Civil Defense Runs Nationwide Siren, Phone Alert Tests

The General Directorate of Civil Defense is carrying out periodic nationwide tests of fixed sirens and mobile phone alerts as part of the National Early Warning Platform through cellular broadcast during 2025 and 2026. The tests are designed to ensure public readiness and confirm the efficiency of emergency alert systems across the Kingdom.

A major test took place on November 3, 2025. Fixed sirens were activated in Riyadh — including the governorates of Diriyah, Al-Kharj and Al-Dilam — as well as in the Tabuk region and the Makkah region, covering the governorates of Jeddah and Thuwal. Nationwide mobile alerts were also sent to devices across all regions. The schedule included a new early warning behavior tone at 1:00 p.m., a national alert tone at 1:10 p.m., and activation of fixed sirens in selected areas at 1:15 p.m.

The National Early Warning Platform uses cellular broadcast to deliver messages with a distinctive alert tone to phones connected to networks nationwide. Message categories include national warning messages, emergency warnings, trial messages and exercises. Critical and exercise messages activate audible signals of about 10 to 11 seconds even when a device is on silent, while trial messages for monthly tests are optional for alarm activation.

What the tones mean

An intermittent tone lasting around 60 seconds signals imminent danger and the need to take protective action. A wailing tone of about 60 seconds indicates an active threat, while a continuous tone of around 30 seconds signals the all-clear.

During a real alert, residents should move immediately to the nearest safe place inside a building or an interior room away from windows and remain there until the danger passes. During scheduled tests, no public action is required beyond being aware that systems are being checked. Users can manage receipt of trial and exercise messages through the national e-government subscription settings.

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