Stiff penalties await illegal loggers and hunters in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has also imposed fines on using prohibited weapons and hunting tools. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 19 February 2021
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Stiff penalties await illegal loggers and hunters in Saudi Arabia

  • The fine for unauthorized hunting amounts to SR10,000, while those for hunting and harming living animals range between SR1,500 to SR200,000

JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has begun implementing strict executive regulations to control hunting and logging in the Kingdom in an effort to preserve the country’s wildlife. Illegal loggers and hunters will face heavy penalties for any unauthorized practices.
“In the past decades, the Kingdom has witnessed serious environmental degradation, which has led to the extinction of many living organisms, as well as the deterioration of natural vegetation by 80 percent due to unsustainable practices,” Abdulrahman Al-Soqeer, Saudi academician and environmental consultant, told Arab News.
The fine for unauthorized hunting amounts to SR10,000 ($2,700), while those for hunting and harming living animals range between SR1,500 to SR200,000.
Fines for violators of logging regulations start at SR1,000 and could reach SR20 million, penalties that are subject to be doubled if violations are repeated.
The ministry gave those practicing activities related to the import and sale of firewood and charcoal six months to rectify their situation and obtain the necessary permits.
The new regulations prohibit overfishing and the hunting of wild fungi and endangered species. They also aim to regulate hunting activities and provide hunters outlets to enjoy the sport in a safe and secure environment while preserving a balanced ecosystem.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fines for violators of logging regulations start at SR1,000 and could reach SR20 million, penalties that are subject to be doubled if violations are repeated.

• The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture gave those practicing activities related to the import and sale of firewood and charcoal six months to rectify their situation and obtain the necessary permits.

• The new regulations prohibit overfishing and the hunting of wild fungi and endangered species. They also aim to regulate hunting activities and provide hunters outlets to enjoy the sport in a safe and secure environment while preserving a balanced ecosystem.

Although belated, these regulations reflect an unprecedented and comprehensive move by the Saudi government to preserve the country’s biodiversity, and Al-Soqeer places high hopes on the decision.
According to the ministry, this step will also provide investment opportunities for the private sector without harming wildlife.
Al-Soqeer highlighted that the Kingdom’s biodiversity is an essential component of national wealth, with a cultural, economic and environmental value; therefore, all countries should do their utmost to preserve it.


“Maintaining the Kingdom’s ecological balance will play a significant role in long-term, sustainable development in the country,” he said.
The ministry has also imposed fines on using prohibited weapons and hunting tools. It is now forbidden to use tools or means that catch more than one animal, including spray guns or fishing nets. It is also unauthorized to use kill animals using gases, car exhaust or by means of drowning.
To obtain a hunting permit, applicants must be above the age of 21 and must have not been proven guilty of committing two or more violations. In addition, two years must pass since the last proven violation.

Some animal species are vulnerable to extinction, which means we must protect them by allowing them to reproduce and preventing them from being hunted during this stage.

Abdulrahman Al-Soqeer, academician and environmental consultant

The ministry will provide hunters with hunting venues and has specified different seasons for hunting activities.
“It is necessary to avoid hunting during reproduction seasons in order to allow animals to survive and produce,” said Al-Soqeer. “Some animal species are vulnerable to extinction, which means we must protect them by allowing them to reproduce and preventing them from being hunted during this stage.”
Displaying and selling hunted creatures without a license is also prohibited, and violators will be fined SR20,000.
The National Center for Wildlife Development supervises programs related to the protection of wildlife and biological diversity in Saudi Arabia and is responsible for the management of protected areas and centers for the breeding and resettlement of endangered animals.
Only 0.5 percent of Saudi Arabia is forested land, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, while 95 percent is sandy deserts. Hence, illegal logging constitutes a severe threat to the ecosystem.


Logging, or cutting down trees, is one of the major causes of environmental degradation in the Kingdom, leading to soil deterioration, desertification, exacerbated dust storms and damage to biodiversity, Al-Soqeer explained.
The new logging regulation, which applies to all persons in the Kingdom, aims to regulate the import, transportation, storage and sale of firewood and charcoal.
The ministry has specified penalties, which include imprisonment up to 10 years or a fine of no more than SR30 million for certain violations if committed twice or more within one year.
These violations include cutting trees and shrubs from protected reserves; uprooting, moving, or stripping them of bark or leaves or any other part; moving their soil; and bulldozing or trading in them without a license.
The National Center for Development of the Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification will supervise these practices and approve the rules and regulations related to issuing and renewing licenses and permits.
Al-Soqeer noted a growing environmental awareness in Saudi Arabia, which is essential to preserve the country’s wildlife.
“However, protecting the environment and preserving natural resources sometimes require more stringent enforcement of laws and regulations.
“The government and the charitable sector represented by environmental associations are working side by side to sustain environmental progress in the Kingdom. The private sector is still not supportive enough, though,” he said, adding that the aimed transformation would not be complete without the private sector’s participation.


Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft

RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has launched its first vocational empowerment training in leather industries for rural women in Al-Kharj governorate.

The program aims to promote entrepreneurship and support the national economy in line with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It provides rural women with practical skills in leather manufacturing to help develop their small businesses and improve the marketing of their products.

Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, said 15 rural women are participating in the training, which covers value-added leather production, design, product diversification, quality control, and business management.

The program includes training in business planning, cost management, marketing, and branding to help participants establish viable ventures, according to SPA.

Recently, the UN World Tourism Organization recognized Saudi Reef’s role in supporting sustainable development through its link with rural tourism.

Basmah Al-Mayman, UNWTO Middle East director, in a letter to Saudi Reef Secretary-General Ghassan Bakri commended the program for organizing rural tourism events in various regions of the Kingdom.

UNWTO expressed interest in collaborating with Saudi Reef on initiatives focused on sustainable community development and rural tourism.


Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia to establish 7 new bee breeding stations

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has announced the establishment of seven queen bee breeding and nucleus colony production stations in regions selected for their suitability: Jazan, Asir, Madinah, Makkah, Hail, Tabuk, and Najran.

Construction is expected to be completed this year, with operations beginning in 2026. The facilities will add to the four existing stations in Abha, Baha, Qassim, and Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The ministry said the projects will aim to preserve and strengthen the local bee strain and reduce reliance on imported colonies, as the Kingdom currently imports about 1.3 million nucleus colonies annually.

The stations will implement programs, including training in queen rearing and artificial insemination, along with promoting practical breeding techniques.

The initiative also includes guidance on advanced beekeeping methods and measures to limit the spread of diseases and pests associated with imported bees. Research will be conducted to support the maintenance and development of local strains.

The ministry said that the projects involve selective breeding based on research and may be offered for investment through beekeepers’ cooperatives or the private sector. Efforts will also be made to support and market the stations’ output.

In line with World Bee Day on May 20, the ministry has called for improving the knowledge and practices of beekeepers to help protect bee populations from disease, pests, pesticides, and environmental stressors.

It also referred to the launch of initiatives to encourage modern beekeeping, increase production efficiency, and support those working in the sector.

There are 25,644 licensed beekeepers in Saudi Arabia, producing 5,832 tonnes of honey from 1 million beehives. The Kingdom’s varied vegetation supports the production of about 20 types of honey, including sidr, talh, and samar.


Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices

Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has launched a digital awareness campaign to educate the public on the safe and proper use of medical devices and supplies intended for home use.

The authority aims to reach diverse community segments, providing essential awareness messages and practical guidance to enhance health safety in the home, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It highlighted the importance of purchasing home medical devices from licensed suppliers that offer warranties and after-sales services, including necessary maintenance.

The authority also urged the need to verify that the device has the required licenses and a valid marketing authorization certificate.

Given the wide range of available options and specifications, the authority advised consulting a qualified healthcare professional to select the most appropriate device for an individual’s condition.

It also highlighted the importance of reviewing usage and care instructions, and obtaining any necessary training before purchase.

General safety guidelines include ensuring instructions are available in both Arabic and English, retaining the purchase receipt, keeping devices out of reach of children and pets to prevent tampering, and following recommended calibration and maintenance schedules.

The authority called on the public to report any issues or incidents related to home medical devices or supplies through the National Center for Medical Devices Reporting at ade.sfda.gov.sa/Home/NcmdrReport or by calling the unified number 19999.


Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives publishes book on adhan history, muezzins

Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives publishes book on adhan history, muezzins

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, has released a new book on the history of the adhan (call to prayer) and biographies of the muezzins of the Two Holy Mosques throughout the centuries.

The book was authored by Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, member of the Council of Senior Scholars and imam and preacher at the Grand Mosque.

It meticulously examines the adhan ritual in the Two Holy Mosques, covering its origins, virtues, and significance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The book is divided into three sections: the adhan’s history, biographies of 95 Grand Mosque muezzins, and 147 Prophet’s Mosque muezzins.

It presents biographies of muezzins who have issued the call to prayer from the time of Prophet Muhammad to the present, the SPA reported.

Drawing on credible historical sources and interviews, the author used a scientific approach to document the evolution of adhan tools and the relationship between the muezzin and the mosque.

The book also highlights the Saudi government’s support in selecting skilled muezzins and using advanced audio technology for local and global broadcasts.

This publication enriches the foundation’s collection, serving as a vital resource for researchers and those interested in the history of the Two Holy Mosques and Islamic rituals.


National Water Co. completes $106m in upgrades ahead of Hajj

Updated 20 May 2025
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National Water Co. completes $106m in upgrades ahead of Hajj

  • Upgrades will boost operational efficiency, expand network coverage and enhance real-time monitoring capabilities

JEDDAH: The National Water Co., through its Western Cluster, has completed 18 infrastructure and operational projects ahead of the Hajj season in Makkah and the holy sites, valued at SR400 million ($106 million).

The projects are part of efforts to refine water and environmental services for residents, visitors and the millions of pilgrims expected during Hajj.

Upgrades will boost operational efficiency, expand network coverage and enhance real-time monitoring capabilities.

Capital works include the construction of a 190,000-cubic meter steel water tank along with the development and rehabilitation of water storage facilities, main pipelines, valve rooms and distribution networks.

These efforts are designed to support supply sustainability and reliability, particularly during peak pilgrimage hours.

Operational upgrades include the installation of advanced monitoring systems such as pressure gauges, meters and network sensors. Pumps and isolation valves across water, wastewater, fire and cooling systems have also been modernized to boost performance.

More than 1,200 technical, engineering and administrative staff have been assigned to oversee operations and maintain uninterrupted service during the Hajj season. The company said it will provide round-the-clock water supply to the Prophet’s Mosque and key religious and historical sites in Madinah.

To safeguard water quality, all storage units and connections to pilgrim accommodation are subject to testing. Monitoring is conducted through teams at central and mobile laboratories, which can analyze more than 1,000 water samples per day.

Water flow in Madinah’s central area will be managed using a smart operation system connected to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition monitoring and control room, allowing real-time oversight throughout the Hajj season.