What is the maximum character limit for an SMS in Saudi Arabia?

The maximum character limit for a standard SMS in Saudi Arabia is 160 characters. Messages exceeding this are sent as concatenated messages.

Is it possible to use numeric sender IDs for SMS in Saudi Arabia?

No, Saudi networks block numeric sender IDs. Only pre-registered alphanumeric sender IDs are allowed.

What happens to MMS messages sent in Saudi Arabia?

MMS messages are converted to SMS with a URL linking to the multimedia content, as traditional MMS is not supported.

What types of content are prohibited in SMS messages in Saudi Arabia?

Prohibited content includes URLs, gambling, adult content, political, religious, or controlled substances, as well as chat links or phone numbers.

Can I register a domestic sender ID in Saudi Arabia?

No, due to local regulations, domestic brands cannot register sender IDs in Saudi Arabia.

Are there specific times when promotional SMS can be sent in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, promotional SMS should be sent only between 09:00 AM and 08:00 PM local time.

What should I do to ensure my SMS messages are not filtered in Saudi Arabia?

Ensure compliance with local regulations by pre-registering sender IDs, avoiding prohibited content, respecting DND lists, and sending messages during allowed hours.

Is there support for HELP/STOP commands in SMS campaigns in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, SMS campaigns should support commands like HELP and STOP in the local language to enhance user experience and compliance.

Why is obtaining opt-in consent important for SMS campaigns in Saudi Arabia?

Obtaining opt-in consent is crucial to ensure compliance with local regulations and to avoid legal issues related to unsolicited messages.

What is the DND list in the context of SMS in Saudi Arabia?

The DND (Do Not Disturb) list contains numbers that have opted out of receiving promotional messages. Messages to these numbers will be filtered.

Can I send SMS messages to numbers on the DND list in Saudi Arabia?

No, messages to numbers on the DND list will be filtered and not delivered.

What is the impact of sender ID type on concatenated messages in Saudi Arabia?

Concatenated message support may vary based on the sender ID type and character encoding used.

What error code will I encounter if I try to send an SMS to a landline in Saudi Arabia?

Attempting to send an SMS to a landline number in Saudi Arabia will result in a 400 error code 21614.

What are the best practices for sending SMS in Saudi Arabia?

Best practices include obtaining opt-in consent, respecting local time zones, supporting HELP/STOP commands, and avoiding DND numbers.

Can I send SMS with gambling-related content in Saudi Arabia?

No, gambling-related content is prohibited in SMS messages in Saudi Arabia.

How can I ensure my SMS campaigns comply with Saudi regulations?

Follow guidelines such as pre-registering sender IDs, avoiding prohibited content, respecting the DND list, and adhering to allowed sending times.

What happens if I send an SMS outside the allowed promotional hours in Saudi Arabia?

Messages sent outside the allowed hours (09:00 AM to 08:00 PM) may be filtered and not delivered.

How can I update my contact list to comply with the DND list in Saudi Arabia?

Regularly check and update your contact list against the DND list to ensure compliance and avoid sending messages to restricted numbers.

Saudi Arabia SMS Guidelines: Compliance, Message Length, and Best Practices

Q: Are concatenated messages supported in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, concatenated messages are supported, but for certain sender ID types, this may not be supported.

Q: Can I send SMS messages to landline numbers in Saudi Arabia?

No, SMS messages cannot be sent to landline numbers in Saudi Arabia. Attempting to do so will result in an error.

Q: How does number portability affect SMS delivery in Saudi Arabia?

Number portability allows users to retain their mobile numbers when switching service providers, which can impact message routing and delivery.

When sending SMS messages to recipients in Saudi Arabia, understanding local regulations and compliance requirements is crucial for successful campaigns. This guide covers key aspects of SMS guidelines in Saudi Arabia, ensuring your messages are effective and compliant.

Key SMS Features in Saudi Arabia

Two-Way SMS Support

Two-way SMS, which allows recipients to reply to messages, is not supported in Saudi Arabia. Businesses seeking interactive SMS conversations must explore alternative communication methods.

Number Portability

Saudi Arabia offers number portability, enabling users to retain their mobile numbers when switching service providers, impacting message routing and delivery.

Concatenated Message Support

Saudi Arabia supports concatenated messages for longer SMS exceeding 160 characters, split into segments and reassembled on the recipient's device. Note that this feature may vary based on sender ID types and character encoding.

Message Length

The standard SMS message length in Saudi Arabia is 160 characters. Messages exceeding this limit are split into parts and sent as concatenated messages, depending on sender ID support.

MMS Support

Traditional MMS is not supported in Saudi Arabia. Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with a URL linking to multimedia content.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

SMS messages cannot be sent to landline numbers in Saudi Arabia. Attempting this will result in a 400 error code 21614, and the message won't be processed.

Compliance Considerations

Saudi Arabia enforces strict regulations on SMS content and delivery. To avoid filtering and ensure compliance, follow these guidelines:

Pre-register Alphanumeric Sender IDs: Saudi networks block numeric sender IDs. Pre-register your alphanumeric IDs to avoid delivery issues.
Avoid Objectionable Content: Prohibited content includes URLs, gambling, adult content, political, religious, or controlled substances. Messages with chat links or phone numbers are also restricted.
Message Timing: Send promotional messages only between 09:00 AM and 08:00 PM local time. Messages outside these hours may be filtered.
Respect the DND List: Messages to numbers on the Do Not Disturb (DND) list will be filtered. Keep your contact list updated.
No Domestic Sender ID Registration: Due to local regulations, Sent cannot register sender IDs for domestic brands in Saudi Arabia.

Best Practices for SMS Campaigns in Saudi Arabia

To optimize your SMS campaigns in Saudi Arabia, adhere to these best practices:

Obtain Opt-In Consent: Secure explicit opt-in consent before sending SMS, especially for marketing messages.
Respect Local Time Zones: Send messages during the recipient's daytime hours unless urgent.
Support HELP/STOP Commands: Ensure your SMS campaigns support commands like HELP and STOP in the local language for better user experience and compliance.
Avoid DND Numbers: Regularly update contact lists to avoid sending messages to do-not-call or do-not-disturb numbers.

By following these best practices and adhering to Saudi Arabia's SMS guidelines, your messages will reach their intended recipients without being filtered or blocked.

FAQs

Is two-way SMS supported in Saudi Arabia?

No, two-way SMS is not supported in Saudi Arabia.

Are concatenated messages supported in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, concatenated messages are supported, but certain sender ID types may not support this feature.

What are the restrictions on sending promotional SMS in Saudi Arabia?

Promotional messages should only be sent between 09:00 AM and 08:00 PM local time, and messages to numbers on the DND list will be filtered.

By understanding and following these guidelines, you can ensure that your SMS campaigns in Saudi Arabia are both compliant and effective.

For more information on SMS regulations in Saudi Arabia, visit the Communications and Information Technology Commission.