Furniture Manufacturing in Saudi Arabia

Furniture manufacturing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the industrial sectors expanding in Saudi Arabia’s market due to population growth and rising demand for its products. It includes wooden, metal, and other types of furniture.

History of furniture manufacturing in Saudi Arabia

Furniture production in Saudi Arabia in the past relied on various traditional handicrafts, due to the diversity of environments across the regions where it was made. This resulted in certain crafts and products becoming unique to specific cities and areas, while others became shared among them. Traditional handicrafts in Saudi Arabia include woodwork, metalwork, palm-frond crafts, pottery, leatherwork, and textiles. 

Traditional handicrafts formed a part of Saudi civilization and culture, and some of these crafts have remained, passed down through generations.

The style of furniture in the contemporary Saudi environment has changed, as similar furniture styles have become common among Saudi society. This is attributed to locally manufactured and imported furniture sold by companies across the regions of Saudi Arabia, which has created a shared, general taste. 

Furniture in the contemporary Saudi environment relies on two styles: Eastern and Western, whether locally manufactured or imported. An example is the “sofa,” a Western style of furniture found in Saudi homes, which some refer to as “custom-made,” as certain shops tailor and sew it according to the customer’s preference. Among the commonly used furniture in Saudi homes is the Arab-style seating (floor seating), which includes a carpet, a backrest, and a cushion. It is typically placed in outdoor annexes or in the dining room—locally called the maqlat—or in one of the rooms if the house is spacious.

Contemporary Saudi furniture also includes fabric curtains that cover the windows, as well as the installation of modern kitchens and bedrooms. In addition, it involves the use of televisions and various modern tools and appliances, whether locally manufactured or imported.

Furniture manufacturing regions in Saudi Arabia

The regions of Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, and the Northern Borders host factories specialized in furniture manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh playing a leading role. It contributes to exporting these products to other regions, as its production volume exceeds that of the other areas.

Development of furniture manufacturing in Saudi Arabia

The production of wooden products in Saudi Arabia has developed over time, keeping pace with modern furniture manufacturing methods and technologies. A number of specialized factories for wooden products emerged, and by 2009, the sector included approximately 365 industrial establishments, encompassing both factories and workshops.

The rise in demand for furniture, driven by population growth, contributed to the expansion of this industry. In 2011, the furniture and furnishings market in Saudi Arabia was estimated at over SAR4 billion, with more than 50% of this value coming from the output of furniture factories and workshops. Their annual sales reached approximately SAR1.339 billion.

In 2023, the total number of furniture manufacturing establishments in Saudi Arabia registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance reached approximately 6,275 establishments.

Growth of furniture manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia

The number of furniture factories in Saudi Arabia grew to approximately 317 by the end of 2017. During 2020, furniture-producing factories experienced a 258% increase in new licenses compared to 2019, with around twenty-two factories starting production that year. By the end of the second quarter of 2021, the number of furniture-producing factories reached about 301, with a capital of SAR2.530 billion.

With the recovery of the Saudi market following the COVID-19 pandemic, the growth of the furniture and wooden products sector continued, experiencing a rebound after the reopening of the economy. By the end of the second quarter of 2021, the number of furniture factories under construction reached approximately eighty-one, with a capital of SAR430 million.

The total number of furniture factories in Saudi Arabia increased, as eighteen new licenses for furniture factories were issued during the second quarter of 2021, while thirteen factories began production.

The General Authority for Statistics recorded a 0.8% decline in furniture manufacturing activity in Saudi Arabia in June 2024, influenced by the slowdown in mining and quarrying activities. 

Furniture exports from Saudi Arabia

Furniture products in Saudi Arabia have not only met domestic demand but have also reached international markets, establishing distinctive brands. Furniture was exported to neighboring countries with high levels of efficiency and quality. In 2015, Saudi Arabia’s exports of furniture and other related products amounted to approximately SAR1.563 billion, slightly decreasing in 2016 to around SAR1.411 billion.

Financing furniture manufacturing in Saudi Arabia

The furniture manufacturing industry received support and incentives from the government through financing and lending. In 2017, the Industrial Fund financed four new wooden furniture projects, bringing the cumulative total to sixty-five projects. Additionally, two new wooden product projects were financed, with a cumulative total of twenty-six projects.

Financial support for these factories continues, as the cumulative value of industrial loans approved by the Industrial Fund for the wooden furniture sector reached SAR35 million, with a total cumulative amount of SAR521 million. For wooden products, the loan value was SAR11 million, bringing the cumulative total to SAR303 million.

The Industrial Fund has continued to support the furniture and wooden products industry in Saudi Arabia, contributing to its growth and development. In 2021, the Fund provided three loans for the wooden furniture sector totaling SAR29 million, bringing the cumulative number of loans to 89, with a total value of SAR636 million.

Expansion of the furniture sector in Saudi Arabia

In February 2021, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced a 58% increase in the number of industrial licenses issued in January compared to December 2020, totaling 115 new industrial licenses.

Industrial indicators for January 2021, issued by the National Industrial Information Center, also revealed that a number of industries entered actual production, meeting the growing consumer demand.

In January 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued approximately 152 new industrial licenses with total investments estimated at around SAR6.2 billion. The report issued by the National Industrial and Mining Information Center indicated that seventy-nine factories were in production during January, with total investments of SAR1.3 billion. Among the leading factories were furniture factories and basic metals factories, with six factories in each category.

Furniture industry exhibitions in Saudi Arabia

Saudi International Furniture and Decor Exhibition

Wooden furniture products receive significant attention from commercial and industrial institutions in Saudi Arabia. These products are showcased at annual exhibitions featuring the largest manufacturers, highlighting the importance and role of this industry in the national economy. The Saudi International Furniture and Decor Exhibition is held annually at the Dhahran International Exhibitions (“Dhahran Expo”).

Such an exhibition reflects the added value of the furniture and décor sector in Saudi Arabia, as well as its role in both the domestic and international markets, given the high quality and demand of its products. This, in turn, supports and promotes the “Made in Saudi Arabia” initiative.

The Saudi International Furniture and Decor Exhibition provides a significant opportunity for Saudi exhibitors and manufacturers, offering them a marketing and business platform to develop their products and meet consumer preferences. The exhibition showcases the latest products and services, with a focus on a wide range of advanced products across different categories.

The furniture and wooden products industry in Saudi Arabia is characterized by a wide variety of products, including wooden, glass, and aluminum doors, paints, fiberglass, electrical and electronic appliances, as well as furniture, furnishings, carpets, home communication devices, decorative items, landscaping elements, and other products that meet the needs of consumers in both the Saudi and regional markets.

Saudi International Furniture and Design Exhibition “DecoFair”

The Saudi International Furniture and Design Exhibition “DecoFair” is held in Jeddah and focuses on the furniture and design sector. It serves as a key platform to meet local demands for furniture, design, arts, and décor, providing an opportunity to connect with leading local and international companies in the furniture industry and trade, with the aim of fostering collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange.

Saudi Furniture and Decor Exhibition 2024

The Saudi Furniture and Decor Exhibition 2024, held in Jeddah, served as a platform for companies specializing in local, regional, and international furniture and décor. The exhibition aimed to showcase innovations and modern trends, presenting products from interior designers and architects to visitors. It also provided participants and visitors with the opportunity to attend workshops and lectures delivered by experts in the décor and interior design industry, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise.