Dubai: Many WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia reported on Saturday that voice and video calling features had been activated after years of restrictions.
However, there has been no official confirmation on whether this is a permanent change or a temporary test.
The sudden activation has raised questions, particularly in the absence of an announcement from authorities.
Technology expert Abdullah Al Subaie noted that this move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance telecommunications and digital infrastructure, potentially improving communication for users
WhatsApp, one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps, introduced voice calls in 2015 and video calls in 2016.
However, these features have been blocked in Saudi Arabia due to regulatory policies. While there have been occasional reports of brief activations, they were typically linked to technical updates rather than policy shifts.
In March 2024, speculation arose that the ban had been lifted, but Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission denied the claims, reaffirming that WhatsApp calls remained inaccessible.
If the current activation proves permanent, it would mark a significant improvement in connectivity within the kingdom.
