The current “youth bulge” in the population of Arab countries creates bigger demands for educational and
healthcare services which should be anticipated and planned. The prevalence of emotional and behavioural disorders
is increasing in the Arab adolescent, and rates are comparable to international data. Adolescent health problems especially
noted in this area include the high prevalence of overweight/obesity, and vitamin D and iron deficiencies, which
necessitate appropriately planned national policies in order to combat them. Concerns are raised about the lack and/or
deficiency of specific adolescent medical care and the inability of specialist child and adolescent mental health services
to meet these growing need and demands.