Stray animals cause 426 accidents, 5 deaths in 2025

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Updated 01 January 2026
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Stray animals cause 426 accidents, 5 deaths in 2025

  • Govt says heavy fines for cutting road fencing
  • Animal owners must use designated crossings

RIYADH: Stray animals have been the cause of 426 accidents, five deaths and 26 injuries on the Kingdom’s roads in 2025, according to a new report.

The General Authority for Roads revealed the statistics to raise awareness about the dangers of people tampering with road fencing, the SPA reported.

It said the public must use designated camel crossings to protect lives and property.

The authority added that fencing and crossings are designed according to the highest standards to regulate the movement of animals.

It warned that deliberately cutting fencing was a criminal offence, with fines running up to SR50,000 ($13,000).

In addition, perpetrators will be responsible for the costs of repairing the damage.

The authority said measures are in place for camel crossings on single-lane roads or other unfenced routes.

Owners can coordinate with the call center at 938 to determine a suitable time for crossing, provided it is done all at once, during daylight hours, and in the presence of a road supervisor.

The authority urged camel owners to educate their workers about the regulations.

The Kingdom’s road network has 51 camel crossings and 3,056 km of fenced roads.

The authority said it is adhering to the standards of the International Road Safety Assessment Program.

The aim is sixth place globally in the quality index by 2030, and reduce fatalities to under five per 100,000 people.


8 NGOs join Saudi Arabia’s national vegetation drive

Updated 26 January 2026
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8 NGOs join Saudi Arabia’s national vegetation drive

  • The center continues to promote collaboration across sectors to expand environmental awareness and advance sustainability goals through knowledge exchange

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has signed memoranda of understanding with several nonprofit environmental associations to strengthen partnerships with the nonprofit sector in advancing national goals for environmental sustainability.

The MoUs were signed with eight associations: Al-Nakaa Association, Lavender Society, Darb Hiking Trails and Walking Trips Association, Hail Agriculture Development Association, Yanbu Environmental Association, Rifaq Environment Association (Hail), Aghsan Environmental Association, and Pristine Future Environment Association.

The center said cooperation with the nonprofit sector enhances volunteer and community initiatives and maximizes environmental and social impact across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The agreements are part of a broader cooperation framework covering afforestation and land rehabilitation projects, nature-based tourism support, expertise exchange, capacity building through training, and community environmental awareness.

The center continues to promote collaboration across sectors to expand environmental awareness and advance sustainability goals through knowledge exchange, coordinated community efforts, joint outreach programs, and initiatives supporting national environmental objectives.