Saudi Arabia Car Wash market report comprised of the market size, value chain analysis, growth trends, future market analysis and market channels and strategies. The Saudi Arabian car wash market is segmented into by type of service and by type of wash.
Market Overview
Saudi Arabia Car Wash Market Overview
The Saudi Arabia carwash market was valued at SAR 274.3 million in 2023 and has been growing at a CAGR of 12.5% during the period 2017–2022. The market is expected to witness strong expansion and reach SAR 1,379 million by 2030. Key players operating in the Saudi Arabia carwash market include SASCO, Mr. Shiny, Bright, Xtra Clean Car Wash, and other regional operators. Market growth is primarily driven by the increasing number of vehicles on the road, rising car ownership, and supportive government regulations and policies. However, the market also faces challenges such as rising vehicle resale prices and concerns related to water scarcity, along with stringent water usage regulations across Saudi Arabia.
Taxonomy
Saudi Arabia Car Wash Market Ecosystem
Saudi Arabia Car Wash Market Size (in SAR Mn), 2017-2022
The Saudi Arabia car wash market has witnessed strong expansion, growing from SAR 274.3 million in 2017 to SAR 494.1 million in 2022, registering a CAGR of 12.5% over the period. Although the market experienced a 7% year-on-year slowdown in 2019 due to COVID-19 disruptions, it rebounded sharply, recording an 11.9% YoY growth in 2022. Growth has been driven by rising automobile ownership, supportive government regulations, and increasing urbanization, with urban consumers preferring professional car wash services for convenience—contributing nearly SAR 494 million in revenue and approximately 14 million car washes in 2022. Additionally, heightened environmental awareness and the adoption of eco-friendly washing methods and automated technologies have enhanced service efficiency and customer experience, underscoring the market’s resilient and evolving nature.
Saudi Arabia Car Wash Industry Analysis
Rising Vehicle Ownership
The surge in vehicle ownership is a significant growth driver for the Saudi Arabia Car Wash market. With 92% of households owning at least one car and 56% possessing more than one car as of 2019, the escalating number of vehicles on the road fuels a continuous demand for professional car washing and maintenance services, contributing to the market's robust expansion.
Growing Awareness of Automobile Maintenance
Car owners in Saudi Arabia are increasingly recognizing the fuel efficiency benefits of regular car wash services and their pivotal role in maintaining the resale value of their vehicles. This heightened awareness is a driving force behind the growth of the car wash market, as more consumers prioritize the long-term health and value of their vehicles.
Thriving Resale Marke
The flourishing resale market in the country serves as a strong incentive for car owners to prioritize regular car wash services. Maintaining a vehicle's condition through professional car washing becomes essential for those looking to maximize resale value, thereby providing sustained support to the industry's growth.
Technological Advancements
The adoption of advanced technology plays a crucial role in propelling the Saudi Arabia Car Wash market forward. Innovations such as automated car wash systems, water recycling systems, online platforms, and digital payment options enhance the overall efficiency and appeal of car wash services. This, in turn, attracts tech-savvy customers, contributing to the market's adaptability and competitiveness in meeting evolving customer expectations. As technology continues to evolve, its integration within the car wash industry is expected to be a key driver for sustained growth.
Site Requirements
The location must be within the service center or within the specialized maintenance centers according to the plans approved by the municipality. There should be car parking space for every 50 square meters of the building area, with a minimum of two parking spaces. The area should not be less than 100 square meters in the buildings of specialized maintenance centers and not less than 30 square meter per car in service center.
General Requirements
A commercial registration is required for the car wash activity, and they are limited to the licensed activities only. It is prohibited to use the laundry washing as housing for the workers. It is not permissible to change the activity, add a new activity, or modify the area by increase or decrease except after obtaining the approval from the authority. The lease contract must be submitted if the applicant is a tenant. It is not permitted to perform any washing activity outside the car wash. Building License approval. Commitment to fulfilling the requirements of person with disabilities with the aim of facilitating their movement and creating appropriate conditions, dimensions and spaces for their use in accordance with the requirements of chapter (1009) and chapter (11) of the Saudi Building Code (SBC-201) and in accordance with the simplified guide to universal access standards for commercial establishments.
Special Requirements
An electronic payment method must be provided before carrying out the activity. Fulfilling the requirements of warehouses and workshops. In case the car wash is opened inside gas stations, the service center requirement must be met. Fulfilling the requirements of commercial license plates.
Saudi Arabia Car Wash Market Segmentation, 2022
Saudi Arabia Car Wash Market Segmentation by Type of Wash (in car served), 2022
In 2022, the Saudi Arabia car wash market was segmented into exterior, interior, and combined services, with exterior car wash services dominating at 92% market share, while interior services accounted for 3% and combined services contributed 5%. The dominance of exterior washing is driven by consumers’ focus on visible vehicle appearance and the ease of marketing exterior services compared to interior cleaning. To cater to varied customer preferences, many operators offer bundled exterior and interior packages. Additionally, rising demand for eco-friendly washing practices and technological advancements, including innovative cleaning solutions and automated systems, are enhancing service quality and operational efficiency, underscoring the evolving and dynamic nature of the Saudi Arabia car wash market.
Saudi Arabia Car Wash Market Segmentation by Type of Service (in car served), 2022
In 2022, the Saudi Arabia car wash market was segmented into manual and automatic services based on the number of cars served. Manual car wash services dominated the market with an 82% share, serving approximately 11.5 million cars, while automatic services accounted for the remaining 18%, valued at around SAR 2.5 million. Despite gradual adoption of automated systems, the market continues to rely heavily on manual services due to existing infrastructure and operational familiarity. However, time and convenience are emerging as key decision factors—manual washing typically takes 45 minutes to 2 hours, whereas automatic car washes are completed within 5–10 minutes, attracting customers seeking faster service. Additionally, rising environmental awareness is encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly and water-efficient car wash solutions, shaping evolving consumer preferences in the Saudi Arabia car wash market.
Saudi Arabia Car Wash Future Market Size
The Saudi Arabia car wash market is expected to witness strong growth, expanding from SAR 494.1 million in 2022 to SAR 1,379.7 million by 2030, reflecting a robust CAGR of 13.7% over the forecast period. While the year-on-year growth rate is projected to moderate slightly from 14.2% in 2023 to around 12% by 2027, the overall growth momentum remains positive. This expansion is driven by increasing vehicle ownership, rapid urbanization, and evolving consumer lifestyles. Additionally, the market is benefiting from the widening range of service offerings and technological advancements, including eco-friendly and water-efficient car wash solutions, which are strengthening its long-term growth outlook.
Saudi Arabia Car Wash Market Macro Indicators
In 2022, the Total population of Malaysia is 36.3 million out of which 20.9 Mn are male and 15.4 are female.
Across all the regions Riyadh is the most populated region of KSA with a population of 7.7 Mn followed by Jeddah (4.9 Mn) and Mecca (2.2 Mn).
In 2022, KSA GDP stands at SAR 4155.0 Bn at a growth rate of 3.1%. compared to SAR 3275.0 Bn in 2021 and SAR 2753 Bn in 2020.
Out of the total population of KSA, 85% of the population lives in urban areas and 15% out of the total population lives in rural areas.
In 2020, KSA witnessed 9.9% growth in imports and exports grew by 32.4%