WhatsApp Calls Just Started Working In Saudi Arabia, But Will They Last?

For years, Saudi Arabia's WhatsApp users have been staring at their screens, unable to use the app's most basic feature—voice and video calls. That changed overnight.

Over the weekend, users across the kingdom reported that WhatsApp calls were suddenly working—no VPNs, no workarounds, just crystal-clear connections on an app that had long been restricted. Social media lit up with excited posts, but the biggest question remains: Is this a quiet policy shift or just another glitch in the system?

WhatsApp introduced voice calls in 2015 and video calls in 2016, but Saudi Arabia blocked both, citing regulatory concerns and the need for telecom operators to maintain control over VoIP services. While platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and FaceTime have been unblocked in recent years, WhatsApp calls remained restricted—until now.

What's strange is the lack of an official announcement. In March 2024, a similar rumor spread, only for the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission to shut it down, reaffirming the ban. This time, however, the government has been silent.

Tech expert Abdullah Al Subaie suggests that this could be part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to modernize the kingdom's digital infrastructure and improve connectivity. Allowing WhatsApp calls would align with the broader push for technological expansion—and would make daily life easier for millions.

But it wouldn't be the first time a block has been temporarily lifted due to technical updates, only to return just as quickly.

If this is a permanent move, it could signal a major shift in Saudi Arabia's telecom regulations, allowing users to rely on WhatsApp instead of alternative apps like BOTIM or IMO.

If it's a temporary glitch, expect services to stop working soon, with little warning—something that has happened before.

If it's a test phase, the kingdom might be gauging the impact before making an official decision.

For now, Saudi users can enjoy the unexpected freedom—but keep an eye on your app settings, because no one knows how long this will last.