Alcohol consumption in the Arab region: What do we know, why does it matter, and what are the policy implications for youth harm reduction?

•There is a strikingly low number of alcohol-related publications in the Arab world.•Arab countries are placed into four categories by data and policy availability.•Scaling up national alcohol policy is recommended – tailored to country category.•Applied research to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented policies is critical.•Arab countries should consider alcohol drinking among youth a high health priority.