The Gulf’s young consumers are transforming the way commerce works. In Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, Gen Z and Millennials have become the most powerful shopping force: digitally fluent, brand-savvy, and eager for experiences that blend convenience, authenticity, and fun. Together they represent over half the population in both countries, and their influence is reshaping everything from fashion to electronics.
The New Generation of Buyers
Today’s young shoppers are not only online; they live online. Smartphone penetration in Saudi Arabia exceeds 113 percent, meaning many users own more than one device. Kuwait follows closely with near-universal mobile and internet access. This hyperconnectivity has made online discovery, social media shopping, and live interaction central to how Gen Z and Millennials decide what to buy. They value individuality, quick transactions, and transparent pricing, yet they also enjoy the thrill of bidding and com…
Fashion and Self-Expression
Fashion is the top e-commerce category across the GCC, holding about 32 percent of online sales in Saudi Arabia and 24 percent in Kuwait. Young consumers see clothing and accessories as a form of identity and self-expression. They follow local designers, limited streetwear drops, and modest fashion lines that merge tradition with creativity. The market’s value in Saudi Arabia alone is projected to surpass $4 billion in 2024, driven by local brands, eco-friendly designs, and the rise of resale culture.
Globally, the secondhand apparel market is booming, and GCC youth are embracing thrift and sustainability more than ever. Auctions for sneakers, handbags, and curated wardrobes are becoming social experiences: live, shareable, and exciting. Platforms that give small sellers and designers a storefront while enabling bidding and resale meet both sides of this growing trend.
Tech as a Lifestyle
Electronics and gadgets remain another high-energy category. Saudi Arabia accounts for more than half of all smartphone shipments in the GCC, with mid-range models dominating the market. Youth consumers are tech-hungry and upgrade frequently; many trade or resell devices to fund the next purchase.
The shift from feature phones to 5G devices (already 82 percent of shipments) highlights a population that wants speed, entertainment, and innovation. Gaming gear, smartwatches, and wearables are now essential lifestyle items. For MAZADAT, this means a vibrant resale economy: auctions for gently used devices, timed listings for gaming consoles, and storefronts for verified gadget sellers. As Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi compete aggressively, young users benefit from lower prices and more options, fueling constant demand.
Beauty, Culture, and Everyday Luxury
Beauty and personal care are experiencing record growth. Saudi Arabia’s market, valued at $4.6 billion in 2024, continues to expand by double digits, while Kuwait’s cosmetics imports jumped 20 percent in 2023. Social media is the main driver, with local influencers and “desert-proof” product trends shaping tastes.
Perfumes, skincare, and cosmetics are no longer occasional luxuries; they are part of daily routines. Women and men alike see beauty as self-care and self-expression. The rise of local indie brands, halal, organic, and handmade, gives MAZADAT’s vendor stores a perfect niche to support small creators. Flash deals and live beauty auctions can turn shopping into entertainment, matching Gen Z’s preference for discovery and community.
Home as a Reflection of Lifestyle
Home and living products are another strong category among young adults setting up apartments or newly married couples. Furniture, décor, and appliances already make up 14 percent of online retail in Kuwait. Social media inspiration from Pinterest and TikTok has encouraged personalization and home improvement projects. From affordable décor to smart appliances, this segment blends practicality with creativity and has clear resale value.
Used furniture and gadgets are routinely traded online, and formalizing that through secure auctions or fixed listings gives both buyers and sellers confidence.
The Digital Shift and Payment Confidence
Behind these categories lies a massive shift in trust and technology. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has pushed for digital payments and e-commerce adoption, with electronic transactions already exceeding 57 percent of total retail. Kuwait mirrors this with a mature payment ecosystem and near-total internet coverage. Young users are confident in mobile wallets, instant transfers, and app-based shopping, creating fertile ground for platforms like MAZADAT to thrive.
Where MAZADAT Fits In
MAZADAT stands at the intersection of these movements. It merges three experiences: Live Pulses (real-time auctions), Timed Bidz (eBay-style timed listings), and Storefronts (Etsy-style shops) to deliver one cohesive ecosystem for youth-driven digital commerce.
It is not just about buying and selling; it is about interaction, competition, and community. The platform empowers small businesses and home sellers while giving buyers the transparency and excitement they crave. In markets like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, where young consumers define what is cool and convenient, MAZADAT is not following the trend; it is leading the new era of smart, social, and dynamic digital trade.