Comprehensive Guide to Saudi Arabia Phone Numbers
Quick Reference Guide for Saudi Arabia Phone Numbers
Country: Saudi Arabia
Country Code: +966
International Prefix: 00
National Prefix: 0
Regulatory Authority: Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST)
Overview of Saudi Arabia's Telephone Numbering System
Understanding the telephone numbering system in Saudi Arabia is crucial for telecom professionals, developers, and systems administrators. This comprehensive guide delves into Saudi Arabia's phone number formats, dialing procedures, regulatory guidelines, and technical considerations, providing essential information for managing and utilizing Saudi Arabian phone numbers effectively.
Saudi Arabia Phone Number Structure
Saudi Arabia utilizes a closed numbering plan with fixed-length phone numbers, including specific area codes. The standard national (significant) number comprises 9 digits for landlines and 10 digits for mobile numbers, incorporating the leading '0' national prefix.
Detailed Numbering Formats in Saudi Arabia
| Type | Format | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic (Landline) | `0X XXX XXXX` | `011 234 5678` | Geographic numbers consist of 9 digits, including the area code. The first digit after the national prefix 0 indicates the specific region. |
| Mobile | `05X XXX XXXX` | `059 123 4567` | Mobile numbers are 10 digits long, starting with the prefix 05. The second digit identifies the mobile operator. |
| Toll-Free | `800 XXX XXX` | `800 123 456` | Toll-free numbers are 9 digits and begin with 800, offering free calls for the caller, commonly used by businesses for customer service. |
| Universal Access Number | `9200 XXXXX` | `9200 12345` | UAN numbers start with 9200 and are used for services that charge a standard rate, irrespective of the call's origin within Saudi Arabia. |
| Shared Cost | `920 XXX XXXX` | `920 123 4567` | Shared cost numbers begin with 920, allowing the cost to be split between the caller and the recipient. |
| Premium Rate | `700 XXX XXXX` | `700 123 4567` | Premium rate numbers start with 700, often used for content services that incur higher charges. |
| Short Codes | Varies (3-5 digits) | `911`, `937` | Short codes are used for emergency and special services, typically ranging from three to five digits for easy recall. |
Regular Expressions for Validating Saudi Arabian Phone Numbers
Ensure the accuracy of Saudi Arabian phone numbers by using the following regular expressions:
- Geographic (Landline): `/^0[1-9]\d7$/`
- Mobile: `/^05\d8$/`
- Toll-Free: `/^800\d6$/`
- Universal Access Number: `/^9200\d5$/`
- Shared Cost: `/^920\d7$/`
- Premium Rate: `/^700\d7$/`
- Short Codes: `/^\d5$/`
Saudi Arabia Area Codes and Regional Mapping
Saudi Arabia's area codes are region-specific. Below is a detailed mapping of area codes to their corresponding cities and regions:
Area Code 011
Cities/Regions:
Riyadh, Afif, Dawadmi, Shaqra, Huraymila, Rimah, Al Kharj, Layla, Sulayil, and surrounding areas
Area Code 012
Cities/Regions:
Jeddah, Makkah, Taif, Rabigh, Khurmah, Turabah, Ranyah, and surrounding areas
Area Code 013
Cities/Regions:
Dammam, Khobar, Dhahran, Jubail, Qatif, Hofuf, Hafar Al-Batin, and surrounding areas
Area Code 014
Cities/Regions:
Madinah, Tabuk, Yanbu, Al Ula, Sakaka, Arar, Turaif, and northern regions
Area Code 016
Cities/Regions:
Buraidah, Unayzah, Al Rass, Hail, Al Majma'ah, Al Zilfi, and surrounding areas
Area Code 017
Cities/Regions:
Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan, Najran, Al Baha, Bisha, and southern regions
Comprehensive Dialing Procedures in Saudi Arabia
Domestic Calls
-
Landline to Landline:
Dial the complete number, including the area code, even if calling within the same region.
Example: `011 234 5678` -
Landline to Mobile:
Dial the full 10-digit mobile number.
Example: `059 123 4567` -
Mobile to Landline:
Dial the area code followed by the landline number.
Example: `011 234 5678` -
Mobile to Mobile:
Dial the full 10-digit mobile number.
Example: `059 123 4567`
International Calls
-
Calling from Saudi Arabia to Abroad:
Dial the international prefix `00`, followed by the country code, area code, and local number.
Example: `00 1 212 555 1234` (calling New York, USA) -
Calling Saudi Arabia from Abroad:
Dial your country's international access code, then Saudi Arabia's country code `966`, omit the leading `0` from the area code or mobile prefix, and dial the rest of the number.
Example: `+966 11 234 5678` (calling a Riyadh landline)
Example: `+966 59 123 4567` (calling a mobile number)
Special Numbers and Emergency Services in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia designates specific short codes for emergency services, customer service centers, and essential services. These short codes typically range from three to five digits for easy access.
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Unified Emergency Number | 911 |
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance (Saudi Red Crescent) | 997 |
| Fire Department (Civil Defense) | 998 |
| Traffic Police | 993 |
| Border Guard | 994 |
| Highway Patrol | 996 |
| Anti-Narcotics Department | 995 |
| General Directorate for Passports | 992 |
| Ministry of Health Services | 937 |
| Electricity Emergency (Saudi Electricity Company) | 933 |
| Water and Sewage Services | 939 |
| Municipal Services | 940 |
| Family Violence Reports (Ministry of Social Affairs) | 1919 |
| Child Helpline (Family Safety Program) | 116111 |
| National Anti-Corruption Commission | 19991 |
Customer Service Centers for Major Telecom Operators
| Operator | Customer Service Number |
|---|---|
| STC | 900 |
| Mobily | 1100 |
| Zain | 959 |
| Virgin Mobile | 1789 |
| Lebara Mobile | 1755 |
Number Portability in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers both mobile number portability (MNP) and fixed-line number portability, enabling users to retain their phone numbers when switching service providers. The Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) oversees this process, ensuring a seamless transition between telecom operators.
Regulatory Environment for Saudi Arabia Phone Numbers
The telecommunications sector in Saudi Arabia is regulated by the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), previously known as the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC). The CST's responsibilities include:
- Licensing: Issuing licenses to telecom operators and service providers for fixed and mobile services.
- Numbering Plan Management: Developing and managing the national numbering plan to ensure efficient use of numbering resources.
- Regulations and Policies: Establishing regulations for services such as SMS, anti-SPAM policies, and maintaining quality of service standards.
- Consumer Protection: Protecting consumer interests by managing unsolicited messages and promoting transparency in telecommunications.
Anti-SPAM Regulations
The CST has established an Anti-SPAM Policy Framework to prevent unsolicited electronic messages. Key components include:
- Consent-Based Messaging: Senders must obtain explicit consent from recipients before sending commercial messages.
- Opt-Out Mechanisms: Messages must provide an easy and free method for recipients to unsubscribe from future communications.
- Prohibition of Address Harvesting: Collecting or generating electronic addresses without consent using software is prohibited.
- Enforcement: Violations may lead to sanctions in accordance with governing legislation.
SMS Services Regulations
- Bulk SMS Licensing: Entities providing bulk SMS services must secure a Type (B) Class License.
- Content Regulations: Professional services delivered via SMS (e.g., medical or legal advice) must be licensed and approved by relevant authorities.
- Unsubscription Mechanism: Service providers must offer straightforward unsubscription options for SMS services.
Major Telecom Operators and Their Number Ranges in Saudi Arabia
| Operator | Number Ranges |
|---|---|
| STC | 050, 053, 055 |
| Mobily | 054, 056 |
| Zain | 058, 059 |
| Virgin Mobile | 0570, 0571, 0572 |
| Red Bull Mobile | 0574, 0575 |
| Lebara Mobile | 0576, 0577, 0578 |
| GO Telecom (Nomadic) | 0811 1XX XXXX |
| Salam Mobile | 051 |
Number Allocation and Management by CST
The CST ensures the efficient allocation and management of phone numbers in Saudi Arabia by:
- Efficient Use: Optimizing the use of limited national numbering resources.
- Transparency and Equity: Ensuring fair distribution of numbering resources to licensed operators.
- Compliance with ITU Recommendations: Aligning with international standards such as ITU-T E.164.
Operators must adhere to the National Numbering Plan and apply for numbering resources following CST guidelines.
Technical Restrictions and Special Cases for Saudi Arabia Phone Numbers
- Golden Numbers: Premium numbers with memorable sequences can be allocated under specific regulations and may involve higher fees.
- Number Blocking: Certain numbers may be blocked or reserved for regulatory, security purposes, or future use.
- Short Codes: Allocation of short codes for special services is managed carefully to prevent conflicts and ensure accessibility.
Technical Considerations for Developers Handling Saudi Arabian Phone Numbers
When developing systems that manage Saudi Arabian phone numbers, consider the following technical aspects:
- Validation: Implement robust validation using the latest regular expressions tailored to the current numbering plan.
- Normalization: Store phone numbers in the international E.164 format (e.g., +966591234567) to maintain consistency across systems.
- Formatting: Display phone numbers in a readable format, such as +966 59 123 4567, for better user experience.
- Internationalization: Support both local and international dialing formats to accommodate diverse user needs.
- Number Portability: Design systems to handle number portability by querying databases to identify the current operator.
- Compliance: Ensure all systems comply with CST regulations, particularly regarding user consent for communications.
Future Developments in Saudi Arabia's Numbering Plan
The CST regularly updates the National Numbering Plan to support growth, introduce new services, and incorporate technological advancements. Developers and telecom professionals should stay updated on these changes by visiting the CST official website frequently.
Additional Resources for Saudi Arabia Phone Numbering
- National Numbering Plan: Access detailed documentation on the CST website.
- Regulatory Documents: Find regulations on licensing, anti-SPAM policies, and other telecommunications guidelines.
- International Standards: Refer to ITU-T recommendations for global numbering standards.
Note: For the latest telecommunications regulations and numbering information in Saudi Arabia, visit the CST official website.
Short Codes and Special Services in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia employs short codes for various services, including government functions, customer support, and value-added services. These short codes are typically shorter than standard phone numbers, enhancing memorability and ease of use.
Government and Public Service Short Codes
| Service | Code |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Interior - Security Reports | 980, 981, 985, 989, 990, 991 |
| Ministry of Social Affairs (Harm and Family Violence Reports) | 1919 |
| Family Safety Program (Child Helpline) | 116111 |
| National Anti-Corruption Commission | 19991 |
| Ministry of Transportation | 938 |
SMS Service Unsubscription Mechanism
To unsubscribe from SMS services, the CST has standardized the following methods across telecom operators:
- For services in Arabic: Send the Arabic letter "غ" to the service number.
- For services in English: Send the letter "U" to the service number.
- For specific sub-services: Include the service code after the letter.
SIM Card Registration Verification
To verify that no SIM cards are registered under a subscriber's name without their knowledge, users can perform the following verifications:
- STC: Send an SMS with "9988" to 900.
- Mobily: Send a blank SMS to 616166.
- Zain: Send a blank SMS to 700123.
- Virgin Mobile: Send a blank SMS to 309985.
- Lebara Mobile: Send "ID" to 1755.
ITU Recommendations for Saudi Arabia's Numbering Plan
Saudi Arabia adheres to ITU-T E.164 standards for international numbering plans, ensuring global uniqueness and dialability from any country. Additionally, the country complies with other relevant ITU recommendations to maintain robust telecommunications infrastructure.