Saudi Arabia Phone Number Format: Types, Area Codes, & Tips

Senior Writer: Supriya Bajaj

Published : April 8, 2025

Need to call someone in Saudi Arabia? Their phone numbers work differently than what you might be used to.

Every Saudi Arabia phone number has a set pattern with area codes that change depending on the city. Getting these numbers right is important. Your call won’t go through if there’s even a small error.

In this blog, we’ll provide a complete guide on how Saudi Arabia numbers are formatted. You’ll also learn which codes to use for each city and tips to avoid dialing mistakes.

Types of Phone Numbers in Saudi Arabia

There are several types of Saudi phone numbers for different services and needs. Each number works differently. Here are the main types of Saudi Arabia numbers:

1. Landline Numbers

These are the traditional numbers for homes and offices, tied to specific cities. Riyadh landlines start with 011, Jeddah with 012, and so on.

A full landline number looks like +966 11 123 4567 for Riyadh. Landlines are reliable but only work in one location.

2. Mobile Numbers

All Saudi mobile numbers start with 5 (like 50, 55, 56, etc.) and aren’t linked to any city. They follow the format +966 5X XXX XXXX.

For example, +966 55 123 4567. These are the most common numbers today since local customers carry them everywhere.

3. Toll-Free Numbers

Businesses use these for customer service (like 800-XXX-XXXX). Callers don’t pay anything – the business covers the cost. You’ll see these for bank helplines or company support.

A real example looks like +966 800 123 4567.

4. Saudi Arabia VoIP/Virtual Number

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) numbers are internet-based numbers that work anywhere. Companies use VoIP services to get a Saudi Arabia virtual number for remote teams or international calls. They look like regular numbers but route calls over the internet. Format varies, but Saudi Arabia virtual numbers often start with +966 92X XXX XXXX.

5. Premium Rate Numbers

Used for paid services like TV votes or tech support. (900-XXX-XXXX). Calls cost extra for these Saudi Arabia numbers, with money going to the service provider, unlike options for free calls. An example is +966 900 987 6543. Always check the rates before calling these numbers.

 What is the Saudi Arabia Phone Number Format?

A Saudi Arabian phone number has a clear structure. It always starts with the country code +966, which is needed when calling from abroad. After this, the local phone numbers with nine digits follow.

The local number has three parts:

Area Code

Landline numbers start with area codes. These show which city the number belongs to.

For example, Riyadh uses 11, Jeddah uses 12, and Dammam uses 13. The area code is followed by 7 more digits.

Prefix

Mobile numbers begin with 5, which tells you it’s a cell phone. The next digit shows the carrier, such as 50/55 for STC or 53/56 for Mobily. After the prefix, there are 7 more digits.

Line Number

The last 7 digits are unique to each phone. This is the personal part of the number. It works like your own ID for calls.

For example, a landline number would look like +966 11 234 5678 (Riyadh)

A mobile number looks like: +966 55 123 4567 (STC)

Remember to dial your country’s exit code when calling from outside Saudi Arabia. Then, add 966 (Saudi code) and enter the full local number. This format helps calls connect properly.

Types of Saudi Arabia Phone Number Formats

Understanding Saudi Arabian phone number formats ensures correct dialing for business communications. Each Saudi phone number follows specific rules. Here’s how they work:

1. Saudi Arabia Landline Numbers

Saudi landline phone numbers follow a logical structure that changes slightly depending on whether you’re calling locally or from abroad. Let’s break it down simply:

For calls within Saudi Arabia, you dial the full local format. For example, the format is 011 475 0000 for a Riyadh number.

• 011 is Riyadh’s area code
• 475 0000 is the specific phone number

For international calls to a Saudi virtual number, the format changes to XX 966 11 475 0000

• XX is your country’s exit code (like 00 for most of Europe or 011 from the US)
• 966 is Saudi Arabia’s country code
• 11 is Riyadh’s area code (without the initial 0)
• 475 0000 is the actual phone number

Key Facts:

• Landline numbers are tied to specific cities (011=Riyadh, 012=Jeddah)
• Always keep the initial 0 when dialing locally
• Remove the initial 0 when calling internationally

For example, if you’re in London calling a Riyadh business:

• Dial 00 (UK exit code)
• Add 966 (Saudi code)
• Dial 11 (Riyadh code )
• Enter 1234567 (the local number)
• Final number: 00 966 11 1234567

2. Saudi Arabia Mobile Numbers

Saudi mobile numbers follow a consistent structure whether calling locally or internationally. The main difference lies in how you dial the country code. Let’s break it down:

For calls within Saudi Arabia, you dial the full local mobile format. For example, the format for an STC mobile number would be 050 123 4567.

• 050 is STC’s mobile prefix
• 123 4567 is the specific phone number

For calls from outside Saudi Arabia, the format changes to XX 966 50 123 4567

• XX is your country’s exit code (like 00 for the UK or 011 for the US)
• 966 is Saudi Arabia’s country code
• 50 is the mobile prefix (without changes)
• 123 4567 remains the same

Key Facts:

• All Saudi mobile numbers start with 5
• The prefix indicates the carrier (50=STC, 54=Mobily, etc)
• WhatsApp verification works with all 05X mobile numbers

For example, if you’re in New York calling a Saudi mobile:

• Dial 011 (US exit code)
• Add 966 (Saudi country code)
• Enter 501234567 (full mobile number)
• Final number: 011 966 50 123 4567

Suggested Read : Canada Phone Number Format: Everything You Need to Know

3. Saudi Arabia Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers in Saudi Arabia follow a special format designed for customer service and support lines. These numbers work differently when called locally versus internationally. Here’s how to dial them correctly:

For calls within Saudi Arabia, the local format is 800 124 6000

• 800 is the toll-free prefix
• 124 6000 is the specific service number

For calls from outside Saudi Arabia, the format changes to XX 966 800 124 6000

• XX is your country’s exit code (00 for most countries, 011 for US/Canada)
• 966 is Saudi Arabia’s country code
• 800 remains the toll-free prefix
• 124 6000 stays unchanged

Key Facts:

• Toll-free numbers always start with 800
• Callers never pay charges as the business covers costs
• These numbers can have language options (Arabic/English)

For example, if you’re in Dubai calling a Saudi toll-free number:

• Dial 00 (UAE exit code)
• Add 966 (Saudi country code)
• Enter 8001246000 (full toll-free number)
• Final number: 00 966 800 124 6000

4. Saudi Arabia Virtual Numbers 

Saudi Arabia virtual phone numbers follow a specific numbering format designed for internet-based calling. These internet-based numbers use a special 920 prefix and work differently from traditional phone lines. Here’s how to use them properly:

For calls within Saudi Arabia the local format is 920 123 456

• 920 is the virtual number prefix
• 123 456 is the specific virtual number

For calls from outside Saudi Arabia, use the format XX 966 920 123 456

• XX is your country’s exit code (00 for most countries, 011 for US/Canada)
• 966 is Saudi Arabia’s country code
• 920 remains the virtual prefix
• 123 456 stays unchanged

Key Facts:

• Not tied to physical locations or SIM cards
• Businesses commonly use them for customer service lines.
• Support advanced features like call recording

For example, if you’re in Paris calling a Saudi virtual number:

• Dial 00 (France exit code)
• Add 966 (Saudi country code)
• Enter 920123456 (full virtual number)
• Final number: 00 966 920 123 456

Saudi Arabia Area Codes

Calling Saudi Arabia requires knowing their area code system and the international access code. These codes identify specific regions and cities across the country. Landline numbers always include them, while mobile numbers don’t.

Here are the area codes for Saudi Arabia’s main cities:

What Is The Best Time For Calls To Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia operates on Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is UTC+3. It remains constant throughout the year without daylight saving adjustments.

When planning calls to Saudi Arabia, it’s important to consider both the official business hours and cultural norms that affect availability.

1. Awareness of Time Zones

When calling Saudi Arabia, timing matters just as much as dialing the correct number. The country follows Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is UTC+3.

This means Saudi Arabia is:

• 7 hours ahead of New York (EST)
• 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST)
• 3 hours ahead of London (GMT)

This stability helps when scheduling regular international communications.

2. Weekends and Prayer Times

The Saudi workweek runs Sunday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday constituting the weekend. Daily operations are interrupted by five prayer times that affect business availability:

• Fajr (pre-dawn)
• Dhuhr (noon-1 PM) – longest break
• Asr (afternoon)
• Maghrib (sunset)
• Isha (evening)

Friday prayers (11 AM-1 PM) are particularly important, with most businesses closing completely during this time.

3. Peak Calling Times

Some hours in Saudi Arabia tend to be less than ideal for calls. This means you may face delays or poor responses.

 Try to avoid calling during:

• 11 AM – 1 PM (midday prayer break)
• 12 PM – 3 PM (government office closures)
• 4 PM – 6 PM (evening transition period)

These slots are traditionally challenging for business calls. They coincide with prayer times, lunch breaks, or end-of-day transitions when people are less available.

The hour before sunset (Maghrib prayer) is particularly difficult for personal calls as families gather for meals.

4. Best Windows for Successful Calls

Timing your calls right makes all the difference in Saudi Arabia. The culture follows distinct daily rhythms that create ideal calling periods. The best calling times are below.

For Business calls:

• 9:30 AM – 11 AM (After morning prayers but before lunch)
• 2 PM – 4 PM (Afternoon work window before evening prayers)

For Personal calls:

• 7 PM – 9 PM (After dinner when families relax together)
• 8 AM – 10 AM (Weekend mornings before midday heat)

How to Get a Saudi Arabia Phone Number?

Virtual phone numbers are the easiest solution if you’re looking to get a Saudi Arabia number. These work like local numbers without requiring physical SIM cards.

For businesses, a virtual Saudi Arabia number creates an instant local presence. Companies like CallHippo provide these numbers with Saudi area codes.

You can get a Saudi Arabia phone number in 4 simple steps:

Step 1: Create Your Account

Register for a CallHippo account. The quick signup takes less than 2 minutes.

Step 2: Choose Your Location and Code

Select Saudi Arabia as your target country. Then, pick your city code.

Step 3: Select Number Type

Choose between local or toll-free numbers. Mobile and premium numbers are also available.

Step 4: Complete Setup

Set up call forwarding on your devices. Start making/receiving calls immediately.

These numbers work normally for WhatsApp verification. You register using a virtual phone number like you would with a regular Saudi SIM. This makes virtual numbers ideal for businesses testing the Saudi market or running campaigns aimed at Saudi customers.

Suggested Read : How To Call Saudi Arabia From the US Free?

Conclusion

Connecting with Saudi Arabia is easy when you understand its phone number formats. Whether calling landlines, mobiles, or toll-free numbers, just remember to use the correct country code (+966) and local prefixes.

Virtual numbers offer businesses a smart way to establish a local presence. CallHippo’s AI-powered calling solution helps your business stay connected in Saudi Arabia. Get started by trying a Saudi phone number for free!

FAQs

1. What network do the 056, 054, and 050 prefixes belong to in Saudi Arabia?

These prefixes tell you which company the number belongs to. The 050 and 056 numbers are from STC, the biggest phone company in the area. Numbers starting with 054 come from Mobily, another major provider.

Zain numbers start with 053. Each company has its own coverage and plans, so it’s good to know which one you’re dealing with when making calls.

2. What are the main mobile networks in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has three big phone companies that everyone uses. STC is the largest and works everywhere. Mobily is another good option with different plan choices.

Then there’s Zain, which many people like for mobile internet. All three sell SIM cards at airports and shops, so you can pick the one you prefer when you arrive.

3. Can I use a Saudi Arabia phone number on WhatsApp?

Yes, but only proper mobile numbers work. For instance, if you have a Saudi SIM card starting with 05, WhatsApp will send the code to activate it.

Landlines and some virtual numbers won’t work because they can’t get texts. Many businesses use the WhatsApp Business app instead, which doesn’t require SMS verification.

Updated : April 8, 2025

Supriya Bajaj

Supriya Bajaj is a senior content developer with immense experience in the VoIP telephony domain. With a deep knowledge of VoIP systems and emerging technologies in the field, she provides insightful and targeted content. Known for simplifying complex topics and her thought-leadership articles, Supriya delivers actionable content for both technical and non-technical audiences.

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