Established in 1996, APSG serves as an important specialist group of the SSC and currently has a membership of over one hundred scientists in the Arabian countries including those in several other countries working on Arabian plants. Dr Abdulaziz Abuzinada, Secretary General of the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) is the founding Chairman of APSG and its activities are guided by a steering committee composed of 15 scientists from the region, each representing a country.

In spite of the apparent arid profile the Arabian peninsula is endowed with a rich and varied plant life. A significant part of the region's biodiversity is economically important for its medicinal qualities, being wild relatives of crops (such as wheat, barley) or other socially important reasons. However, these valuable plant communities a facing a variety of modern threats and unless urgent remedial measured are instituted we may see several of the irreplaceable species disappearing in our lifetime.

The APSG seeks to promote the study and conservation of plants through its network and by building partnership with a number of institutions. It promotes research as well as capacity building in taxonomic studies. The activities of APSG has already created a strong impact in the region in the areas of plant studies and conservation, and several plant initiatives are being launched in different parts of the region, catalised by APSG.