Saudi Arabia Phone Number Format – Complete Guide

Ever dialed a Saudi number, only to hear “Your call cannot be completed as dialed”? Yep, we’ve all been there—staring at our phones, wondering if we accidentally summoned a genie instead of making a call. 📞✨

Saudi Arabia’s phone number format isn’t complicated, but getting it right makes all the difference. Whether you’re calling a friend in Riyadh, reaching a business in Jeddah, or setting up international connections, knowing the correct structure saves you from endless redialing.

So, before you turn your phone into a stress ball, let’s break it down—step by step, no confusion, just crystal-clear and seamless call! 🚀

Understanding the Saudi Arabia Phone Number

Like a secret code, the telephone numbers in Saudi Arabia are made up of a country code, an area code, and a local contact number. When you understand the Saudi Arabia phone number format, you can easily reach out to your friends, businesses, customer service hotlines, or anyone you wish.

In Saudi Arabia, every phone number has a specific structure:

• Country Code: +966 (this is your gateway to the Kingdom).
• Area Code: 1-2 digits for landlines (e.g., 11 for Riyadh, 12 for Jeddah).
• Local Number: 7 unique digits that complete the number.

For example:

• A Riyadh landline: +966 11 123 4567.
• A mobile number: +966 55 123 4567.

The first 3 digits of your toll-free phone number will always be 800. Your premium phone number starts with 900. Once you know this, it becomes a piece of cake to call Saudi Arabian numbers! You are set to connect without any obstacle, whether it is a trip business or a connection to loved ones.

General Saudi Arabi Phone Number Format

Unlike the standardized 10-digit format of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), Saudi Arabian phone numbers have a structure that varies between landlines and mobile numbers.

Key Components:

• Country Code: +966 (essential for dialing from outside Saudi Arabia)
• Area Codes (Landlines): Vary depending on the region.
• Mobile Prefixes: Begin with the digit ‘5’.
• Local Numbers: Varying lengths depending on the type of number.

General Structure:

• Landlines: +966 (Area Code) (Local Number)
• Example: +966 11 XXX XXXX (Riyadh)
• Mobile Numbers: +966 5X XXX XXXX
• Where ‘5X’ represents the mobile operator prefix.

Important Notes:

• When dialing from outside Saudi Arabia, the leading ‘0’ from the area code or mobile prefix must be omitted.
• Mobile numbers are easily identifiable by their ‘5’ prefix.
• The length of the local numbers can vary.

Types of Saudi Arabia Phone Number

Saudi Arabia has different types of phone numbers, each serving a specific purpose. Let’s see some common types of Saudi Arabia Phone Numbers:

1. Landline Numbers

Landline numbers in Saudi Arabia are tied to a specific geographic location and include an area code, making them ideal for homes, businesses, and government offices. These numbers typically follow the format +966 X XXX XXXX or +966 XX XXX XXXX, depending on the length of the area code.

For example, a landline number in Riyadh would look like +966 11 123 4567.

2. Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers in Saudi Arabia are widely used and are not tied to a specific location, offering flexibility for users. These numbers always start with the digit 5 and do not require an area code, following the format +966 5XX XXX XXXX.

For instance, a typical mobile number might be +966 55 123 4567 or +966 50 987 6543.

3. Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers in Saudi Arabia are designed for customer service, support, or inquiries and are free to call from within the country. These numbers usually start with 800 and follow the format +966 800 XXX XXXX.

An example of a toll-free number is +966 800 123 4567, which a company might use for customer assistance.

4. Saudi Arabia VoIP/Virtual Number

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or virtual phone numbers are used for internet-based calls, making them ideal for businesses with remote teams or international clients. These numbers aren’t tied to a specific location, offering flexibility and cost-efficiency.

For example, a Saudi Arabia VoIP number might be +966 92X XXX XXXX, commonly used for business hotlines or customer support.

5. Premium Rate Numbers

Premium rate numbers in Saudi Arabia are used for services that charge a higher call rate per minute, such as entertainment, technical support, or voting. These numbers start with 900 and follow the format +966 900 XXX XXXX.

For example, a premium rate number might look like +966 900 987 6543.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Steps to Dial a Saudi Arabia Phone Number

Here are the steps to dial a Saudi Arabia phone number correctly, whether you’re calling from within Saudi Arabia or internationally:

I. Dialing a Saudi Arabia Phone Number Locally

If you’re calling within Saudi Arabia, follow these steps:

• Step 1: For Mobile Numbers: Dial the 10-digit number directly, including the leading 0 (e.g., 050-123-4567).

• Step 2: For Landline Numbers: Dial the area code followed by the 7-digit number (e.g., 011-234-5678 for Riyadh).

• Step 3: No Country Code Needed: Since you’re calling within the country, you don’t need to include +966.

📞Example of a Local Call:

• Calling a mobile number in Saudi Arabia: 050-123-4567
• Calling a landline number in Riyadh: 011-234-5678

II. Dialing a Saudi Arabia Phone Number Internationally

If you’re calling a Saudi number from abroad, here’s what you need to do:

• Step 1: Start with the Exit Code: Dial your country’s international dialing prefix (e.g., 011 for the U.S., 00 for the U.K.).

• Step 2: Enter the Country Code: Dial +966, which is Saudi Arabia’s official country code.

• Step 3: Remove the Leading Zero: If the local number begins with 0, drop it when dialing internationally.

• Step 4: Dial the Remaining Number: Enter the rest of the number—either the 9-digit mobile number (e.g., 5X-XXX-XXXX) or the landline number with the area code (e.g., 1X-XXXX-XXXX).

📞Example International Call: If you’re calling the Saudi mobile number 050-123-4567 from the U.S., dial 011 966 50-123-4567. 

Saudi Arabia Phone Number Format Example

Here are examples of different types of phone numbers in Saudi Arabia:

Common Misstep When Dialing Saudi Arabia Phone Numbers

When calling Saudi Arabia phone numbers, people tend to forget the correct country code or format of the number. Here are some misstepped wheel dialing Saudi Arabia phone numbers:

• Using the wrong country code: While +966 is the correct code, individuals sometimes input incorrect codes due to confusion or outdated information.

• Confusion between landline and mobile formats: Not understanding the difference in number structure can lead to incorrectly dialed numbers.

• Including the leading zero: People frequently dial the number as they see it locally, retaining the initial ‘0’ in the area code or mobile number, which causes the call to fail.

• Forgetting the country code entirely: Attempting to dial the number as if it were a local call, without the +966 prefix, is a frequent error.

Here are some key points to avoid errors:

• Saudi Arabia’s country code is +966. If you’re dialing from outside Saudi Arabia, you must include this code before the local phone number.

• Saudi phone numbers typically start with a 0 after the country code. However, when dialing internationally, you should omit the leading 0.

• If you’re dialing from another country, you should dial the exit code (e.g., 011 from the US) before the Saudi country code.

• Avoid adding hyphens, parentheses, or unnecessary spaces when dialing. Stick to the numeric format.

By ensuring you include the correct country code, omit the leading 0, and use the proper exit code, you can avoid common mistakes when dialing Saudi Arabian phone numbers.

Some Popular Area Codes In Saudi Arabia

Here are some popular area codes in Saudi Arabi listed below in the table:

Perfect Time to Call the Saudi Arabia

Conclusion

Knowing the phone number format in Saudi Arabia allows you to make effective communication exchanges, whether you are calling family or working with business partners. Knowing the details, like including the country code (966) and not using the first ‘0’ when calling from outside the country–saves you from problems and dialing errors.

While calling is about numbers, you are building connections with people thousands of miles away, either family or business partners. So when you dial that Saudi number, do it correctly and make the most of your call. Ready to call the proper way? Call right and let the discussion flow!

FAQs

What is the country code for Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s country code is +966, which must be dialed before the local number when calling internationally.

How do I call a Saudi Arabian number from abroad?

To call Saudi Arabia from another country:

• Dial your country’s international exit code (e.g., 011 for the U.S.).
• Enter Saudi Arabia’s country code (+966).
• Add the area code or mobile prefix (without the leading zero).
• Dial the local number. Example: For Riyadh, dial 011-966-11-XXXXXXX.

How do toll-free numbers work in Saudi Arabia?

Toll-free numbers in Saudi Arabia begin with 800, such as 800 XXX XXXX. These numbers allow callers to connect without incurring charges, typically used by businesses in Saudi Arabia for customer service.

What emergency numbers should I know in Saudi Arabia?

Key emergency contact numbers include:

• Police: 999
• Ambulance (Red Crescent): 997
• Fire Department (Civil Defense): 998
• Unified Security (911): Available in major regions like Riyadh and Makkah.