The prevalence of behavioural and emotional problems was evaluated among 620 United Arab Emirates nationals aged 6-18 years using the Rutter Parent Questionnaire. Of these children, 11.8% scores above the cut-off point indicating behavioural disturbance. The prevalence of conduct problems was greater among boys, while emotional problems were more common among girls. Certain unspecified chronic life difficulties, parental distress in relation to their children, family history of psychiatric illness and alcohol or drug use in a family member were associated with behavioural disturbance, but no significant association was found with gender, socioeconomic status, family size or recent life events. Our findings suggest that behavioural disturbance exists among a substantial number of school-aged children in the community