Saudi Arabia Country Code (+966): Complete Guide
Complete guide to Saudi Arabia country code +966. Learn how to dial Saudi Arabia from abroad, understand area codes, mobile formats, and save money on international calls.
The Saudi Arabia country code is +966. Use this code when calling Saudi Arabia from abroad. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about calling Saudi Arabia in 2026, including area codes for Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca, mobile carriers, and the cheapest ways to call.
Quick Reference: Saudi Arabia +966
Country Code: +966
Exit Code: 00
Trunk Prefix: 0
Capital: Riyadh
Time Zone: AST (UTC+3)
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
How to Call Saudi Arabia
Dialing Format
To call Saudi Arabia from abroad, use this format:
+966 + area code + local numberOr with your country's exit code:
00 966 + area code + local numberDialing Examples
Saudi Arabia Area Codes
Saudi Arabia uses 2-digit area codes for major cities and regions. Drop the leading 0 when dialing from abroad.
| City/Region | Area Code | Full Format |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh (Capital) | 11 | +966 11 XXX XXXX |
| Jeddah | 12 | +966 12 XXX XXXX |
| Mecca (Makkah) | 12 | +966 12 XXX XXXX |
| Medina | 14 | +966 14 XXX XXXX |
| Dammam | 13 | +966 13 XXX XXXX |
| Eastern Province | 13 | +966 13 XXX XXXX |
| Tabuk | 14 | +966 14 XXX XXXX |
| Qassim | 16 | +966 16 XXX XXXX |
| Abha (Asir) | 17 | +966 17 XXX XXXX |
Saudi Mobile Carriers & Prefixes
Saudi Arabian mobile numbers start with 05X. The second digit indicates the carrier:
STC (Saudi Telecom)
050, 053, 055
Largest carrier, best coverage nationwide
Mobily (Etisalat)
054, 056
Second largest, good data plans
Zain Saudi
058, 059
Third carrier, competitive pricing
Virgin Mobile Saudi
057
MVNO on STC network
Cheapest Ways to Call Saudi Arabia
1. BubblyPhone
Crystal-clear calls to Saudi Arabia at the lowest rates. Works on any device with internet.
2. WhatsApp
Free calls if both parties have WhatsApp installed. Very popular in Saudi Arabia.
Important Information
Things to Know
- Time Zone: Saudi Arabia is on Arabian Standard Time (AST), UTC+3. No daylight saving time.
- Business Hours: Sunday-Thursday are working days. Friday-Saturday is the weekend.
- Prayer Times: Businesses close 5 times daily for prayer (about 30 minutes each).
- VoIP Restrictions: Some VoIP services were restricted in the past. BubblyPhone and WhatsApp currently work.
- Emergency Number: 911 (unified emergency services) or 999 (police)
Best Times to Call Saudi Arabia
From USA (EST/PST)
Saudi Arabia is 8 hours ahead of EST, 11 hours ahead of PST.
Best time: 8-11 AM EST (4-7 PM in Saudi)
From UK (GMT)
Saudi Arabia is 3 hours ahead of UK time.
Best time: 9 AM-6 PM UK (12-9 PM in Saudi)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the country code for Saudi Arabia?▼
The country code for Saudi Arabia is +966. You can also dial it as 00966 from most countries.
How do I call a Saudi mobile number?▼
Dial +966 followed by the 9-digit mobile number (starting with 5X). For example: +966 55 123 4567. Drop the leading 0 if the local number shows 05X.
What is the area code for Riyadh?▼
Riyadh's area code is 11. To call Riyadh from abroad: +966 11 XXX XXXX
What is the area code for Jeddah?▼
Jeddah's area code is 12. To call Jeddah from abroad: +966 12 XXX XXXX
Is WhatsApp calling available in Saudi Arabia?▼
Yes, WhatsApp voice and video calls work in Saudi Arabia as of 2026. The ban on VoIP calling was lifted in 2017.
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