Best Practices in WTO Accession for Arab Countries
Lessons from past and ongoing accessions in the Arab world

Drawing on the experiences of Arab countries that have joined the WTO since 1995 - including Comoros, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen - as well as those currently in the accession process, the publication addresses the challenges faced in membership negotiations.

The publication explores how WTO accession reshapes policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks and presents guidance on how to fully leverage WTO membership and technical assistance. Based on high-level consultations, extensive interviews and comprehensive policy analysis, this publication provides essential insights into how to advance sustainable economic development and reinforce regional stability across the Arab world.

Co-published by the WTO, the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade and the Arab Monetary Fund in 2026.

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• Introduction
• Executive summary
• Section 1: The policy context for the accession of Arab economies
• Section 2: Main elements of the accession process and reforms upon accession
• Section 3: Post-accession impact assessment for members having acceded since 1995
• Section 4: Conclusion and way forward
• Annex 1: Questionnaire for Arab acceding governments
• Annex II: Questionnaire for Arab members having acceded to the WTO after 1995
• Annex III: Regression results for the effect of WTO accession on economic growth for Arab members having acceded after 1995
• References
• Abbreviations