gives 10% off.

A simple yearly planner

Period	Focus	Tip
Jan to Feb	Basics, Founding Day break	Draft the Ramadan list
Ramadan	Hosting, Eid outfits	Order before the last week
Summer	Travel, light clothing	Book hotels early
Before school	Uniforms, stationery	Compare totals
September	National Day outfits	Order a week ahead
November	White Friday	Buy from a prepared list

Keep spending healthy

Write the year's main occasions in your phone and add a rough amount beside each. When the date arrives, you will already know what you can spend, and you will be less tempted by urgency.

Note: coupon codes, discounts and terms can change at any time. Always check the terms at checkout before you pay.