Islamabad, Feb 6: WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia experienced a surprising change on Saturday, as voice and video calling features became accessible for the first time after years of restrictions.
This sudden availability has sparked widespread curiosity among users, though no official statement has been issued to confirm whether the change is permanent or simply part of a trial phase. The lack of an official announcement from local authorities has left many speculating about the reasons behind this unexpected shift.
Experts, like technology analyst Abdullah Al Subaie, have linked this development to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its telecommunications and digital infrastructure. If these changes are permanent, they could significantly enhance communication options for users within the kingdom.
WhatsApp, which has been a leading messaging platform globally, first introduced voice calling in 2015 and video calling in 2016. However, these features have remained inaccessible in Saudi Arabia due to strict regulatory policies.
Although there have been sporadic instances of WhatsApp’s calling features being briefly available in the past, these were often attributed to technical glitches rather than policy changes.
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In March 2024, rumors circulated that the ban might have been lifted, but the Saudi Communications, Space, and Technology Commission swiftly debunked these claims, reiterating that WhatsApp calls remained blocked.
If this recent unlocking is confirmed as a permanent change, it would represent a significant step forward in enhancing digital connectivity in Saudi Arabia, opening the door to more seamless communication for residents and visitors alike. With many users eager to explore the new possibilities, it remains to be seen how the government will respond and whether this marks the beginning of broader shifts in the country’s digital policies.
