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Aims: Scientific discovery in general, and nursing research specifically, is an increasingly global effort consistent with changing demographics and the need to provide culturally competent care in a diverse society. Given that Arabs account for an increasing proportion of the populations in many Western countries, this study presents findings from the first bibliometric analysis of nursing research conducted through December 2017 in the Arab region. Methods: We used quantitative and qualitative indicators to analyse bibliometric data from Scopus. Results: We provided significant data on Arab nursing publication output and growth trends; types of published documents; publication geographic loci, focus, and subject categories; authors' collaboration patterns; core publishing journals and their impact; and citation patterns. Conclusions: Our findings highlighted the need for Arab policy makers and funding agencies to allocate research funding that supports the dissemination of Arab nursing research into the broader scientific community so that Western researchers, policymakers, and health care providers can appropriately address the health care needs of Arab individuals and families. The insights gleaned regarding the performance of journals, authors, countries, and institutions are discussed in relation to the potential impacts of the publish‐or‐perish culture of the current academic world. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about the topic? The advancement of nursing research has occurred rapidly in high‐income countries.No studies have examined the ways in which nursing research in the Arab countries has evolved over the same time period.Arabs account for an increasing proportion of the populations in many Western countries, requiring studies that promote cultural competency and transcultural nursing. What this paper adds? This is the first study to describe the growth trend of Arab nursing research publications compared with nursing research publications worldwide.This is the first study to reveal the nature of published Arab nursing research in terms of publication types, geographic loci, focus, authors' collaboration patterns, core publishing journals and their impact, and citation patterns. The implications of this paper: The study provides important information for Arab policy makers and funding agencies to promote allocating research funding that supports the dissemination of Arab nursing research into the broader scientific community.The study highlights the potential impacts of the publish‐or‐perish culture of the current academic world on the quantity and quality of nursing research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]