Balancing Innovation, Biosecurity, and Biosafety in Dual-Use Research in the Middle East

Dual-use research is known for its double use, contributing to positive advancements and serious risks, especially in regions with political instability and low biosafety and biosecurity protocols. This paper offers background knowledge, regional challenges, and much more regarding the situation in the Middle East. Case studies highlight regional regulations' effectiveness and the consequences of not following them by comparing biosafety and biosecurity practices in the Middle East with global standards. We concluded with multiple points on how Regional and international cooperation are essential for sharing the region's information and policy alignment, with recommendations to improve the regulatory frameworks and financing lab facilities and to increase awareness of bioethics and dual-use concerns by educational and training initiatives. This review aims to help researchers and policymakers create a more secure and accountable scientific environment in the region; by filling these directed gaps, we aim to enhance the integrity of Middle East research and biosecurity.