Here’s a review of bank branches in Saudi Arabia in 9M 2019

Banks operating in Saudi Arabia reached 2,071 branches in the first nine months of 2019, compared to 2,064 branches at the end of 2018.

The banks opened 29 new branches, but closed down other 22, according to the central bank’s latest bulletin.

*updated data.

Riyad Bank shut ten branches, and launched a new one, while Al Rajhi Bank closed down seven branches and opened two others.

Meanwhile, National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Alinma Bank inaugurated 19 branches and three branches, respectively. 

* A merger with Alawwal.

As many as 14 foreign banks are currently operating in the country, including Emirates NBD (four branches), Gulf International Bank (three branches), BNP Paribas of France, National Bank of Kuwait (three branches), as well as one branch for Deutsche Bank of Germany, Bank Muscat, National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), and JPMorgan Chase & Co. of the United States, Pakistan National Bank, Ziraat Bank of Turkey, Qatar National Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ.

Saudi banks had 2,050 branches by the end of the nine-month period, topped by Al Rajhi Bank with 546 branches. It was followed by NCB (420) and Riyad Bank (312).

Saudi British Bank (SABB), after merger completion with Alawwal Bank, took the fourth place with 141 branches.

* Alawwal branches transmitted to SABB after merger.

** Data reclassification

***Opening and shutdown of branches as illustrated in the table above.

Riyadh had the biggest number of bank branches (627). Makkah region followed with 440 branches, and the Eastern Province (405 branches).

Average assets per branch rose to SAR 1.210 billion in the same period from SAR 1.162 billion by the end of 2018. Average loans increased to SAR 723 million per branch, with average deposits also rising to SAR 820 million per branch.

*updated data.