Voice Call Compliance in Saudi Arabia

Key Rules for Voice Calls in Saudi Arabia

Marketing calls in Saudi Arabia are subject to CST regulations and consumer protection requirements, so automated voice campaigns need prior review of consent and timing.

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

Practical Checklist

• Check whether the call is promotional or a service call, as the rules differ.
• Use permitted calling numbers and caller ID, and never hide or spoof the calling number.
• Screen numbers against any national do-not-call register before promotional campaigns.
• Call only within permitted hours in the recipient's time zone and keep recorded messages short.
• Offer an easy way to stop further calls and record call consent where required.

Contact data

Format numbers in international E.164 format with the +966 country code, remove duplicates and invalid numbers, and keep consent records linked to each number.

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.

Advertising Alongside Messaging

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

This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reflects our understanding as of October 2026. Rules change, so we check current requirements for Saudi Arabia before every launch.