THE RISE OF "SAUDI-MADE" BRANDS IN SAUDI ARABIA

In Saudi Arabia, a new wave of brands is reshaping the visual landscape. This movement is part of a broader context: Saudi Vision 2030, a national strategy aimed at diversifying the economy, boosting creative industries, and strengthening the Kingdom’s cultural identity on the global stage. The result: brand identities that blend modernity, authenticity, and global ambition.

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1. Territory-inspired colours in Saudi Arabia

New brands are embracing the Saudi natural palette: the beiges and ochres of the desert, stone greys, and palm greens. These shades are not static they are reinterpreted and enhanced with contemporary accents such as mineral blue, copper, or deep black. Some companies go further by pairing these colours with tactile textures (raw paper, handwoven fabrics, metallic finishes) to reinforce the sensory experience. The goal is twofold: to reflect the soul of the country while appealing to a global audience accustomed to premium visual codes.

2. Modernised Arabic typefaces

Today’s Arabic fonts stand out for their clarity and elegance, designed to work harmoniously alongside English and French. Many are drawn from official design programs, inspired by ancient inscriptions and traditional calligraphy, yet reimagined for modern branding. This approach ensures visual consistency even in complex multilingual campaigns, allowing brands to express a unified tone of voice across all touchpoints, from packaging to digital advertising. This evolution strengthens cultural recognition while allowing Saudi brands to be instantly understood in multiple markets.

3. Heritage-driven storytelling

Design is not just about aesthetics it’s a narrative tool. Brands draw from local stories: coffee ceremonies, leather craftsmanship, Sadu weaving, traditional souks. They also integrate iconic architectural elements — such as Diriyah’s doors or the geometric patterns of historic mosques to evoke collective memory and create a deep emotional connection with the audience. These elements are woven into the brand’s DNA, from packaging to advertising, to convey authenticity and cultural continuity.

Tips for “Saudi-made” brands

• Identify one key cultural symbol or ritual and use it as the central theme across all communications.

• Pair a strong visual element (colour, pattern, texture) with a clear narrative message that reflects local values.

• Test branding consistency across multiple touchpoints (packaging, digital, retail) to ensure a unified experience.

• Involve local talent (artisans, calligraphers, photographers) to add credibility and enrich the narrative.

• Plan for multilingual adaptations from the start to avoid late adjustments that disrupt visual harmony.

• Build an internal “brand toolkit” with all visual and narrative rules to maintain consistency across teams and agencies.

A strong identity serving a global ambition

Under Vision 2030, “Saudi-made” goes beyond local production: it embodies know-how and style that can be exported. This transformation is supported by massive investments in creative incubators, international events (such as Saudi Design Week or LEAP), and partnerships with renowned designers. The most successful brands are those that tell their origin story while speaking the world’s visual language.

At PEAK Ventures, we help build coherent and powerful visual systems that captivate international markets while maintaining a deep connection to Saudi culture.

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This article was written with the assistance of AI.