Saudi Arabia School Stationery Supplies Market By Product Type (Paper Products, Writing Instruments, Computer And Printer Supplies, Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, Online, Others), By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Saudi Arabia School Stationery Supplies Market was valued at USD 916.03 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1058.68 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 2.50% during the forecast period. Saudi Arabia’s school stationery supplies market is experiencing a move toward greater supply stability, supported by national initiatives to boost local manufacturing capacity. With increasing student enrollment and year-round academic activities, there is ongoing pressure to ensure a consistent, affordable supply of essential paper products. Expanding domestic paper production plays a key role in reducing reliance on imports, lowering costs, and speeding up delivery within the educational supply chain. In March 2025, when MEPCO launched its fifth production line (PM5), doubling its annual output from 425,000 to 875,000 tons. The PM5 line produces high-quality, lightweight paper, providing a cost-efficient alternative to imports, which previously accounted for nearly 30% of local demand.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Student Enrollment and Expanding Educational Infrastructure

One of the most significant drivers of the school stationery supplies market in Saudi Arabia is the consistent rise in student enrollment across all levels of education. The Kingdom has seen a growing population of school-aged children, and with a strong emphasis on universal education, the number of students in public and private schools continues to increase. Families preparing for the start of the school term typically boost their purchases within a short, concentrated period, resulting in a predictable demand surge. In August 2024, the International Programs School (IPS) announced the commencement of the 2024–2025 academic year, with classes beginning on August 25th and a Parent-Student Orientation Day on August 22nd. This announcement prompted families to get ready by purchasing labeled water bottles, lunch containers, and essential school supplies to ensure students were well-equipped for the classroom. Government-backed initiatives such as Vision 2030, which emphasize knowledge and skill development, are also increasing the number of training centers and vocational institutions, each requiring a consistent supply of learning tools. Additionally, special needs and inclusive education programs are gaining prominence, creating demand for customized and specialized stationery products tailored to different learning abilities. All of these factors create a robust and sustainable growth path for the stationery supplies sector in Saudi Arabia.

Government Support and Investment in Education (Vision 2030)

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has identified education as a central pillar in building a diversified and knowledge-based economy. The government’s sustained investment in the education sector has significantly impacted the school stationery supplies market. Billions of SAR are allocated annually to improve educational infrastructure, teacher training, digital learning initiatives, and the overall learning environment. As part of Vision 2030, there is a growing focus on modernizing classrooms and curriculums to enhance student engagement. While this includes digitization, it has not diminished the need for traditional school supplies. On the contrary, it has supplemented the need for hybrid materials—where traditional tools like notebooks and pens are still needed alongside digital tablets and learning aids. Additionally, the Ministry of Education continues to launch initiatives to raise educational standards at every level, from primary schools to universities. Such policies increase the frequency and quality of school-based activities, including arts, science experiments, and group learning—each requiring different sets of stationery items. Scholarships and education incentives also play a role, enabling more students to attend school regularly and participate in extracurricular activities. Investment licenses in Saudi Arabia’s education sector surged by 86% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2024, highlighting the sector’s increasing appeal to investors. A report from the Ministry of Investment revealed that 41 new licenses were issued during this period, marking significant growth from the 112 licenses recorded by the end of 2023.This figure itself reflected a 49% increase from 2022, emphasizing the critical importance of education in advancing the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification goals outlined in Vision 2030.

Growing Influence of Private Schools and International Curriculums

The rise of private schools and international educational institutions is another strong driver of the stationery supplies market in Saudi Arabia. As urban populations grow and income levels increase, parents are increasingly opting for private and international schools that offer globally recognized curriculums such as IB, British, and American standards. These institutions place a strong emphasis on academic excellence, project-based learning, and student participation in diverse extracurricular activities. This shift often translates into a higher and more specific demand for educational materials. Unlike public schools, many private institutions require parents to purchase specific branded or high-quality stationery items that align with their curriculum needs. This includes specialized notebooks, geometry sets, art supplies, calculators, planners, and more. These preferences stimulate both local and imported product demand, benefiting domestic suppliers and international brands. Furthermore, private and international schools often conduct additional workshops, science fairs, and skill development programs, all of which require a broader variety of stationery items. This diversification in educational approach increases the volume and variety of stationery products consumed per student annually.

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Key Market Challenges

Digital Transformation and the Shift Toward E-Learning

One of the primary challenges in the Saudi stationery market is the growing digital transformation in the education sector. As the government promotes smart learning environments under Vision 2030, schools are increasingly integrating tablets, smartboards, and digital platforms into classrooms. This shift reduces the reliance on traditional stationery such as notebooks, pens, and textbooks. With many schools adopting blended or fully digital curriculums—especially in private and international institutions—the demand for basic school supplies has started to plateau in some urban areas. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of e-learning, pushing even traditional institutions to digitize their learning materials and reduce paper-based instruction. This digital shift, while beneficial for educational modernization, poses a direct threat to the traditional stationery segment. It compels stationery manufacturers and retailers to adapt by introducing tech-compatible or digital-friendly products. However, smaller players in the market may find it difficult to innovate or diversify quickly, leading to reduced competitiveness. Therefore, the transition to digital education remains a pressing challenge for long-term stationery sales.

Price Sensitivity and Import Dependence

The Saudi stationery market is highly price-sensitive, especially among middle-income families and public school students. Most stationery products are considered low-involvement purchases, and consumers often prioritize affordability over brand or quality. This makes it difficult for premium or niche brands to scale, particularly in markets outside major cities. Additionally, a significant portion of stationery products in Saudi Arabia is imported—primarily from countries like China, India, and Malaysia. This dependency exposes the market to fluctuations in global prices, import duties, and shipping costs. Currency exchange rate volatility and supply chain disruptions, like those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to price instability and inconsistent product availability. For local distributors and retailers, these external pressures make it challenging to maintain steady margins or pass costs on to consumers. Moreover, with limited domestic production, the country has less control over quality standards and product innovation. This dependence on imports, coupled with intense price competition, restricts profitability and deters new entrants from investing in the market.

Key Market Trends

Growing Demand for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Stationery

As environmental awareness rises in Saudi Arabia, particularly among younger generations and urban families, the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable stationery products is growing. Parents, schools, and students are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of disposable plastic-based items and are increasingly opting for alternatives made from recycled, biodegradable, or sustainable materials. Manufacturers are responding by introducing products such as recycled paper notebooks, wooden pencils, refillable pens, and eco-conscious packaging. This shift is especially visible in international schools and private institutions that emphasize environmental education and sustainability as part of their curriculum. Government regulations and environmental campaigns under Vision 2030 also encourage reduced plastic use and promote sustainability in both public and private sectors. As a result, eco-friendly products are becoming more mainstream, with retailers allocating specific shelf space to "green" stationery.

Increasing Customization and Personalization

Customization has become a key trend in Saudi Arabia’s stationery market, especially among students in private and international schools. Personalized notebooks, name-labeled pens, themed pencil cases, and custom-printed backpacks are increasingly popular among children and teenagers seeking unique and expressive school supplies. This demand is fueled by the broader trend of individuality and personal branding among the youth, supported by social media and online platforms. Local stationery brands and retailers are capitalizing on this by offering online customization tools where customers can design and order personalized items. Some stores even provide in-store kiosks for custom engraving or printing. Gifting culture in Saudi Arabia also supports this trend. Custom stationery sets are often purchased as school-year gifts or during special occasions, adding emotional value to the product. The growing presence of licensed merchandise from popular cartoon characters to trending anime and gaming themes further boosts interest in personalized school supplies. In addition to aesthetics, functional customization is also gaining ground. Products that cater to left-handed users, multi-subject notebooks, or ergonomically designed tools are becoming more visible in retail outlets. This trend allows brands to differentiate their offerings and build stronger connections with customers.

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Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

In the Saudi Arabia School Stationery Supplies Market, Paper Products stand out as the dominating product type, driven by their essential role in everyday academic activities. Items such as notebooks, writing pads, graph papers, drawing books, exam sheets, and printing paper are used across all educational levels, from primary to higher education. Despite the increasing adoption of digital tools in classrooms, paper remains fundamental for note-taking, written assignments, exams, and project submissions. Saudi Arabia’s education sector is undergoing rapid transformation under Vision 2030, with significant investments in expanding schools, enhancing curricula, and increasing student enrollment. These changes have led to a consistent and growing demand for paper-based learning materials. Public schools, which educate a large portion of the student population, continue to rely heavily on traditional paper products for daily learning and assessments. Additionally, private and international schools often encourage project-based learning, which also contributes to the need for specialty paper products such as art paper, colored sheets, and binders. Bulk purchases during the back-to-school season further highlight the importance of paper supplies in household education budgets. Given the recurring nature of their use and the essential role they play in education, paper products are expected to maintain their leading position in the Saudi stationery market.

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Regional Insights

The Western region of Saudi Arabia stands out as the dominant market in the school stationery supplies sector, driven by its high population density, concentration of educational institutions, and economic activity. Major cities in the region such as Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah—host a significant portion of the Kingdom’s student population, including a large number of public, private, and international schools. This high demand for education services directly translates into increased consumption of school stationery supplies such as notebooks, writing instruments, paper products, and art materials. Moreover, the Western region benefits from better infrastructure and access to major retail and distribution channels. Large stationery chains, bookstores, and supermarkets in cities like Jeddah offer a wide range of products catering to all age groups and income levels. The presence of international schools and expatriate communities further boosts demand for premium and specialized stationery products. The region also sees strong seasonal demand due to the back-to-school rush and cultural events, which influence purchasing patterns and product preferences. With continued urbanization, population growth, and expansion of the education sector, the Western region is expected to maintain its leadership in the Saudi school stationery supplies market. It serves as a key focus area for retailers and distributors aiming to capture a larger market share.

Recent Developments

• In 2024, R&B, a brand under the Apparel Group, launched its Back-to-School collection across the UAE, featuring character-themed trolley bags, backpacks, and stationery items. This initiative tapped into regional demand and positively influenced the Saudi school stationery supplies market by extending cross-border brand appeal and offering trendy, accessible educational products.
• In 2023, Al-Hadaya Center have initiated promotional campaigns to attract customers, offering competitive prices and a wide selection of quality products. Parents, such as Neama Al-Sabea, have expressed appreciation for the variety and affordability available, noting the importance of planning and time management during the back-to-school shopping period. 
• In 2024, IPS marked the beginning of the 2024–2025 academic year by organizing a Parent-Student Orientation Day. The event contributed to a surge in demand for school stationery in Saudi Arabia, as families prepared for the new term with essential items like lunchboxes, personalized water bottles, and classroom supplies.  

Key Market Players

• Jarir Bookstore
• Al Jazeera Stationery
• Office One
• Nafisa Stationery
• Al Yamama Stationery
• United Stationery & Office Supplies Co.
• SACO (Saudi Company for Hardware)
• Al-Muhaidib Group (Stationery Division)
• Al Dawaa Stationery
• Al Rashed Stationery

Report Scope:

In this report, the Saudi Arabia School Stationery Supplies Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Saudi Arabia School Stationery Supplies Market, By Product Type:

o   Paper Products

o   Writing Instruments

o   Computer And Printer Supplies

o   Others

• Saudi Arabia School Stationery Supplies Market, By Distribution Channel:

o   Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

o   Specialty Stores

o   Convenience Stores

o   Online

o   Others  

• Saudi Arabia School Stationery Supplies Market, By Region:

o   Western

o   Northern & Central

o   Eastern

o   Southern

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Saudi Arabia School Stationery Supplies Market.

Available Customizations:

Saudi Arabia School Stationery Supplies Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).