Introduction
Need to call a client, colleague, or family member in Saudi Arabia? Understanding the local numbering system is essential. The Saudi Arabia phone number format has specific rules, including country and area codes, that can seem complex at first. A single mistake in the sequence can prevent your call from connecting.
This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know. We’ll explore the various types of Saudi numbers, explain the correct Saudi telephone number format for each, provide a list of city area codes, and offer tips to ensure your calls go through smoothly every time.
Types of Phone Numbers in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi, phone numbers are categorized based on their purpose and service type. Each category has a distinct structure. Here are the main types you’ll encounter:
1. Landline Numbers
These are traditional fixed-line numbers assigned to homes and businesses in specific geographic locations. They are reliable for office communication and are identified by city-specific area codes. For example, a Riyadh landline will start with the area code 011, while a Jeddah number begins with 012. A complete Saudi phone number example for a landline is +966 11 XXX XXXX.
2. Mobile Numbers
Mobile numbers are the most prevalent in the Kingdom. Unlike landlines, they are not tied to a city. A key characteristic of the mobile Saudi Arabia phone number format is that all numbers begin with a prefix starting with 5. This is followed by a digit that indicates the mobile carrier (e.g., 50 for STC, 54 for Mobily). A typical mobile number looks like +966 5X XXX XXXX.
3. Toll-Free Numbers
Used primarily by businesses for customer service, toll-free numbers allow customers to call without being charged. These numbers usually start with the prefix 800. The business that owns the number covers the cost of the call. A common Saudi Arabia telephone number format for toll-free services is 800 XXX XXXX for local calls.
4. VoIP/Virtual Numbers
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) numbers are digital phone lines that use the internet to make and receive calls. They are not linked to a physical location, making them perfect for international businesses and remote teams. The Saudi Arabia phone number format for these numbers often uses the prefix 920, such as +966 920 XXX XXXX.
5. Premium Rate Numbers
These numbers are used for paid services, such as voting lines, competitions, or specialized support hotlines. They typically begin with prefixes like 900 or 700. It’s important to be aware that calling these numbers incurs higher charges, which are paid to the service provider.
What is the Saudi Phone Number Format?
Every Saudi phone number follows a consistent structure, which is crucial for successful international dialing. The foundation of the format is the country code, followed by a nine-digit national number.
Here is a complete Saudi phone number breakdown:
- Country Code: The Saudi dialing code is +966. This prefix must be used for all calls originating from outside the country.
- Area or Prefix Code: This is the next set of digits following the country code.
- For landlines, this is a 2-digit area code that signifies the city (e.g., 11 for Riyadh). The leading 0 is dropped when dialing internationally.
- For mobiles, this is a 2-digit prefix starting with 5 (e.g., 50, 54, 56) that identifies the mobile network operator.
- Subscriber Number: This is the final 7-digit unique number assigned to the individual user or business.
Let’s look at a Saudi phone number example for clarity:
- Riyadh Landline: +966 11 234 5678
- STC Mobile Number: +966 50 123 4567
This clear structure is central to the Saudi telephone number format and ensures calls are routed correctly.
mobile responsiv table
| Phone Number Type | Format Example | Components Breakdown |
| Landline Numbers | +966 11 123 4567 | Country Code (+966), Area Code (11), Subscriber Number (7 digits) |
| Mobile Numbers | +966 50 123 4567 | Country Code (+966), Mobile Prefix (50), Subscriber Number (7 digits) |
| Toll-Free Numbers | +966 800 123 4567 | Country Code (+966), Toll-Free Prefix (800), Subscriber Number |
| VoIP/Virtual Numbers | +966 920 123 4567 | Country Code (+966), Virtual Prefix (920), Subscriber Number |
Pro Tip: Always save Saudi contacts in your phone with the full international format (+966…). This ensures you can call or message them seamlessly, regardless of your location.
Local vs. International Dialing for Saudi Numbers
The dialing method changes depending on whether you are calling from inside or outside Saudi. Understanding this difference is key to mastering the Saudi Arabia phone number format.
1. Saudi Arabia Landline Numbers
- Within Saudi Arabia: Dial the full number including the leading zero of the area code.
- Example: 011 456 7890 (for a number in Riyadh)
- From Outside Saudi: Dial your country’s exit code, followed by 966 (the Saudi Arabia dialing code), then the area code without the leading 0.
- Example: +966 11 456 7890
2. Saudi Arabia Mobile Numbers
The +966 phone number format for mobiles is straightforward.
- Within Saudi Arabia: Dial the prefix with its leading zero.
- Saudi phone number example: 050 123 4567
- From Outside Saudi Arabia: Dial your country’s exit code, 966, and then the mobile number without the leading 0.
- Example: +966 50 123 4567
3. Saudi Arabia Toll-Free & Virtual Numbers
The format for these special numbers is more consistent.
- Toll-Free: The 800 prefix remains the same. Internationally, you dial +966 800 XXX XXXX.
- Virtual (920): The 920 prefix also remains unchanged. From abroad, you dial +966 920 XXX XXXX. A detailed Saudi phone number breakdown shows that these prefixes act as national locators.
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Find the Right Area Code for Saudi Arabian Cities
Area codes are essential for dialing landlines in Saudi Arabia. Each major city and region has its own unique code. Remember to remove the leading 0 when using the international +966 phone number format.
Here is a list of major area codes:
mobile responsiv table
| City | Area Code |
| Riyadh | 011 |
| Jeddah | 012 |
| Mecca | 012 |
| Dammam | 013 |
| Khobar | 013 |
| Medina | 014 |
| Tabuk | 014 |
| Buraidah | 016 |
| Abha | 017 |
| Taif | 012 |
Knowing the correct area code is a fundamental part of the Saudi telephone number format for fixed lines.
What Is The Best Time To Call Saudi Arabia?
Effective communication requires calling at the right time. Saudi Arabia operates on Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is UTC+3. The country does not observe daylight saving time.
Key considerations include:
- Workweek: The official workweek is from Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday are the weekend.
- Business Hours: Most businesses operate from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Prayer Times: Business activity pauses for five daily prayers. The longest break is for the Dhuhr prayer, typically between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. It is best to avoid calling during these times. Friday prayer (around noon) is especially important, with most businesses closing for an extended period.
Optimal Calling Windows:
- For Business:9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM (AST).
- For Personal Calls: Evenings, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (AST).
How to Get a Saudi Arabia Phone Number
If your business needs to connect with customers in Saudi Arabia, obtaining a local number is the most professional approach. Virtual phone numbers are the simplest and most cost-effective solution, as they don’t require a physical presence or a local SIM card.
Services like LetsDial allow you to acquire a Saudi virtual number in minutes. This number can be used to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world, creating an instant local presence for your business. The setup is quick and gives you immediate access to the market.
Conclusion
Mastering the Saudi Arabia phone number format is simple once you understand its core components: the +966 country code, city-specific area codes for landlines, and mobile prefixes starting with 5. Whether you’re dialing a landline in Dammam or a mobile in Jeddah, applying these rules ensures your call connects without fail.
For businesses looking to build relationships in the Kingdom, using a virtual number is a strategic move. It removes communication barriers and presents a professional, localized image. Understanding the Saudi Arabia telephone number format is the first step toward successful engagement.
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FAQs
The Saudi Arabia dialing code is +966. You must add this prefix before the local 9-digit number when calling from any other country.
A Saudi Arabian phone number consists of 9 digits after the country code, typically structured as a 2-digit prefix followed by a 7-digit subscriber number.
Yes, for both landline and mobile numbers, you must drop the initial ‘0’ from the area code or mobile prefix when using the international +966 phone number format.
Yes, most virtual mobile numbers from reputable providers are compatible with WhatsApp verification, allowing you to set up a business or personal account with a Saudi number.
The first two digits after the ’05’ prefix indicate the carrier; for example, prefixes like 050, 053, and 055 belong to STC, while 054 and 056 belong to Mobily.
