Retailing in Saudi Arabia was hit hard in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a major slowdown of economic activity due to the government-imposed curfew and social distancing legislation. Also, the government raised value added tax (VAT) from 5% to 15% in July 2020. http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/retailing-in-saudi-arabia/397702