WhatsApp for Events: Tickets, Reminders and Live Updates
Why UAE event organisers are moving tickets and updates to WhatsApp, which messages to send and when, and how to stay within WhatsApp's template and opt-in rules.
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In the UAE, WhatsApp is where people actually read their messages. Email confirmations end up in the promotions folder, while a WhatsApp message with a ticket gets opened within minutes.
The message plan
| When | Message |
|---|---|
| Purchase | Confirmation with ticket and wallet pass |
| 7 days before | Know-before-you-go: parking, dress code, timings |
| 1 day before | Reminder with gate and entry method |
| 2 hours before | "Doors open at 7pm" with a map link |
| During | Live updates: gate changes, schedule changes, weather |
| After | Thank-you, photo gallery, feedback survey |
Rules to respect
- Use approved templates. Business-initiated WhatsApp messages need templates approved by Meta.
- Get opt-in at checkout and explain what you'll send.
- Pick the right category. Tickets and reminders are usually utility, and offers are marketing. Each category is priced differently.
- Don't over-message. Six well-timed messages beat twenty.
Two-way is the real win
Guests reply with questions: "Is there parking?", "Can I bring my kid?" An AI concierge can answer common questions instantly in Arabic and English and pass the rest to your team.
Cost
WhatsApp Business Platform messages are charged per message, by category and market. Estimate costs with the free WhatsApp API pricing calculator and check current rates with Meta.
Pyalm Events & Ticketing sends tickets, reminders and live updates on WhatsApp, with email and SMS fallback, and is powered by Tenreply.
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Planning an event in Dubai or the UAE?
Pyalm Events & Ticketing sells your tickets, checks guests in by face or QR, sends tickets and updates on WhatsApp, supports your permits and ticket approvals and puts an onsite crew at the door. Hotels and venues: see what we do for you.
💬 Chat with our events team on WhatsApp or call +971 56 938 0690. Tell us the date, the venue and the crowd size, and we'll come back with a plan, usually the same day.
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