Saudi Arabia Ranks as Snapchat's Most Important Global Market with 26 Million Users
Snapchat has confirmed that opening its office in the JAX District of Diriyah is a strategic investment in Saudi Arabia, recognizing the Kingdom as one of the world's fastest-growing and most technologically advanced markets. This move supports Vision 2030's goal of building a thriving digital economy and empowering youth.
Snapchat's Communications Manager in Saudi Arabia Yaser Alamoodi stated to the Saudi Press Agency that the Kingdom is one of the company's most important global markets, boasting over 26 million monthly active users, with 90% of Saudis aged 13 to 34 actively using the app, often opening it more than 50 times daily.
Alamoodi said the new JAX office is positioned at the heart of Riyadh's creative scene to strengthen partnerships with the government and private sectors, provide specialized support to advertisers, and develop local talent.
The company is heavily committed to developing local human capital, evidenced by the launch of the region's first "Snap creators council" and the "Snap graduate development program" to foster skills in digital creativity, marketing, and augmented reality (AR). According to Alamoodi, this investment is essential because AR technology is at the core of Snapchat's strategy; studies show its AR lenses achieve up to eight times higher engagement than other platforms in the Saudi market.
Alamoodi noted that the number of Saudi "Snap Stars" has doubled and active advertisers have more than quadrupled in the past three years, reflecting growing confidence in the platform's role in digital entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the company is developing these technologies through local partnerships to create content that expresses Saudi identity and culture, supporting the quality of life and tourism programs of Vision 2030.
Snapchat's strategy in the Kingdom is fully aligned with the three pillars of Vision 2030: empowering businesses for a "thriving economy", fostering a "vibrant society" through AR, and investing in human capital to lead digital transformation for an "ambitious nation".
Looking ahead to 2025–2027, Snapchat plans to double the number of Saudi participants in specialized training, expand AR technologies into the education, tourism, and retail sectors, and continue integrating AI solutions into its camera. Alamoodi concluded by underscoring that Saudi Arabia is not just an important market but a strategic partner in shaping the global digital future.
