When dialing land line numbers outside the local calling area, one more digit – the number one (1), will be added to the six geographic zone codes in the Kingdom. The Riyadh area (now 011) was implemented Monday, May 13, 2013 and all other geographic areas (including Jeddah) will begin on Sunday, August 18, 2013. As stated by the Communications and Information Technology Commission:
All land line numbers in the Kingdom will be modified by adding the digit one (1) after the zero in the current zone codes. The zone codes 01, 02, 03, 04, 06 and 07 will become 011, 012, 013, 014, 016 and 017; for example, Riyadh 011 425 xxx5, Jeddah 012 278 xxx5, etc.
This change will be carried out in phases rather than all at once. On Monday, May 13, 2013, the Riyadh geographic area will be the first stage of the conversion. On Sunday, Aug 18, 2013, the change will be applied to all other geographic areas of the Kingdom.
The change experienced by subscribers will be limited to adding one digit to the six geographic zone codes. Adding this digit will change only the method of dialing to land line numbers outside the local calling area.
Find out more on the Communications and Information Technology Commission website.