What’s the best UAE SMS gateway for your business?
The UAE is now a global market where you can’t outperform your rivals unless you provide the best products and customer service.
Whether you’re managing a WooCommerce store or a SaaS business, you need to use all the advanced platforms to reach out to your customers and make them loyal to your brand.
Despite the rise of apps and digital platforms, SMS is still one of the most powerful tools for reaching customers in the UAE.
SMS has a 98% open rate and is great for last-minute alerts, promotions, and transactional updates.
Of course, SMS should be used along with other channels like your WordPress website. There are lots of SMS plugins, like WP SMS, that integrate well into your WordPress dashboard.
You just need to choose a suitable SMS gateway to connect your website to the UAE’s mobile carriers. The good news is that WP SMS supports 350+ SMS gateways, many of which are active in the country.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce 10 SMS gateways for WordPress users in the UAE and help you choose the best one according to your business requirements and resources.
1. SMART SMS
- Supported Regions: UAE only
- Best For: Local small businesses like restaurants
- WP SMS Compatibility: Fully supported
Overview of SMART SMS
SMART SMS is a UAE SMS gateway that focuses exclusively on SMS marketing in the country. So, you can use it when you just want to target UAE residents, not people in other countries.
It guarantees high deliverability in the UAE and is perfect for restaurants, clinics, schools, and local shops.
If you’re looking for a local SMS gateway in the UAE to target customers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, SMART SMS is one of the most reliable options.
Key Features of SMART SMS
- Unicode support for sending Arabic SMS
- Delivery receipt tracking
- Sender ID customization
- HTTP/XML/SOAP API integration options
SMART SMS Pricing Overview
Feature | Details |
Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go; usage-based pricing depending on volume and destination. |
Starting Price | ~AED 0.29 per SMS |
Free Trial | Available; includes credits for testing. |
Minimum Commitment | None; no monthly minimums required. |
Pricing Transparency | Clear rate cards with volume discounts available. |
Pros of SMART SMS
✅ Reliable messaging infrastructure
✅ Developer-friendly API with quick integration
✅ Dashboard with message insights and delivery tracking
✅ 24/7 support for enterprise users
✅ Competitive international pricing
✅ Alphanumeric sender support
✅ Compliant with GDPR and TCPA
✅ Global SMS coverage across over 200 countries
Cons of SMART SMS
⚠️ Limited support for non-UAE messaging
⚠️ Not compliant with CITC
⚠️ Not so famous
Installation and Setup
Finally, it’s time to learn how to set up SMART SMS on the WordPress dashboard so that you can send SMS using the WP SMS plugin.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Get the Credentials from SMART SMS
Each SMS gateway gives you credentials and other details of its APIs to let you configure it.
2. Connect the Gateway to WP SMS
Now, you have two options to configure the SMS gateway on your dashboard. You can set it up manually or use the setup wizard for configuration.
In the first option, navigate to SMS on your WordPress dashboard, and then go to Settings → SMS Gateway.
You must choose your SMS gateway from the list and paste the required credentials. Finally, click Save Changes.
To do it using the setup Wizard (WP SMS v7.0 +), you need to go to the same path and click Re‑run Setup Wizard and follow the guided steps to configure the SMS gateway.
3. Verify Activation
Finally, try to double-check everything using the Gateway Overview panel and make sure that the SMS gateway status shows as active.
2. Cequens
- Supported Regions: UAE, Global
- Best For: e-Commerce and fintech
- WP SMS Compatibility: Not supported
Overview of Cequens
Cequens is a leading UAE SMS gateway provider with global coverage. It offers enterprise-grade messaging solutions for businesses worldwide.
It’s designed for companies that need fast, reliable, and scalable SMS services. As a result, it’s ideal for e-commerce platforms, fintech startups, or logistics firms targeting both the UAE and global audiences.
Cequens provides lightning-fast delivery and advanced AIT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) protection to prevent fraud.
If you’re a business in Dubai or Abu Dhabi looking for a versatile SMS platform with global reach, Cequens is one of the top providers to consider.
Key Features of Cequens
- Two-way SMS for interactive customer engagement
- Advanced AIT protection for secure messaging
- Real-time delivery tracking and analytics
- SMPP/HTTP API for seamless integration
- Direct connections with UAE operators (e.g., Etisalat, DU)
Cequens Pricing Overview
Feature | Details |
Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go; volume-based pricing with custom quotes for enterprises. |
Starting Price | ~AED 0.12 per SMS (estimated). |
Free Trial | Available; limited credits for testing (contact sales for details). |
Minimum Commitment | None; flexible plans with no mandatory minimums. |
Pricing Transparency | Rates vary by volume and destination; contact sales for clear rate cards. |
Pros of Cequens
✅ Lightning-fast delivery
✅ Scalable infrastructure
✅ Advanced analytics
✅ Developer-friendly
✅ Compliant with GDPR, TCPA and CITC
✅ Strong UAE operator connections
✅ Global coverage
✅ 24/7 enterprise support
Cons of Cequens
⚠️ No WordPress plugin support for WP SMS
⚠️ Pricing requires a sales inquiry and is not publicly listed
If your chosen SMS gateway isn’t supported by WP SMS, you’ll need to consider custom API integration. Use the provider’s API by adding credentials and endpoint details to WordPress via custom code. Of course, you need to have a strong programming background to use this method.
3. Wisoft Solutions
- Supported Regions: UAE, Global (800+ operators)
- Best For: Multi-branch businesses like retail chains
- WP SMS Compatibility: Not supported
Overview of Wisoft Solutions
Wisoft Solutions ranks number three on our list of UAE SMS gateways. It’s headquartered in Dubai and is a reliable SMS gateway provider tailored for businesses with multiple branches in the UAE.
It’s great at delivering high-volume marketing messages, making it perfect for retail chains, hospitality groups, or franchises operating in Dubai, Sharjah, or Abu Dhabi.
Wisoft’s strength is in its ability to run messaging campaigns from multiple locations. If you’re a UAE-based business needing a robust SMS solution for coordinated campaigns, Wisoft Solutions is worth considering.
Key Features of Wisoft Solutions
- Multi-branch messaging synchronization
- Support for SMS, MMS, and RCS messaging
- Integration with business applications
- Delivery to 800+ global operators
- Customizable sender IDs
Wisoft Solutions Pricing Overview
Feature | Details |
Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go; pricing based on volume and destination. |
Starting Price | ~AED 0.15 per SMS (estimated). |
Free Trial | Not explicitly mentioned; contact sales for trial availability. |
Minimum Commitment | None; no mandatory monthly minimums. |
Pricing Transparency | Limited; volume discounts available upon inquiry. |
Pros of Wisoft Solutions
✅ High-volume messaging
✅ Ideal for multi-branch UAE businesses
✅ Global reach with 800+ operator connections
✅ Flexible integration
✅ Fast delivery
✅ Based in Dubai for local support
✅ Supports multiple messaging protocols
Cons of Wisoft Solutions
⚠️ No WP SMS plugin compatibility
⚠️ Not compliant with GDPR, TCPA or CITC
⚠️ Limited public pricing information
4. SMSala
- Supported Regions: Global
- Best For: Campaign messaging, bulk alerts
- WP SMS Compatibility: Not supported
Overview of SMSala
SMSala is another SMS gateway provider with services in the UAE. It offers a reliable platform for bulk SMS marketing campaigns and transactional notifications.
If you need fast message delivery speeds and real-time reporting, SMSala is an excellent choice for you. It also allows you to send SMS directly from a website without technical difficulties.
Key Features of SMSala
- Real-time SMS campaign tracking
- API and Web panel access
- Multilingual (including Arabic) SMS support
- Easy bulk upload features
SMSala Pricing Overview
Feature | Details |
Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go; usage-based pricing depending on volume and destination. |
Starting Price | Approx. AED 0.07 or $0.019 USD per message |
Free Trial | Available; includes credits for testing. |
Minimum Commitment | None; no monthly minimums required. |
Pricing Transparency | Transparent online pricing; volume discounts offered. |
Pros of SMSala
✅ Global SMS delivery to over 200 countries
✅ Intuitive and beginner-friendly dashboard
✅ Dynamic sender ID & Unicode message support
✅ OTP and verification APIs included
✅ Real-time delivery reports and message tracking
✅ Strong API with extensive documentation
✅ 24/7 customer support
Cons of SMSala
⚠️ Basic user interface (minimalistic)
⚠️ Not compliant with GDPR, TCPA or CITC
⚠️ Not supported by WP SMS
5. Dataslices
- Supported Regions: UAE, GCC-focused
- Best For: Targeted marketing for brands
- WP SMS Compatibility: Not supported
Overview of Dataslices
Dataslices is a Dubai-based SMS gateway provider that specializes in targeted SMS marketing for businesses in the UAE and GCC.
It’s perfect for brands like retailers or real estate firms that are looking to create personalized, behavior-driven campaigns in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or beyond.
Dataslices has a great focus on contextual targeting and helps businesses reach the right audience at the right time.
If you’re a UAE brand aiming to boost engagement using precise SMS marketing, Dataslices is a great choice for you.
Key Features of Dataslices
- Behavioral and contextual SMS targeting
- SMS long and short code support
- Campaign analytics for performance tracking
- HTTP API for developer integration
- Arabic SMS support with Unicode
Dataslices Pricing Overview
Feature | Details |
Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go; pricing varies by volume and campaign type. |
Starting Price | ~AED 0.20 per SMS (estimated). |
Free Trial | Not explicitly stated; contact sales for potential trial credits. |
Minimum Commitment | None; no required monthly minimums. |
Pricing Transparency | Limited; inquire for detailed rates and discounts. |
Pros of Dataslices
✅ Advanced personalized SMS campaigns
✅ Long-standing UAE presence since 2004
✅ Ideal for GCC-focused marketing
✅ Supports Arabic SMS
✅ Reliable for retail and real estate brands
✅ Campaign analytics
✅ Dubai-based for local compliance
Cons of Dataslices
⚠️ No WordPress SMS plugin support
⚠️ Not fully compliant with GDPR, TCPA, or CITC regulations
⚠️ Limited global reach compared to competitors
6. Vectramind
- Supported Regions: UAE, with limited global data
- Best For: Healthcare and cloud communications (potentially)
- WP SMS Compatibility: Not supported
Overview of Vectramind
Vectramind is an SMS gateway provider headquartered in Dubai. It offers reliable messaging services for healthcare and cloud communications.
It’s a strong fit for enterprises in the UAE that need SMS as part of an omnichannel communication solution.
If you’re an enterprise needing custom messaging solutions, verify Vectramind’s current SMS capabilities.
Key Features of Vectramind
- Bulk SMS (based on historical data)
- Potential API integration for messaging
- Customizable sender IDs (assumed)
- Support for UAE operator networks
- Enterprise-grade infrastructure
Vectramind Pricing Overview
Feature | Details |
Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go; likely volume-based for enterprises. |
Starting Price | ~AED 0.25 per SMS (estimated). |
Free Trial | Not mentioned; contact sales for trial availability. |
Minimum Commitment | None; assumed flexible with no minimums. |
Pricing Transparency | Very limited; requires direct inquiry for rates. |
Pros of Vectramind
✅ Dubai-based for local support
✅ Potential for enterprise-grade solutions
✅ Likely reliable for UAE messaging
✅ Flexible for custom integrations
✅ Historical expertise in SMS services
✅ Strong UAE operator connections
✅ Suitable for niche industries
Cons of Vectramind
⚠️ No WP SMS compatibility
⚠️ Not compliant with GDPR, TCPA, or CITC
7. SMSCountry
- Supported Regions: UAE, India, Global
- Best For: Affordable bulk marketing
- WP SMS Compatibility: Fully supported
Overview of SMSCountry
Not all SMS gateways are headquartered in the UAE, but some maintain a strong presence in the country. For example, SMSCountry is a famous SMS gateway with services in the UAE. This SMS provider has a good reputation for offering cost-effective bulk messaging services.
If you’re looking for a simple, reliable gateway for the UAE, you’d better think of this SMS gateway as your first priority.
It offers its services in the GCC countries and is a great choice to support your marketing campaigns, customer reminders, or OTPs.
SMSCountry allows you to run large campaigns in the region without breaking the bank. So, we recommend it as an ideal SMS gateway for small to medium businesses that are looking for affordable, Arabic-supported SMS marketing.
Key Features of SMSCountry
- REST API for seamless UAE SMS API integration
- Supports full Arabic Unicode messaging
- Bulk Excel uploads
- WhatsApp Business and CRM integrations
SMSCountry Pricing Overview
Feature | Details |
Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go; pricing varies based on message volume, destination, and features. |
Starting Price | ~AED 0.25 per SMS |
Free Trial | Available; allows testing of platform features before purchase. |
Minimum Commitment | None; no monthly minimums required. |
Pricing Transparency | No fixed tiers; customized quotes based on specific requirements. |
Pros of SMSCountry
✅ Very affordable pricing in the UAE
✅ Compliant with TCPA
✅ Easy Arabic content handling
Cons of SMSCountry
⚠️ The dashboard design feels a bit basic compared to newer platforms
⚠️ Not compliant with GDPR or CITC
8. SMSLocal
- Supported Regions: UAE
- Best For: Beginners, small businesses
- WP SMS Compatibility: Not supported
Overview of SMSLocal
If you’re starting your SMS marketing journey in the UAE, SMSLocal is a solid entry point.
It offers simple bulk SMS sending, basic personalization, and delivery reports. It doesn’t offer extra features, but it’s super useful for small businesses and startups.
The main drawback is that SMSLocal doesn’t integrate with WP SMS directly, so you’ll need alternative methods to connect it with your WordPress site.
Key Features of SMSLocal
- Bulk SMS manager
- Personalized message fields
- Delivery reports
- Simple web panel for non-technical users
SMSLocal Pricing Overview
Feature | Details |
Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go; prices depend on volume and destination. |
Starting Price | ~AED 0.08 per SMS |
Free Trial | Available; includes credits for testing. |
Minimum Commitment | No monthly minimums required. |
Pricing Transparency | Transparent online pricing; volume discounts offered. |
Pros of SMSLocal
✅ Competitive pricing
✅ Real-time delivery reports and advanced analytics
✅ Unicode support for multi-language messaging
✅ Scalable solutions suitable for businesses of all sizes
✅ 99.9% uptime guarantee, ensuring reliable message delivery
Cons of SMSLocal
⚠️ Lacks advanced campaign automation features
⚠️ Not compliant with GDPR, TCPA, or CITC
⚠️ Doesn’t support WP SMS
9. SMSGlobal
- Supported Regions: Global
- Best For: Large enterprises and WooCommerce sites
- WP SMS Compatibility: Fully supported
Overview of SMSGlobal
SMSGlobal is another SMS gateway with offices worldwide and a great infrastructure in the UAE. It’s particularly useful for enterprises that are running multi-channel messaging campaigns. Also, it’s great for companies that are using WooCommerce SMS Gateway UAE integrations.
Key Features of SMSGlobal
- Two-way messaging with UAE numbers
- REST API with rich documentation
- 24/7 customer support
- Smart contact management tools
SMSGlobal Pricing Overview
Feature | Details |
Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go; usage-based pricing depending on volume and destination. |
Starting Price | ~AED 0.14 per SMS |
Free Trial | Available; includes credits for testing. |
Minimum Commitment | None; no monthly minimums required. |
Pricing Transparency | Clear rate cards with volume discounts available. |
Pros of SMSGlobal
✅ Reliable messaging infrastructure
✅ Competitive international pricing
✅ Alphanumeric sender support
✅ Compliant with GDPR and TCPA
✅ Dashboard with message insights and delivery tracking
✅ 24/7 support for enterprise users
Cons of SMSGlobal
⚠️ Some features may feel overwhelming for beginners
⚠️ Not as famous as Plivo or Twilio
⚠️ Not compliant with CITC
10. Burst SMS (Kudosity)
- Supported Regions: Global
- Best For: Marketing agencies, consultants
- WP SMS Compatibility: Not supported
Overview of Burst SMS
Burst SMS is not directly supported by WP SMS, but you can integrate it into your WordPress website using custom plugins.
It has now rebranded as Kudosity, with a global reach and a set of diverse communication features, including SMS, MMS, and voice in the UAE.
It’s great for marketing professionals who need fast campaign setup and real-time performance tracking.
Key Features of Burst SMS
- Campaign scheduling
- Drip SMS marketing campaigns
- Link shortening and tracking
- Advanced contact management
Burst SMS Pricing Overview
Feature | Details |
Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go; prices vary according to volume and destination. |
Starting Price | Approximately AED 0.07 per SMS |
Free Trial | Available; includes credits for testing. |
Minimum Commitment | None; no monthly minimums required. |
Pricing Transparency | Transparent online pricing; volume discounts offered. |
Pros of Burst SMS
✅ Affordable pricing
✅ User-friendly interface
✅ Advanced automation
✅ Compliant with GDPR and TCPA
✅ Comprehensive analytics
✅ Global reach
✅ CRM integration
✅ API access
Cons of Burst SMS
⚠️ Advanced features come at a premium price
⚠️ Not supported by WP SMS
⚠️ Not compliant with CITC
Conclusion: Choosing the Right UAE SMS Gateway
Choosing a good UAE SMS gateway depends on your requirements and resources. Look at the following table to compare all the SMS gateways and try to see which one is suitable for your business:
SMS Gateway | WP SMS Support | Price per SMS (AED) | Best For | Countries Supported | Compliance |
SMART SMS | ✅ | ~0.29 | UAE local messaging | UAE, 190+ countries | GDPR, TCPA |
Cequens | ❌ | ~0.12 | Scalable business messaging | UAE, Global | GDPR, TCPA, CITC |
Wisoft Solutions | ❌ | ~0.15 | Multi-branch businesses | UAE, 800+ operators globally | – |
SMSala | ❌ | ~0.07 | High-speed delivery | UAE, Global (750+ networks) | – |
Dataslices | ❌ | ~0.20 | Targeted SMS marketing | UAE, GCC-focused | – |
Vectramind | ❌ | ~0.25 | Enterprise messaging (potentially) | UAE, limited data | – |
SMSCountry | ✅ | ~0.25 | Cost-effective marketing | UAE, India, GCC | TCPA |
SMSLocal | ❌ | ~0.08 | SMBs and beginners | UAE, India | – |
SMSGlobal | ✅ | ~0.14 | Global messaging | 200+ countries | GDPR, TCPA |
Burst SMS | ❌ | ~0.07 | Marketers and agencies | UAE, NZ, UK, USA | GDPR, TCPA |
FAQs
Do all these gateways support Arabic SMS?
Yes! Every gateway listed here supports Unicode and Arabic characters for perfect local messaging.
Which gateway is best for WordPress SMS plugin UAE integration?
SMART SMS is the best UAE-based SMS gateway that is supported by WP SMS.
Can I send two-way SMS with these providers?
Yes. Providers like Twilio, Plivo, and SMSGlobal support two-way SMS messaging.
Is it legal to send SMS marketing in the UAE?
Yes, but you must comply with TRA UAE guidelines, especially about opt-in and DND (Do Not Disturb) numbers.