• For the purposes of applying these regulations, the terms and phrases mentioned herein shall have the meanings specified next to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:

  • Regulations: Regulations for beekeeping in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

  • Reserve: King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

  • Authority: Authority for the Development of King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

  • President: Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.

  • Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

  • Beekeeping: The practice of caring for bee colonies, utilizing them for the production of bee products or for breeding bees and producing swarms and pollinating vegetation.

  • Beekeeping Tools: Tools used by beekeepers inside or outside the hives to assist in carrying out various beekeeping operations.

  • License: A document granted to a person (natural or legal) permitting them to engage in an activity.

  • Permit: A document issued by the Authority prior to commencing beekeeping activities within the reserve.

  • Beekeeper: Anyone who practices the breeding or care of a group of bee colonies.

  • Apiary: The location where beehives are situated, which the keeper can access to provide necessary services.

  • Vegetation: Natural plants, whether grasses, shrubs, or trees, whether they have grown naturally or have been cultivated.

The purpose of these regulations is to organize beekeeping activities within the geographical scope of the reserve, due to the important role of bees in pollinating vegetation, which contributes to the preservation of the natural and plant environment, as well as wildlife. This is based on the organizational arrangements of the Council of Royal Reserves and the bodies responsible for the development of royal reserves, issued by Council of Ministers Resolution No. (437) dated 1/7/1441 AH.

• The Authority grants a permit to engage in beekeeping activities in the reserve, after approval from the President - or his delegate - according to the following conditions:

  • 1- Submit a permit application through the Authority's official website.

  • 2- Attach the following requirements:

    • A- A copy of the national ID/residence permit, and it is required that the employees are sponsored by the owner of the apiary.

    • B- Attach the "Beekeeper" license issued by the Ministry.

    • C- Mobile number and email address.

    • D- National address.

    • E- Any other requirements specified by the Authority.

  • 3- The Authority will study the claim and notify the applicant of the status of the claim within (five) working days from the date of receipt of the claim, and the Authority has the right to reject the claim if the conditions or any of them are not met.

• The beekeeper is obligated to comply with the following:

• A- Breeding only local bee strains.

• B- Ensuring the safety of the hives and confirming that they are free from any disease before introducing them to the reserve. In case of any infection or disease, the reserve management must be immediately notified to take the necessary actions.

• C- The requirements issued by the Ministry.

• D- The authorized person must place the bee hives in the reserve at the locations and times specified in the permit, and must not change the location without prior approval from the authority.

• E- Setting up mobile apiaries within a maximum of twenty (20) days from the date of permit issuance.

• F- Maintaining cleanliness of the site during the permit period.

• G- Not renting the site to any other party or exploiting it for purposes other than those designated.

• H- Disposing of waste by placing it in designated areas, and not burying or burning it.

• I- Installing a prominent and visible identification sign at the site measuring (50cm×80cm) that includes the permit number and the beekeeper's and apiary's details.

• J- Providing safety measures and equipment to protect against bee stings.

• K- Informing the authority if any plant or animal pests, or any disease-causing agents are observed.

• L- Obtaining prior approval from the authority to conduct scientific activities related to research studies.

• M- Using existing roads while driving and avoiding creating new paths to preserve the vegetation cover.

• N- The owner of the apiary is fully responsible for any damages caused to individuals or property resulting from the apiary.

• Beekeepers are prohibited from the following:

• A- Engaging in any activities that alter the nature of the protected land.

• B- Using the protected land for any unauthorized activities.

• C- Relocating the apiary to another site without obtaining permission from the authority.

• D- Disturbing the wildlife within the protected area.

• E- Preserving the vegetation cover, and not cutting down trees, or grasses, or tampering with them.

• F- Not using pesticides of any kind.

• G- Not using antibiotics or chemical substances to treat the bees.

• H- Not burying or burning waste of any kind within the protected area.

• It should be noted that the beekeeper's tent must be built close to the apiary.

• General Provisions:

  • 1- The authority may destroy the cells and deal with the violator according to the legal procedures, if it is found that there is no permit or prior official approval.

  • 2- The authority has the right to conduct periodic inspections of the establishment, and if it is found that there is non-compliance with the regulations and requirements, the authority may revoke the permit and take the necessary legal actions.

The authority is responsible for monitoring violations and imposing penalties in accordance with the mechanisms and procedures followed in the relevant regulations and laws.

• A- The Authority shall update these regulations or exempt from their provisions - when necessary - with the approval of the President and informing the Board of Directors of the Authority.

• B- The President shall establish and approve a mechanism for implementing these regulations.

These regulations shall come into effect from the date of their publication in the official gazette.