You are here:
Guide for Sending SMS Messages to Saudi Arabia
Review the guidelines and restrictions for sending SMS messages to recipients in Saudi Arabia. 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 | -- | -- | -- | 4–6 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 end with the suffix AD and have a limit of 11 GSM characters. Transactional alphanumeric codes must include 3 to 11 GSM characters.
International enterprises must include a copy of the trade or business license, certificate of incorporation, or similar document that's been valid for at least one month. Local enterprises with headquarters in Saudi Arabia must include a local trade license, delegation letters and KSA agreements attested to by the local Chamber of Commerce, a proof contract, and a copy of the Local Kingdom of Saudi Arabia trade license that's valid for at least one month. All enterprises must also include copies of any trademark certificates. Print all letters on corporate letterhead, then sign, date, and rubber-stamp them.
Local carriers must allowlist all URLs in messages sent over international routes. Locally registered alphanumeric codes don't need to register URLs. Domains in the URL must be associated with the enterprise, brand, product, or service. Register each URL and domain and make sure it's working so they can be validated.
Send marketing messages from 8 AM to 9 PM (GMT+03:00), and Fridays from noon to 9 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. Saudi Arabia generally forbids content related, but not limited to, these products and services:
Best Practices and Compliance References
Telecommunications in Saudi Arabia are regulated by Communications, Space, and Technologu Commission.
