Saudi Regulated Hunting Season Opens Sept 1, 2026

The 2026–2027 regulated hunting season in Saudi Arabia will run from 1 September 2026 to 31 January 2027, with hunters required to obtain individual permits before heading out. The season operates under a framework built around sustainable hunting, biodiversity protection, and ecological balance.

Terrestrial hunting is limited strictly to species listed as permitted on the National Center for Wildlife website and the Futri (فطري) electronic platform. Only those listed species may be hunted, and endangered species remain permanently prohibited regardless of the season. Hunters using licensed firearms and registered falconers must secure individual hunting permits through the Futri platform before practicing.

Several areas are off-limits. Hunting is banned in cities, villages, farms, rest houses, and residential areas; near military or industrial facilities; inside official protected areas and national reserves; and within major development and giga-project zones such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and Red Sea Project areas. Coastal zones are also protected, with a ban extending up to 20 km inland along the Kingdom's shores.

Only approved methods are permitted. The use of shotguns, nets, electronic bird lures, and any technique that captures multiple birds at once is prohibited. Violations are treated as environmental offenses, with penalties enforced by the Special Forces for Environmental Security under the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the National Center for Wildlife.

Licensing fees

Documented wildlife license fees include 550 SAR per year for marine wildlife hunting (excluding low-value fish) and 550 SAR A permit to possess listed wildlife species carries a base fee of 220 SAR, covering up to 200 live individuals or 1 kg of wildlife products, with extra quantities requiring additional fees. Entry to a protected area costs 440 SAR while a grazing permit inside a reserve is 550 SAR plus 11 SAR

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