The participation of the 13 Arab member countries of the WTO is weak in the main functions of the organization: implementation of Treaties, negotiations and settlement of disputes. This level is low compared to other developing countries in Asia and Latin America. However, 2017 marked a turning point in the participation of Arab countries in the WTO Dispute Settlement System (WTO DSS). Many Arab countries became Claimants and Respondents for the First time. Clearly, the fact that countries from the Arab region are enhancing their participation and gaining experience either as parties or third parties is having an impact in convincing reluctant capital-based authorities of the value of engaging further in the WTO DSS. Views based on the comparable experiences of developing countries, particularly from Latin America, suggest that Arab countries are at the beginning of their learning curve and are at the stage that Latin American countries found themselves two decades ago. As capacity is not enough to fully explain the low levels of participation by Arab countries. The dissertation explored if Arab countries have more of a preference for other trade regimes. It was found that Arab countries commitments vary but overall WTO commitments are in an intermediary position between what can be considered "strong" commitments made through the strategic FTAs with the US and EU, and the other, weaker, commitments made through GAFTA or the Agadir Agreement. Arab countries are probably in a "shock therapy moment". This is to say that 2017 marked a turning point for many Arab countries' engagement with the WTO. These countries have started further organizing themselves institutionally and legally vis-à-vis the WTO. This thesis suggests that Arab countries seize this momentum and consolidate emerging institutional arrangements and consultations with the private sector and other stakeholders in order to better serve their national interests and optimize their participation in the WTO. The thesis ends with some suggestions going forward.