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Guide for Sending SMS Messages to Qatar
Review the guidelines and restrictions for sending SMS messages to recipients in Qatar. This information is for general informational purposes only. This information doesn't, and isn't intended to, constitute legal advice. Consult your own independent legal counsel for guidance on use cases and applicable legal and industry requirements.
| Short Code | International Long Code | Local Long Code | Alphanumeric Code | |
| Supported | No | No | No | Yes |
| Two-way Support | -- | -- | -- | No |
| Provisioning Time | -- | -- | -- | 2 weeks |
| Comments | -- | -- | -- | Requires preregistration |
SMS Code Provisioning Guidelines
Use a custom alphanumeric code with an international long code set up for one-way sending. This code supports both marketing and transactional sends. Manage opt-outs with a web link or customer preference center. Alphanumeric codes must be associated with the brand, enterprise, product, or service. These codes can include only alphanumeric characters or spaces. Local carriers must approve and allowlist all alphanumeric code requests. Use different codes for marketing and transactional sends. Otherwise, messages and codes are blocked. Marketing alphanumeric codes begin with the prefix AD and have a limit of 11 GSM characters. Transactional alphanumeric codes must include 3 to 11 GSM characters.
International enterprises must include a GCC country trade license (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, or Qatar) if available. Local enterprises with headquarters in Qatar must include a local trade license. Print all letters on corporate letterhead, then sign, date, and rubber-stamp them.
Send marketing messages from 7 AM to 7 PM (GMT+03:00).
Restricted Content
You’re responsible for complying with local rules and regulations. To ensure compliance, familiarize yourself with the legislation of the local market. Failure to comply can result in service suspension, cancellation, and potential fines. Qatar generally forbids content related, but not limited to, these products and services:
Best Practices and Compliance References
Telecommunications in Qatar are regulated by Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology.
