Saudi Arabia Opens Arabian Leopard Research Grants
Saudi Arabia has stepped up its efforts to protect the endangered Arabian leopard, with a grant initiative now open to fund research and conservation projects focused on the animal and its natural habitat. Applications are being accepted now, and the current round of the 2026 program closes on October 1, 2026.
Under the Arabian Leopard Fund Grant Initiative, eligible projects can receive up to USD 5,000 for conservation initiatives and up to USD 25,000 for research work, with either full or partial coverage of approved proposals. A related Saudi report puts the 2026 program's total budget at around SAR 1M, with support of up to about SAR 19,000 for initiatives and SAR 94,000 for research projects.
Applications must be submitted in English only through the fund's grant portal, and each proposal is reviewed by the fund's Technical Advisory Committee. The review process takes roughly one to four months depending on how many applications are received. Successful projects may be funded for one year, and applicants are allowed to apply for more than one grant at the same time.
To qualify, proposals must align with the fund's objectives, set out a clear scope of work, show measurable impact, and include a clear budget that does not exceed the stated caps. The 2026 program is being delivered in two rounds. Only projects tied to Arabian leopard conservation are supported.
Why it matters
The Arabian leopard is one of the rarest big cats in the region, and the effort to bring it back from the brink is closely linked to رؤية السعودية 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, including the goal of protecting 30% of the Kingdom's land and sea by 2030. The Royal Commission for AlUla has committed USD 20 million to leopard conservation in Saudi Arabia and worldwide over a decade. For residents and nature enthusiasts across the Kingdom, the program offers a rare chance to contribute directly to saving a national symbol.
Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.
Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:
- Instagram - @saudiliving
- X - @saudiliving
- Facebook - @saudiliving
- YouTube - @saudiliving
Up Next
KAUST Launches Quantum Foundry Lab in Saudi Arabia
KAUST opened its Quantum Foundry on 21 Jan 2026, a shared-access platform for quantum hardware fabrication supporting superconducting, photonic, and hybrid platforms.
Aug 10,2026
Saudi Q2 2026 Budget Deficit Narrows to SAR 34.3bn
Saudi Arabia's Q2 2026 budget deficit narrowed to SAR 34.3 billion as revenue rose to SAR 338.8 billion against SAR 373.1 billion in spending.
Aug 10,2026
Delta to Launch First Nonstop US-Riyadh Flight
Delta begins its first nonstop Atlanta–Riyadh service on 23 Oct 2026 aboard the Airbus A350-900, the first U.S. airline nonstop link to the capital.
Aug 10,2026
Authorities Seize Counterfeit Medical Goods and Food
A coordinated inspection operation in the Kingdom seized counterfeit medical products, food items and other goods, protecting consumers and public health.
Aug 10,2026Related Stories
Don't Miss Similar Listings
Be the first to know when new stories on this topic are published.
