Saudi Arabia Lifts Ban On Skype And Whatsapp Calls

If you have friends or family in Saudi Arabia, you’ll be happy to know that the country is about to lift its ban on internet calls. This means that communication through voice and video on Microsoft’s Skype and Facebook’s WhatsApp will be now in the kingdom by midnight local time (21:00 GMT).

Adel Abu Hameed, who is the spokesman for the telecoms regulator CITC (The Communication and Information Technology Commission) in Saudi Arabia, announced on Twitter that internet calls will be allowed starting Thursday the 21st of September. The country is taking this step as part of a reform to develop and enhance new methods of revenue other than oil.

According to the information ministry, it is time for the kingdom to start its digital transformation which will encourage the growth of internet-based businesses and help improve the media and entertainment industries. On the other hand, the access to the VoIP technology (Voice Over Internet Protocol) will affect the top main telecoms operators in Saudi Arabia – Saudi Telecom Company, Etihad Etisalat and Zain Saudi – because they earn a lot from the international calls. Nevertheless, it’s an important step in the country’s internet regulation process and will boost digital entrepreneurship.

Still, Saudi Arabia will continue monitoring content over the internet to prohibit access to material that violates the kingdom’s laws, such as pornography, extremist material and gambling sites.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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