[3] The preferred natural habitat of U. geyri is rocky desert, at altitudes of 500–2,000 m (1,600–6,600 ft).

[1] The generic name, Uromastyx, is derived from the Ancient Greek words ourá (οὐρά) meaning "tail" and mastiga (μαστίγα) meaning "whip" or "scourge", after the thick-spiked tail characteristic of all Uromastyx species.

The specific name, geyri, is in honor of German zoologist Hans Geyr von Schweppenburg.

[4] U. geyri is a relatively small, slender species for the genus, with an average total length (including tail) of around 34 cm (13 in).

"Saharans" are medium-sized lizards, many averaging 11–14 in (28–36 cm) in total length, and weighing 250 grams (8.8 oz) or more as adults.