The world of medicine has seen a shift from a paternalistic to a patient-centred approach along with a surge in medical research in the MENA region. This medical revolution is accompanied by ethical challenges, most importantly concerning the informed consent. Countries in the MENA region have become aware of this, as several studies aim to study these challenges, their cause, and their solution. This article summarizes all the major findings of these studies.

A total of 36 articles were reviewed in order to form a proper idea about the importance of informed consent and its applicability in some countries of the MENA region. Literature review included the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen. Excluding criteria were studies conducted in a country not considered to be part of the MENA region and articles not relevant to our objectives.

Challenges of the informed consent in the MENA region are the result of several interrelated factors unique to this region including cultural, religious, and legislative factors.

Efforts have been made to improve the ethical behaviour of physicians in the MENA region, however we are still far behind as several undeniable factors play a significant role, thus forcing an adapted informed consent form and procedure to every country and every population.