Discover The Top 10 SMS APIs in The UAE For Effortless Text Messaging in 2024

If you’re in the UAE and looking for the best SMS APIs for effortless text messaging, you’re in for a treat.

In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 10 top SMS APIs in the UAE.

We also included user reviews and code snippets to help you better understand each API.

Let’s go.

What is an SMS API?

API means Application Programming Interface. It helps two software communicate with each other by using predefined protocols. 

Do you recall linking your Twitter or Instagram profiles to a website? 

Yes, an API made that possible. 

APIs run in the background delivering the intended services.

Similarly, SMS APIs help your business software communicate with the vendor’s messaging service. It lets you send SMS through your platform or website without switching to the vendor.

SMS APIs work to and fro, meaning they can send and receive information. You can send SMS and receive notifications 24/7. 

How does integrating SMS APIs benefit your business? Let’s find out.

What features should you look for in SMS APIs in the UAE?

SMS traffic in the UAE is heavily filtered for unsolicited messages. However, once you register with the Telecommunications Regulations Authority in the UAE,  you can send all the SMS you want, even in bulk.

SMS APIs facilitate this very purpose. Below are some things to consider when choosing an SMS API service provider in the UAE.

• Features and capabilities
• Developer resources
• Ease of use
• Reliability and uptime
• Security
• Cost
• Support
• Integration options
• Scalability

Let’s consider them one after the other.

Use our dev-friendly and secure WhatsApp API to delight your customers with fast OTP and transactional messages. See how it works with a FREE demo.

Features and capabilities

Your SMS provider should offer advanced features and capabilities. Look for message personalisation, A/B testing, and advanced analytics. One good way of doing this is to evaluate the provider’s features against your business needs. Consider looking for industry-specific features relevant to your niche business.

Developer Resources

Your SMS API provider should be able to offer sufficient documentation, SDKs, sample code, use cases, API references, pricing information and support. Look for providers that can supply documentation that is easy to read and understand. This means documentation that is written using non-technical language with detailed descriptions. Another good thing is to have a testing environment where you can see how your integrations will work.

Ease of Use

Look for a good website with easily accessible API code and clear documentation. Also, look out for providers offering tutorials and training to help you get started quickly.

Reliability and uptime message delivery

This refers to the ability of an SMS API to deliver messages consistently, without delay in the UAE. Choose a provider with a high uptime rate, robust infrastructure, and backup systems. Also, look at service level agreements (SLAs) for reliability and message delivery. 

Security

This refers to the measures put in place by the provider to protect your data. Look for practices such as encryption, secure gateways, and security protocols in the documentation. You can also check if your provider complies with industry standards, such as ISO 27001 and local privacy regulations.

Cost

Choose an SMS API provider that offers a transparent pricing structure. Ensure it fits your budget. Consider asking around whether the pricing model has any hidden fees or costs. For example, some providers may charge you for inactive accounts or additional features. Consider the entire cost of owning the solution when evaluating different pricing models. 

This is the balance between the cost of the SMS API services and the value they provide. Look for a fair and transparent pricing structure without hidden charges. Also, compare pricing across different SMS API providers in the UAE. Here is a useful tip, look for providers that offer volume discounts

Support

Before choosing an SMS API provider, check if it has a reliable support system. Most providers offer 24/7 support via phone, email, or chat. However, SMS API is a technical feature. Look for self-help resources on the provider’s website, such as FAQs, a knowledge base, and community forums. 

Integration options

This is the compatibility and ease of integrating the SMS API with your existing business systems. Look at the provider’s documentation and technical support for your specific system. Consider checking out the pre-built SDKs of your selected SMS API provider. 

Scalability

Does the SMS API have the ability to meet your specific needs? Look for an SMS API provider with a customisable option. Check the provider’s Software development kits (SDKs) for these options. 

Now that you understand what to look out for let’s dive into the meaty part- comparing the best SMS APIs in UAE. 

Which are the best SMS API in the UAE?

Let’s look at each service in more detail.

• SMSCountry
• SMSala
• Twilio
• Nexmo
• Clickatell
• MessageBird
• Plivo
• Sinch
• Infobip
• TextLocal

SMSCountry- best for businesses of all sizes

SMSCountry REST API is simple and easy to integrate. The API supports 14 programming languages, including Python and Java. 

To use the SMSCountry REST API, you must sign up for an account and obtain an API key. This key supports both single and bulk SMS messaging, including scheduling. This key sends HTTP requests to the REST API on the SMSCountry server.

Next, construct the SMS message with the relevant parameters like Sender ID, destination number/s and text. 

As the REST API processes the HTTP requests, it responds to the developer’s application or website. This response contains information about the status of the request.

Here is a snippet of the Send SMS code in Python:

SMSCountry key features

Besides being one of the best SMS APIs in the UAE, SMSCountry also offers many other features: 

• Easy to understand based on HTTP protocols. 
• Scalable due to the separation of client and server. 
• Handles multiple requests.
• Returns data in XML or JSON, making room for multiple use cases 
• Enable two-way messaging using the API
• Create Groups, Templates, Calls, and Groups Calls with API methods
• Uses base-64 encoding for the authkey:authToken combination
• Shows delivery reports allowing real-time tracking

Pros of SMSCountry SMS API

• Unmatched customer support from the moment you sign-up for the SMS API.
• SMS delivery in less than 10 seconds.
• Fully regulated across the globe.
• Available in over 180 countries.
• Secure authentication mechanism that keeps the integrity of customer data intact.

Drawbacks of SMSCountry SMS API

• Basic SMS and voice message support. SMSCountry does not offer support for multimedia messages.
• Limited third-party integrations.
• No defined error handling responses to show an error in API operation
• SMSCountry does not offer advanced SDKs and libraries.
• SMSCountry does not offer a free test account for SMS APIs. 

Who’s SMSCountry best for?

SMSCountry is for businesses of all sizes. Here are the businesses that SMSCountry currently serves:

• Healthcare businesses
• Financial powerhouses
• E-commerce stores
• Tech businesses
• Logistics businesses
• Schools and educational institutes
• Hospitality businesses 

If you work in any of the above, feel free to connect with SMSCountry.

Customer Testimonials

SMSCountry pricing

SMSCountry offers you a pay-as-you-go pricing plan. The base price for sending an SMS from the UAE is €0.024/SMS. Each plan has a dedicated account manager and access to all the features. However, you pay only for what you use.

SMSCountry also offers customised plans. Contact us for a specialised solution. 

SMSCountry accepts payment via bank transfer, credit/debit cards, Instamojo, PayPal and 3^rd party scratch cards.

What makes SMSCountry unique?

SMSCountry stands out with its excellent customer support and the price of its SMS API in the UAE.

SMSCountry customer support and tech team are always ready to hold you by the hand and help you solve any problem.

There is no upfront or monthly fee to use the feature. You do not need to keep paying if you are not using SMS.  

SMSCountry SMS API is simple to understand and integrate. You get running in 30 minutes. This reduces your need for additional staff, especially if you run a one-man business and want to cut expenses. See 5 Features in SMSCountry API That Make Integration a Breeze

See how we helped businesses like yours solve problems created by SMS providers like Twilio and made it a no-brainer using SMS. Read our customer stories.

Book a demo and see how SMSCountry SMS API solves all your SMS problems.

SMSala- best for SMS marketing 

One of the top SMS APIs in the UAE is the SMSala REST API. SMSala offers a variety of features, such as bulk messaging, delivery reports, and scheduled messaging. 

The API works like SMSCountry’s API. It sends HTTP requests which communicate with the servers at SMSala. The API processes the parameters you set, such as the message content, recipient numbers, and sender ID. Then it sends the message to the intended recipients. 

Also, the SMSala API receives notifications giving you real-time updates about message delivery. 

Here is a code snippet that uses POST requests.

SMSala key features

Besides offering one of the top SMS APIs in the UAE, SMSala also has other notable features.

• Use either of the two methods (GET and POST) per function (like sending SMS or calling a delivery report) to create your API calls. 
• Create a Sender ID and get a Sender ID list via API.
• Check your balance, verify phone numbers via OTP SMS, receive incoming messages and send voice OTPs with the API
• Track customer conversions for your retail accounts
• SMSala SMS API is scalable, offering contact list and campaign management

Pros of SMSala

• Global reach in 190+ countries
• Simple language in documentation makes it easy to understand
• Wide range of features supported by the API
• Reseller plans enable small organisations to set up extra income streams.
• The API offers real-time reports, notifications and alerts

Drawbacks of SMSala

• Expensive option for international SMS
• SMS delivery reliability can vary as SMSala depends on various networks in different countries.
• Few plug-ins available for ready use
• Except for the inherent REST API security, the website does not provide ample information about the platform’s security features.
• Limited customization options.

Customer Testimonials

Here’s another customer testimonial.

SMSala pricing

SMSala’s flexible pricing plans cater to businesses of all sizes. 

In the UAE, the base price is € 0.017 for local SMS, €0.075 for international SMS and €0.1 for voice and promotional SMS. However, the effective cost per message decreases as the volume of messages increases. 

The company also offers custom pricing plans for more than 10K SMS and reseller businesses. 

SMSala accepts payment via Bitcoin, Stripe, USDT, online payments, and bank transfers. They also have a refund policy.

Twilio- a whole suite of APIs

Twilio offers a suite of APIs that help developers build custom communication solutions. One of these APIs is the Twilio REST API.

The Twilio REST API allows developers to program several features. Among these features is sending and receiving SMS messages. With Twilio, you can also make and receive phone calls and handle WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. 

The API is easy to use, with clear documentation and SDKs for 10 programming languages.

Twilio’s REST API is flexible. You add communication capabilities to your application without worrying about complex telecom infrastructures. The API is capable of handling large volumes of messages and calls too.

You only need to sign up for an account and obtain an API key. You use this key to authenticate API requests. The API sends HTTP requests to Twilio’s servers, which communicate with the recipient’s device.

Here is a code snippet from the API documentation.

Twilio key features 

As one of the top SMS APIs in the UAE, here are Twilio’s notable features:

• Track delivery of sent messages in 6 languages. 
• Send a shortened link in SMS, MMS, and WhatsApp and track click rates. 
• Modify retrieved messages. 
• Auto-send failed and undelivered messages via a second API call.
• Support for multimedia in selected countries
• Default outbound SMS message rate of 1 message segment per second (MPS).
• Extensive helper libraries and SDKs available on GitHub. 
• SDKs for Javascript, IOS and Android. Booth client and server-side libraries and guides are provided.
• Integration with any system using C#, Java, Node.js, PHP, Python, Ruby and Go.  
• Built-in software compliance
• Certified security supporting TLS 1.2 encryption.

Pros of Twilio SMS API

• Versatile programmable APIs enable you to create any kind of message.
• Detailed and extensive API user manuals, SDK documentation and downloads tackle all the problems that can be faced during and after deployment.
• Reaching over 180 countries with 1500+ carrier partnerships.
• Programmable messaging helps you build custom messaging flows.
• Scalable pricing does not lock you in any permanent plans.

Drawbacks of Twilio SMS API

• The documentation does not offer any option for a quick chat with the support team in case of problems during testing or implementation of the API. 
• Customer service team only responds via email which means it can get significantly delayed .
• The API does not directly integrate with established solutions like CRMs, Oracle database and Microsoft among a host of others.  
• The API is designed for developers.
• Twilio’s self-service business model is not for everyone.

Who’s Twilio best for?

Twilio is best for large enterprises that employ a technical department with a team of developers and programmers. The API is geared towards developers and is best understood by them.

Customer Testimonials

Here’s another testimonial.

Twilio pricing

Twilio offers you pay-as-you-go pricing and committed use discounts. Committed use discounts refer to monthly volume discounts. However, these discounts come with a set of eligibility requirements. Contact the sales team for more information on this.

On the other hand, pay-as-you-go is transparent and available on the website. To send SMS in the UAE and globally, you pay $0.1092/ SMS.

Twilio accepts wire transfers and ACH payments for invoices. For Pay-as-you-go customers, Twilio has a prepaid option. You can top up your balance with Twilio via credit card or PayPal to keep paying as you use the SMS.

Nexmo (now Vonage)

The next top SMS API in the UAE is Nexmo. The company’s REST API integrates real-time communication services into your applications and website. 

Nexmo’s API helps developers build applications to send and receive SMS messages. It also helps them generate two-factor authentication codes.

The system provides developers with a set of endpoints. These include webhooks that allow developers to receive real-time notifications about events. Nexmo maintains its code repositories on GitHub.  

To use the Nexmo API, developers must first sign up for an account and obtain the API key. The key authenticates all their message requests to the Nexmo platform. They can then send messages, make calls, and perform various other actions. 

Here is a code snippet that sends SMS:

Nexmo key features

The key features include:

• Send and receive a high SMS volume.
• Auto-redact feature helps protect SMS privacy.
• Uses numbers in the E.164 format. 
• Productised integrations that connect to Google, Amazon, Microsoft and WordPress.
• Client-side SDK for Android, IOS and JavaScript.
• Server-side SDKs in PHP, Node.js, Python, Java,.NET and Ruby.
• Client-side web components like keypads, a chat app to display messages and a list showing active members of a conversation designed using JavaScript.
• Silent authentication SDKs for IOS and Android
• Supports both long and shortcodes
• Proactive re-routing of messages and number fallback, ensuring uptime and message deliverability.
• Multi-lingual support.

Pros of Nexmo SMS API

• Tutorial and use case that help developers build and understand deployment.
• Useful for remote businesses.
• Fast and useful customer support.
• Accessible pricing range.

Drawbacks of Nexmo SMS API

• Steep learning curve of the API.
• Pricing can change unexpectedly, which can affect your budget.
• The documentation is not meant for people with no tech background.
• The deliverability of messages is unreliable for some countries.
• Some features are behind a paywall that is only accessible after paying a fee.

Who’s Nexmo best for?

Nexmo is best for organisations with a tech department focused on creating solutions from scratch. It is also ideal for organisations that employ or outsource deployment to developers. Additionally, organisations that see SMS solutions as a continuously developing area with new additions can also use Nexmo.  

Customer Testimonials

Nexmo pricing 

Nexmo offers a pay-as-you-go pricing plan for its SMS API. In the UAE, the price per message is €0.1051/ SMS. 

Nexmo accepts payments via credit card,  PayPal, wire transfer, check, and bank transfer. Nexmo has two payment options- postpaid and prepaid. To be a postpaid customer, you must meet their qualification criteria. Contact the sales team to know more.

Clickatell- good for enterprises

The next SMS API in the UAE for review is Clickatell. Its SMS REST API is a cloud-based service which helps businesses with their SMS campaigns. However, Clickatell is not taking new accounts for this service. The alternate service ONE API is an omnichannel solution. It integrates SMS and WhatsApp. 

To use the Clickatell ONE API, you can sign up for an account on Clickatell. Next, configure the SMS channel from the dashboard. Once you provide all the details, you can see your API key details. You can test the system by sending a test SMS. 

Here is a code snippet for the service:

Clickatell key features

This SMS API in the UAE also provides and supports other features.

• Provides three types of SMS options: SMS API, SMS Gateway and One API.
• SMS API caters to low-volume SMS in addition to other channels.
• SMS Gateway caters to a minimum of 250,000 SMS per month.
• One API helps you receive and send messages via WhatsApp and SMS through a single integration.
• The organisation provides scalable APIs. 
• The campaign manager gives access to scheduling and management, templates, opt-ins, URL shorteners, contact list manager and analytics manager.
• Supports audio, image, video and document file types.
• Over 100 types of error messages are defined, with error codes and HTTP codes.
• Over 100 types of message statuses are defined with status codes, Query message responses and detailed description

Pros of Clickatell

• Detailed developer documentation and FAQs.
• Responsive customer service team.
• The APIs are easy to integrate to websites or social media and third-party sites.
• Clickatell also provides distribution and payment acceptance APIs.
• High uptime and speed of SMS. 

Drawbacks of Clickatell

• Message deliverability is not up to the mark without viable explanations of failure.
• Without the SMS Gateway option, resellers and bulk SMS clients have to use One API integration which adds on other channels.
• Pricing is not obvious from the get go.
• The platform is complex and requires dedicated technical resources to understand and implement it.
• Small businesses can find the pricing structure challenging for their needs.

Who’s Clickatell best for?

Clickatell is ideal for medium to large businesses. The platform offers numerous APIs alongside productised services which makes it ideal for teams looking for quick integration options.

Customer Testimonials

Clickatell pricing

Clickatell offers pay-as-you-go pricing for SMS messages. 

The UAE’s price is €0.1210/ SMS (excluding taxes). The rate is the same for standard and priority messages. The company charges only prepaid invoices. It also reserves the right to charge interest at 1.5% for due payments. 

The company also charges monthly rentals and setup fees for services like 2-way shortcodes. However, Clickatell does not offer two-way messaging for UAE at the time of publishing this article. Contact the sales team to get complete information on rentals and fees. 

That’s not all. Clickatell offers promotional pricing for a select few countries. The offers range from reduced pricing to access to specialised services. 

Clickatell accepts payments via credit/debit cards and PayPal.

MessageBird- good for large tech teams

MessageBird is another cloud-based omnichannel automation platform for APIs and marketing. It also offers a stand-alone SMS API just for sending and receiving SMS. 

Here is how you can work with the SMS API. 

Create a free account with MessageBird and create your test API key. Your request gets sent via HTTP with the message. The REST API processes the request. It sends a response back to your application or website. The response confirms the approval or rejection of the message. 

MessageBirds’ SMS API supports multiple programming languages, including Python, PHP and Java. They provide comprehensive documentation and code examples for seamless integration.

Here is what the code for authentication looks like.

MessageBird key features

Following are the prominent features of the MessageBird SMS API in the UAE:

• Uses HTTP verbs to send requests to the API.
• Sends responses formatted as JSON using UTF-8 encoding and URI encoding values. 
• Uses GET, DELETE, and POST requests. 
• Provides programmatic APIs for channels, contact management, KYC, number management, account management and reporting.
• Offers a Channel API that supports SMS, Email and WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
• The Channel API supports text, images, lists, media files and template messages. 
• The same message can be sent to all the channels within the Channel API.

Pros of MessageBird

• No-code documentation alongside API reference guides makes procedural understanding easier.
• Intuitive dashboard with a flow builder.
• Easy integration with third-party software.
• Flexible pricing.
• Programmable solutions and flow builder to create custom solutions

Drawbacks of MessageBird

• Complex software with a steep learning curve.
• The free setup onboards via company email accounts only.
• Customers report error messages that do not have specific origins that take long to debug.

Who’s MessageBird best for?

MessageBird is ideal for businesses of all sizes, more suitable for businesses with a tech department.

Customer Testimonials

MessageBird pricing

MessageBird offers pay-as-you-go pricing for the SMS API in the UAE. The pricing starts at €0.0075/ SMS.

They also provide committed usage plans with reduced and volume discounts. Contact the sales team to learn more.

MessageBird accepts payments via credit cards (American Express in selected countries), PayPal, bank transfer, and iDEAL.

Plivo- good for teams of all sizes

Plivo is the 7th SMS API that works well in the UAE. Plivo’s SMS API supports bulk messaging via Powerpacks.

The API works by providing a set of API endpoints that respond to HTTP requests. These requests get authenticated via the API key. You can get a free trial account with free credits from Plivo.

Next, install and set up your developer environment according to the programming language you are familiar with. Plivo supports 8 languages, including PHP and Java. Configure your local server to connect with Plivo services.

From your free account, create an application to send or receive SMS by following the instructions. The application triggers the SMS API request, which the Plivo server processes. The server ensures delivery to the intended recipient.

Below is the snippet to send an SMS:

Plivo key features 

Besides giving you basic SMS via SMS API in the UAE, Plivo offers various other features:

• Offers HTTPs for integration and communication.
• Provides separate SDKs for browser, IOS and Android. 
• Uses BasicAuth to authenticate.
• Uses pagination to show paged results of lists.
• Offers PHLO (read ‘flow), Plivo High-Level Objects, a visual workflow design studio to create custom SMS applications without code.
• Offers Powerpack, a productised solution for 10-digit phone numbers ensuring compliance with CITA, automatic fallback and high deliverability.

Pros of Plivo

• Flexible pricing model. Use pay-as-you when you are small and bulk when you scale.
• Twilio and Zipwhip migration guides for easy switching.
• Quick start guides for PHP, Python, Ruby, .NET, Node.js, Java Go and Postman.
• Messaging concepts, use cases and XML reference guide.
• Allows you to send messages to over 180 countries across 6 continents.

Drawbacks of Plivo

• Offers limited integrations.
• The software is advanced and requires tech expertise.
• Messages can remain undelivered to some destinations.
• Customer support can be a challenge to work with, as the only way is to raise a ticket and wait.
• According to some users, the documentation needs improvement.

Who’s Plivo best for?

Plivo is best for businesses of all sizes, particularly those that have a tech team.

Customer Testimonials

Plivo pricing 

Plivo provides pay-as-you-go pricing for outbound SMS for the UAE. The company charges €0.072/ SMS. However, Plivo does not charge you for receiving SMS.

Plivo also offers free add-ons. You also get Message queueing and Powerpack with the subscription. For volume discounts on committed spending, contact the sales team.

Plivo accepts payment via all major credit cards and wire transfers. 

What makes Plivo unique?

Plivo offers global coverage with an affordable pricing plan. It also supports most major languages of the world. That’s not all; you can find user guides and tutorials in plain English.

Sinch- simple packaged design

Next on the list of SMS APIs in the UAE is Sinch, another cloud-based communications platform. It provides a host of APIs for developers. You can use them to add voice and video capabilities to websites and applications.

Sinch allows you to test-run their platform before you can purchase it. Sign up for a free account. You are also assigned a free virtual number at this point. Keep it handy. In the next step, you receive your API Key. This key authenticates the requests. 

The Sinch REST API supports 4 programming languages. You can select when you sign-up for your free account. For this explanation, we will choose PHP.

Once you install PHP, create your file and assign the parameters assigned to you in the dashboard. You just need to run this file to send your first test message.

Here is what the code for this will look like.

Sinch key features

Sinch offers a range of features besides the SMS API in the UAE:

• Supports Rich SMS.
• Supports group messaging.
• Supports batch messaging.
• Uses servers in 5 different locations to service customers.
• Uses MSISDN format for numbers.
• Supports default GSM 7-bit characters with a maximum message length of 160 characters.
• Supports long messages up to 2000 characters which will be broken up enroute according to encoding methods.
• Offers 7-bit encoding and Unicode encoding methods for long messages.
• Offers a Conversation API which supports SMS, MMS, RCS, Sinch Chat, LINE, KakaoTalk, Viber Business, Viber Bot, Instagram, Telegram, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

Pros of Sinch SMS API

• The same message can be sent via multiple channels using Conversation API.
• Offers productised APIs for Verification and number search and renting.
• Conversation API offers support for text, media, poll, carousel, location and list message types, along with template messages
• Offers TLS encryption method for SMPP connectivity.

Drawbacks of Sinch SMS API

• Limited SDKs. As of writing, this Python SDK is available for preview, while Java SDK is available for use.
• Limited integrations and plug-ins.
• The documentation requires someone with tech expertise to implement the solution.
• No way to estimate pricing without talking to their customer support.
• Customers report delayed and insufficient support responses.

Use our dev-friendly and secure WhatsApp API to delight your customers with fast OTP. See how it works with a FREE demo.

Who’s Sinch best for?

Sinch is ideal for organisations looking for simple yet programmable solutions. It can serve businesses of all sizes.

Customer Testimonials

Sinch pricing

Sinch offers a custom pricing plan. You should contact the sales team for more information. However, the company offers free trials for most APIs and packaged solutions.

Sinch accepts payments via credit cards, PayPal and bank transfers. For Paypal, the company accepts payment in 25 major currencies.

What makes Sinch unique?

Sinch provides packaged solutions for Marketing, Communications and other departments and businesses. This means they focus on the micro needs and the macro picture. 

They also offer a host of integrations API for quick use. 

Infobip- good for professional organisations

Infobip is next on our list of SMS APIs in the UAE. A global cloud communication platform, Infobip provides enterprise-grade solutions.

The SMS API supports inbound, outbound and status reports. Infobip supports four authentication methods.

• HTTP basic authentication
• API keys
• IBSSO Tokens
• OAuth 2.0

You can choose your preferred authentication method once you sign up for a free account. Infobip suggests using an API key to authenticate, though. Each Infobip account gets assigned a base URL. Every API request uses this base URL. 

Infobip’s APIs handle a large volume of traffic. Infobip has over 300 configured API endpoints.

To top it all, the organisation provides custom workflows you can build from your dashboard. The workflows help visualise the solution. For example, you wanted to send an SMS to someone signing up for your service. Here you could use the workflow to add the message, the follow-up time lag, and the second message. 

Here is an authentication code that uses the API key.

Following are a few reviews.

Infobip key features 

Infobip offers a range of features besides the SMS API in the UAE.

• Provides omni-channel messaging. 
• Supports 5 programming languages in a virtual IDE. 
• Uses POST, PUT and GET SMS requests.
• Provides URL shortening and tracking options.
• Supports a no-code environment and programmable SMS API.
• Easy to use workflows to automate SMS.
• Support for long messages.
• Offers SDKs in 10 languages, including JavaScript and Flutter.

Pros of Infobip

• Supports multiple authentication methods.
• Integrates with major CRMs and e-commerce platforms.
• Works with 800+ direct operators across 6 continents. Operates 40+ data centres for smooth operations.
• Offers a free account to test-run the platform.
• Responsive customer service.

Drawbacks of Infobip

• People who have used other proprietary systems may find Infobip’s naming system has a learning curve.
• A complex system that requires technical know-how.
• Customers reported a lack of community for industry best practices.
• The company does not disclose pricing. Customers report extra unexplained charges.
• Not suitable for small businesses.

Who’s Infobip best for?

Infobip is suited for large businesses with tech teams that require elaborate messaging flows. Medium sized businesses can use Infobip but the costs can become exorbitant.

Infobip pricing

Infobip offers a custom pricing model. You should contact the sales team for an accurate quote. 

Your final price will consider the receiver’s location. Infobip operates on various continents. Expect the price to include local taxes and fees. 

Infobip has two types of customers: prepaid and postpaid. Check your account to confirm which type you are. The company accepts credit cards, PayPal and wire transfers.

TextLocal

Last on our list of SMS APIs in the UAE is TextLocal. The organisation caters to businesses of all sizes. The SMS API supports 11 programming languages. 

The SMS API works by responding to requests. The API Key authenticates these requests once you sign up with TextLocal. 

TextLocal’s SMS API offers a simple solution to integrate SMS in any CRM, website or software. The API helps you manage contacts, create or cancel contact groups and create SMS rules. 

Here is a code snippet from the API documentation.

TextLocal key features

TextLocal offers you a range of features besides the SMS API in the UAE.

• Supports both SMS and MMS integrations. 
• Supports POST and GET requests.
• Supports long messages up to 766 characters charging extra credits to businesses.
• Supports message scheduling.
• Offers a multi-channels API that supports SMS, Twitter, Push notifications, in-app messaging, browser notifications, voice, RCS, email, WeChat and Messenger.
• Supports Rich Communication Services (RCS) via SMS routes.
• Works with the default GSM 7-bit character set.

Pros of Textlocal

• Supports integrations with Zapier, Adwords, Email, Excel, Google Sheets, CRM and e-commerce platforms.
• Supports mobile ticketing and vouchers, surveys and forms.
• Offers reseller accounts and white-label accounts.
• Supports group messaging.
• Offers MMS support in the UK only.

Drawbacks of Textlocal

• Technical documentation is devoid of explanations and details.
• Limited error codes and definitions.
• Limited delivery receipt statuses.
• Requires technical expertise.
• Pricier option compared to others in the market.

Who’s TextLocal best for?

TextLocal offers solutions for small, medium and large businesses. However, owing to the technical aspect of the APIs, it is important to hire someone while implementing a solution with TextLocal.

Customer Testimonials

TextLocal pricing

TextLocal offers a custom pricing model. The company offers a dedicated account manager. You also get a 2FA-enabled login on all paid accounts. 

TextLocal accepts payments via credit/debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. 

Choosing the best bulk SMS provider in the UAE

	Developer resources	Ease of integration	Price	Reliability	Customer support
SMSCountry	API support 14 languages	✓		99.9%	Email, web form, call, chat
SMSala	Sufficient API documentation	✓	Starts at €0.02/ local SMS	Delivering in 190+ countries with 10-sec delivery	Web form, call, post
Twilio	Extensive documentation and SDKs with use cases. No plugins.	✓		N/A	Knowledgebase, FAQs, chat
Nexmo	Extensive documentation, use cases and SDKs	✓	€2 free trial credit with restriction. €0.1051/ SMS	99.999%	Email, chat, phone, web form, knowledgebase
Clickatell	Extensive documentation and user guide	✓	Free trial. €0.1210/ SMS	99.9%	email, social media
MessageBird	Extensive documentation and step-by-step tutorials and guides	✓	€0.096/SMS. Contact the sales team for bulk pricing and volume discounts	100%	Web form, knowledgebase, status dashboard
Plivo	Extensive documentation and step-by-step tutorials and guides	✓	€0.072/ SMS. Contact the sales team for volume discounts	99.9%	web form, knowledgebase, status dashboard, social media
Sinch	Detailed documentation on APIs	✓	Free trial. Contact the sales team for a quote	99.999%	Phone, web form,
Infobip	Extensive documentation, user guides and blogs on APIs, SDKs and integrations	✓	Contact the sales team for a quote	99.99924%	Web form, social media
TextLocal	Extensive documentation, user guides & videos on APIs	✓	Contact the sales team for a quote	99.5%	Web forms, email, phone, Knowledgebase, webinars, personalised training,  FAQs, status updates,

Which SMS API in UAE makes the cut?

That rounds up our review of the best SMS APIs in the UAE. 

You will find a variety of features and differing levels of after-sales support. That is why we suggest you opt for a balanced service. 

SMSCountry offers a secure and reliable messaging platform with a HIPAA-compliant SMS API and a platform to send updates via SMS. The cherry on top is that you get support 24/7 from a team you will love.

Sign up for free now or schedule a free demo for later. Our team will respond to you as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the programming languages and platforms that are supported by bulk SMS APIs in the UAE?

The commonly supported programming languages and platforms include Java, C#, PHP, Python, Node.js, Ruby, and platforms include .NET, Laravel and Django. You should consult the API documentation for more up-to-date information.

How much does it cost to use a bulk SMS API in the UAE?

Prices can range from a few fils per SMS to higher rates depending on your volume and specific requirements. However, if you purchase a higher volume, the price per SMS is generally lower. Check with different providers and compare their bulk pricing before selecting one that suits your needs.

Are there any hidden fees or charges associated with using a bulk SMS API in the UAE?

There may be setup fees, monthly subscription fees, message delivery fees, or fees for additional features like message personalization or analytics. Ask your provider for a complete breakdown of the price before signing up to understand any potential hidden fees.

What security measures are in place to ensure the safety of my data when using a bulk SMS API in the UAE?

Here is what you can expect from a bulk SMS API provider in UAE:

• Data encryption during transmission to protect it from unauthorised access.
• API endpoint authentication to verify identity and grant permission to communicate.
• Data protection as mandated by the country’s law prohibiting access to unauthorised parties.
• Infrastructure security like firewalls, security audits and protection from cyber-attacks.
• Some service providers may comply with international security standards like ISO 27001 to ensure their customers are safe at all times.

How can I ensure the reliability and uptime of a bulk SMS API provider in the UAE?

You can look for the following before purchasing a subscription with a bulk SMS API provider:

• Research the provider’s reliability and reputation in the market through customer reviews.
• Read their Service Level Agreement (SLA). This should outline their uptime guarantee and compensation policies if the service does not perform.
• Inquire how the infrastructure is set up, what backup mechanism measures are in place and how failover mechanisms work to minimise downtime.
• Evaluate the provider’s ability to handle high message volumes.
• Most importantly, look into historical up-time and reliability data. As the provider, to share it with you.

What level of support is provided by bulk SMS API providers in the UAE?

Bulk SMS API providers can provide varying levels of support. Here is what you should expect when working with a reliable provider:

• Customer support that is available 24/7 via channels like email, phone or live chat.
• Developer support to address specific API queries and guide throughout the integration process.
• Documentation including API reference guides, user manuals, integration instructions and any other documentation that can aid your team in setting up the API.
• Knowledgebase and FAQs that offer self-help resources and address common queries.
• Some providers may offer SLA support based on your subscription level. Higher-tier customers may receive priority support and faster response times.

How can I personalise SMS messages using a bulk SMS API in the UAE?

To send personalised messages, you can create message templates with placeholders for the personalised content. Integrate the SMS API into the system you want to send the SMS from or upload the data for the placeholder. Now all you need to do is replace the placeholder values with the appropriate values from the data before hitting send. 

How can I schedule SMS messages to be sent at a specific time using a bulk SMS API in the UAE?

How can I ensure that my SMS messages are delivered to the right recipients using a bulk SMS API in the UAE?

Here is what you can do:

• Ensure your recipient phone numbers are up to date and correct.
• Test and validate your message on a smaller group to ensure that the message is delivered as intended.
• Ensure you have obtained the proper consent before sending the message.
• Track the delivery reports provided by the API. This will help identify failures.

How can I manage my SMS contact lists using a bulk SMS API in the UAE?

To manage your list:

• Create or update your existing list using the API. This means removing unwanted contacts and adding new ones.
• You can also import contact lists via CSV files or databases.
• Use the SMS API to segment and filter your contact list based on predefined criteria.
• Eliminate duplicate contacts within your list to maintain a clean database.
• Ensure you have asked for consent and offer an option to unsubscribe to your customers.

How can I ensure the scalability of a bulk SMS API provider in the UAE to handle large volumes of messages?

Look for the following in bulk SMS API providers:

• The infrastructure capacity to handle high volumes of messages. Evaluate the server capacity, network bandwidth and overall system scalability.
• Confirm if the system is able to balance the load effectively. 
• Understand the API rate limits. API rate limits denote the number of requests your API can make. A higher value or customised option means the system is scalable.
• Look at the message queuing option. Message queueing options should be efficient and not allow for queues to stand for a very long period of time.
• Lastly, check customer reviews for scalability. You will learn a lot from people who have tried and tested a particular solution.

Are there any regulations or restrictions on using bulk SMS APIs in the UAE?

Just like any other country the regulatory authority in the UAE called the  Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority imposes restrictions on bulk SMS. It includes registration of a Sender ID, time restrictions (7am-9pm), content restriction like not sending gambling content and adding company URLs, and mandatory opt-out instructions.

How can I track the performance of my SMS campaigns using a bulk SMS API in the UAE?

There are a few ways you can track the performance of your SMS campaigns:

• Use delivery reports provided by bulk SMS API providers to get insights on the status of delivered and undelivered messages.
• If your SMS has a click-through link, check the click-through rates to gauge engagement of your campaign.
• Conduct A/B testing. Create two different variations of the same message and send it to two different segments to see how your audience responds. You can compare the metrics, like open rates, to identify the most effective strategy.
• Use coupons that customers can redeem online. Identify how many coupons were used to track the impact of your campaign.