Many WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia reported on Saturday that the app’s voice and video calling features had unexpectedly become available after years of restrictions.
However, no official confirmation has been made on whether this change is permanent or just a temporary test. The sudden activation has sparked curiosity, especially in the absence of an official announcement from authorities.
Technology expert Abdullah Al Subaie suggested that this move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its telecommunications and digital infrastructure, potentially benefiting users with improved communication.
WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms, introduced voice calls in 2015 and video calls in 2016, but these features have long been blocked in Saudi Arabia due to regulatory policies. Although brief activations have been reported in the past, they were typically linked to technical updates rather than actual policy changes.
Back in March 2024, rumors circulated that the ban had been lifted, but Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space, and Technology Commission denied the claims, confirming that WhatsApp calls remained restricted.
If this recent activation turns out to be permanent, it would mark a breakthrough in digital connectivity across the kingdom.
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