This species has commonly been considered a subspecies of Uromastyx ocellatus, however Wilms et al. (2007) found that it represents a valid species within the U. yemenensis clade.

This species is listed as Least Concern on the basis that it is moderately widespread and appears not to be subject to major threats. Illegal exploitation may however become a threat in future, as demand for this species remains high, and trade levels should be monitored.

This species is found in the southern Arabian Peninsula (southern Yemen and southern Oman) (van der Kooij 2000). In Yemen it is known from the vicinity of Azzan west to the Hadramaut (Wilms et al. 2007), and along the coast of the Arabian Sea. In Oman it has only been recorded from Mirbat in the country's southwest (Seufer et al. 1998), and a second locality between Mirbat and Habdin (van der Kooij 2000). Although it occurs over a wide area, it is known from only a small number of localities (T. Wilms pers. comm. February 2012). It has been found at around 800-1,000 m asl. in Hadremaut (R. Sindaco unpublished data).

There are few records of this species. At a locality near Mirbat, eight were found within 100 m in a one-day survey (T. Wilms pers. comm. February 2012), however it is reportedly very uncommon in Oman (S. F. Mohammed pers. comm. February 2012), and it may be very localized. It is common in Hadramaut (S. Busais pers. comm. February 2012). The population trend is unknown, although the species is in high demand for the pet trade.

This species lives on gravelly slopes and escapes into big rock crevices when approached. It can also be found in areas characterized by black volcanic rock (R. Sindaco pers. comm. February 2012). This herbivorous lizard can occur in areas with very little vegetation, as it can feed on dry grasses where vegetation is sparse (T. Wilms pers. comm. February 2012). It can occur within a few kilometres of urban areas (T. Wilms pers. comm. February 2012). The species breeds once a year, laying between 6 and 12 eggs (T. Wilms pers. comm. February 2012).

There is some collection of animals for domestic consumption, which probably exerts greater pressure on populations than current levels of illegal exploitation for export (T. Wilms pers. comm. February 2012). Its rocky habitat is not at risk, and there are probably no major widespread threats to this lizard.

Bedouins eat these animals in rural areas. The species is highly sought in the international pet trade in Europe, Japan and the United States, and illegal collection from Oman has been reported (S. F. Mohammed pers. comm. February 2012). Between 1994 and 2002 CITES reported legal exports of 6,852 Uromastyx from Yemen to Europe and the United States, all referred to as U. benti (CITES website). Due to more recent taxonomic changes, it is not certain how many of these represent true U. benti. It is unclear if illegal trade continues in large numbers, however it has not readily been found on dealers' lists in Europe or the United States since legal exports from Yemen ceased, and only a very small number are bred in captivity (T. Wilms pers. comm. February 2012).

Research is needed into population densities and the general ecology of this species, as well as into levels of illegal trade.