Royal Decree No. M/66 of 2015 issuing Ministerial Resolution No.429 of 2015 approving the Act on the Wildlife Protected Areas.

The primary objectives of this Act, which consists of 21 articles, are to protect, conserve, and develop wildlife within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; to support the restoration of endangered species in their natural habitats; and to organize these efforts for tourism and environmental purposes. The Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) is the responsible body for managing protected zones. A Committee, comprising various ministries and relevant bodies, reviews reports prepared by the SWA and decides on the establishment of protected areas, which cannot be created on private property. Article 4 outlines the procedural details for this process. The SWA is granted several key powers, including: (i) restoration of habitats; (ii) promotion of sustainable development; (iii) facilitation of the return of endangered species to their natural environments; and (iv) development of volunteer programs to raise awareness about protected zones. The Board of Directors sets regulations governing access and activities within marine and terrestrial protected areas, including grazing, fishing, recreation, research, and issuing necessary permits. Protection is ensured by a security force composed of staff from the Ministry or private contractors. Article 11 lists prohibited activities, and penalties for violations of the Act are outlined in the final articles.