Mabry et al. (2010) undertook a literature review study to understand the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in men and women in the GCC countries. The four high-quality studies that were identified showed the prevalence of this condition in men to range from 21% to 37% (ATPIII) and from 30% to 36% (IDF). Among women, the studies identified a prevalence rate ranging from 32% to 43% (ATPIII) and from 36% to 46% (IDF). Mabry et al. (2010) concluded that the prevalence of this condition in the GCC countries is about 10-15% higher than in most developed countries, and that the prevalence rates for women are generally higher.

Al-Shaibani et al. (2004) screened 609 Kuwaiti subjects between the ages of 30 and 60-years to study the prevalence of Insulin Resistance Syndrome in Kuwait. They found an overall prevalence rate of 33% using the ATPIII criteria.

Al Rashdan and Al Nesef (2010) carried out a nationwide cross-sectional study on a random sample from Kuwait through gathering demographic and clinical data. The prevalence in an adult Kuwaiti population was found to be 80.4% for the overweight, 48% for obesity, and 36% for metabolic syndrome. Overweight and obesity rates were found to be higher in females (82% and 53%, respectively) when compared to males (78% and 39%, respectively). Al Rashdan and Al Nesef (2010) demonstrated that in Kuwait the prevalence of obesity, overweight, and metabolic syndrome was found to be distressingly high and proposed vital and active community-based public health intervention.

Al-Lawati et al. (2003) estimated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adults in the Omani population. By two-stage cluster sampling, the study group (1000 individuals from each sex) was randomly selected from a list prepared from a pre-survey census of 16 Enumeration Areas. The age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 21%, with nearly 85% of the population having at least one component of the syndrome. The crude prevalence was 17% (slightly lower due to the young population). Sex-specific prevalence rates were 19.5% and 23% in men and women, respectively. It was found that with increasing age, the rates increased in both sexes from 4.7% and 2.8% in men and women, respectively, in the age group 20-29 years, to 29.8% and 48.7%, respectively, in the age group 60-year and above.

Bener et al. (2009) conducted a cross-sectional survey over a period of 18 months starting in 2007 among Qatari nationals over 20-years of age. A total of 1204 subjects were interviewed and tested. The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome was 21% and 32% among men and women, respectively using the ATPIII criteria, and 30% and 38% among men and women, respectively, using the IDF criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed both age and BMI to be significant contributors to the increased prevalence.

Al-Nozha et al. (2005) reported on the results of the 5-year (1995-2000) National Epidemiological Health Survey to study CAD and its risk factors among Saudis. A total of 17,293 subjects were selected for the study using a two-stage cluster random sampling method. Using the ATPIII definition, 37% men and 42% women were found to be positive for Metabolic Syndrome.

Malik and Razig (2008) collected data from 4,097 Emirati men and women using a stratified, multistage random sampling method. The age-adjusted prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in this sample population was found to be 40% (men: 35%, women: 43%) using the ATPIII definition, and 40% (men: 30%, women: 38%) using the IDF criteria.

Eapen et al. 2010 studied 260 young obese people in a school health screening program in UAE. 44% were found to exhibit Metabolic Syndrome based on biochemical and anthropometric measurements. There was a higher prevalence in boys, and a strong association with a family history of obesity, diabetes, or hypertension.  

Hajat and Shather (2012) reviewed the data from the population-based screening program 'Weqaya' in Abu Dhabi to investigate the prevalence and predictive value of metabolic syndrome. Of the total of 760 subjects included in the study, 325 (43%) were males with a mean age of 41.9 years. Of these, 149 (20%) were newly diagnosed diabetics, and Metabolic Syndrome was found in 29% vs. 32% of non-diabetics. Both the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) criteria were good predictors of CVD risk. However, IDF criteria were found to better predict pre-diabetes or diabetes, while ATPIII was found to be a better predictor of CVD.