Saudi Emergency Alert System Tested in Riyadh, Al-Kharj

The General Directorate of Civil Defense has carried out consecutive technical tests of the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies covering the city of Riyadh and the governorates of Diriyah, Al-Kharj, and Al-Dilam, as part of an expanded rollout of digital civil protection tools across the Kingdom.

The platform is a digital system that warns the public during emergencies through cell broadcast alerts pushed automatically to mobile phones connected to Saudi networks, alongside fixed sirens. Messages arrive with a distinctive alert tone and Arabic text, often with an English version in major cities. The service is public, automatic, and free of charge for all residents and visitors, with no fees and no subscription required.

During the recent tests, the platform broadcast messages using a new "behavior tone," followed by the national alert tone, then activation of fixed sirens to verify readiness and coverage. Tests are scheduled and announced in advance so residents become familiar with the tones and the correct response behavior. Delivery across all licensed mobile operators is regulated in coordination with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission.

What to do when you receive an alert

Read the full message and note the affected area, then follow the instructions provided, such as seeking shelter, staying indoors, avoiding windows, moving to safe areas, and not gathering or filming. If you notice danger or need help, call 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 998 in other regions.

Because alerts are network-level broadcasts, no app or account is needed to receive them; platforms such as Absher, Muqeem, or Tawakkalna are not required. Civil Defense and official government accounts and websites provide follow-up updates, including confirmation once danger has passed. The expanded testing helps ensure the system reaches the public quickly and reliably when a real emergency occurs.

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