Saudi Arabia Opens 2026–2027 Hunting Season

Saudi Arabia has set the dates for its 2026–2027 regulated terrestrial hunting season, which runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 January 2027. The season is organized and supervised by the National Center for Wildlife, which manages permits and sets the rules for hunters across the Kingdom.

Permits are issued exclusively through the Center's electronic platform "Fatri" (فطري), available via its e-services portal. Users log in through the national unified access system, then submit their applications online at the start of the season. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and must not have two or more prior hunting regulation violations within the past two years.

The hunting license is personal and non-transferable, and must be carried alongside the valid license for any weapon used. Each license runs for no more than one year and specifies the permitted species, allowed quantities, the designated hunting area, and the license term. For the 2026–2027 season, hunting is limited to 30 terrestrial species under defined quotas, all listed on the Center's website and on the Fatri platform. Hunting any species outside this list is prohibited.

How to obtain a permit

To apply, users access the Fatri platform through the Center's e-services, sign in with national unified access credentials, and choose the hunting permit issuance service. They then select the permit type, such as sustainable terrestrial hunting, confirm their commitment to using only the permitted hunting means, and pay the fees set by the Center. The license is granted only after these dues are settled.

The move is part of ongoing efforts to balance recreational hunting with the protection of wildlife and natural habitats. Officials stress that hunting without a license carries a penalty of 10,000 SAR for a first-time violation, urging all interested residents and citizens to obtain their permits through the official channel before heading out.

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