Environmental Fines in Royal Reserves: What to Know

Special Forces for Environmental Security are currently recording and acting on environmental violations in the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve and the Madinah region, as part of ongoing efforts to protect wildlife and natural habitats.

Residents and visitors planning outdoor trips should be aware that a range of activities inside protected areas carry significant fines. Entering protected meadows and wild areas with a vehicle can result in a fine of up to 2,000 SAR, while camping without a permit in forests or national parks carries a fine of up to 3,000 SAR. Grazing livestock in prohibited zones is penalized at 200 SAR with similar per-head fines for other cattle under protected-area regulations.

Hunting and firearms penalties

Hunting in forbidden areas, including royal reserves and their buffer zones, carries fines of 5,000 SAR, while hunting without a license is fined 10,000 SAR, with higher amounts possible depending on the species. Collecting or extracting wildlife without a license starts at a base fine of 10,000 SAR, plus 100 SAR up to a maximum of 100,000 SAR. Possessing or using firearms or hunting tools inside protected areas without a prior license is set at a standard fine of 5,000 SAR.

Any unlicensed activity inside designated protected areas may be fined from 10,000 SAR up to 2,000,000 SAR, depending on its nature and severity. Cutting or damaging reserve fences can reach fines of up to 100,000 SAR, along with an obligation to repair the damage and pay compensation.

In the Madinah region, enforcement has already targeted unlicensed fishing and bird hunting. Fishing without a license is fined 10,000 SAR, and illegal use of a shotgun for such activities can be fined 100,000 SAR. For serious violations involving endangered species, penalties can reach up to 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to 30 million SAR.

Authorities encourage the public to obtain the required permits before any activity in protected areas and to help preserve the Kingdom's natural environment.

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