Messaging Compliance in Saudi Arabia

Overview

Bulk SMS in Saudi Arabia is regulated by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). Sender names must be registered through licensed providers, and promotional messaging is subject to content and consent requirements.

Saudi Arabia's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) sets requirements for consent, privacy notices and cross-border data transfers that affect websites and lead forms.

Arabic-language search is central in Saudi Arabia, alongside English for B2B and expatriate audiences, so bilingual content and right-to-left design support matter.

WhatsApp is widely used for business in MENA markets. Official API use must follow Meta's policies, and newer national data protection laws in the region set rules for consent and data handling.

Telemarketing in the region is increasingly regulated, with rules on calling hours, registered numbers and do-not-call preferences in several countries.

Advertising Rules

Advertising must follow Saudi media regulations; influencer advertising requires a licence from the General Authority for Media Regulation.

Digital Habits and Channels in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has one of the world's youngest and most connected populations, with very high use of WhatsApp, Snapchat, X and TikTok. Business SMS must be sent from sender names registered with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) through licensed providers, and promotional and transactional messages use separate sender types.

mada debit cards, Apple Pay and STC Pay are common, and Tabby and Tamara buy-now-pay-later services began in the region. The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Saudi National Day on 23 September, Founding Day on 22 February, White Friday and the Riyadh Season entertainment festival drive demand, and Vision 2030 has opened new sectors such as tourism and entertainment.

Saudi Arabia's Personal Data Protection Law, enforced by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) since September 2023 with a grace period to September 2024, requires consent for marketing communications, a clear way to opt out and disclosure of the sender's identity. VAT is 15%. The economy is still led by oil through Saudi Aramco, but Vision 2030 is growing tourism, entertainment, mining, manufacturing and logistics, and regional headquarters rules encourage multinationals to base their Middle East operations in Riyadh.

Practical Details

Country code +966; time zone Asia/Riyadh; currency Saudi riyal (SAR). Usual working week: Sunday to Thursday.

Cities we cover in Saudi Arabia

• Riyadh
• Jeddah
• Dammam
• Al Khobar
• Makkah
• Madinah
• Jubail
• Taif
• Tabuk
• Abha
• Buraidah
• Khamis Mushait
• Hail
• Najran
• Jazan
• Al-Ahsa (Hofuf)
• Yanbu
• Qatif
• Al Kharj
• Hafar Al Batin
• Sakaka
• Al Baha
• Unaizah
• Arar

General information, not legal advice, as of October 2026.