KSA’s Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) said that almost half of internet users in Saudi Arabia engaged in some form of online shopping last year. The government body’s annual study of around 10,000 internet users revealed the percentage who engaged in online shopping last year crept up to 49.9%, from 47.9% in 2017, and 37.3% in 2016. The study also found that the number of people using online payment for goods, as opposed to cash on delivery, has increased. 41.% of online shoppers used online payment methods in 2018, up from 37.7% in 2017, and 21.4% in 2016, a statement in Arabic sent by CITC to Zawya said. According to CITC’s statement, online shopping rates varies among different age groups, with those aged between 20-24 accounting for the largest category of online shoppers.  65.2% of internet users in this age range shopped online, as did 63.2% of 30-34 year olds and 61.8% of 25-29 year-olds. “The growth and expansion of e-commerce is a priority of Saudi Vision 2030 cashless pillar, which aims to diversify the economy, boost investment and strengthen trade across different sectors,” Visa's Bailoun said. “As part of its development blueprint, the government has undertaken several initiatives to digitise commerce in the Kingdom with the aim of increasing investment from regional and international e-commerce businesses,” he noted.