Saudi Arabia Opens 2026–2027 Regulated Hunting Season with New Quotas
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RIYADH, September 1, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife has announced the opening of the 2026–2027 hunting season, which runs from September 1 through January 31, 2027.
The season operates under a regulatory framework intended to support sustainable hunting, protect biodiversity and ecological balance, and ensure the responsible use of natural resources under the Environment Law and its Implementing Regulations.
This is the sixth regulated hunting season since the initiative began in 2021. The latest rules increase the number of species permitted for hunting to 30, raise the national hunting quota by 11% and expand the number of licenses by 34%.
Permits for species hunted using falcons must now be connected to a valid falcon ownership certificate or passport. The measure is intended to improve the reliability of hunting records and strengthen regulatory compliance.
Hunting is limited to approved species listed on the NCW website and the Fitri platform. Hunters must obtain permits through Fitri before taking part in the season.
The requirement applies to users of licensed non-gunpowder hunting rifles that propel projectiles through compressed gas or spring mechanisms, including air and gas-powered rifles. It also applies to falconers registered with the Saudi Falcons Club.
The hunting of threatened terrestrial wildlife remains permanently prohibited.
Hunting any wildlife species, including birds, is forbidden within cities, villages, farms, rest houses and other populated areas. The ban also covers locations near cities and military, industrial or critical facilities.
Hunting is prohibited inside protected areas and major development projects, including NEOM, Qiddiya and the Red Sea Project. It is also prohibited along Saudi Arabia’s coastlines within a 20-kilometer zone extending inland.
Only legally authorized hunting methods may be used, with the regulations requiring that no more than one bird be taken at a time. Shotguns, hunting nets, attractants, calls and other unauthorized methods are prohibited.
The center warned that violations are subject to penalties under Saudi law. The Special Forces for Environmental Security and other relevant authorities will coordinate with NCW to identify violators and refer them to the competent authorities.
NCW Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mohammed Qurban said decisions covering permitted species, quotas and license numbers are based on scientific assessments, field monitoring and data collected during previous seasons.
He said the increases introduced this season reflect continuing evaluations of species populations and their capacity to recover while maintaining the permanent ban on hunting threatened wildlife.
Qurban emphasized that responsible hunters are partners in wildlife conservation. Compliance with approved quotas, species, seasons, locations and methods helps preserve natural resources and ecosystems for future generations.
Saudi Arabia’s work in addressing the illegal hunting, taking and trade of migratory birds in Southwest Asia has also received international recognition. The Kingdom, represented by NCW, was recognized as Champion Plus under the Migratory Species Champion Programme, following an earlier Champion distinction.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
