Okaz, 18 March 2025: The Saudi National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has issued new rules on wilderness camps, with restrictions on drone use, camp locations, and environmental protection.

The rules aim to ensure environmental protection and sustainable use of vegetated areas. Key provisions include restrictions on camp locations, and prohibiting camping in environmentally sensitive areas, forests, grazing-regulated pastures, and flood-prone areas. Camps are classified into individual, investment, government, and private business categories, and each has specific licensing requirements.

The regulations prohibit the use of drones for photography without a license, as well as other activities such as digging wells, using non-compliant electrical equipment, and lighting fires in unauthorised areas. Licensees must set up camps within designated areas, and remove them within 10 days of the license expiring. Fire safety measures should also be undertaken. Where environmental damage is caused, damage will have to be repaired or compensation will be as determined by the Centre.

The decision will impact campers, investors, and businesses involved in wilderness camping, and drone operators. It does not repeal or amend existing laws but introduces new guidelines which are designed to enhance environmental protection and regulate camping activities. The rules will have immediate effect when they are issued, and compliance will be required for all future camping and drone operations.

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