Hunting season in Saudi Arabia will begin on September 1, 2024, and end on January 31, 2025, said the National Centre for Wildlife.
The centre said this decision follows a comprehensive review of hunting practices, with a focus on ensuring sustainable resource utilisation while preserving biodiversity and environmental balance.
The centre has collaborated with hunting experts and conducted extensive research, drawing insights from international best practices and past hunting seasons.
Saudi hunting season 2024-2025
The hunting season will be restricted to specific species permitted for hunting in Saudi Arabia, which will be clearly detailed on the centre’s website and the Fitri platform.
Individuals seeking to participate in hunting must possess a hunting rifle licensed by relevant authorities and obtain a hunting permit through the Fitri platform.
The centre has emphasised that hunting endangered wildlife is strictly prohibited. Additionally, hunting of any kind is not allowed in areas designated as off-limits, including:
- Urban areas
- Villages
- Farms
- Rest houses
- Population centres
- Near military, industrial, and vital facilities
- Within reserves and major projects
- Along coastal areas up to 20km inland
The centre has outlined permissible hunting methods to ensure responsible hunting practices. Any means that can lead to the capture of multiple birds, such as shotguns, hunting nets, or unauthorised techniques like attraction and calling devices, is strictly prohibited.
The centre strongly emphasises compliance with the environmental law and its executive regulations for hunting wildlife. Any violations will result in penalties as outlined by the law.
The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the National Centre for Wildlife and other relevant agencies, will apprehend violators and refer them to the concerned authorities for legal action.
