Some Arabian oryx were brought to Qatar from the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) in the 1950s and1960s and kept in private collections, including those at As Suleimi Farm, Al Tereinat Farm, and Ma’ader Farm. In 1979, As Shahaniyah Reserve was established for Arabian oryx conservation and 25 animals were transferred there from Ma’ader Farm. In 1993 a reserve was established by a decree of the Emir and herds were managed scientifically and measures taken to prevent losses due to disease. Some oryx have been distributed to new reserves: Ras as-Sharj in the north (1991) and Al Amsahbiyah in the south (1997). By the end of 2011, Arabian oryx in Qatar totalled 1354.