BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability of the Arabic language version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPA Q-A). Additionally, the study assessed criterion validity of the instrument. METHODS: Emirati university students (N.=93) were asked to complete the GPA Q-A on two occasions (7 days apart). A subset of 48 participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days after which they completed the GPA Q-A. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability of the GPAQ-A was acceptable for moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p=0.78; 95% CI: 0.69 to 0.86), moderate physical activity (MPA) (p=0.73; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.82) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) (p=0.62; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.76). Test-retest reliability of the single item sedentary behavior (SB) measure was less promising (p=0.44; 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.64). Criterion validity of the MVPA measure was fair (p=0.23; 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: Test-retest reliability for the GPA Q-A was acceptable to assess physical activity (PA ) but less promising for SB. Criterion validity of the PA measures was fair. Additional work is needed to develop robust measures of PA and SB in this population.