'Uruq Bani Ma'arid is the last place where Arabian Oryx were observed in the wild, and it is now the focus of an intensive and successful reintroduction program for Arabian Oryx and other keystone species, such as the Arabian Sand Gazelle, and the Arabian Mountain Gazelle. Criterion (vii): 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid is an iconic hyper-arid sand desert representing the largest sand sea on Earth, Ar-Rub' al-Khali. The configuration of 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid, combining sand dune systems with an escarpment and incised plateau creates an exceptional “edge effect” for the survival of wildlife in a hyper-arid environment. Protection and management requirementsThe property is congruent with the 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area, which effectively protects flagship species. In 1996, 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid was designated a protected area by Royal Decree and it enjoys the highest level of protection at the national level.