The international dialing code +96 on its own does not correspond to a single country. Instead, +96 is the first two or three digits of a group of country codes used primarily by nations in the Middle East and the immediate surrounding regions.
If you received a call or need to dial a number starting with +96, you will need to look at the third digit to determine the specific country.
This article provides a clear breakdown of the country codes that begin with 96, helping you accurately identify the origin or destination of your call.
The Country Codes Starting with +96
The ITU (International Telecommunication Union) assigns country codes, which are organized geographically. The 90s group of codes covers much of Asia, with the 96X series specifically designated for the Middle East/West Asia region.
Here is the list of countries whose dialing codes start with the digits 96:
| Country Code | Full Country Name | Region |
| +960 | Maldives | South Asia (Indian Ocean) |
| +961 | Lebanon | Middle East/West Asia |
| +962 | Jordan | Middle East/West Asia |
| +963 | Syria | Middle East/West Asia |
| +964 | Iraq | Middle East/West Asia |
| +965 | Kuwait | Middle East/West Asia |
| +966 | Saudi Arabia | Middle East/West Asia |
| +967 | Yemen | Middle East/West Asia |
| +968 | Oman | Middle East/West Asia |
| +969 | Unassigned/Reserved | Formerly South Yemen (now part of Yemen) |
Key Takeaway for Identifying Calls
If you see a call starting with +96, the actual country code is likely +960 (Maldives) through +968 (Oman). The number of digits that follow the country code will be part of the local number.
Example:
- A number starting +965 is from Kuwait.
- A number starting +961 is from Lebanon.
How to Dial International Numbers Using Country Code 96X
To successfully place an international call to any of these countries, you must follow the correct dialing format:
In most countries, the International Access Code is 00 or + (the plus sign is generally recommended as it is universally recognized by mobile networks).
Dialing Examples:
| Destination Country | Dialing Format | Example |
| Maldives | +960 + [7-digit Local Number] | +960-777-XXXX |
| Saudi Arabia | +966 + [9-digit Local Number] | +966-50-XXX-XXXX |
| Jordan | +962 + [8-digit Local Number] | +962-79-XXX-XXXX |
Why Do I See Calls Starting with +96? (Spam & Scams)
If you have received an unexpected call from a number beginning with +96, it may be a legitimate international call, but you should exercise caution, as these ranges are occasionally exploited by scammers.
The One-Ring Scam (Wangiri Scam)
Scammers often use numbers from these international ranges to run a “one-ring” scam (Wangiri).
- The Call: Your phone rings once and then stops. The goal is to make you curious about the missed call.
- The Goal: If you call the number back, you are connected to a premium-rate service that charges extremely high rates per minute, with the scammer receiving a portion of the fee.
Actionable Advice: If you do not recognize the +96X number and were not expecting an international call, do not call it back. A legitimate caller will usually leave a voicemail or attempt to call again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any single country that uses only +96?
No. The code 96 itself is incomplete as a country code under the ITU standard. All active country codes in this region are three digits, such as +960 (Maldives), +961 (Lebanon), etc.
What is the most common country code starting with 96?
The most frequently encountered country code in this block is typically +966 (Saudi Arabia), due to its large population and role as a major hub in the Middle East.
How can I block international calls starting with the +96 prefix?
You generally cannot block a broad prefix like +96 across all your calls. However, you can use these methods:
- Carrier Features: Contact your mobile provider to see if they offer a feature to block all incoming international calls or calls from specific international ranges.
- Third-Party Apps: Use a call-blocking or spam-filtering app (like Hiya or Truecaller) on your smartphone. These apps use user-reported data to identify and block known scam numbers from all regions, including the +96X range.
