Local SMS sender and template registration guideline

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) requires every message sent over local SMS in Saudi Arabia to match a registered template. The requirement applies to all SMS providers in Saudi Arabia and covers both promotional and transactional traffic sent from alphanumeric sender IDs.

To register a local sender ID, see Local senders registration.

Timeline [#timeline]

The requirement is introduced in the following phases:

Templates approved before January 1, 2027, are free of charge and remain valid until they expire.

You can register templates after January 1, 2027, subject to fees.

Registration is already open. Share your promotional and transactional templates and start registration now.

Key rules [#key-rules]

The following rules apply to all local sender IDs and templates:

• A template is the approved message format registered for a sender name. Each message must match the approved content. Only the registered variable fields can change.
• Mobile network operators, not Infobip, are responsible for blocking messages that do not match an approved template.
• Sender IDs and templates are valid for 1 year after submission. When they expire, renew them or they are suspended.
• You can submit templates only after your sender ID is approved. You cannot submit a sender ID request and template requests together.
• Each template is linked to one sender name. You can register multiple templates under one sender ID.

Template drafting rules [#template-drafting-rules]

Each template must meet the following rules to be approved.

Text and variables [#text-and-variables]

A variable is the part of a template that contains changing, message-specific information. Follow these rules for fixed text and variables:

• Write fixed text exactly as it is sent.
• Use the #Var1#, #Var2# format for variables.
• Define the format and type of each variable when you create the template. At sending, each variable value must match its approved type.
• A template can contain a maximum of 2 variables.
• A single variable can contain a maximum of 30 characters.
• Variables cannot exceed 40% of the template text. At least 60% must be fixed text.
• A template cannot begin or end with a variable.
• Two variables cannot be adjacent. Separate them with fixed text.

Content [#content]

Template content must meet the following requirements:

• Messages cannot request passwords, card numbers, or other sensitive data, either in the fixed text or in variables.
• A purchase confirmation must state the product or service purchased, the purchase amount, and the resulting terms.
• Links must use https://. URL shorteners are not allowed.
• If the message contains advertising or donation requests, the sender name must end with the -AD suffix.
• Content must comply with Saudi law and cannot contain fraudulent phrases or phrases prohibited by CST.

Template examples [#template-examples]

The following examples show how the drafting rules apply to messages.

Template	Compliant
Your appointment at #Var1# branch is confirmed for #Var2#. Please arrive 10 minutes early.	Compliant. Two variables, separated by fixed text. The template begins and ends with fixed text.
#Var1#, your order has been shipped.	Not compliant. Begins with a variable.
Your OTP is #Var1##Var2#	Not compliant. Ends with a variable and contains adjacent variables.
Get 50% off this weekend! Visit bit.ly/offer	Not compliant. Uses a URL shortener. Advertising content also requires an -AD sender name.
Your account is suspended. Reply with your card number to reactivate it.	Not compliant. Requests sensitive data and may be fraudulent.
Dear #Var1#, your payment of #Var2# for #Var3# was received.	Not compliant. Contains more than 2 variables.

Register your templates [#register-your-templates]

You are responsible for the accuracy of your template content.

For questions, contact your Infobip account manager or Support.