Quick answer: To handle how to market a new restaurant in Saudi Arabia, pick a clear customer, make a simple offer, use two or three channels such as Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp Business, follow the local rules and measure what works.

Last updated: November 2026; platforms and rules change, so check official sources.

You searched "how to market a new restaurant". This is a how-to question, not a shop, so here is a plain guide for new restaurant that works in the Saudi market. No big theory, just steps you can try this week, inshallah.

Step by step for new restaurant

First, pinpoint your main shopper and what they need. Then, put your product description into one simple line. After that, choose the places where those shoppers already hang out. Lastly, post, test, and write down what happens. That’s the complete system, and everything else is just detail.

StepWhat to do
CustomerWrite who they are, where they live and what they worry about
OfferOne sentence, one price or promise, in Arabic and English
ChannelsTwo or three, such as Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, Google Maps
RulesRegister the business, follow advert rules, charge VAT if required
MeasureCount calls, messages and sales, not only likes

Tips for the Saudi market

Follow the rules. Register your business properly. If you sell online, check registration on the Maroof platform of the Ministry of Commerce. Influencer adverts in Saudi Arabia are expected to be done with a licensed creator, so ask for the licence.

Be honest in adverts. Claims about price, health or results should be true. Misleading adverts can lead to fines and lose trust.

Set a budget and test small. Start with a small spend on two adverts, see which one brings customers and then spend more on the winner. Write down what you spent and what you earned.

Measure what matters. Count calls, messages, visits and sales, not only likes. Ask each new customer how they found you.

Use offers carefully. Seasonal moments like Ramadan, Eid, National Day, Founding Day and White Friday bring buying, but everyone is shouting at the same time. A clear, honest offer beats a loud one.

Keep your promise. Reply fast, deliver on time and fix mistakes. In a small market, word of mouth in family and friends groups is very strong.

Think about VAT. If your sales pass the threshold set by ZATCA, you must register for VAT at 15 per cent. Check the current rules with ZATCA or an accountant.

Avoid common mistakes: no clear customer, too many channels, no tracking, copying a competitor's price and buying fake followers. Fake followers hurt trust and don't buy anything.

Be patient. Most marketing takes weeks to show results. Keep notes, improve one thing at a time and don't change everything every few days.

It’s important to know your rights. In Saudi Arabia the Ministry of Commerce looks after consumer complaints, so when a shop won’t fix an issue, write to them, save your receipt and screenshots, and then present everything to the Ministry.

Keep an eye out for scams. You might get a text, call or WhatsApp note about a prize, a missed delivery or a voucher from a familiar store, but it may be a scam. Avoid clicking the link or sharing your card number or the SMS code. Check the shop's own app instead. If you’ve already shared details, call your bank immediately.

Plan your purchase. Large-item prices drop around White Friday, Ramadan, Eid and the national holidays. When you have time, note the price now and check again later. Take it slow, no need to rush.

Make sure you save the receipt or order confirmation, take a picture of the electronic's serial number, and write down who helped you. This minute-long step helps refunds and repairs happen faster.

Make sure you examine the total price, not just the headline tag. Delivery fees, service fees and extra warranties can raise the bill. VAT in Saudi Arabia is 15 percent and is expected to be included in the shelf price, so a checkout price that adds it again without stating it is suspicious.

The unit price on the label shows the cost per kilo or litre, so you can compare a big pack with a small one. Keep in mind that bigger isn’t always cheaper.

Opt for a payment option that shields you. Cash on delivery is often available, but always look at the product before paying. Using mada or a credit card gives you better chances to dispute a charge than a direct bank transfer to a stranger.

Think about second-hand or refurbished for big purchases, but ask about the warranty and the return rules. A cheap price with no receipt is a warning, not a bargain.

Watch the extras at checkout. Delivery and service fees can show up late. Take a screenshot of the final price before you pay.

When public holidays arrive, opening hours may vary. Eid, the National Day on 23 September and Founding Day on 22 February each can modify shop and delivery timings, and Ramadan hours are separate. Verify the shop’s page if you intend to travel there.

Don't forget to check delivery details before you order. If you’re in a distant area, delivery can be slower and pricier, and some things can't be sent. See the estimate at checkout and consider picking it up yourself.

Read the back of the pack for the label with ingredients, allergens and age limits, rather than the front, and when it comes to medicines or supplements, just ask the pharmacist.

Small habits save money: write a list, check what's at home, use the shop app for offers and set a budget before you walk in. The biggest reason you spend too much is grabbing impulse buys at the till.

Compare the aisles. Saudi Arabia’s supermarket and hypermarket chains often price the same item very differently. If you spend a month looking at two stores, you’ll quickly find which one offers the lower price.

Al Raya - Latest circular - Saudi Arabia
Al RayaLatest circular, valid until 24 November 2026

Count the travel cost. A saving across the city can cost more in fuel and time. If the saving is small, use the nearest shop or order online. If you would rather cook at home this week, compare the latest Al Raya offers, Lulu offers and Nesto offers to see current hypermarket specials in Saudi Arabia.

To sum up how to market a new restaurant: know your customer, keep the offer simple, follow the rules and measure.

Frequently asked questions

What is the first step for new restaurant?

Decide who your customer is and what they need.

Which platform is best in Saudi Arabia?

The right choice hinges on your customer base; they typically spend time on Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp Business.

Do I need a licence?

First, register your business properly; then remember that influencer adverts require a licensed creator. Always double-check the regulations with the authorities.

Sources