Investigated the reliability, factor structure, and discriminative and criterion validity of the Arabic version of the Center for Epidemiologic Study Depression Scale (CES-D). 350 female Arab medical students, non-medical students, and community members (mean age 22.3 yrs) completed the Arabic version of the CES-D and questionnaires concerning depression risk factors and sociodemographic characteristics. 30 Ss completed structured clinical interviews (R. L. Spitzer et al, 1990) and the CES-D at 2-wk follow-up. Results show the Arabic version of the CES-D demonstrated good reliability and validity. Factor analysis yielded the 3 independent components of interpersonal sensitivity, mixed affective and somatic symptoms, and normal positive affect. There were significant differences in mean total scores between depressed and non-depressed Ss. It is concluded that the Arabic CES-D possesses reliability, discriminative validity, and criterion validity.