DUBAI: WhatsApp users in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) woke up to a new feature on Friday as Meta, the parent company of the messaging app, rolled out ‘Lists’ to enhance chat organisation.
The update allows users to sort their conversations into personalised categories, making it easier to locate specific chats.
How it works
Users can access the new feature by tapping the + button on the filter bar at the top of their chats. From there, they can create custom lists, labelling them based on their preferences—such as family, friends, work, or neighbours. WhatsApp’s default filters—All, Unread, Groups, and Favourites—remain at the top of the chat screen for quick access.
The feature enables users to add both individual and group conversations to lists. Those managing multiple lists can swipe horizontally on the filter bar to navigate between them. Once a list is created, chats within it will be highlighted in green when selected, ensuring quick identification.
Customisation and accessibility
WhatsApp provides flexibility by allowing users to add, edit, or remove chats from a list at any time. However, the three default filters—All, Unread, and Groups—cannot be modified. The ‘Favourites’ list, meanwhile, syncs with contacts marked as favourites in the Chats and Calls tabs.
Creating a list requires adding at least one conversation at the time of setup. To delete a list, users must tap and hold it before selecting Delete List. If a default list is removed, it can be restored through the Settings menu.
‘Lists’ rollout
WhatsApp first introduced ‘Lists’ in the United States in November 2023, before expanding to other markets. The update follows Meta’s ongoing efforts to enhance the app’s usability.
In addition to ‘Lists’, WhatsApp recently introduced an event planning feature, although it has yet to be made available in the UAE. Meanwhile, Meta’s AI-powered chatbot, Meta AI, was rolled out to UAE users in February 2025.