Official WhatsApp
WhatsApp Business API in Saudi Arabia, with an AI agent on top
If you want an official WhatsApp number for your company that a team and your systems can answer, you need the WhatsApp Business Platform, through an approved provider. Here is how it works in plain terms, and how Gental adds an AI agent to your number.
Updated
What is the WhatsApp Business API?
Meta offers three ways to use WhatsApp for business: the regular app, the free WhatsApp Business app on a phone, and the WhatsApp Business Platform, which most people call the WhatsApp API. The first two are built for one phone and one person replying. The platform has no app at all: the number is connected to software, messages reach your systems, and your systems reply.
That is why companies with a support team, several branches or an AI agent need the platform. The number is in your company’s name, it can feed a shared inbox and an AI agent, and it does not depend on one employee’s phone.
For most businesses Meta does not sell platform access directly. You go through a Business Solution Provider (BSP), which registers your number, carries the messages and bills you Meta’s fees.
WhatsApp Business app or WhatsApp API?
| WhatsApp Business app | WhatsApp API (platform) | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | One phone (plus linked devices) | Your systems, through a provider |
| Automation | Greeting messages and quick replies | AI agents and full integrations |
| Team replies | Limited | A shared inbox for your team |
| Cost | The app is free | Meta fees per message, through your provider |
| Best for | Small shops | Companies that want an official number and room to grow |
How to get an official WhatsApp number in Saudi Arabia
The general steps are similar at most providers. Yours will guide you through the details.
Set up a Meta business account
You need a Meta Business portfolio. Verifying your business is worth doing, because Meta ties sending limits and trust to it.
Choose a number
A mobile or landline number that can receive a verification code. If it is active on the WhatsApp app, it has to be migrated or its app account deleted first.
Sign up with a Business Solution Provider
Such as Twilio, Interakt or 360dialog. The provider connects the number to your account and requests the display name your customers see, which Meta reviews.
Connect the number to Gental
In Gental’s Channels pick your provider, enter your account details and choose the agent that answers. Gental checks the details and sets up message delivery.
How much does the WhatsApp API cost? Meta pricing basics
According to Meta’s official pricing page (checked October 2026): since 1 July 2025 Meta charges per message rather than per conversation. Messages fall into categories: marketing, utility, authentication and service. The rate depends on the category and the customer’s country.
When a customer messages you, a 24-hour customer service window opens and resets with each new message from them. Replies inside that window are service messages. Since 1 October 2026 Meta charges for these too, with a free tier of 1,000 service messages per business phone number each month that does not roll over.
With Gental, Meta’s fees are paid to your provider directly, with no Gental markup, and your Gental plan counts answered replies only. For exact rates in your market, check Meta’s page and your provider; Gental plans are on the pricing page.
What Gental adds to your official number
An agent that answers from your knowledge
Your files and web pages are the source of every answer. When it can’t find one, it says so.
Real Arabic
Understands Saudi and other dialects and Arabic mixed with English, and replies in the dialect you choose.
Voice notes and files
Transcribes voice notes and answers them, and reads the photos and PDFs customers send.
Handover to your team
When a person is needed, the chat moves to your team inbox and a teammate replies from the same number.
To be clear: what Gental is not
Gental is not a Business Solution Provider and not a Meta partner. Your number and account stay with your provider, in your name, and Gental connects to that account. Today the agent replies to messages your customers send; it does not send template messages or marketing campaigns that start a conversation.
FAQ
Common questions
Is Gental an official WhatsApp API provider?
No. Gental connects to your account at Twilio, Interakt or 360dialog, which are the providers. Your number and Meta’s fees stay with you and your provider.
Can I use my existing number on the WhatsApp API?
Usually yes, but it has to move off the WhatsApp app first, because a number can’t run on the app and the platform at the same time. Your provider guides you through the migration.
Does Meta charge for AI replies?
Per Meta’s pricing page, replies inside the 24-hour window are service messages, charged since 1 October 2026 after a free 1,000 per number each month. They are paid to your provider with no Gental markup.
Can Gental send broadcasts or campaigns?
Not today. The agent answers customers when they write to you; template messages and campaigns are not available in Gental.
Which Gental plan includes official WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is included from the Starter plan, and you pay only for answered replies. See the pricing page for details.
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