As was the case in the past, translation is for the Arab World the high road to modern knowledge. Thus, the status of translation from and into Arabic has been a topic of discussion for two decades. This paper compares diachronically the different status of this transfer. It seeks to bring to light barriers to its development while putting its problems in a socioeconomic context inherent to the Arab world. Arabic cultural heritage of the past is inadequate for the 21st century. This study highlights the importance to learn from successful experiences of other modern nations to reflect current science.