Wild populations in the Mediterranean region are restricted to Israel and number fewer than 250 mature individuals. Numbers in Israel are increasing.

Formerly occurred through most of the Arabian Peninsula, north to Kuwait and Iraq. Arabian Oryx range had already contracted by the early years of the 20th century and the decline accelerated thereafter. Before 1920, oryx distribution was separated into areas over 1,000 km apart: a northern population, and a larger southern population in and around the Rub Al Khali and the plains of central-southern Oman. Oryx disappeared from the north in the 1950s. In the south, their range steadily decreased due to hunting and by the 1960s oryx were restricted to parts of central and southern Oman. The last wild individuals were probably shot in 1972 on the Jiddat al Harasis.

Currently, there are reintroduced populations in Oman (Arabian Oryx Sanctuary), Saudi Arabia (Mahazat as-Sayd Reserve, 2,900 km² and Uruq Bani Ma’arid Reserve, 5,500 km²); and Israel (three locations in Northern Arava and Negev Desert). A release programme in Abu Dhabi, UAE, began in 2007.

Current total population is estimated at approximately 1100: Oman (approximately 50); Saudi Arabia (approximately 950; 800 in Mahazat as Sayd and 160 in Uruq Bani Ma’arid); and Israel (90-100). The population in Oman reached a high point of 450 before illegal live capture began and severely reduced numbers. Now only males remain. In Saudi Arabia, numbers are roughly stable in Uruq Bani Ma’arid, but declining in Mahazat As Sayd, which is completely fenced and where animals have exceeded carrying capacity. There has been a slow, but steady increase in the Israeli population. About 100 animals have been released at Umm Al Zumul, UAE, since 2007.

An estimated 6000-7000 animals are held in captivity worldwide, mostly within the region. Some of these are maintained in large fenced enclosures, including those in Syria (Al Talila), Bahrain, Qatar, and UAE.

Current population trend is stable/decreasing.

Inhabits sandy and stony deserts.

The Oman population has been devastated by illegal live capture for sale to private collections and has been rendered totally ineffective. The security of animals that wander outside the other protected areas where they have been released cannot be guaranteed, except perhaps in Israel. Drought and overgrazing have reduced habitat quality in places and limited the choice of potential release further release sites.

Protective legislation in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Israel is adequate. Occur in protected areas, as above. Sites in Israel and Bahrain are also protected. Captive population is well-managed, with an international studbook. In addition, large numbers are kept in private collections, especially in UAE and Saudi Arabia. The government of UAE is funding a reintroduction into Jordan and is considering releases in Yemen. A regional Arabian Oryx conservation strategy was developed in 2007. The Coordinating Committee for the Conservation of the Arabian Oryx is an inter-governmental body charged with coordination of conservation efforts within the Arabian Peninsula.