This species was recorded on rocky headlands among coastal flats and offshore islands west of Abu Dhabi by Thesiger (1949) and it also occurred in the Rub Al Khali (Harrison and Bates 1991). A wild subpopulation was still present in the Abu Dhabi desert (Jongbloed et al. 2001). The species also occurs on several near-shore islands, with at least one subpopulation, on Futaisi, reported to be at least partly of native coastal stock. During the lowest spring tides, individuals cross to neighbouring islands. Some island subpopulations likely relate to released animals, although the founder stock may have been obtained from inland desert areas. Others are clearly of captive origin and remain in a semi-captive state, with food and water being provided (Aspinall et al. 2005). Arabian Sand Gazelles are present in the Arabian Oryx Reserve and Delaika protected area (Abu Dhabi), Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and Al Marmoom Conservation Area and adjoining areas of desert (Dubai) some smaller reserves, and on islands, in private collections and forestry plantations.Based on the known habitat preferences, it is assumed that historically G. marica occupied desert areas and G. arabica the mountains and their fringes, but releases may now have obscured the origianl pattern. Arabian Sand Gazelle is assumed to have formerly occurred in suitable habitat across most of the Arabian Peninsula. The current range is now restricted to protected areas and a few small scattered populations in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. Very small numbers survive in the eastern desert of Jordan. The species was present in Kuwait, Qatar, Syria and Yemen, but the current status there is unclear. It is still believed to occur in western Iraq but little recent information is available. Animals from the Ceylanpinar State Farm in southeast Turkey have been released into the surrounding region (IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group 2017b).