The Broad Cowtail Ray occurs throughout UAE coastal waters. The exact distribution is uncertain due to confusion amongst Pastinachus species and recent taxonomic changes. This species is not targeted or valued in markets of the UAE, trawling has been banned there since 1980 and recent surveys have detected it in the area. Cowtail rays are regularly discarded in the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman. A large part of the species' regional distribution (namely, India and Pakistan) is under extremely intense and increasing demersal fishing pressure. It is not known how individuals occupying the UAE are connected with the broader population of the Arabian Seas region, and there is no information available to suggest that its population status differs in the UAE as compared to other parts of its range in the region. Given the threats faced by this species in other parts of the Arabian Seas region, and ongoing threats from discarding and habitat loss in the UAE, it is inferred that declines reported in the Arabian Seas are representative of the status in the UAE. Based on recorded levels of exploitation and decline in habitat quality, it is suspected to have declined by 20-30% over the past three generation lengths, or about 60 years. It is listed as Near Threatened, nearly meeting the thresholds for Vulnerable A2cd.