The Javan Cownose Ray occurs throughout UAE coastal waters. Due to confusion with the Oman Cownose Ray (Rhinoptera jayakari), population data can be uncertain, but it is suspected this species is the rarer of the two that occur in the Arabian Sea region. Serious declines in cownose ray landings have been observed in Pakistan, and of batoids in general in India. It exhibits slow life history characteristics including low fecundity and a low annual rate of population increase. Considering this, the species has a low capacity to recover from even moderate levels of exploitation. It is especially susceptible to exploitation (target and bycatch) in many largely unregulated gill net and trawl fisheries that operate within its range outside and surrounding UAE waters. Some management measures are now in place in the Arabian Sea region, although domestic fisheries are likely to continue. Though data specifically from the UAE are not available, individuals in the UAE are a component of a larger, interconnected and migratory population that occurs broadly in the north-western Indian Ocean. It is inferred that declines reported in the Arabian Sea region are representative of its status in the UAE. Based on recorded levels of exploitation, it is suspected to have declined by at least 30% over the past three generation lengths, or about 45 years. There is no information to confirm that this species is breeding in the UAE and no information confirming the likelihood of a cease in immigration from outside the region, despite ongoing threats and recorded declines. It is listed as Vulnerable A2d.