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The National Center for Wildlife announced the commencement of the sixth hunting season in Saudi Arabia on September 1, 2026. This season, which extends until January 31, 2027, incorporates adjustments informed by data collected since the introduction of regulated hunting in 2021. The center raised the number of permitted species to 30 while increasing the national hunting quota by 11 percent and the number of available licenses by 34 percent. These changes reflect a commitment to sustainable practices aligned with the national Environment Law.
According to the National Center for Wildlife, all hunting activities must be conducted using permits obtained exclusively through the Fitri platform. Rifle users are limited to licensed air-powered or gas-powered weapons, as firearms using gunpowder are not permitted. Falconers must possess a valid falcon ownership certificate or passport and be registered with the Saudi Falcons Club. The center listed the approved species and detailed requirements on its official website and the Fitri application.
The National Center for Wildlife maintains a permanent prohibition on hunting any threatened or endangered wildlife species. Hunters are barred from pursuing game in cities, villages, farms or any residential and populated zones. Protected areas, major projects including NEOM, Qiddiya and the Red Sea Project, and a 20-kilometer buffer along the coastline are also off limits, as are areas near military, industrial or vital facilities.
Regulatory guidelines from the National Center for Wildlife further restrict methods to ensure minimal impact. Only techniques that allow the taking of one bird at a time are authorized, while shotguns, nets, attractants and calling devices remain banned. These rules draw on executive regulations developed with input from hunting experts and international best practices, the center reported.
Enforcement of the hunting regulations involves close coordination among the National Center for Wildlife, the Ministry of Interior and the Special Forces for Environmental Security. Violators face penalties as stipulated under Saudi law, the center warned in its announcement. Previous seasons have shown increasing levels of hunter compliance, contributing to improved environmental awareness across the kingdom.
Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, pointed to the scientific foundation underpinning the latest updates. The center has accumulated extensive data from five prior seasons, enabling evidence-based adjustments to species lists and quotas through ongoing monitoring. Qurban emphasized that hunters serve as important partners in conservation, a stance that has earned the kingdom international acclaim including the Champion Plus for Migratory Species award.
