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WhatsApp guide

50 WhatsApp Business greeting and away messages, in Saudi dialect and English

Looking for a greeting that sounds like a real person, or an away message that doesn’t leave customers feeling ignored? Here are 50 ready messages, written in Saudi dialect with an English version of each, grouped by use: from greetings and after-hours replies to clinic appointments, property viewing follow-ups and payment reminders. Copy the one you need, fill in the brackets, and you’re done.

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In short

WhatsApp Business greeting and away messages are fixed texts the app sends automatically: the greeting with a customer’s first message or after 14 days without contact, and the away message outside your hours. Here are 50 ready templates in Saudi dialect with English twins, grouped by use: greetings, away, seasonal, orders, appointments, real estate, events, registration, payment reminders and feedback requests.

How to use these messages

The WhatsApp Business app has three free tools that work with these messages. The greeting message and the away message go out on their own, without you touching your phone; our WhatsApp Business auto reply guide covers turning them on in detail. The rest (orders, appointments, payments and feedback) are best saved as quick replies, which you send yourself in seconds by typing “/” in a chat.

The app lets you store up to 50 quick replies, so you could save this whole library if you wanted to. It’s better, though, to pick the ones that fit your business and rewrite them in your own voice, so customers feel they’re talking to real people, not a machine.

Each template shows the English version first and then the Saudi Arabic original in «» quotes, so you can send whichever fits your customer. Words in curly brackets, like {name}, {order number} and {time}, are placeholders for the real details. Note that the app’s greeting and away messages are one fixed text for everyone and the app doesn’t fill in the customer’s name, which is why the greeting and away templates here leave {name} out. And if you want customers to reach you in one tap from your website or Instagram bio, make a direct chat link with our free WhatsApp link generator.

How to set greeting and away messages in WhatsApp Business

These steps follow the WhatsApp Help Center. Menu names can differ slightly between Android, iPhone and app versions.

  1. Greeting message

    Open Tools, tap Greeting message and turn on Send greeting message. Tap the text, paste your message, then choose recipients: Everyone, Everyone not in address book, Everyone except people you select, or Only send to people you select. Details in the WhatsApp Help Center.

  2. Away message

    From Tools tap Away message, turn on Send away message and paste your text. Details in the WhatsApp Help Center.

  3. Away message schedule

    Choose Always send, Custom schedule for a period you set (useful for Eid and holidays), or Outside of business hours. The last option only appears once you’ve set business hours in your business profile, and your phone needs an internet connection for away messages to go out.

  4. Quick replies for everything else

    From Tools tap Quick replies, then the plus sign. Paste the message and give it a shortcut like /order or /appointment. In any chat, type “/” to pull them up. Details in the WhatsApp Help Center.

WhatsApp greeting messages (1 to 5)

Use these as your greeting message. Short, warm, and clear about what the customer should do next:

  • General greeting: “Hi there, and welcome to {business name}! How can we help? Send your question or order and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.” / «هلا والله، حياك الله في {اسم النشاط}! وش نقدر نخدمك فيه؟ اكتب سؤالك أو طلبك وبنرد عليك بأسرع وقت.»
  • Greeting with opening hours: “Welcome to {business name}. We’re open {time} to {time}, Sunday to Thursday, and we answer messages during those hours. Send us your question and we’ll take care of it.” / «أهلين فيك في {اسم النشاط}. دوامنا من {الساعة} لين {الساعة} من الأحد للخميس، ونرد على الرسائل في نفس الوقت. اكتب سؤالك وأبشر بالرد.»
  • Store greeting: “Welcome to {store name}! You can browse our products and prices in the catalog. If you have an existing order, send the order number and we’ll check on it right away.” / «حياك في {اسم المتجر}! تقدر تشوف المنتجات والأسعار من الكتالوج، ولو عندك طلب سابق اكتب رقم الطلب ونتابعه لك على طول.»
  • Numbered options greeting: “Welcome to {business name}! To help you faster, reply with a number: 1 for prices, 2 to book, 3 to track an order, 4 to talk to someone.” / «هلا فيك في {اسم النشاط}! عشان نخدمك أسرع اكتب الرقم اللي يناسبك: 1 للأسعار، 2 للحجز، 3 لمتابعة طلب، 4 للكلام مع موظف.» (The app doesn’t route chats by number, but it makes sorting easier for your team.)
  • Bilingual greeting: “Welcome to {business name}! هلا وغلا في {اسم النشاط}. Write in English or Arabic and we’ll reply soon.” / «هلا وغلا في {اسم النشاط}! Welcome to {business name}. اكتب بالعربي أو English وبنرد عليك قريب.»

Away and after-hours messages (6 to 10)

Use these as your away message and pick the right schedule. Above all, tell customers when you’ll be back:

  • End of day: “Thanks, we got your message! We’re closed for today and back tomorrow at {time} am. We’ll reply as soon as we’re in.” / «وصلتنا رسالتك، تسلم! دوامنا خلص لليوم ونرجع بكرة الساعة {الساعة} الصبح، وأول ما نبدأ بنرد عليك إن شاء الله.»
  • Weekend: “Hi! We’re off for the weekend and back on Sunday at {time}. Your message is safe with us and we’ll answer it first thing.” / «هلا فيك! اليوم إجازة نهاية الأسبوع ونرجع يوم الأحد الساعة {الساعة}. رسالتك محفوظة عندنا وبنرد عليك أول شي.»
  • Prayer time or break: “Thanks for reaching out. Our team is away for prayer and will be back in about half an hour. Send your full question so we can answer it straight away.” / «حياك الله، فريقنا مستأذن وقت الصلاة وبنرجع لك خلال نص ساعة تقريبًا. اكتب سؤالك كامل عشان نرد عليك على طول.»
  • Busy period: “Hi, we’re getting a lot of messages right now, so sorry for the wait. You’re in the queue and we’ll reply within {time frame}. If it’s urgent, call {phone number}.” / «أهلين، عندنا ضغط رسائل هالحين ونعتذر عن التأخير. رسالتك بالدور وبنرد عليك خلال {المدة}. لو الموضوع مستعجل اتصل على {الرقم}.»
  • After hours with a link: “Good evening! We’re closed right now, but you can order or book here: {link}, and we’ll confirm as soon as we’re back at {time}.” / «مساء الخير! إحنا برا الدوام هالحين، بس تقدر تطلب أو تحجز من هنا: {الرابط}، وبنأكد لك أول ما نرجع الساعة {الساعة}.»

Seasonal messages: Ramadan, Eid and national days (11 to 15)

Change your away message the day before, and use Custom schedule so your usual message comes back on its own after the holiday:

  • Ramadan: “Ramadan Kareem! During Ramadan we’re open {time} to {time}. Messages that arrive after hours get a reply the next day.” / «مبارك عليكم الشهر وكل عام وأنتم بخير! دوامنا في رمضان من {الساعة} لين {الساعة}، والرسائل اللي توصل بعدها نرد عليها ثاني يوم.»
  • Eid al-Fitr: “Eid Mubarak! We’re on Eid holiday from {date} to {date} and back answering messages on {date}. You can still order on our website: {link}.” / «عيدكم مبارك وعساكم من عواده! إحنا في إجازة العيد من {التاريخ} لين {التاريخ}، ونرجع نرد عليكم يوم {التاريخ}. وتقدرون تطلبون من الموقع: {الرابط}.»
  • Eid al-Adha: “Eid al-Adha Mubarak, and may God accept from us and from you. Our offices are closed until {date}, and we’ll reply to your message as soon as we’re back.” / «كل عام وأنتم بخير بمناسبة عيد الأضحى، تقبل الله منا ومنكم. مكاتبنا مقفلة لين {التاريخ}، وبنرد على رسالتك أول ما نرجع.»
  • Saudi National Day (23 September): “Happy Saudi National Day! Today we’re open {time} to {time}, and we’ll reply to your message as soon as we can.” / «كل عام والوطن بخير! بمناسبة اليوم الوطني دوامنا اليوم من {الساعة} لين {الساعة}، ورسالتك بنرد عليها بأقرب وقت.»
  • Founding Day (22 February): “Happy Founding Day! We’re on holiday and back on {date}. Your message is safe with us.” / «كل عام والسعودية بخير بمناسبة يوم التأسيس! إحنا في إجازة ونرجع لكم يوم {التاريخ}، ورسالتك محفوظة عندنا.»

Order received and order status messages (16 to 20)

Save these as quick replies (like /received and /shipped). They work for any store, restaurant or delivery service:

  • Order received: “Hi {name}, we’ve received your order {order number} and we’re preparing it now. We’ll message you as soon as it’s out for delivery.” / «هلا {الاسم}، وصلنا طلبك رقم {رقم الطلب} وجالسين نجهزه. بنرسل لك رسالة أول ما يطلع للتوصيل.»
  • Shipped: “Good news, {name}: your order {order number} is on its way with the courier. Track it here: {tracking link}. Delivery usually takes about {time frame}.” / «أبشرك {الاسم}، طلبك {رقم الطلب} طلع مع شركة الشحن. تقدر تتابعه من هنا: {رابط التتبع}، والتوصيل ياخذ تقريبًا {المدة}.»
  • Delay: “{name}, we’re sorry, your order {order number} is running a little late because of {reason}. The new expected date is {date}. Let us know if you’d like to change or cancel it.” / «{الاسم}، نعتذر منك، طلبك {رقم الطلب} تأخر شوي بسبب {السبب}. الموعد المتوقع الجديد {التاريخ}، ولو تبي تعدل أو تلغي علمنا.»
  • Ready for pickup: “Hi {name}, your order is ready for pickup at our {district} branch. Here’s the map: {link}. We’re open until {time}.” / «هلا {الاسم}، طلبك جاهز للاستلام من فرعنا في {الحي}. موقعنا على الخريطة: {الرابط}، والدوام لين الساعة {الساعة}.»
  • Delivered: “{name}, your order has been delivered. If anything isn’t right or you’d like to return it, message us here within {number} days.” / «{الاسم}، طلبك وصل بالسلامة إن شاء الله. لو فيه أي ملاحظة على المنتج أو تبي ترجعه كلمنا هنا خلال {عدد} أيام.»

Clinic appointment confirmation messages (21 to 25)

The everyday messages of a clinic front desk. If you want bookings to run without tying up your receptionist, see WhatsApp for clinics:

  • Appointment confirmed: “Hi {name}, your appointment at {clinic name} with {doctor’s name} on {day} at {time} is confirmed. Please arrive 15 minutes early with your ID and insurance card.” / «هلا {الاسم}، تأكد موعدك في {اسم العيادة} مع {اسم الطبيب} يوم {اليوم} الساعة {الساعة}. ياليت تحضر قبل موعدك بربع ساعة ومعك الهوية وبطاقة التأمين.»
  • Day-before reminder: “A reminder of your appointment tomorrow, {day}, at {time} at {clinic name}. Reply 1 to confirm, or 2 if you’d like to change it.” / «تذكير بموعدك بكرة {اليوم} الساعة {الساعة} في {اسم العيادة}. اكتب 1 للتأكيد، أو 2 لو تبي تغير الموعد.»
  • Booking request: “Welcome to {clinic name}. To book, send your full name, mobile number, the department or service you need and a time that suits you, and our receptionist will confirm.” / «حياك الله في {اسم العيادة}. عشان نحجز لك أرسل: الاسم الكامل، رقم الجوال، القسم أو الخدمة، والوقت اللي يناسبك، وموظف الاستقبال يأكد لك.»
  • Reschedule: “{name}, we’re sorry, the doctor is unavailable on {day}. We have {first slot} or {second slot} open. Which works for you?” / «{الاسم}، نعتذر منك، الطبيب عنده ظرف يوم {اليوم}. المواعيد المتاحة: {الموعد الأول} أو {الموعد الثاني}، وش يناسبك؟»
  • After the visit: “We hope you’re feeling better, {name}. If you have any questions about the doctor’s instructions, message us here. In an emergency, call an ambulance on 997.” / «الحمد لله على السلامة يا {الاسم}. لو عندك أي سؤال عن التعليمات اللي عطاك إياها الطبيب راسلنا هنا، وللحالات الطارئة اتصل بالإسعاف على 997.»

Real estate viewing follow-up messages (26 to 30)

A buyer who viewed a unit and never heard back usually goes elsewhere. These follow-ups keep you top of mind. For more, see WhatsApp for real estate:

  • After the viewing: “Hi {name}, it was great to show you {unit} today. What did you think? If you have any questions about the price or payment plan, I’m here.” / «هلا {الاسم}، تشرفنا بزيارتك اليوم لـ {الوحدة}. وش رايك فيها؟ لو عندك أي سؤال عن السعر أو طريقة الدفع أنا حاضر.»
  • Sending details: “As promised, here are the details for {unit}: {size} square metres, {number of rooms} rooms, priced at {price}. Photos and the floor plan are here: {link}.” / «مثل ما وعدتك، هذي تفاصيل {الوحدة}: المساحة {المساحة} متر، {عدد الغرف} غرف، والسعر {السعر}. الصور والمخطط هنا: {الرابط}.»
  • Follow-up a few days later: “Good evening {name}, just checking in: have you found the right place yet? We have new options in {district} if you’d like to see them.” / «مساء الخير {الاسم}، حبيت أتطمن هل لقيت الوحدة اللي تناسبك؟ نزل عندنا خيارات جديدة في {الحي} لو حاب تشوفها.»
  • Viewing confirmed: “Your viewing of {unit} is on {day} at {time}. Location: {link}. {agent name} will meet you there and can be reached on {phone number}.” / «موعد معاينتك لـ {الوحدة} يوم {اليوم} الساعة {الساعة}. الموقع: {الرابط}، وبيستقبلك {اسم الموظف} على الرقم {الرقم}.»
  • Financing question: “About your financing question: we can put you in touch with {lender} so you know how much you can borrow before you decide. Would a call tomorrow suit you?” / «بخصوص سؤالك عن التمويل، نقدر نرتب لك تواصل مع {جهة التمويل} عشان تعرف المبلغ المتاح لك قبل ما تقرر. يناسبك نكلمك بكرة؟»

Event and conference messages (31 to 35)

From the invitation to the thank-you afterwards. If you have thousands of attendees and the questions never stop, see WhatsApp for events:

  • Invitation: “We’d be delighted to have you at {event name} on {date}. To confirm, reply “attending”, and if someone is coming with you, send their name.” / «يسعدنا تشريفك في {اسم الفعالية} يوم {التاريخ}. للتأكيد اكتب «حاضر»، ولو معك أحد اكتب اسمه.»
  • Registration confirmed: “Hi {name}, your registration for {event name} is confirmed. It’s on {date} at {time} at {venue}, and your ticket is here: {link}.” / «هلا {الاسم}، تأكد تسجيلك في {اسم الفعالية}. الموعد {التاريخ} الساعة {الساعة} في {المكان}، وتذكرتك هنا: {الرابط}.»
  • Reminder: “One day to go until {event name}! Doors open at {time} and parking is through gate {gate number}. Don’t forget your ticket on your phone.” / «باقي يوم على {اسم الفعالية}! الأبواب تفتح الساعة {الساعة}، والمواقف من بوابة {رقم البوابة}. لا تنسى تذكرتك على جوالك.»
  • Change of time or venue: “Important update: the {time or venue} for {event name} has changed to {new details}. Your ticket still works and you don’t need to do anything.” / «تنبيه مهم: تغير {الموعد أو المكان} لـ {اسم الفعالية} وصار {التفاصيل الجديدة}. تذكرتك نفسها شغالة وما تحتاج تسوي شي.»
  • Thank you: “Thanks for joining us at {event name}, {name}! Photos and slides are here: {link}. See you at the next one.” / «شكرًا على حضورك {اسم الفعالية} يا {الاسم}! الصور والعروض هنا: {الرابط}، ونشوفك في الفعالية الجاية.»

Education and registration messages (36 to 40)

For schools, institutes and training centres, from open registration to class reminders:

  • Registration open: “Hi {name}, registration for {program name} is open until {date}. Places are limited, and you can register here: {link}.” / «هلا {الاسم}، التسجيل في {اسم البرنامج} مفتوح لين {التاريخ}. المقاعد محدودة، وتقدر تسجل من هنا: {الرابط}.»
  • Application received: “We’ve received the application for {student name} to join {program name}. We’ll review the documents within {time frame} and let you know the outcome.” / «وصلنا طلب تسجيل {اسم الطالب} في {اسم البرنامج}. نراجع المستندات خلال {المدة} ونرد عليك بالنتيجة.»
  • Missing documents: “{name}, we still need {document} to complete {student name}’s registration. Please send it here as a clear photo or a PDF.” / «{الاسم}، باقي علينا {المستند} عشان نكمل تسجيل {اسم الطالب}. أرسله هنا صورة واضحة أو ملف PDF.»
  • Accepted: “Congratulations! {student name} has been accepted into {program name}. Classes start on {date}, and fees and the timetable are here: {link}.” / «مبروك! انقبل {اسم الطالب} في {اسم البرنامج}. الدراسة تبدأ {التاريخ}، وتفاصيل الرسوم والجدول هنا: {الرابط}.»
  • Class reminder: “Reminder: {subject} class is tomorrow at {time}, {in the classroom or online at the link}. If you can’t make it, please let us know beforehand.” / «تذكير: حصة {المادة} بكرة الساعة {الساعة} {في القاعة أو عن بعد على الرابط}. لو بتغيب علمنا قبلها.»

Payment reminder messages (41 to 45)

Payment reminders need to be friendly and clear at the same time. Never ask for card details in the chat; take payment through a link or a bank transfer:

  • New invoice: “Hi {name}, your invoice {invoice number} for {amount} SAR is ready. You can pay here: {payment link}.” / «هلا {الاسم}، فاتورتك رقم {رقم الفاتورة} بمبلغ {المبلغ} ريال جاهزة. تقدر تدفع من هنا: {رابط الدفع}.»
  • Before the due date: “A friendly reminder: your payment of {amount} SAR for {service or instalment} is due on {date}. If you’ve already paid, please ignore this message. Thank you!” / «تذكير ودي: موعد سداد {الخدمة أو القسط} بمبلغ {المبلغ} ريال يوم {التاريخ}. لو دفعت تجاهل هالرسالة، وشكرًا لك.»
  • Overdue: “{name}, a quick reminder that {amount} SAR for {service} was due on {date}. If something is stopping you from paying, talk to us and we’ll work it out together.” / «{الاسم}، حبينا نذكرك إن مبلغ {المبلغ} ريال لـ {الخدمة} فات موعده {التاريخ}. لو فيه شي يمنعك من السداد كلمنا ونرتب الموضوع سوا.»
  • Payment received: “We’ve received your payment of {amount} SAR, thank you {name}! Your receipt is here: {link}.” / «وصلنا مبلغ {المبلغ} ريال، مشكور {الاسم}! السند هنا: {الرابط}.»
  • Bank transfer details: “To pay by bank transfer: IBAN {IBAN} in the name of {company name}. After transferring, send a photo of the receipt here so we can confirm your order.” / «للدفع بالتحويل: الآيبان {رقم الآيبان} باسم {اسم المنشأة}. بعد التحويل أرسل صورة الإيصال هنا عشان نأكد طلبك.»

Feedback and review request messages (46 to 50)

Send these a day or two after the service, not in the same moment:

  • After the service: “{name}, your opinion matters to us! How was your experience with {service}? Rate us from 1 to 5, just one number.” / «{الاسم}، يهمنا رايك! كيف كانت تجربتك مع {الخدمة}؟ قيمنا من 1 إلى 5 برقم واحد بس.»
  • Google Maps review: “We’re so glad you enjoyed it! If you have a moment, a review on Google Maps would mean a lot to us: {link}.” / «سعيدين إن التجربة عجبتك! لو تكرمت تكتب لنا تقييم في خرائط قوقل يفرق معنا كثير: {الرابط}.»
  • After a complaint: “{name}, we’re sorry again about what happened. We’ve fixed it by {solution} and want to make sure you’re happy now. Is there anything else we can do?” / «{الاسم}، نعتذر منك مرة ثانية على اللي صار. حلينا المشكلة بـ {الحل}، ونبي نتطمن إنك راضي الحين. فيه شي ثاني نقدر نسويه؟»
  • Short survey: “Have two minutes? Answer a short survey about your experience and help us improve: {link}.” / «عندك دقيقتين؟ جاوب على استبيان قصير عن تجربتك وساعدنا نتحسن: {الرابط}.»
  • Suggestions: “What would you like us to add or change at {business name}? Tell us honestly; we read every message.” / «وش الشي اللي تتمنى نضيفه أو نغيره في {اسم النشاط}؟ اكتب لنا رايك بصراحة، نقرا كل رسالة.»

Tips that make ready-made messages work

Keep it short: two or three lines is enough. Customers read on their phones, and long messages get skimmed. Start with the welcome, then the information, then what you need from them.

Don’t promise what you can’t keep. If your away message says “we’ll reply within the hour” and the reply comes the next day, the message works against you. Write the response time your team can actually meet.

Keep one tone. If your greeting is warm and casual and your other replies read like a legal letter, customers notice. Pick a voice that fits your business and stick with it, in both Arabic and English.

Review your messages every season. Ramadan hours are different, Eid has dates, and prices and links change. An away message still showing last year’s Eid dates leaves a poor impression.

When ready-made messages stop scaling and an AI agent takes over

Ready-made messages work well while volumes are low and someone is there to reply. But a greeting message is a fixed text that never reads the customer’s question, and quick replies still need a person to pick and send them. Once you’re answering the same questions dozens of times a day (prices, delivery, appointments, opening hours), or messages pile up overnight and you lose customers before you wake up, fixed messages have reached their limit.

That’s where a WhatsApp AI agent comes in: it reads the customer’s question in any wording or dialect, answers from your files and website, understands voice notes, and hands the chats that need a person to your team. In Gental you connect an official WhatsApp number through your Twilio, Interakt or 360dialog account, or link your everyday number by QR with a Linked Number (an unofficial connection; Meta may restrict numbers that break its policies).

This library stays useful with an agent too: you can add the confirmation, reminder and feedback wording to the agent’s persona as example replies, so it follows that style. Messages you start yourself to many customers at once (template messages and broadcasts) are planned in Gental and not available today. For a side-by-side of the free app tools and an AI agent, see the auto reply guide.

Sources

FAQ

Common questions

Can I add the customer’s name to my greeting message automatically?

No. The greeting and away messages in the WhatsApp Business app are one fixed text that every customer receives as written, which is why the greeting and away templates here leave {name} out. Save messages with the customer’s name as quick replies and fill the name in before sending.

How many quick replies can I save in WhatsApp Business?

According to the WhatsApp Help Center, up to 50, so you could store all fifty messages here. It’s better to keep the ones you actually use and give each an easy shortcut.

Why didn’t a customer get my greeting message?

It only goes out with a customer’s first message, or when they message you after 14 days without any contact between you. If you chatted in the last 14 days, they won’t get it again.

Should I write in Saudi dialect or formal Arabic?

It depends on your customers. Most customers in Saudi Arabia are comfortable with friendly, plain Saudi dialect, which is what we used here. If your business is formal, like a law firm or government body, tone it down, and keep one consistent style across all messages.

Can Gental send these messages for me?

A Gental agent replies to incoming messages at any hour, from your knowledge, and hands chats that need a person to your team, so you usually won’t need a greeting or away message at all. Messages you start yourself to many customers (templates and broadcasts) are planned and not available today.

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