Saudi 2026-2027 Hunting Season Opens With New Quotas

The National Center for Wildlife has opened the 2026–2027 regulated terrestrial hunting season in Saudi Arabia, which runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 January 2027. This marks the sixth regulated season since the program launched in 2021, and it comes with higher quotas and a wider issuance of licenses.

Hunting is permitted for 30 terrestrial wildlife species, all listed on the National Center for Wildlife website and the Fitri platform. Compared with the previous season, the national hunting quota has risen by 11%, while the number of hunting licenses has increased by 34%. Hunting of threatened terrestrial species remains permanently prohibited.

How permits and methods work

Permits are obtained online through the Fitri platform. Anyone using licensed air or gas-powered rifles, as well as falconers registered with the Saudi Falcons Club, must hold a valid permit in Fitri. Permits for species hunted using falcons are linked to a valid falcon ownership certificate or falcon passport.

Only licensed rifles that operate without gunpowder — using compressed gas or spring mechanisms — are allowed. Hunting must use legally permitted methods that ensure no more than one bird is taken at a time. Shotguns, hunting nets, attractants, and calls are banned. Night hunting is also prohibited, from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise.

Hunting is not allowed in no-hunting areas. These include inside cities, villages, farms and populated areas; near military, industrial and critical facilities; within protected areas and major projects such as NEOM, Qiddiya and the Red Sea Project; and along coastlines within a 20 km inland buffer zone.

The National Center for Wildlife issues a species list and permissible quantities and defines the sites where hunting is allowed. Hunting without a license is a violation carrying a 10,000 SAR administrative penalty for a first offense — a reminder for residents to confirm all requirements before heading out.

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