Saudi Arabia implements strict rules to protect wildlife

1 / 3
The ministry emphasized the prohibition of hunting of all kinds of animals. (SPA)
2 / 3
The ministry emphasized the prohibition of hunting of all kinds of animals. (SPA)
3 / 3
The ministry emphasized the prohibition of hunting of all kinds of animals. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 15 February 2021
Follow

Saudi Arabia implements strict rules to protect wildlife

  • Fines will be imposed for hunting without permits, harming endangered species, and using prohibited weapons and hunting tools

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture on Monday implemented executive regulations to protect wildlife in the Kingdom.
The new regulations prohibit hunting wild fungi organisms, endangered species, and overfishing. The new laws aim to regulate hunting activities in the Kingdom and provide hunters outlets to enjoy the sport in a safe and secure environment without harming the balance of the natural ecosystem.
By providing hunting venues, the new laws will also encourage investments in the sector.
The ministry said the executive regulations also include fines for violations. Fines will be imposed for hunting without permits, harming endangered species, and using prohibited weapons and hunting tools.
The National Center for Wildlife Development supervises programs related to the protection and development of wildlife and biological diversity in Saudi Arabia.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The new regulations prohibit hunting wild fungi organisms, endangered species, and overfishing.

• Fines will be imposed for hunting without permits, harming endangered species, and using prohibited weapons and hunting tools.

It is also responsible for the planning and managing protected areas and managing centers for the breeding and resettlement of endangered animals.
Earlier, the ministry emphasized the prohibition of hunting of all kinds of animals or birds within the boundaries of cities, villages, towns, farms and rest houses, or any inhabited places, or near cities and military, industrial and vital installations.
It also instructed that hunting can only be done with air guns licensed in the name of their users. The ministry stressed that it is forbidden to use any other means that lead to catching more than one animal or bird, whether with spray guns, fishing nets, or hunting in unauthorized ways such as using gases, car exhaust, drowning in water, or using similar means.


Program to train experts in forest rehabilitation

Updated 14 January 2026
Follow

Program to train experts in forest rehabilitation

  • Forest Ambassadors program is one of several specialized training initiatives designed to equip forestry personnel, relevant authorities, and university students
  • Program focuses on providing trainees with advanced scientific knowledge and skills in fieldwork, data management, and technical report writing

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification continues to strengthen national capabilities to implement environmental initiatives requiring advanced technical skills and scientific expertise in assessing and rehabilitating vegetation resources.

The Forest Ambassadors program is one of several specialized training initiatives designed to equip forestry personnel, relevant authorities, and university students with the knowledge and skills to conduct vegetation inventories, assessments, and prepare technical plans for rehabilitating degraded forest areas.

The program offers a mix of theoretical and practical training, including presentations, educational modules, group discussions, and case studies, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

These components enable participants to conduct vegetation inventories and assessments, identify degradation, determine rehabilitation needs, and develop technical forest management plans.

The program focuses on providing trainees with advanced scientific knowledge and skills in fieldwork, data management, and technical report writing, the SPA reported.

It serves as a model for building highly qualified national cadres capable of applying best scientific practices in forest management and rehabilitation, contributing to the protection of natural resources, advancing the Saudi Green Initiative, and supporting the long-term sustainability of the Kingdom’s vegetation cover.