Saudi Arabia Opens 2026-2027 Hunting Season Sept 1

The National Center for Wildlife has announced the opening of the 2026–2027 terrestrial hunting season in Saudi Arabia, which runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 January 2027. Hunting is permitted only for species officially listed as allowed, while endangered species remain fully protected.

Anyone using a licensed hunting rifle, along with falconers registered with the Saudi Falcons Club, must obtain a hunting permit through the Fitri (فطري) electronic platform before carrying out any activity. This season, 30 wildlife species are permitted for hunting under defined quotas, with the national hunting quota increased by 11%.

Rules hunters must follow

Hunting at night is prohibited, with the ban extending from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise. It is also banned in cities, villages, farms, rest houses and residential areas, near military or industrial facilities, inside protected areas, and across major projects such as NEOM, Qiddiya and the Red Sea Project, as well as along coasts up to 20 km inland.

The hunting license is personal and non-transferable. It must be carried alongside the weapons license and shown to inspectors or security authorities on request. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and must not have committed two or more violations of hunting regulations with fewer than two years since the last decision. The National Center for Wildlife issues a decision on complete applications within five working days.

Each license specifies the licensee's details, the permitted species, the tools allowed for each, permitted quantities, the designated hunting area and the license term, which may not exceed one year from issuance. A license is granted only after payment of the fees set by the Center. For the community, the framework aims to protect the Kingdom's wildlife while keeping seasonal hunting organized, safe and legally compliant.

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