National Center for Wildlife

What National Center for Wildlife does

The National Center for Wildlife (المركز الوطني لتنمية الحياة الفطرية — National Center for Wildlife Development, operating as NCW) is a Saudi Arabian government state entity, headquartered in Riyadh and operating under the Government of Saudi Arabia. Its mandate covers the protection and development of wildlife ecosystems and designated natural reserves across terrestrial and marine domains within Saudi Arabia. The center manages 21 breeding and reintroduction programs that have collectively reintroduced approximately 10,000 animals, including species such as Arabian Oryx, sand gazelles, Nubian ibex, Asian Houbara, ostriches, and wild rabbits, executed through specialized centers including the King Khalid for Wildlife Research Center in Al-Thumama, Riyadh. It also runs protected-area management for terrestrial reserves (such as the IUCN Green List–accredited Ar Riyadh Al Ghabra Reserve) and marine reserves (including the Farasan Islands), training programs such as the Turtle Excluder Device initiative that has trained 920 fishermen, and anti-poaching and illegal-trade enforcement under international conventions CMS, CITES, and CBD.

Operationally, NCW combines traditional Saudi conservation practices (the Hima system) with a technology stack built around satellite-based tracking for endangered species and AI-driven population data analysis. Disclosed technology components include an AI-powered wildlife population monitoring system applied at scale (e.g., 36,000 baboons across 561 clusters), a Satellite Monitoring Network feeding large-screen remote-sensing displays, and satellite-tracked hawksbill sea turtle monitoring. The center publishes the bilingual Wildlife Magazine and a Digital Library, and offers citizen-facing e-services through the Fitri (منصة فطري) platform, the Movables Platform, the Wildlife Status Correction Initiative, and a Unified Contact Center.

NCW's business model is government-funded rather than commercial; its services are not commercially priced and no equity ownership exists outside the state. Revenue-equivalents come from Saudi government allocations, with nascent commercial activity emerging through 2026 eco-tourism launches (Wildlife Destinations program, safari and birdwatching offerings) and a privatization-and-investment service line. Its primary customer segment is the Saudi Arabian government and public sector, serving national environmental objectives under Vision 2030 and international conservation commitments.

Name

National Center for Wildlife

Legal name

المركز الوطني لتنمية الحياة الفطرية (National Center for Wildlife Development)

Website

https://ncw.gov.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The National Center for Wildlife is a Saudi Arabian government entity that manages wildlife conservation, breeding and reintroduction programs, and protected areas across terrestrial and marine ecosystems, serving national environmental objectives under Vision 2030.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (924)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife, Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation Administration (BPAIAMAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration (BPAIAMAH), Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release Centers (Public Viewing/Education) (THAAAFAC), Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB), Wildlife Health & Conservation Disease Management (HLAMAJAM), Guided Wildlife Safaris & Game Drives (Sanctuary/Reserve-Based) (THAAAFAF)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation
• Protected area management
• Species reintroduction
• Marine conservation
• Biodiversity preservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The National Center for Wildlife is a Saudi Arabian government entity that manages the protection, conservation, and development of wildlife ecosystems and designated natural reserves within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It operates 21 breeding and reintroduction programs covering terrestrial and marine species, manages protected areas, enforces anti-poaching measures, conducts wildlife population monitoring using AI and satellite tracking, and oversees environmental tourism initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Product overview

The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) operates a digital portfolio consisting of multiple e-service platforms and information resources. The core offering includes the منصة فطري (Fitri) e-service platform for citizen transactions, appointment booking, and incident reporting; the منصة المنقولات (Movables Platform) for managing movable wildlife assets; and the المكتبة الرقمية (Digital Library) for regulations, annual reports, and open data. NCW also publishes مجلة الحياة الفطرية (Wildlife Magazine), a periodical covering conservation research and biodiversity, and offers privatization and investment services. These offerings support NCW's government mandate for wildlife conservation, protected area management, breeding and reintroduction programs, and environmental tourism across Saudi Arabia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• منصة فطري (Fitri Platform) A citizen-facing e-service platform enabling wildlife-related transactions, appointment booking, and incident reporting for Saudi residents and visitors engaging with NCW services.
• منصة المنقولات (Movables Platform) An e-service platform for managing movable wildlife assets and related administrative processes including licensing and registration of wildlife holdings.
• المكتبة الرقمية (Digital Library) A digital repository providing access to regulations, annual reports, open data, and protected-area documentation for the National Center for Wildlife.
• مجلة الحياة الفطرية (Wildlife Magazine) A periodical bilingual (Arabic/English) publication of the National Center for Wildlife covering wildlife conservation research, environmental studies, protected areas, and biodiversity topics. The 8th issue was published May-June 2026.
• التخصيص والاستثمار (Privatization and Investment) A service facilitating privatization and investment opportunities in the wildlife and environmental sector under the National Center for Wildlife.
• قسم البلاغات (Incident Reporting) A dedicated reporting service for submitting wildlife-related incidents and complaints to the National Center for Wildlife.
• السياحة البيئية في المناطق المحمية (Eco-tourism in Protected Areas) A government-led eco-tourism service offering wildlife destinations, safari experiences, and birdwatching areas within Saudi Arabia's protected areas, supporting sustainable wildlife tourism.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reintroduced approximately 10,000 animals through 21 breeding and reintroduction programs
• +4 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) — Ocean QuestmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2025Ocean Quest, a Saudi global initiative for deep ocean exploration, was established at KAUST in Jeddah on April 14, 2025, as part of Saudi Arabia's contribution to ocean conservation and marine biodiversity research. The initiative aims to invest 3 billion SAR by 2050 in deep ocean research, protect 30% of marine life, and develop biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications from marine ecosystems.
• Bird Protection Saudi Association (جمعية حماية الطيور)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2024The Bird Protection Saudi Association was established with endorsement from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Center for Wildlife. It focuses on monitoring species, developing ideal environments for birds, setting standards for habitat protection, and raising community and decision-maker awareness on bird conservation and natural habitats. NCW supports the association's seven key initiatives.
• Local Coastal Communities (Farasan Islands)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Collaboration with local fishing communities in Farasan Islands for sea turtle nesting habitat rehabilitation. Includes waste removal from 28 islands (9,951 kg of debris), community awareness workshops, and involving fishermen in protecting nesting sites. Aimed at preserving marine biodiversity while maintaining sustainable livelihoods.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Joint launch of a Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Response Plan at COP16 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. IUCN formally endorsed the center's response protocol and provided international standards for monitoring and managing Crown-of-Thorns Starfish outbreaks in the Red Sea. The plan operates on four pillars: response protocol development, training workshops, continuous coral reef monitoring, and population management.
• Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and AgriculturecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024Partnership covering multiple marine and terrestrial conservation initiatives including sustainable fishing practices, mangrove honey production, plastic pollution reduction, and the Saudi Green Initiative alignment. Also collaborated on the TEDs (Turtle Excluder Device) initiative across the Eastern Region, Makkah, and Jazan, training 920 fishermen.
• King Salman Global Complex for Arabic Language (مجمع الملك سلمان العالمي للغة العربية)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration to produce the 'Glossary of Wildlife Terminology' (معجم مصطلحات الحياة الفطرية), covering more than 400 glossary entries with English equivalents. The glossary covers species names, classifications, natural habitats, and conservation and sustainability concepts, serving as a reference for researchers, academics, and media professionals to promote accurate Arabic environmental terminology.
• Saudi Falcons Club (نادي الصقور السعودي)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023Joint effort to launch the 'Hudhud' (هدد) program for the international release of falcons to their natural habitats. NCW issued release permits, set scientific standards for local and international releases, and provided rehabilitated falcons from its shelter center. The program supports sustainable hunting traditions and the conservation of threatened falcon species globally, aligned with Vision 2030.
• Royal Commission for AlUla (الهيئة الملكية لمحافظة العلا)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2022A joint cooperation agreement between the National Center for Wildlife and the Royal Commission for AlUla covering scientific research, knowledge exchange, biodiversity enhancement in protected areas. Includes provision of wildlife bred in NCW centers for release in protected areas, support for breeding programs, joint environmental studies, coordination on the Arabian Leopard conservation program, and collaborative biodiversity surveys in AlUla regions.
• NEOMmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2022Collaboration for the reintroduction of Arabian Oryx and other endangered wildlife species into NEOM's protected area extending over 25,000 square kilometers. First releases in late 2022 included Arabian Oryx, Nubian ibex, sand gazelle (Reem), and mountain gazelle, marking the first sighting of Arabian Oryx in the NEOM region in approximately a century.
• King Khalid for Wildlife Research Center (مركز الملك خالد لأبحاث الحياة الفطرية)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 January 2022The King Khalid for Wildlife Research Center in Al-Thumama, Riyadh, operates under the National Center for Wildlife and implements six breeding programs for threatened species including sand gazelles, Reem gazelles, Neom gazelles, Nubian ibex, Arabian Oryx, and Arabian tahr. The center manages genetic stock, veterinary care, feeding programs, rehabilitation, and release activities for Saudi Arabia's most endangered wildlife species.
• Saudi Aramco (أرامكو السعودية)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Partnership for mangrove (qurm) conservation along the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea coasts. Saudi Aramco launched a百万-tree mangrove planting initiative and achieved over 4.3 million mangrove trees planted by end of 2021, protecting 63 square kilometers of marine habitats including mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds. Also included mangrove reforestation campaigns collecting over 500,000 seeds from Qatif mangroves.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• South African National Parks (SANParks): South Africa's national park agency manages 19 national parks and oversees wildlife conservation, breeding programs, and protected area administration. Comparable to NCW's mandate in managing state-owned protected areas and species reintroduction.
• New Zealand Department of Conservation: New Zealand's central government agency managing conservation, protected areas, and wildlife programs. Directly comparable as a government entity administering conservation policy, protected areas, and species recovery programs.
• Kenya Wildlife Service: Kenya's national wildlife authority manages protected areas, wildlife conservation, and breeding programs across Kenya. Directly comparable to NCW as a government-mandated national wildlife management agency operating breeding/reintroduction programs and protected area networks.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: U.S. federal agency responsible for wildlife conservation, protected areas (national wildlife refuges), endangered species management, and international conservation coordination. Comparable to NCW's national wildlife authority mandate and regulatory role.
• Fauna & Flora International: International conservation organization working on species recovery, habitat protection, and protected area management globally. Comparable in conservation focus though operating as NGO rather than government authority.
• IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): Global authority on conservation status of species and natural environments. NCW has a core partnership with IUCN, which recognized its reserve in the IUCN Green List. IUCN provides standards and frameworks that NCW's operations align with.
• WWF (World Wildlife Fund): Global conservation organization operating across wildlife conservation, protected area management, and species protection. Comparable to NCW in mission scope, though operates as an international NGO rather than government entity.
• Wildlife Conservation Society: International NGO operating wildlife conservation programs, managing protected areas, and conducting species recovery work globally. Comparable to NCW's mission in species reintroduction and protected area management.

Regional players

• Wildlife Trust of India: India's leading wildlife conservation NGO focused on species protection and habitat conservation in South Asia. Comparable to NCW's mission but operates in a different geography with NGO rather than government structure.

Emerging players

• Arabian Wildlife Centre: Specialized facilities in the Arabian Peninsula focused on native wildlife breeding and conservation. Comparable to NCW's specialized breeding centers for Arabian species like Arabian Oryx, though smaller in scale and scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NCW_center
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ncw_center2597
• Facebookfacebook.com/NCWcenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/-national-center-for-wildlife
• Instagraminstagram.com/ncw_center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Center for Wildlife