Katch the New Wave of Experiential Marketing’s Continued Uptake in Saudi Arabia

1st August, 2025 | Digital, Marketing

by - Paudie Marum

As Vision 2030 redefines culture, retail, and entertainment, brands in Saudi Arabia are leaning into immersive experiences like never before to connect with modern audiences

Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with a recent influx of global brands and a heavy spotlight on improving its standing on the world stage. In the Kingdom now, marketing has increasingly become more about crafting unforgettable experiences. Riyadh Season is now a mainstay of the country’s entertainment calendar, and the futuristic developments of NEOM and Qiddiya are paving the way for a new era where connection, culture, and innovation converge. Experiential marketing in Saudi Arabia is now booming, and it’s easy to see why.

Driven by Vision 2030’s ambitious blueprint, the Kingdom is transforming rapidly across tourism, retail, entertainment, and lifestyle. These shifts have paved the way for a dynamic marketing environment where brands must create moments that resonate, linger, and inspire action. This has led to the rise of experiential marketing as a dominant force in the Saudi brand playbook.

Vision 2030 is Laying the Groundwork for Experience

At the core of this boom is Vision 2030’s focus on economic diversification. With massive investments pouring into giga-projects like NEOM, Diriyah Gate, and Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia is truly building experiences. These developments are designed with people in mind, catering to a generation that values interaction, immersion, and meaning.

It’s no coincidence that the Kingdom’s retail sector reached over $159 billion in 2024. Saudi Arabia is climbing the ranks in the Global Retail Development Index and becoming a hub for luxury and lifestyle, and younger consumers are leading the charge. Over 63% of the population is under 30, and they’re not just buying, they’re looking to engage. For them, a brand is not a logo but a feeling, a story, and an experience.

The Rise of the Experience Economy

Globally, we’re seeing a shift from ownership to experience, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. Younger, affluent consumers in the Kingdom are choosing brands that align with their values, speak their language, and give them something to talk about. The sheer volume of pop-up art shows, immersive installations, and tech-driven retail activations shows how brands are realising that interaction is the new impression.

Events like Formula 1, MDLBEAST, Winter at Tantora, and major boxing championships have elevated the nation’s entertainment profile, opening up countless touchpoints for brands to deliver real-world experiences that captivate and connect.

Retail Reinvented

The Kingdom’s retail scene is undergoing a seismic shift. Malls and shopping destinations are all about transformations. Customers now want augmented reality, in-store content creation zones, wellness lounges, and curated cultural moments. In Saudi Arabia, experiential retail is the future, and it’s already here.

Local fashion, beauty, and wellness brands are also leaning into cultural authenticity, giving rise to experiences that reflect Saudi identity. Consumers, particularly Gen Z and women, are embracing homegrown labels that speak to tradition while innovating in form and function.

Technology at the Core

Technological innovation is amplifying the experiential movement. With smartphone penetration at 98.2% and internet access at nearly 98%, Saudi consumers are hyper-connected and digitally savvy. Brands are now blending physical experiences with AR, VR, and hybrid campaigns, creating immersive activations that merge online and offline in unforgettable ways.

Shoppers can virtually try on clothes in-store and even participate in live-streamed events with interactive elements, as brands are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, because that’s what the Saudi audience demands.

At Katch International, we’re all about the latest trends. Our work in Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in the belief that brand storytelling should be felt, not just seen. Through immersive campaigns, strategic event support, and content that speaks directly to local audiences, we help brands cut through the noise and make a real impact.

Bringing global experiences to the table is also very important, blending local insights with international standards to produce events that resonate on every level.

The Future Is Experiential

As Saudi Arabia continues to rise as a global cultural and retail hub, the expectations of its consumers will only continue to grow. Brands that want to stay relevant must stop thinking in campaigns and start thinking in experiences. Experiential marketing in Saudi Arabia is fast becoming the new language of connection.

For more related updates and to Katch us covering similar topics, watch this space!

Katch our game-changing PR and Communications, Social Media, Branding and Design, Brand Consultancy, ESG, and Global Communications services to help your brand make noise. Get in touch with our 360-Marketing Consultancy in Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and London, and let’s get the conversation started!