This paper aims to broaden the discussion on the need to develop a context-sensitive research ethics system in the Arab World which can respond to the hopes and aspirations of Arab societies and their epistemological  priorities. It defends the position that such a system should be locally and contextually nourished in order to avoid the burdens of colonial and Eurocentric traditions. It launches an effort to establish a research ethics tradition which is designed to be  an organic component of science, a tradition which  will ensure that the knowledge production process serves society and humanity, and transcends the hegemonic relations that continue to hinder the production of knowledge in the Arab World. Such an ethics system will put in place a rational practice that protects human dignity, freedom, and justice. The paper combines discussion of the aforementioned issues with a discussion of the review processes that research ethics requires. It focuses on the importance and centrality of self-review, and the need for independent institutionalized review. It also addresses the conceptual and practical tensions, limitations, conditions, and fears that accompany this process, and related procedures.