WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia can now make voice and video calls again after a six-year ban, following a sudden reactivation of these features. The lifting of restrictions has sparked discussions on whether this change is permanent or temporary, as there was no prior official announcement from Saudi authorities.
A Surprise Move in Saudi Arabia’s Digital Landscape
The unblocking of WhatsApp’s voice and video call features comes as an unexpected development, given the long-standing regulatory restrictions. Saudi Arabia had previously banned these features in 2019 due to telecom regulations.
Technology expert Abdullah Al-Subaei believes that this decision aligns with the kingdom’s broader efforts to enhance its telecommunications and digital infrastructure, which aims to improve communication for users nationwide.
WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging app, first introduced voice calls in 2015 and video calls in 2016. However, these services were disabled in Saudi Arabia, limiting users to text messaging and multimedia sharing. The sudden restoration has led to speculation about the future of digital communication in the kingdom, though no government confirmation has been issued regarding its long-term availability.
Saudi Arabia’s Rising Popularity as a Travel Destination
In a related development, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the top destination for Pakistani travelers, with an impressive 100% annual increase in Pakistani visitors, according to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)-based travel service app "Wego."
Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is undergoing rapid expansion, driven by mega-projects such as NEOM, a futuristic city on the Red Sea, and The Red Sea Project, which focuses on luxury and eco-tourism. These ambitious developments are set to redefine global tourism standards.
Under its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is actively promoting tourism, attracting thousands of Pakistani travelers annually, particularly during Ramadan when pilgrims visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for Umrah and Hajj.
To accommodate the growing influx of travelers, Wego has recently launched its online travel agent platform, "Book on Wego," specifically for Pakistani users. The app’s latest reports indicate that Saudi Arabia remains a top choice among Pakistani tourists, with the number of visitors rising significantly year-on-year.
