Hunting Season Begins in Saudi Arabia with New Wildlife Protection Rules
Only species listed on the center's official website and the Fitri platform may be hunted.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's National Center for Wildlife has announced that violators of the new environmental protection rules during this year's hunting season, which runs from Sept. 1 to Jan. 31, 2026, will face legal penalties.
The updated rules are intended to protect biodiversity, preserve ecological balance, and ensure sustainable use of natural resources in accordance with Saudi Arabia's Environment Law.
These measures are based on new research, international best practices, lessons from previous seasons, and the Kingdom's international commitments.
Hunting is restricted to species listed on the center's official website and the Fitri platform.
Endangered species remain permanently off-limits.
Licensed firearm hunters and falconers registered with the Saudi Falcons Club must obtain permits through the Fitri platform.
Hunting is banned in cities, villages, farms, rest houses, residential areas, near military or industrial facilities, within protected zones, and across major projects such as Neom, Qiddiya, and The Red Sea Project.
It is also prohibited along the Kingdom's coasts up to 20 kilometers inland.
Approved hunting methods are enforced, prohibiting the use of shotguns, nets, electronic lures, or other techniques that capture multiple birds at once.
The Ministry of Interior's Special Forces for Environmental Security will enforce these legal penalties in coordination with the National Center for Wildlife.
Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the center, emphasized that Saudi Arabia has entered its fifth regulated hunting season since the system was introduced in 2021.
Over these years, awareness among hunters has been growing, reflecting their commitment to protecting natural resources and supporting ecological balance.
The Kingdom's efforts in regulating hunting have received international recognition, including the Migratory Species Champion award.
This accolade highlights Saudi Arabia's leadership in addressing unsustainable hunting and combating the illicit trade of migratory species across Southwest Asia.
These measures align with the Kingdom's broader commitment to sustainable environmental management under Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
The updated rules are intended to protect biodiversity, preserve ecological balance, and ensure sustainable use of natural resources in accordance with Saudi Arabia's Environment Law.
These measures are based on new research, international best practices, lessons from previous seasons, and the Kingdom's international commitments.
Hunting is restricted to species listed on the center's official website and the Fitri platform.
Endangered species remain permanently off-limits.
Licensed firearm hunters and falconers registered with the Saudi Falcons Club must obtain permits through the Fitri platform.
Hunting is banned in cities, villages, farms, rest houses, residential areas, near military or industrial facilities, within protected zones, and across major projects such as Neom, Qiddiya, and The Red Sea Project.
It is also prohibited along the Kingdom's coasts up to 20 kilometers inland.
Approved hunting methods are enforced, prohibiting the use of shotguns, nets, electronic lures, or other techniques that capture multiple birds at once.
The Ministry of Interior's Special Forces for Environmental Security will enforce these legal penalties in coordination with the National Center for Wildlife.
Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the center, emphasized that Saudi Arabia has entered its fifth regulated hunting season since the system was introduced in 2021.
Over these years, awareness among hunters has been growing, reflecting their commitment to protecting natural resources and supporting ecological balance.
The Kingdom's efforts in regulating hunting have received international recognition, including the Migratory Species Champion award.
This accolade highlights Saudi Arabia's leadership in addressing unsustainable hunting and combating the illicit trade of migratory species across Southwest Asia.
These measures align with the Kingdom's broader commitment to sustainable environmental management under Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
