Saudi Arabia Phone Number Format for Local & International Calls

Saudi Arabia telephone numbers follow a structured format including the country code, the area code or mobile prefix, and the subscriber number. Each part of the number has a specific purpose and helps route calls correctly within the country and from overseas.

The Saudi country code is +966. This code is required when making an international call to a Saudi Arabian phone number from outside the country. It connects the call to Saudi Arabia’s national telephone network.

The Saudi landline numbers include area codes, which identify a specific city or region within the country. They usually start with the digit ‘0’, for example, 011 for Riyadh and 013 for Khobar. However, the leading ‘0’ is removed when dialing the number from overseas.

Some of Saudi Arabia's popular area codes by city and region:

In Saudi Arabia, mobile phone numbers always start with the prefix 05X. Here, the digit ‘X’ is a unique number that indicates the mobile carrier, for example, 050 or 053 is used for STC and 054 or 56 for Mobily. When calling from outside Saudi Arabia, the leading zero is removed and replaced with the country code +966. So, 050 becomes +966 50.

The subscriber number is the unique number assigned to an individual or business line. It follows the area code/mobile prefix and completes the full number format.

For domestic calls within the country, Saudi phone numbers include an area code for landline numbers or a mobile prefix for mobile numbers, followed by the 7-digit subscriber number.

Here’s how to call within Saudi Arabia:

• Step 1: Dial the area code (for landlines) or the mobile prefix (for mobile numbers).
• Step 2: Enter the remaining subscriber digits.

Saudi Landline Number: 011 234 5678

• 011 – Riyadh area code
• 234 5678 – Subscriber number

Saudi Mobile Phone Number: 055 123 4567

• 055 – STC’s mobile carrier code
• 123 4567 – Subscriber number

Toll-Free Number: 800 123 456

• 800 – Toll-free prefix
• 123 456 – Subscriber number

The telephone numbers in Saudi Arabia for international calls consist of your country’s exit code, Saudi Arabia’s country code (966), and the area code or mobile prefix without the leading 0, followed by the local number.

Here’s how to call Saudi Arabia from abroad:

• Step 1: Dial your country’s exit code or the ‘+’ sign (if you’re calling using a cell phone).
• Step 2: Enter Saudi Arabia’s country code, 966.
• Step 3: Dial the area code for landlines or the mobile prefix for cell phone numbers without the leading 0.
• Step 4: Dial the remaining 7-digit phone number.

Landline Number: 011 966 11 234 5678 or +966 11 234 5678 (Calling Saudi Arabia from the US)

• 011 – US exit code
• 966 – Saudi Arabia country code
• 11 – Riyadh area code
• 234 5678 – Subscriber landline number

Mobile Phone Number: 011 966 58 123 4567 or +966 58 123 4567

• 011 – US exit code
• 966 – Saudi Arabia country code
• 58 – Zain group’s mobile carrier code
• 123 4567 – Subscriber mobile number

Toll-Free Number: 011 966 800 123 456 or +966 800 123 456

• 011 – US exit code
• 966 – Saudi Arabia country code
• 800 – Toll-free prefix
• 123 456 – Subscriber number

Saudi Arabia uses short 3-digit emergency numbers for quick access to essential services during emergencies. These numbers can be dialed directly without area or country codes.

The primary emergency number is 112, which connects you to the unified emergency services and works even on phones without a SIM card. Meanwhile, other services like 999 (police), 997 (ambulance), and 998 (civil defense) usually require an active SIM.

Before calling Saudi phone numbers from another country, it’s crucial to review international calling rates and confirm the correct dialing format to ensure your call connects accurately at a reasonable cost. You should also consider the time differences between Saudi Arabia and your country to avoid calling at an inconvenient hour.

International calls to Saudi Arabia can be expensive when made through traditional landline or mobile carriers. Rates vary by provider and are often higher for mobile numbers. To save on calling costs, consider using a virtual phone number. These numbers let you make calls over the internet, avoiding traditional carriers and their high roaming charges.

When calling Saudi Arabia from abroad, ensure you are using the correct pattern. When dialing internationally, the domestic trunk prefix (0) must be removed and replaced with the country code 966.

Entering the wrong format is a common reason calls fail, so always double-check the full number before dialing to ensure a successful connection.

Saudi Arabia operates on Saudi Arabia Standard Time (SAST), UTC+3. This can create a noticeable time difference for international callers. For example, callers from the United States may face an 8 to 11-hour difference, depending on their location. So, compare the time differences to ensure you call at a convenient time for you and your recipient.

Understanding the Saudi Arabia phone number format makes calling within the country or from abroad much simpler. Landline numbers use city-specific area codes, while mobile numbers follow carrier-based prefixes, each followed by a subscriber number. For international calls, you simply need to add your country’s exit code and Saudi Arabia’s country code (+966), while removing the leading zero from the area code or mobile prefix.

If international calling costs are a concern, using a virtual phone number can be a more affordable alternative to traditional carriers. With Calilio, you can make calls to Saudi Arabia at significantly lower rates, avoid expensive international and roaming charges, and better control your calling expenses without changing how you dial.