Saudi Arabia Opens 2026-2027 Hunting Season

Saudi Arabia has opened its regulated hunting season for 2026-2027, which runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 January 2027. Hunting is limited to terrestrial species officially listed as permitted, with all activity organized through the national wildlife authority and the Fitri (فطري) platform.

Permits are obtained online through the Fitri platform, which is the designated official channel for hunting licenses. To qualify, hunters must either hold a licensed non-powder hunting air rifle (gas- or spring-powered) or be a falconer registered with the Saudi Falcons Club. Every hunting license is personal and non-transferable, and must be carried alongside the license for any weapon used. Hunting without a valid license is prohibited.

Sustainable hunting is restricted to air rifles and registered falcons only. The use of firearms for hunting is banned and carries administrative fines of up to 80,000 SAR. Night hunting is also prohibited, with the ban covering the period from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise.

Where hunting is banned

Hunting is prohibited at all times inside or near cities, villages, farms, rest houses and populated areas, as well as near military, industrial or vital facilities. It is also banned inside protected areas and mega-projects such as NEOM, Qiddiya and the Red Sea Project, and along all Saudi coasts to a depth of 20 km inland. Threatened terrestrial species remain under a permanent hunting ban regardless of the season.

Fines apply for violations, including 10,000 SAR for hunting without a license, 5,000 SAR for hunting in prohibited areas, and 5,000 SAR for hunting during banned times or seasons, with higher penalties for repeat offenses. For this season, the national quota was increased by around 11%, permitted species reached roughly 30, and about 34% more hunting licenses were issued than the previous season. Full details on permitted species, bag limits and seasonal quotas are published on the official wildlife website.

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