Gift-giving is an important part of culture and tradition in Saudi Arabia. Whether it’s birthdays, holidays, weddings, or other special occasions, Saudis enjoy expressing their appreciation and thoughtfulness through presents. Gift cards have become increasingly popular gifting options in recent years as they provide flexibility and convenience for both givers and receivers.
With so many different brands and stores available across the Kingdom, it can be difficult to choose the right gift card if you’re not familiar with the most sought-after options. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the six most popular types of gift cards purchased and used in Saudi Arabia. By learning about the leading gift card brands in various categories like technology, entertainment, shopping and more, you’ll be well-equipped to select the perfect present for any Saudi recipient.
Let’s begin our journey of discovery into the gift card landscape of Saudi Arabia!
Apple Gift Card
When it comes to technology brands, none are more beloved and well-known than Apple. The iPhone is the dominant smartphone across Saudi Arabia and MacBooks, iPads, AirPods and Apple Watches are must-have accessories. An Apple gift card therefore makes a wonderful gift that will be appreciated by anyone who owns Apple products.
Apple gift cards can be redeemed online or in-store at any Apple retail location to purchase the latest devices, accessories, software, and services. Recipients can use the funds to buy apps, games, movies, songs, subscriptions, and more through the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Music, and other platforms. This gift card is extremely versatile and gives recipients spending power across Apple’s entire ecosystem.
Apple is also a prestigious brand that holds cachet and status in Saudi society. Presenting an Apple gift card proudly demonstrates you understand the recipient’s tastes and lifestyle. It’s a foolproof choice for any occasion when you want to wow someone with a gift they’ll find truly valuable and enjoyable to use.
Talabat Gift Card
Food delivery has exploded in popularity in Saudi Arabia’s major cities in recent years with busy urban lifestyles driving demand for convenient dining options. Talabat dominates the food delivery market as the leading platform, offering selections from thousands of restaurants in every cuisine.
A Talabat gift card allows recipients to satisfy their cravings by ordering meals, snacks, and drinks for delivery straight to their home or office. It gives them the freedom to indulge in flavors from around the world whenever hunger strikes without having to cook or leave their location. Talabat has made gourmet eating more accessible and effortless for Saudis.
Those with a taste for adventure who enjoy exploring new culinary discoveries will treasure a Talabat card. It’s also a go-to gift for foodies, families or friends gathering for meals. With such a wide array of global restaurants available, recipients are spoiled for choice in satiating their appetite with whatever cuisine takes their fancy. A Talabat gift card is thoughtful, practical and certainly sure to be well-received.
Amazon Gift Card
As the world’s largest online marketplace and retailer, Amazon reigns supreme in online shopping across borders. In Saudi Arabia, Amazon enjoys widespread popularity as a one-stop digital storefront for practically any item under the sun. An Amazon gift card opens up a universe of possibilities for recipients to indulge their interests.
From electronics, books and toys to clothes, home goods, movies and more, Amazon’s vast product selection offers something for everyone. Recipients can search for exactly what they need or simply browse for unexpected finds and treats. As a bonus, Amazon shopping is accompanied by superb customer service, fast delivery and easy returns should anything be amiss with an order.
An Amazon gift card provides both accessibility and surprise. Recipients may discover a new favorite item or brand as they explore Amazon’s aisles. It’s an endlessly reusable gift that keeps on giving through new discoveries and impulse buys on every shopping trip. Most cherish the independence and empowerment that comes along with an Amazon card to self-cater their own interests.
Careem Gift Card
As Saudi Arabia’s most popular ride-hailing and delivery service app, Careem is an indispensable part of urban life across major cities. Careem gift cards allow recipients to easily order rides, food deliveries, online payments, and more using the Careem super-app.
Whether you need a ride across town or a meal brought straight to your door, Careem makes everyday tasks simple and hassle-free. Gift recipients gain funds to call a Careem vehicle with just a few taps, skip traffic, and save on parking. They can also satisfy cravings from local favorites through Careem’s expanding food and grocery delivery verticals.
Careem is revolutionizing how Saudis commute and dine through innovative mobile services. A Careem gift card provides convenience on-demand for both essential and leisure activities. It’s a versatile gift that spares recipients’ hassles while offering joy through little luxuries and discoveries. Best of all, Careem strives for a five-star customer experience, whether ordering food or transportation.
PlayStation Gift Card
For dedicated gamers in Saudi Arabia, a PlayStation gift card unlocks entertainment on another level. PlayStation consoles like the PS4 and PS5 are wildly popular living room devices, offering the best in triple-A blockbuster titles, family games and competitive online multiplayer action.
PlayStation gift cards allow recipients to load funds onto their PlayStation Network (PSN) account wallet. They can then spend these funds on new releases from the online PlayStation Store along with downloadable add-ons like expansions, skins, and in-game currency. Recipients also gain purchase power for PlayStation Plus subscriptions, granting online multiplayer access and monthly games.
You can bet that avid gamers would appreciate forging their own adventures across award-winning PlayStation storylines and multiplayer domains. Any PlayStation fan will be overjoyed to receive a PSN gift card to spend as much time as they please on new obsessions. It’s an exciting gift that keeps the fun going endlessly as recipients continuously update their game libraries.
Netflix Gift Card
In today’s on-demand streaming society, few brands achieve more mindshare than Netflix. As the world’s leading provider of online movies and television shows, Netflix is a staple for entertainment at home. A Netflix gift card offers hours upon hours of binge-worthy viewing pleasure for any recipient.
Subscribing to Netflix grants instant access to a vast catalog spanning every genre from documentaries and reality series to award-winning original films, shows, and classics from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Enjoyment can be found for all tastes under the Netflix umbrella.
A Netflix gift fuels much-needed escapism and distraction for stressed Saudis from the comfort of their living rooms. Recipients can unwind solo or gather family/friends around the television for movie marathons and show binges together. Whatever their mood, Netflix reliably caters with feel-good romances, intense thrillers, hilarious comedies, and more in a few clicks.
Plus, with new releases constantly added every week coupled with first-run originals, Netflix ensures its content library stays fresh and exciting for subscribers. No other brand delivers home entertainment value comparable to Netflix. Any media enthusiast is sure to cherish receiving a Netflix gift card for endless access to new stories.
Additional Information
Now that we’ve covered the six most in-demand gift card categories in Saudi Arabia, let’s provide some additional context that may be helpful:
- Availability – Major retail chains like Jarir Bookstore, Extra, Tamimi Markets, and Danube Supermarket stock digital gift cards for brands like Apple, Amazon, PlayStation, iTunes, and more that can be instantly activated. Many denominations are available from 100 SAR up to 1000 SAR.
- Online Buying – Digital gift cards can also be conveniently purchased online through each brand’s Saudi ecommerce site if an in-store visit isn’t possible. Options exist to email, print or send cards via mobile sms delivery.
- Cash Alternatives – For recipients who don’t want a specific brand gift card, alternatives like Sakoura e-gift cards function as debit cards that can be spent anywhere credit cards are accepted.
- Steam Cards – While less common than PlayStation, the video game marketplace Steam has a following in KSA. Steam Wallet gift cards of 50-200 SAR allow funding Steam accounts on PC.
- Mobile Top-Ups – Telecom gift vouchers from STC, Zain, and Mobily make practical gifts for pre-paid mobile users to stay connected.
- Currency Exchange – Major gift cards like Apple, Amazon, Spotify, etc can be resold internationally through currency exchange platforms at favorable rates compared to face value in Saudi riyals.
- Expiration – Most gift cards last 1-2 years before unused balances expire. Check policies for any holding or dormancy fees that may apply after long periods of non-use.
Choosing the perfect gift comes down to understanding recipients’ individual tastes and lifestyles. With this guide outlining Saudi Arabia’s top gift card categories, you now have a helpful resource for selecting memorable, versatile presents sure to delight anyone on your gift list. Happy gifting in the Kingdom!