Oman SMS Compliance Guide: Regulations, Best Practices, and Features

Learn how to send SMS messages in Oman while maintaining full regulatory compliance. This comprehensive guide covers Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) requirements, PDPL data protection compliance (deadline extended to February 2026), sender ID registration with Omantel and Ooredoo, API integration options, and best practices for successful SMS campaigns in 2025.

Oman SMS Market Overview

Market Conditions: Oman's mobile telecommunications market operates through two major carriers:

• Omantel: Primary national operator
• Ooredoo: Secondary operator (MCC 42203)
• Device landscape: 76.13% Android, 23.57% iOS (StatCounter, September 2025)
• SMS role: Primary business-to-consumer channel for authentication, notifications, and marketing

SMS remains critical for business communications despite widespread WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger adoption for personal messaging.

Key SMS Features and Capabilities in Oman

Oman supports most standard SMS features, including concatenated messages and number portability. Two-way SMS functionality is not supported by major providers, limiting interactive messaging use cases.

Two-way SMS Support

Major SMS providers in Oman do not support two-way SMS. For interactive messaging, use these alternatives:

• Web links: Include a short URL directing users to a response form
• App-based replies: Direct users to your mobile app
• WhatsApp Business API: Implement fully interactive messaging
• Email responses: Provide an email address for detailed replies

Concatenated Messages (Segmented SMS)

Support: Yes, most sender ID types support concatenated messages (support varies by carrier)

Message length rules:

• GSM-7 encoding: 160 characters per segment
• UCS-2 encoding (Unicode/Arabic): 70 characters per segment

Pricing: Each segment counts as one message. A 200-character message sends as 2 segments and costs 2× the single message rate.

Encoding considerations: Test Unicode and Arabic characters before launching campaigns to verify proper delivery and display.

MMS Support

Oman automatically converts MMS to SMS with an embedded media URL:

• Conversion process: Media is hosted on provider servers, SMS includes access link
• Media size limits: Check your provider's limits (typically 300 KB – 500 KB)
• URL expiration: Links typically expire after 30 days
• Best practices: Use short URLs and include clear context ("View your invoice: [link]")

Recipient Phone Number Compatibility

Number Portability

Oman supports number portability, allowing users to keep their phone numbers when switching between mobile operators. This feature does not impact your SMS delivery or routing – messages automatically route to the current carrier.

Sending SMS to Landlines

You cannot send SMS to landline numbers in Oman. Attempts fail with a 400 error (code 21614), do not appear in logs, and incur no charges.

SMS Compliance and Regulatory Guidelines for Oman

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) regulates SMS communications in Oman. Comply with TRA guidelines and the Oman Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), which became effective in February 2023. Executive Regulations were published February 4, 2024, with a compliance deadline originally set for February 5, 2025, now extended to February 5, 2026 per Ministerial Decision 6/2025.

TRA Enforcement: The TRA actively monitors SMS traffic through carrier reporting systems. Non-compliance results in sender ID suspension, message blocking, and financial penalties (amounts determined case-by-case).

Oman Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) Requirements

The PDPL requires strict compliance when processing personal data, including phone numbers for SMS marketing:

• Explicit Consent: Obtain explicit consent from data subjects – the ONLY lawful basis for processing personal data under the PDPL. Implied or assumed consent is insufficient.
  • Implementation: Use double opt-in forms with clear checkboxes
  • Documentation: Store timestamp, IP address, consent text, and source URL
  • Template: "I agree to receive SMS marketing from [Company] at [frequency]. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
• Data Protection Officer: Appoint a data protection officer and maintain records of all data processing activities.
• Data Breach Notification: Notify the Ministry of Transport, Communications & Information Technology within 72 hours of discovering any data breach threatening data subject rights.
• International Data Transfers: Obtain express consent before transferring personal data outside Oman. Maintain protection levels equivalent to the PDPL.
• Maximum Penalties: Up to OMR 500,000 (approximately USD 1.3 million) for unlawful data transfers.

Source: Oman Personal Data Protection Law (2023), Executive Regulations (February 2024), Ministerial Decision 6/2025

2025 TRA Retail Tariff Regulations

The TRA introduced new retail tariff regulations in 2025 to enhance transparency and consumer protection:

• SMS Notifications: Send SMS notifications for roaming activation (with applicable tariffs), subscription changes, and transaction confirmations.
• Explicit Consent: Obtain explicit consent for all subscriptions, renewals, upgrades, or downgrades. Send immediate SMS confirmation for each transaction.
• OTP Verification: Use SMS-based one-time password (OTP) verification for all online subscriptions using payment cards.

Source: TRA Retail Tariff Regulations (2025)

Consent and Opt-In

Obtain explicit consent before sending marketing or promotional messages:

• Collect written or digital opt-in confirmation
• Maintain detailed records: timestamp, source, IP address, consent text
• Provide clear information about message frequency and content type
• Implement double opt-in for marketing campaigns
• Store consent records for at least two years

Database schema example:

CREATE TABLE consent_records (
  id UUID PRIMARY KEY,
  phone_number VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL,
  consent_timestamp TIMESTAMP NOT NULL,
  ip_address VARCHAR(45),
  consent_text TEXT NOT NULL,
  source_url VARCHAR(255),
  double_opt_in_confirmed BOOLEAN DEFAULT false,
  opt_out_timestamp TIMESTAMP
);

HELP/STOP and Other Commands

Support these commands in both English and Arabic:

• STOP/إيقاف
• UNSUBSCRIBE/إلغاء_الاشتراك
• HELP/مساعدة

Include opt-out instructions in your message's primary language. Process responses within 24 hours.

Implementation example:

async function processInboundMessage(from: string, body: string) {
  const normalized = body.trim().toLowerCase();

  if (['stop', 'إيقاف', 'unsubscribe', 'إلغاء_الاشتراك'].includes(normalized)) {
    await addToSuppressionList(from);
    await sendConfirmation(from, 'You have been unsubscribed.');
  } else if (['help', 'مساعدة'].includes(normalized)) {
    await sendHelpMessage(from);
  }
}

Do Not Call / Do Not Disturb Registries

While Oman does not maintain a centralized Do Not Call registry, you must:

• Maintain your own suppression lists
• Honor opt-out requests within 24 hours
• Implement proper documentation of opt-out requests
• Regularly clean contact lists to remove unsubscribed numbers
• Proactively filter numbers that have previously opted out before sending campaigns

Time Zone Sensitivity

Oman uses GMT+4 (no daylight saving time). Follow these guidelines:

Prayer times (avoid sending ±15 minutes):

• Fajr: ~5:00 AM – 5:30 AM
• Dhuhr: ~12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
• Asr: ~3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
• Maghrib: ~6:00 PM – 6:30 PM (varies seasonally)
• Isha: ~7:30 PM – 8:00 PM

National holidays (no marketing SMS):

• National Day (November 18)
• Eid al-Fitr (dates vary)
• Eid al-Adha (dates vary)
• Islamic New Year (dates vary)

How to Register Sender IDs and Choose SMS Number Types in Oman

Sender ID registration is mandatory for business SMS in Oman. Follow this step-by-step process to register your alphanumeric sender ID with Omantel and Ooredoo carriers.

Alphanumeric Sender ID Registration

Operator network capability: Supported and required for business messaging Registration requirements: Pre-registration required – allow 14–18 days for approval. Ooredoo (MCC 42203) specifically requires registration. No registration fee. Sender ID preservation: Registered IDs are preserved; unregistered IDs may be overwritten

Registration process:

1. Contact your SMS provider (Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird, or Plivo)
2. Submit required documentation:
   • Sender ID (alphanumeric, 3–11 characters)
   • Company name and registration documents
   • Sample message content (3–5 examples)
   • Company website URL
   • No Objection Certificate (NOC) letter
3. Provider submits to Omantel/Ooredoo
4. Receive approval (14–18 days)

NOC letter template:

Date: [Date]
To: [Carrier Name]

Re: No Objection Certificate for Sender ID Registration

[Company Name] hereby requests registration of the sender ID "[SENDER_ID]"
for SMS messaging in Oman. We confirm that:

1. All messages will comply with TRA regulations and PDPL requirements
2. We will obtain explicit consent before sending marketing messages
3. We will honor opt-out requests within 24 hours
4. Sample message content is attached for review

Authorized Signature: _________________
Name: [Full Name]
Title: [Job Title]
Company Stamp: [Stamp]

Source: Twilio Registration Requirements (2025), MessageBird Support Documentation

Long Codes

Domestic vs. International: Use international long codes – domestic codes are not available Sender ID preservation: No, carriers typically overwrite international long codes Provisioning time: Immediate for international numbers Use cases: Recommended for transactional messages and two-factor authentication. Ensure phone numbers follow E.164 format for proper international delivery.

Short Codes

Support: Not currently supported in Oman Provisioning time: N/A Use cases: N/A

Restricted SMS Content, Industries, and Use Cases

Avoid these restricted content types and industries:

• Gambling and betting: Keywords like "casino," "bet," "poker," "lottery"
• Adult content: Explicit language, dating services, adult entertainment
• Political messaging: Campaign promotions, political advocacy
• Religious content: Requires authorization from Ministry of Endowments
• Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, crypto trading, ICOs, investment schemes
• Unauthorized pharmaceuticals: Prescription drugs without proper licensing

PDPL Compliance for SMS Campaigns

Follow these requirements when collecting and processing phone numbers:

• Obtain explicit written or digital consent before adding numbers to contact lists
• Appoint a data protection officer if you process significant volumes of personal data
• Implement technical security measures:
  • Encryption: AES-256 for data at rest, TLS 1.2+ for data in transit
  • Access controls: Role-based access (RBAC) with least privilege principle
  • Authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for database access
  • Audit logging: Track all access and modifications with timestamps
• Maintain consent audit logs with timestamps and sources
• Obtain express consent before transferring contact databases outside Oman
• Verify international SMS providers maintain PDPL-equivalent protections

Data retention: Keep consent records for at least two years, but delete phone numbers within a reasonable timeframe after opt-out or when you no longer need them for the original purpose.

Source: Oman Personal Data Protection Law Executive Regulations (2024)

Content Filtering

Carriers filter based on these rules:

Both carriers (Omantel & Ooredoo):

• Keywords related to restricted industries
• URLs from suspicious domains
• High-frequency identical messages
• Messages without proper sender ID registration

Omantel-specific:

• Stricter URL filtering for unregistered domains
• Enhanced keyword filtering for financial terms

Ooredoo-specific:

• More lenient with registered business accounts
• Faster whitelisting process for verified senders

Avoid blocking:

• Use registered sender IDs
• Whitelist your domains with carriers
• Vary message content slightly for bulk sends
• Include clear business identification
• Use approved message templates

Best Practices for SMS Marketing and Messaging in Oman

Messaging Strategy

• Keep messages under 160 characters when possible
• Include clear calls-to-action ("Shop now," "Verify account")
• Use approved message templates
• Personalize messages:
  Hi {{firstName}}, your order #{{orderId}} ships today!
  
• Maintain consistent branding (use same sender ID)
• A/B testing for Oman:
  • Test Arabic vs. English (segment by language preference)
  • Test morning (9 AM) vs. evening (7 PM) sends
  • Test short (80 chars) vs. medium (140 chars) length
  • Measure: delivery rate, engagement rate, conversion rate

Sending Frequency and Timing

• Limit to 3–4 messages per week per recipient
• Respect local prayer times
• Observe religious and national holidays
• Avoid sending during sleeping hours

Localization

• Support both Arabic and English
• Use proper character encoding:
  typescript

  // UCS-2 encoding for Arabic
  const arabicMessage = 'مرحبا بك في متجرنا';
  const encoding = 'UCS-2'; // 70 chars per segment
  
• Right-to-left (RTL) best practices:
  • Avoid mixing Arabic and Latin characters in same line
  • Place punctuation correctly: مرحبا! (not !مرحبا)
  • Test on both iOS and Android devices
• Consider cultural sensitivities (avoid religious/political references)
• Include language preference in opt-in process
• Maintain separate templates for each language

Opt-Out Management

• Process opt-outs within 24 hours
• Send confirmation of opt-out
• Maintain centralized opt-out database
• Regularly audit opt-out compliance
• Train staff on opt-out procedures

Testing and Monitoring

• Test messages across both carriers (Omantel and Ooredoo)
• Monitor delivery rates by carrier
• Track engagement metrics
• Regularly test opt-out functionality
• Document and analyze delivery failures

KPIs and benchmarks for Oman:

How to Send SMS via API in Oman: Integration Guide

Integrate SMS functionality into your applications using these popular API providers. Each supports Oman SMS delivery with proper sender ID registration and compliance features.

Twilio

Send SMS to Oman using Twilio's REST API. Authenticate with your account SID and auth token.

import { Twilio } from 'twilio';

// Initialize Twilio client with your credentials
const client = new Twilio(
  process.env.TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID,
  process.env.TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN
);

async function sendSMS() {
  try {
    // Send message with required parameters for Oman
    const message = await client.messages.create({
      body: 'Your message here', // Keep under 160 chars for single SMS
      from: 'YOUR_REGISTERED_SENDER_ID', // Must be pre-registered
      to: '+96812345678', // Oman number in E.164 format
      statusCallback: 'https://your-callback-url.com/status', // Delivery status webhook
    });

    console.log(`Message sent with SID: ${message.sid}`);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error sending message:', error);
  }
}

// Webhook handler for delivery status
app.post('/status', (req, res) => {
  const { MessageSid, MessageStatus, ErrorCode } = req.body;

  console.log(`Message ${MessageSid}: ${MessageStatus}`);

  if (ErrorCode) {
    // Handle specific errors
    if (ErrorCode === '21614') {
      console.error('Landline number - cannot deliver SMS');
    }
  }

  res.sendStatus(200);
});

Note: If you're also sending SMS to US numbers, review 10DLC SMS registration requirements and learn about FCC compliance process.

Sinch

Send SMS securely to Oman using Sinch's REST API with JWT authentication.

import { SinchClient } from '@sinch/sdk-core';

// Initialize Sinch client
const sinchClient = new SinchClient({
  projectId: 'YOUR_PROJECT_ID',
  apiToken: 'YOUR_API_TOKEN'
});

async function sendSMS() {
  try {
    const response = await sinchClient.sms.batches.send({
      from: 'YOUR_SENDER_ID', // Pre-registered alphanumeric ID
      to: ['+96812345678'],
      body: 'Your message content',
      // Optional parameters for Oman
      encoding: 'AUTO', // Handles Arabic text automatically
      deliveryReport: 'FULL'
    });

    console.log('Batch ID:', response.id);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Sending failed:', error);
  }
}

MessageBird

Send SMS to Oman using MessageBird's straightforward API with comprehensive delivery tracking.

import { MessageBirdClient } from 'messagebird';

// Initialize MessageBird client
const messagebird = new MessageBirdClient('YOUR_ACCESS_KEY');

// Function to send SMS
const sendSMS = async () => {
  const params = {
    originator: 'YOUR_SENDER_ID',
    recipients: ['+96812345678'],
    body: 'Your message here',
    datacoding: 'auto', // Handles both GSM and Unicode
    reportUrl: 'https://your-webhook-url.com'
  };

  try {
    const response = await messagebird.messages.create(params);
    console.log('Message sent:', response);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error:', error);
  }
};

Plivo

Use Plivo's feature-rich API for high-volume SMS sending to Oman.

import { Client } from 'plivo';

// Initialize Plivo client
const client = new Client(
  process.env.PLIVO_AUTH_ID,
  process.env.PLIVO_AUTH_TOKEN
);

async function sendSMS() {
  try {
    const response = await client.messages.create({
      src: 'YOUR_SENDER_ID', // Registered sender ID
      dst: '96812345678', // Oman number without +
      text: 'Your message content',
      // Optional parameters
      url_strip_query: false, // Preserve URL parameters
      method: 'POST',
      log: true // Enable detailed logging
    });

    console.log('Message UUID:', response.messageUuid);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Failed to send:', error);
  }
}

API Rate Limits and Throughput

Rate limits for Oman vary by provider:

Scaling architecture example:

import { Queue } from 'bullmq';
import Redis from 'ioredis';

const redis = new Redis();
const smsQueue = new Queue('sms', { connection: redis });

// Add messages to queue
async function queueBulkSMS(recipients: string[], message: string) {
  const jobs = recipients.map(phone => ({
    name: 'send-sms',
    data: { phone, message },
    opts: {
      attempts: 3,
      backoff: { type: 'exponential', delay: 2000 }
    }
  }));

  await smsQueue.addBulk(jobs);
}

// Process queue with rate limiting
import { Worker } from 'bullmq';
import { RateLimiter } from 'limiter';

const limiter = new RateLimiter({ tokensPerInterval: 100, interval: 'second' });

new Worker('sms', async job => {
  await limiter.removeTokens(1);
  await sendSMS(job.data.phone, job.data.message);
}, { connection: redis });

Error Handling and Reporting

Handle errors effectively:

• Log all API responses and errors
• Implement retry logic for temporary failures
• Monitor delivery rates by carrier
• Set up automated alerts (error rate >5%)
• Store delivery receipts for at least 90 days

Common error codes:

Troubleshooting decision tree:

Message failed?
├─ Error 21xxx (API error)
│  ├─ 21211: Fix phone number format
│  ├─ 21408: Register sender ID
│  └─ 21610: Review content for spam
├─ Error 30xxx (carrier error)
│  ├─ 30003: Retry with exponential backoff
│  └─ 30005: Mark number as invalid
└─ No error code: Check carrier status page

Frequently Asked Questions About Oman SMS Compliance

Is two-way SMS supported in Oman?

No, major SMS providers in Oman do not support two-way SMS functionality. If you need interactive messaging, consider using one-way SMS with web links or app-based reply mechanisms, or explore alternative communication channels like WhatsApp Business API.

How long does sender ID registration take in Oman?

Sender ID registration in Oman takes 14–18 days for approval. Ooredoo (MCC 42203) specifically requires pre-registration, while there is no fee for sender ID registration. You must provide your sender ID, company name, sample message content, company URL, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) letter.

What are the PDPL requirements for SMS marketing in Oman?

The Oman Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) requires explicit consent – the ONLY lawful basis for processing personal data. You must appoint a data protection officer, notify authorities within 72 hours of data breaches, obtain express consent for international data transfers, and maintain PDPL-equivalent protection levels. Penalties reach up to OMR 500,000 (approximately USD 1.3 million) for unlawful data transfers.

When is the PDPL compliance deadline in Oman?

The PDPL Executive Regulations became effective on February 4, 2024. The compliance deadline was originally February 5, 2025, but has been extended to February 5, 2026 under Ministerial Decision 6/2025. All businesses processing personal data in Oman must comply by this extended deadline or face significant penalties.

Source: Ministerial Decision 6/2025 (January 2025)

What time can I send SMS messages in Oman?

Send standard SMS messages between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM local time (GMT+4) in Oman. Emergency notifications can be sent 24/7. Avoid sending during prayer times and adjust timing during Ramadan to respect fasting hours and cultural sensitivities.

Do I need to register a sender ID for both Omantel and Ooredoo?

Registration requirements vary by operator. Ooredoo (MCC 42203) specifically requires sender ID registration, which takes 14–18 days. Check with your SMS provider for Omantel-specific requirements. Registered sender IDs are preserved, while unregistered IDs may be overwritten by carriers.

What content is restricted in Oman SMS campaigns?

Oman restricts SMS content related to gambling and betting, adult content, political messaging, unauthorized religious content, cryptocurrency and speculative investments, and unauthorized pharmaceutical products. Use registered sender IDs and avoid suspicious URLs to prevent carrier filtering.

How do I comply with opt-out requirements in Oman?

Support STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, and HELP commands in both English and Arabic. Process opt-out requests within 24 hours, send confirmation messages, maintain your own suppression lists, and proactively filter opted-out numbers before sending campaigns. Store consent records for at least two years.

Recap and Additional Resources

Key Takeaways:

• Pre-register sender IDs before sending (allow 14–18 days for Ooredoo)
• Comply with PDPL requirements: explicit consent is the ONLY lawful basis for data processing
• Respect local time zones and cultural considerations (GMT+4, send 8 AM – 9 PM)
• Implement proper opt-out handling (process within 24 hours)
• Monitor delivery rates and errors
• Follow content restrictions and regulations
• Meet PDPL compliance deadline (extended to February 5, 2026 per Ministerial Decision 6/2025)

Next Steps:

1. Review TRA regulations at tra.gov.om
2. Consult legal counsel for PDPL compliance review before February 5, 2026 (extended deadline)
3. Register sender IDs with your chosen provider (Ooredoo MCC 42203 requires registration)
4. Implement proper consent management and data protection measures
5. Appoint a data protection officer if you process significant personal data volumes
6. Set up monitoring and reporting for delivery rates and compliance
7. Review our 10DLC SMS registration guide if sending to US numbers
8. Learn about phone number lookup for validating recipient numbers
9. Understand TCR 10DLC requirements for US-based campaigns

Additional Resources:

• Oman TRA Official Website
• Oman Personal Data Protection Law (2023) – Available through Ministry of Transport, Communications & Information Technology
• PDPL Executive Regulations (February 2024) – Contact legal advisors for official text
• E.164 Phone Number Format Guide – Ensure proper international SMS delivery
• Provider-specific documentation:
  • Twilio Oman Guidelines
  • Twilio Sender ID Registration
  • Sinch Documentation
  • MessageBird API Docs
  • Plivo API Reference

Compliance Notice: This guide provides general information about SMS regulations in Oman as of 2025. Regulations may change. Always consult with qualified legal counsel and verify current requirements with the TRA and Ministry of Transport, Communications & Information Technology before launching SMS campaigns in Oman.