Tech Desk 
Feb 04, 2025
WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia will now be able to make voice and video calls after a six-year ban on the service was lifted.
The move has sparked discourse on the future of digital communication in the country, as the public speculates if the reinstatement of WhatsApp calling will be permanent or short-lived.
It's worth noting that there had been no official announcement from the government authorities ahead of this change.
According to The Express Tribune, rumours earlier in March 2024 began making rounds, suggesting that the ban had been lifted; however, Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space, and Technology Commission denied these claims.
Saudi Arabia restored WhatsApp voice and video call service
WhatsApp, one of the most widely used messaging platforms globally world, introduced voice calls in 2015 and video calls in 2016.
The Saudi government blocked WhatsApp calling services in 2019, citing concerns regarding regulatory policies and cybersecurity.
Technology expert Abdullah Al-Subaei noted that this move is aligned with the country's ongoing efforts to enhance telecommunications infrastructure, which is likely to revamp communication services for users nationwide.
While the change has been well received by the public, uncertainty remains as the government has yet to make an official statement to confirm whether this reactivation stemmed from a temporary test run or a permanent policy change.
