orca.floWhatsApp message templates: the three types, approval and cost
Short answer
WhatsApp message templates are messages Meta approves in advance, needed on the WhatsApp Business API to write to a customer outside the 24-hour window. Meta sorts them into marketing, utility and authentication, reviews each one and charges per delivered template: to UAE numbers AED 0.2115 for marketing and AED 0.0576 for utility or authentication.
Updated
Templates are how a business on the WhatsApp Business API starts a conversation: an order update, a booking reminder, a one-time code or an offer. Getting the category and the wording right is what gets them approved, and what decides the price.
The three categories (UAE rates, 1 October 2026)
| Category | Use it for | Example | Meta’s fee to a UAE number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing | Offers, announcements, follow-ups that sell | “Your favourite facial is 20% off this week. Book?” | AED 0.2115 |
| Utility | Updates about a booking, order or account the customer asked for | “Your appointment is tomorrow at 4 pm. Reply 1 to confirm.” | AED 0.0576 |
| Authentication | One-time passcodes | “Your code is 482913.” | AED 0.0576 |
How to get a template approved
- Pick the honest category. A promotion written as a “utility” update is a common reason for rejection or re-categorisation.
- Use variables for what changes. Write {{1}}, {{2}} for the name, date or order number, and give Meta a realistic example for each.
- Be clear who you are and why you’re writing. Templates that read like spam or hide the business name get rejected.
- Write one per language. Create an Arabic version alongside the English one; each is reviewed separately.
- Watch quality. If many people block or report a template, its quality drops and Meta can limit it.
Creating templates in OrcaFlo
Connect the official API
In Channels, connect WhatsApp Business Platform (official API). You keep the WhatsApp Business app on the same number.
New template
Give it a name only you see (like appointment_reminder), choose Utility or Marketing, and English or Arabic.
Write and add examples
Header, message and footer, with {{1}}, {{2}} for details that change and an example for each.
Send to Meta and track it
OrcaFlo sends it for review and shows its status, quality and any rejection reason. Follow-up templates are submitted for you in English and Arabic.
Price
No plan fee for 14 days and your first 500 messages free, then from $14.99 a month + 2¢ per message. No setup fee. Meta’s template fees are separate and billed by Meta to your own WhatsApp Business account. On OrcaFlo’s QR link to the WhatsApp Business app none of Meta’s API rules or fees apply, but there’s no green tick and some ban risk, because it isn’t an official WhatsApp app. Step by step: WhatsApp templates in OrcaFlo.
Questions
A message Meta approves in advance. On the WhatsApp Business API, it’s the only way to message a customer who hasn’t written to you in the last 24 hours.
Often minutes, sometimes longer when Meta reviews it by hand. OrcaFlo shows each template’s status, so you know when it can be used.
Common reasons: the wrong category (a promotion sent as utility), variables without clear examples, wording that looks like spam, or content against WhatsApp’s policies. Fix the reason Meta gives and submit again.
Per delivered message to a UAE number: AED 0.2115 for marketing and AED 0.0576 for utility or authentication (Meta’s rate card effective 1 October 2026).
No. Templates belong to the WhatsApp Business API. On the WhatsApp Business app you can message customers directly.
Related
The WhatsApp 24-hour window, explained for UAE businesses
Read more GuideWhatsApp Business API pricing in the UAE, explained
Read more WhatsApp Business APIThe official WhatsApp Business API for UAE businesses, with an AI that answers
Read more GuideWhatsApp appointment reminders: cut no-shows without calling anyone
Read moreStop losing customers to slow replies.
No plan fee for 14 days and your first 500 messages free, then from $14.99 a month + 2¢ per message. No setup fee. Let OrcaFlo answer tomorrow’s messages.