As in many areas of science, engineering, and technology, the Arab world has ‎failed so far to capitalise on its indigenous talents in modern biotechnology. With ‎few exceptions, Arab nations are suffering a relative decline in their global ‎competitive positions. The reasons for this situation are manifold, but fortunately ‎a reversal is possible reflecting the enormous range of biotechnological ‎opportunities that have special relevance to the region.‎ Based on various analyses, including special meetings of the Arab Academy of ‎Sciences, technology foresight exercises in several western nations, and detailed ‎international discussions involving academia and industry, it is clear that there ‎are three general areas especially ripe for exploitations, given available ‎resources. These are: (a) medicinal plants, building on traditional remedies and ‎observations but utilising new analytical techniques, advanced diagnostics using ‎recombinant antibodies and genomics tools, virus vectors, and propagation ‎systems; (b) industrial (“white”) biotechnology for the detection and elimination ‎of pollutants and contaminants; (c) bioprospecting of native organisms.‎ Massive investments elsewhere in the pharmaceutical industry, stem-cell R&D, ‎biofuels, food, fermentation, and plant and animal breeding, together with the ‎various and protracted regulatory arrangements, make entry into these areas ‎difficult without massive investments. In contrast, the three areas above are able ‎to be conducted productively by small teams of competent scientists and ‎technologists with just modest investments as the relevant technologies have ‎become relatively less expensive. Associated developments must take place, ‎notably in enhancing our bioinformatics capacity, surely efforts that need to be ‎tackled most effectively on a regional basis.‎ The presentation will provide background information, specific examples, and ‎proposed forward actions.‎