A reference guide to the Environment Law, hunting permits, protected wildlife and seasonal implementing decisions.
A Saudi hunting-season announcement does not, by itself, establish what may be hunted, where or with which equipment. The legislative foundation is the Environment Law, issued by Royal Decree M/165 on 10 July 2020, alongside its terrestrial-wildlife hunting regulations. It replaced the previous Wild Animals and Birds Hunting Law of 1420 AH. Bureau of Experts: Environment Law.
The regulations require a hunting licence and empower the National Center for Wildlife to set species, quotas, locations, dates and permitted methods. They protect endangered species, pregnant animals, young, nests, eggs and habitats. Protected areas have specific controls; a seasonal announcement does not automatically open them. Regulations, Articles 3–8.
A weapon licence neither replaces a hunting permit nor establishes that the weapon may be used for every quarry species. NCW guidance requires permits through Fitri and compliance with approved species and methods, prohibiting mass-capture equipment and unauthorised attraction or calling methods. Check the applicable permit conditions and decision rather than a circulated image or an earlier season's announcement. NCW regulatory guidance.
Article 7(2) prohibits hunting with firearms of any type, except within private hunting enclosures specifically licensed by NCW and subject to its conditions. Regulations, Article 7.
The penalty schedule officially published in September 2024 lists first-offence fines of SAR 10,000 for hunting without a licence, and SAR 5,000 for hunting in a prohibited location or period. These examples do not exhaust potential penalties or compensation. Official penalty schedule.
NCW's official FAQ also warns that displaying hunted wildlife outside vehicles, on roads or online is an offence. Publishing a souvenir photograph is therefore not outside the regulatory framework. NCW FAQ.
This reference explainer was prepared on 15 October 2026. It announces neither new legislation nor a season opening and is not legal advice. Consult updated texts, seasonal decisions and permit conditions before travelling.
