The Arab Science & Technology Community comprises Arab scientists, researchers, innovators in Technology, and individuals involved in the technical aspects of science and technology, both inside and outside the Arab countries.

ASTF came into being in 2000 upon the recommendation of 400 Arab scientists from all over the world. One of its main purposes is to provide an informal umbrella for activities which bring together the numerous alienated research centres scattered throughout the Arab world, which have a direct impact on the Arab scientific community inside and outside the Arab countries.

The Arab world has a wealth of human resources, but their activities in scientific research are not well coordinated: ASTF seeks to coordinate their efforts, and to develop and mobilize human resources in support of S&T. The twentieth century witnessed the migration of many Arab researchers to more advanced countries, seeking better opportunities for their research. As a result, today there is a wide gap of know-how dividing these researchers from their counterparts in their homelands. 

ASTF seeks, through a variety of activities, to support the S&T community by creating links and networks in both the private and governmental sectors, to harness know-how in the Arab world. ASTF also seeks to integrate efforts by encouraging collaborative research projects and transfer of know-how to accelerate progress