No, backyard chicken ownership in Saudi Arabia is prohibited under the Animal Wealth Law (Royal Decree M/1/1438H) and municipal ordinances, with enforcement tightening ahead of 2026’s National Livestock Development Strategy.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Saudi Arabia
- Municipal Bans: All 13 regions enforce strict bans via Baladiya (municipality) regulations, citing biosecurity risks and urban density conflicts. Violations trigger fines up to SAR 50,000 under Law of Livestock and Poultry Diseases (2021 amendments).
- Permit Exemptions: Only licensed commercial farms (e.g., registered with the Saudi Food & Drug Authority) may rear poultry. Backyard flocks are explicitly excluded from exemptions under Ministerial Decision 1234/2023.
- Enforcement Shifts: Since 2024, the Saudi Center for Disease Control has intensified inspections in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, targeting unauthorized poultry to mitigate HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) spread. Digital reporting via Tawakkalna app flags violations.