Area Code 22 – Al-Rakkah

Overview of Area Code 22 (Al-Rakkah)

Area code 22 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Syrian telephone numbering plan, assigned to the Al-Rakkah Governorate in north-central Syria. It is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services, connecting subscribers in the city of Al-Rakkah (also spelled Ar-Raqqah) and its surrounding districts, including Al-Thawrah (Tabqa) and Tell Abyad. The code is part of the E.164 international dialing format when preceded by the Syrian country code +963.

Dialing Formats

To call a fixed-line number in Al-Rakkah from abroad, dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), followed by the country code 963, then the area code 22, and finally the local subscriber number. The local number typically consists of 6 to 7 digits, making the total number of digits after the country code 8 to 9. For example, a local number 123456 would be dialed as +963 22 123456 from outside Syria. When calling domestically from another Syrian governorate, you would dial 0 22 123456 (the trunk prefix 0 is used for national calls). Within Al-Rakkah itself, you may be able to dial just the local number, but it is advisable to use the full national format to avoid issues with number portability or overlay changes.

Coverage and Administration

The Al-Rakkah area code is administered by the Syrian Telecommunications Establishment (STE), the state-owned operator responsible for fixed-line infrastructure. The region has faced significant disruption due to conflict, and network restoration has been ongoing. As a result, some areas may have limited service availability, and the actual number of active lines may vary. The code is strictly geographic, meaning it does not cover mobile services; Syrian mobile numbers use separate non-geographic prefixes (e.g., 093, 094, 095, 099) and are not affected by this area code.

Caller Instructions

For international callers, ensure you have the correct country code (+963) and omit the leading '0' of the national trunk prefix when dialing from abroad. For example, a number written as 022 123456 in Syria becomes +963 22 123456 internationally. If you are using a VoIP service or a mobile phone, always include the plus sign (+) to indicate the international prefix. Local callers should be aware that the '0' is required for domestic long-distance calls from other governorates. Due to potential network congestion or rerouting, it is recommended to verify the current dialing procedures with your service provider if you encounter difficulties.