Saudi Arabia Opens 2026–2027 Regulated Hunting Season

Saudi Arabia has opened its 2026–2027 regulated hunting season, running from 1 September 2026 to 31 January 2027. The season is overseen by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) and operates under the Environment Law and its Implementing Regulations, with hunting allowed only for announced terrestrial species.

The NCW has published a list of around 30 permitted species on its “Fatri” e-services platform. Hunting is restricted to these species only, and any activity outside the announced season dates is prohibited. Hunting licenses are valid for up to one year from the date of issuance but must cover only the permitted season period.

How to Get a Hunting Permit

Permits are issued exclusively through the NCW “Fatri” online platform. Applicants log in using the national unified access credentials, then select the hunting permit issuance service and choose the permit type, such as sustainable terrestrial hunting. Before submitting, applicants must confirm they will use only permitted means — air or gas rifles without gunpowder, or officially registered falcons — then complete the application and pay the prescribed fees electronically.

Permitted Methods and Restrictions

Allowed hunting methods include licensed hunting rifles already authorized by the competent entities, falcons registered with the Saudi Falcons Club, and certain air or gas rifles without gunpowder. The use of nets, multi-bird capture, shotguns with pellets, and electronic lures or attraction devices is banned.

Hunting is prohibited inside the boundaries of the Makkah and Madinah Haram areas, within city and village limits, inside heritage sites and wetlands and within a 2 km radius around them, and inside declared protected areas and vegetation-cover lands except under a special NCW license. Night hunting is banned from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise.

Under the current executive regulations, hunting without a license carries a fine of 10,000 SAR for a first offense, while hunting in prohibited places or areas carries a 5,000 SAR fine. Residents and enthusiasts planning to hunt this season are advised to secure the correct permit and follow all rules before heading out.

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