While the Arab world faces numerous crises, Iraq—the summit's host—is grappling with its own internal challenges, prompting criticism over the government's large and, to some, wasteful financial allocations for hosting Arab leaders.

Sudan's strategic position overlooking the Red Sea and its rich natural resources, being the third-largest gold producer in Africa, prompt various regional and international powers to seek to meet their interests and exert influence in the region.

On April 2, 2024, Sudan News Agency announced the suspension of the Saudi channels Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath, as well as the Emirati channel Sky News Arabia, from operating in Sudan.

Millions of Sudan's children are paying a steep price for the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.

The forces of foreign fighters and Arab-origin Africans flocking to the Rapid Support Forces are an evolution of the Janjaweed militia.