The Arab scientific research system is still facing the challenges of building the capabilities of science, technology, and innovation, and making it part of the societal system, and placing it on the global competition scene. It needs serious thinking, sincere will and diligent work to change this reality. In this research paper, we study some of the relevant knowledge society indicators, such as the GERD, the patents, the highly cited researchers, the rankings of Arab universities... But we consider all of them as effects, not causes; Hence, we seek to clarify that Arab scientists do not have the enabling environment necessary for the real and useful production of knowledge, and that the system of science and technology is an integral part of society, whose affairs are guided by the State’s politics.