The Best Time to Make Calls to Saudi Arabia from Dubai: 5 Key Insights

Last updated on November 12th, 2025 at 12:07 pm

Making international calls can sometimes be challenging due to time zone differences, call costs, and network reliability. If you frequently call Saudi Arabia from Dubai for personal or business reasons, understanding the best time to make those calls can enhance communication efficiency and reduce expenses. Proper planning ensures that your calls are received at the right moment, whether you’re connecting with business associates, friends, or family members.

The Best Time to Call Saudi Arabia from Dubai

• Time Difference: None. Both Dubai and Saudi Arabia are on Gulf Standard Time (GST).
• Best Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (GST) to avoid lunch breaks and prayer times.
• Best Personal Hours: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (GST) is ideal for friends and family.
• Cost Tip: Use VoIP solutions like FreJun for better call Dubai to KSA connectivity and lower rates compared to traditional carriers.
• Work Week: Remember that the Saudi work week typically runs Sunday through Thursday

With various factors influencing call quality and cost, it is essential to identify the most effective time for calling. From aligning with work hours to leveraging lower call rates during off-peak times, small adjustments can make a significant difference. This guide will explore five key insights to help you maximize the efficiency of your international calls, ensuring they are clear, cost-effective, and well-received.

When is the Best Time to Call Saudi Arabia from Dubai?

FreJun optimizes call scheduling by offering advanced analytics and automated dialing features, ensuring you connect at the most effective times for business and client engagement.

The Best Time to Make Calls to Saudi Arabia from Dubai

These are the Best times to Make Calls to Saudi Arabia from Dubai:

What is the Time Difference Between Dubai and Saudi Arabia?

One of the biggest advantages of making calls from Dubai to Saudi Arabia is the minimal time difference. Both countries operate in the Gulf Standard Time (GST) zone, meaning there is no significant variation in hours. This eliminates the challenge of coordinating calls across different time zones and allows for more flexibility in scheduling conversations.

Best Practice:

• Since there is no time zone difference, you can make calls throughout the day without worrying about major discrepancies.
• Still, it’s best to consider working hours and peak availability (discussed next) to maximize the effectiveness of your calls.
• Understanding cultural nuances can also help determine the best time for calls. Saudi Arabia has a distinct work culture, with many businesses following a more relaxed schedule compared to Dubai.
• Some businesses may follow a six-day workweek, while others strictly adhere to a five-day schedule. It is always best to check before calling.
• Personal calls, especially to friends and family, should be scheduled at a time when they are most likely to be available and not busy with work.

When Are the Optimal Business Hours for Professional Calls?

For business communications, it’s crucial to align your calls with Saudi Arabia’s standard work hours to ensure a higher response rate. Most businesses in Saudi Arabia operate between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM (GST), with some companies following a split schedule, particularly during Ramadan. Based on general business practices, the optimal hours for professional calls are typically considered to be between 10:00 am and 11:00 am, and between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm as people are usually settled into their workday, have had time to address urgent matters, and are more likely to be receptive to calls during these periods.

Best Practice:

• Aim for calls between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to catch professionals during their most active work hours.
• Avoid early morning calls before 9:00 AM, as businesses may not be fully operational yet.
• Fridays are a rest day in Saudi Arabia, so it’s best to avoid business calls on this day.
• If dealing with government offices, banks, or corporate sectors, ensure you call within their operational hours, as some may close earlier in the day.
• The work culture in Saudi Arabia is hierarchical, and decision-making may take longer. Scheduling calls at the right time ensures you get in touch with the right person.

What Is the Ideal Time for Personal Conversations?

If you’re making personal calls to family or friends, the evening is usually the most convenient time. Many people in Saudi Arabia finish work by 6:00 PM, making evenings ideal for catching up.

Best Practice:

• Best time for personal calls: Between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM (GST) when people are more relaxed and available.
• Avoid late-night calls after 11:00 PM, unless you’re sure the recipient is comfortable with late-hour conversations.
• During Ramadan, adjust your timing as daily routines shift, with many people becoming more active after Iftar (sunset meal).
• Keep in mind that weekends in Saudi Arabia fall on Friday and Saturday, unlike the Western weekend schedule. Calls on Thursday evening may be more effective for personal communication.
• Ensure that family or friends are comfortable with receiving calls during dinner or prayer times, which are significant parts of daily life in Saudi Arabia.

How Can I Get Lower Call Rates During Off-Peak Hours?

If cost-saving is a priority, consider making calls during off-peak hours, when telecom providers offer lower rates. Peak hours typically range from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, meaning calls made outside this window could be more affordable. Lower call rates during off-peak hours mean that phone service providers offer cheaper rates for phone calls made during times when there is less overall call volume, typically late evenings, early mornings, and weekends, compared to the busy “peak” hours when call costs are higher; essentially, you pay less to call during periods with lower demand. 

Best Practice:

• Check with your provider for discounted off-peak calling rates.
• VoIP services like FreJun offer competitive rates and better call quality, making them a cost-effective alternative.
• If you frequently call Saudi Arabia, consider a subscription plan with international calling benefits to reduce costs.
• Some telecom providers have specific call bundles for Middle Eastern countries, which can help reduce overall call expenses.
• Using internet-based calling solutions like WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype, or FreJun allows for unlimited calls at little to no cost.
• If you make daily calls, analyze your provider’s rate chart and determine the most cost-effective time to call.

How to Ensure Strong Network Connectivity for International Calls?

Network congestion can affect call quality, especially during peak business hours. Ensuring a strong and stable connection improves communication clarity. To ensure strong network connectivity, you can: position your router centrally, minimize wireless interference, keep your devices and router firmware updated, choose a reliable internet service provider, use a wired connection when possible, check for network congestion, and regularly monitor your network performance; for mobile devices, select a carrier with good coverage in your area and optimize device settings to prioritize Wi-Fi over cellular data when available. 

Best Practice:

• Use a VoIP service like FreJun for reliable call quality and lower costs.
• If using a mobile network, ensure you have good signal strength and use Wi-Fi calling when possible.
• Avoid making calls during heavy network traffic hours (such as lunch breaks or just before 6:00 PM) to minimize disruptions.
• If you experience frequent call drops, consider switching providers or using a wired internet connection instead of relying solely on mobile data.
• Test your internet speed before making VoIP calls to ensure smooth, lag-free conversations.
• Avoid calling during extreme weather conditions, as heavy sandstorms or electrical storms can sometimes affect network performance in Saudi Arabia.

Why is FreJun the Best Solution for Calling Saudi Arabia?

FreJun is redefining affordable communication with its cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features. Designed to streamline both personal and professional calls, FreJun ensures superior voice quality, reliability, and affordability.

Key Features:

• Virtual Numbers: Obtain local or toll-free numbers to maintain a professional presence in Dubai.

Why Is A Virtual Number Beneficial For Your Business?

• AI-Powered Insights: Leverages artificial intelligence for call transcription, tracking, and actionable analytics.

Understand FreJun’s AI-powered capabilities here.

• Seamless Integration: Compatible with CRM platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot for professional use.

Learn more about FreJun’s CRM/ATS integration.

• Secure Communication: Ensures data protection with industry-standard encryption.
• Call Scheduling and Reminders: Plan and organize calls effortlessly to ensure timely communication.
• Customisable Call Workflows: Tailor workflows for efficient call routing and automated responses.
• Detailed Analytics and Reports: Access performance metrics to improve communication strategies.

Access FreJun’s call analytics tools.

• Scalability: Perfect for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.
• Multi-language Transcription: Supports diverse communication needs across different regions.
• Call Barge and Whisper Features: Supervisors can intervene or provide guidance during calls in real time.

Which Calling Strategy Fits Your Needs?

Scenario A: The B2B Sales Rep.

• Goal: Reaching decision-makers in Riyadh.
• Strategy: Call Sunday-Wednesday between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Avoid Friday entirely. Use FreJun to auto-log the call in your CRM.

Scenario B: The Expat Family Member.

• Goal: Catching up with relatives in Jeddah.
• Strategy: Call Thursday evenings or Saturday afternoons. Utilize WiFi calling to save on international minutes.

Scenario C: The Global Manager.

• Goal: Coordinating teams in Dubai, Riyadh, and Asia.
• Strategy: While UAE and KSA align, if you are also calculating the best time for calls between Dubai and Hong Kong, schedule meetings for 10:00 AM Dubai time (which is 2:00 PM in Hong Kong) to overlap all three zones.

Quick Look: VoIP vs. Direct Dialing

VoIP (FreJun)

• Significantly lower costs for high-volume calling.
• Includes analytics, recording, and CRM integration.
• Scalable for growing teams.

Traditional Direct Dialing

• High per-minute international roaming charges.
• Lack of call tracking or data insights.
• Susceptible to cellular “dead zones.”

Final Thoughts

Calling Saudi Arabia from Dubai is convenient due to the lack of a time difference, but optimising your call schedule can enhance effectiveness and reduce costs. For business calls, mid-morning to early afternoon is best, while personal calls are more suitable in the evening. Leveraging off-peak hours and VoIP services like FreJun can further maximise efficiency and savings. Planning your calls strategically ensures clear, cost-effective, and hassle-free communication, whether for professional or personal reasons.

Understanding business hours, peak call times, and network reliability can make a significant difference in communication success. Planning your calls according to your recipient’s availability increases the chances of receiving prompt responses and improves overall efficiency.

Using modern technology, such as VoIP services, also eliminates unnecessary costs associated with traditional international calls. Platforms like FreJun not only offer lower rates but also provide better call clarity, advanced features, and added security, making them a smart choice for frequent international callers.

Additionally, being mindful of cultural factors such as prayer times, working hours, and holidays can contribute to more effective communication. A well-timed call is always appreciated and leads to better engagement, whether it’s for business negotiations or personal connections.

With thoughtful planning, the right tools, and a clear understanding of the best calling times, you can ensure your calls to Saudi Arabia are productive and cost-effective.

Further Reading: Top 7 Microsoft Dynamics Calling Integrations for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

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