Does WhatsApp Work in Saudi Arabia 2025? Calls Status + Guide

February 2025 Update - WhatsApp Calls Temporarily Return

Latest Development: In early February 2025, many WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia reported that voice and video calling features suddenly became available after a six-year ban. However, this development comes with important caveats:

What We Know:

- No Official Announcement: Saudi authorities have not issued any official statement confirming the change

- Uncertain Duration: It's unclear whether this is a permanent policy shift or a temporary technical activation

- Sporadic Access: Not all users are experiencing the same level of access across different networks

- Previous False Alarms: Similar brief activations occurred in March 2024 but were quickly reversed

What This Means for Users:

While some users can now make WhatsApp calls, we recommend not relying solely on this feature for important communications, as the situation remains fluid and could change without notice.

Official Position:

As of March 2025, the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission has not confirmed any permanent policy changes regarding VoIP services.

Why We Can’t Use WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia for Calls

Struggling to make WhatsApp calls in Saudi Arabia? You're not alone. This guide, updated in March 2025, explains the latest VoIP regulations in Saudi, reveals why some users can now make calls again, and provides a clear breakdown of both official alternatives and safe VPN tips to keep you connected. The restrictions stem from the country's stringent regulations regarding internet telephony services, implemented since 2019.

The Regulatory Framework:

Saudi Arabia's Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has maintained strict controls over VoIP services for several key reasons:

- Telecommunications Revenue Protection: Protecting state-licensed telecom companies (STC, Mobily, Zain) from revenue loss

- Security and Monitoring Concerns: End-to-end encryption makes government oversight difficult

- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all communications follow local laws and policies

- Economic Strategy: Supporting domestic telecommunications infrastructure investment

The Saudi government has implemented a range of laws to control internet usage, which significantly affects VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like WhatsApp calls. These regulations aim to maintain control over telecommunications and internet traffic, ensuring that all communications comply with local laws. Consequently, users may find themselves unable to use WhatsApp for calling purposes, particularly when it comes to making and receiving voice calls.

Despite the challenges, many residents and expatriates in Saudi Arabia continue to rely on WhatsApp for communication. They often seek alternatives to bypass these restrictions. One effective method is using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Important Legal Notice About VPN Usage

Before considering VPN solutions, understand the legal implications:

Legal Status in Saudi Arabia:

- VPNs are not illegal in Saudi Arabia when used for legitimate business purposes

- Using VPNs to access blocked content may violate local telecommunications regulations

- Authorities have previously restricted VPN access during sensitive periods

- No specific penalties are documented, but users should exercise caution

Our Recommendation:

Given the uncertain legal landscape and the recent activation of WhatsApp calls for some users, consider government-approved alternatives first before resorting to VPN solutions.

Risk Assessment:

- Low Risk: Using VPN for business/work purposes

- Medium Risk: Using VPN for personal communication bypass

- Unknown: Long-term legal consequences for VoIP bypass

VPN Options (Use at Your Own Discretion)

If you choose to use a VPN despite the above considerations, here are technically reliable options:

VPNs can mask a user's location and encrypt their internet traffic, allowing them to use WhatsApp calls undetected by local authorities. However, it's essential to choose a reliable VPN provider to ensure a smooth experience. Here are three trusted VPN providers that can help users access WhatsApp calls in Saudi Arabia:

• ExpressVPN: Known for its speed and reliability, ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly interface and robust security features.
• NordVPN: With a vast network of servers, NordVPN provides excellent privacy and is particularly effective at bypassing geographic restrictions.
• Surfshark: A budget-friendly option, Surfshark supports unlimited device connections and has a strong emphasis on security.

While using a VPN can provide a solution for making WhatsApp calls in Saudi Arabia, it’s also important to consider the best times to communicate. For businesses sending broadcast messages via WhatsApp, timing can greatly impact engagement levels. Here are five tips to choose the best time:

• Consider Local Time: Aim to send messages during peak hours when most users are active online.
• Analyze Audience Behavior: Look into when your audience is most likely to engage with your messages.
• Test Different Times: Experiment with various sending times to see when engagement rates are highest.
• Stay Relevant: Align your messages with local events or holidays that resonate with your target audience.
• Use Analytics: Leverage WhatsApp’s business tools to track message performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.

In conclusion, while WhatsApp serves as a crucial communication tool in Saudi Arabia, its restrictions on voice calls can pose challenges. Understanding the regulations and employing solutions such as VPNs can help users navigate these limitations.

Moreover, businesses that wish to maximize their reach on WhatsApp should pay close attention to timing when sending broadcast messages. By considering the local context and user behavior, companies can effectively engage their audience and enhance their communication strategy.

How to Use WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia for Calls

If you’re living in or visiting Saudi Arabia and want to stay connected with friends and family through WhatsApp calls, you may encounter some challenges due to the government's restrictions on VoIP services.

Fortunately, with the right tools and steps, you can easily bypass these limitations and enjoy clear, uninterrupted calls. This guide will help you navigate the process of using WhatsApp for calls in Saudi Arabia by leveraging the benefits of a trustworthy VPN.

Select a trustworthy VPN provider

To make WhatsApp calls in Saudi Arabia, your best bet is to use a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN works by securely encrypting your internet connection and masking your real IP address, effectively allowing you to bypass government-imposed restrictions.

• Look for a VPN with positive reviews: Choose a VPN service that has garnered a reputation for successfully unlocking restricted services, including WhatsApp calls.
• Avoid free VPNs: While they might seem enticing, many free VPNs compromise on security and speed, which can hinder your call quality and overall privacy.
• Opt for premium VPN services: Make sure to select a VPN that provides:

Government-Approved Communication Alternatives

Since the WhatsApp situation remains uncertain, here are officially sanctioned communication options:

 Licensed VoIP Applications

BOTIM

- Status: Fully licensed and government-approved

- Cost: Free app, requires telecom subscription

- Features: Voice calls, video calls, messaging, money transfers

- Coverage: Works on all Saudi networks (STC, Mobily, Zain)

- Setup: Download app → Subscribe to carrier VoIP plan

 IMO

- Status: Permitted for voice and video calls

- Cost: Free to use

- Features: HD video calling, group chats

- Limitation: Requires stable internet connection

Google Meet

- Status: Approved for business and personal use

- Cost: Free tier available, premium features with Google Workspace

- Features: Video conferencing, screen sharing, recording

- Best for: Business meetings and group calls

 Microsoft Teams

- Status: Widely used for corporate communication

- Cost: Free tier, premium with Office 365

- Features: Chat, calls, file sharing, collaboration tools

- Best for: Business and professional communication

 Traditional Alternatives

 International Calling Cards

- Availability: Widely available at convenience stores

- Cost: Varies by destination (typically 0.5-2 SAR per minute)

- Pros: No internet required, reliable connection

- Cons: Higher cost for long conversations

Carrier International Plans

- Providers: STC, Mobily, Zain offer international packages

- Cost: 50-200 SAR/month depending on minutes included

- Pros: Integrated with mobile service, official support

- Cons: More expensive than VoIP alternatives

Connect to a server in a country where WhatsApp calls are allowed

Once you have selected a trustworthy VPN provider, the next step is to connect to one of its servers located in a country where WhatsApp calls are freely allowed. This action will re-route your internet connection through that country, thus bypassing any local restrictions.

• Open your VPN application: After installation, launch your VPN software and log in with your credentials.
• Select a server location: Choose a server in a region that permits WhatsApp calls—popular choices often include the United States, the United Kingdom, or other countries in Europe.
• Establish the connection: Click on the connect button, and wait for the VPN to establish a secure connection to your selected server. Your internet connection will now appear to be located in that country.

As usual, use WhatsApp

With your VPN connected to a permissible server, you can now use WhatsApp as you normally would for making calls. Here’s how to proceed:

• Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
• Make a call: Navigate to the contact you wish to call and select the call option as you typically would. Your call will now be placed over a secure connection facilitated by your VPN.
• Monitor call quality: With the right settings in place, you should experience clear audio without any interruptions. If you encounter issues, try switching to a different server in the VPN app for potentially better speed and connectivity.

By following these steps, you can enjoy seamless WhatsApp calls while in Saudi Arabia, reconnecting with friends and family with ease. Always remember to choose a reliable VPN for optimal performance and security.

Best Time to Send Broadcast WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia

WhatsApp has emerged as a vital communication tool in Saudi Arabia, widely used by individuals and businesses alike. Given its popularity, sending a broadcast message at the right time can significantly influence engagement and response rates. Understanding the best timing for your broadcast messages is essential, whether you are a business aiming to connect with customers or an individual wanting to reach out to friends or family.

To maximize the effectiveness of your broadcasts on WhatsApp, consider the following tips for choosing the best time:

• Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience’s habits and routines is crucial. Identify when they are most likely to be available and attentive to messages. For instance, early mornings or late evenings might be ideal for reaching professionals, while weekends could be better for engaging younger audiences.
• Leverage Peak Usage Times: Research indicates that WhatsApp experiences peak usage during specific times of the day. In Saudi Arabia, sending messages during lunchtime (around 1 PM to 2 PM) and in the evening after work hours (around 7 PM to 9 PM) tends to yield higher engagement rates.
• Avoid National Holidays: While it might be tempting to send a broadcast message during holidays, these times can often mean people are preoccupied with celebrations or events. It’s advisable to avoid sending messages during major Saudi holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha when people are less likely to check their phones.
• Consider Cultural Nuances: Cultural contexts influence communication practices. Be mindful of local customs and practices when planning your broadcast timings. For example, during Ramadan, consider adjusting your message timings to coincide with Iftar (the evening meal) when people are more likely to be engaged and available to read messages.
• Test and Analyze: Conduct experiments by sending messages at different times and analyze the response rates. This will help you fine-tune your outreach strategy. Utilize analytics to understand when your audience interacts most with your messages, and adjust your timing accordingly.

In conclusion, sending WhatsApp broadcast messages in Saudi Arabia requires careful consideration of your audience’s habits, cultural practices, and peak usage times. By knowing your audience, leveraging peak periods, avoiding national holidays, respecting cultural nuances, and continuously testing your strategies, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your communication. Ultimately, the right timing can lead to increased engagement, better responses, and a more successful outreach strategy.

5 Tips to Choose the Best Time to Send Broadcast WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia

Choosing the right time to send broadcast messages on WhatsApp in Saudi Arabia can significantly impact your engagement rates and overall effectiveness. With unique cultural norms, specific workweek schedules, and varying audience preferences, timing is crucial. Whether you’re reaching out to customers, clients, or community members, understanding the best moments for your broadcasts can lead to more effective communication strategies. Here are five essential tips to help you determine the optimal times for sending your WhatsApp messages in Saudi Arabia.

 Understand your Audience’s Schedule

Knowing your audience's daily routine is vital when planning broadcast times. In Saudi Arabia, the workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, meaning that most people engage with messages primarily during business hours, which generally stretch from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Additionally, taking prayer times into account is essential—prayers occur five times a day, and sending messages during these intervals may disrupt your audience’s routine and lead to lower engagement. Late-night messages should also be avoided, as they can be seen as intrusive. Instead, aim to send your broadcasts between midday and early evening to capture your audience's active hours.

Analyze Previous Engagement Patterns

Leveraging previous broadcast performance analytics can offer insights into your audience's preferences and optimal messaging times. Utilize analytics tools to evaluate engagement metrics such as open rates and response rates from past broadcasts.

Look for trends indicating peak engagement times, such as particular days of the week or specific hours when your audience is more likely to interact with your messages. By analyzing this data-driven approach, you can tailor your future broadcast schedule to align with your audience's habits, thereby increasing the chances of successful engagement.

Test and Experiment

Conducting A/B testing is an effective strategy for optimizing your broadcast timing. Consider sending your messages at different times on separate occasions and carefully monitor the results. For example, one week, send broadcasts at midday while in another, choose late afternoon slots. Analyze the response rates and engagement levels for each broadcast to identify which time slots yield the best outcomes. Consistently experimenting and fine-tuning your approach based on real-time data will help you discover the best times to connect with your audience effectively.

Consider Time Zone Differences

If your audience is spread across different regions or includes expatriates living in Saudi Arabia, it's essential to consider time zone differences. This is particularly relevant if you have a diverse audience that might include individuals from various countries. Ensure that the messaging timing is suitable for the majority of your recipients by taking into account their local time zones. This consideration helps prevent your messages from arriving at inconvenient hours, thereby enhancing your overall engagement rates.

Use Peak Activity Hours Wisely

Identifying and utilizing peak activity hours can greatly influence the effectiveness of your WhatsApp broadcasts. Generally, early morning (between 8 AM to 10 AM), lunchtime (between 12 PM to 2 PM), and late afternoon (between 4 PM to 6 PM) are popular times when individuals are likely to engage with their mobile devices.

By planning your broadcasts to coincide with these peak hours, you can maximize visibility and interaction. Track trends and adjust your timing based on shifts in audience behavior to continuously enhance your engagement strategies.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of communication in Saudi Arabia, WhatsApp has emerged as a pivotal tool, reshaping how individuals and businesses connect. Given its widespread usage, understanding the functionalities and limitations of WhatsApp is critical for effective engagement with audiences.

This platform not only facilitates personal conversations but also serves as a vital medium for business communication, making it essential for companies to adapt their customer service strategies accordingly.

Timing is crucial in the realm of communication, especially in business contexts. Whether you are reaching out to customers or responding to inquiries, ensuring that your messages are received in a timely manner can significantly affect engagement and customer satisfaction.

As WhatsApp thrives as a social media platform in Saudi Arabia, leveraging its capabilities effectively can help businesses foster stronger relationships with their customers and streamline support services.

However, it's important to address a common query: does WhatsApp work in Saudi Arabia for calls? Despite its popularity, WhatsApp calling features remain restricted within the country. This limitation poses challenges for users who rely on the app for voice communication.

Businesses and individuals alike must therefore explore alternative communication methods that comply with local regulations while still leveraging WhatsApp's messaging functions for their needs.

• Adaptation Strategies: Companies need to devise strategies that align with WhatsApp's messaging capabilities while circumventing the restrictions on voice calls. This may involve using the platform for chatting, sending updates, or providing customer service through text.
• Leverage Other Tools: To complement WhatsApp, businesses might consider integrating additional communication tools that support voice and video features, thereby ensuring they can participate fully in verbal interactions without being hindered by restrictions.
• Stay Informed: Keeping up with the latest regulations and updates regarding communication platforms in Saudi Arabia is essential for both individuals and businesses to ensure compliance and leverage all available resources effectively.

In conclusion, while WhatsApp stands as a leading communication tool in Saudi Arabia, users and businesses must navigate the unique challenges it presents, particularly regarding voice calling limitations.

Read more:

• Is WhatsApp Banned in Dubai 2025? Complete Legal Guide + Fix 
• Saudi Arabia SIM card guide 2025: Best travel data options 

By prioritizing timely and effective messaging, alongside an awareness of alternative communication avenues, they can maximize their engagement efforts and achieve their communication goals. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and implement effective strategies will remain crucial for success in this dynamic environment.