INTRODUCTION:
The global burden of neurological and mental disorders presents urgent challenges for public health systems. Yet historically, brain health screening tools have been developed in high-income countries and deployed globally without centering the perspectives, priorities, and preferences of target populations. This perpetuates colonial patterns of health system imposition. This study addresses this decolonial gap by systematically investigating what an Arabic-speaking population actually wants and needs for brain health testing, challenging assumptions about universal screening approaches.

METHODS:
We conducted rigorous community-engaged cultural adaptation of the Global Brain Health Survey through forward-back translation, expert review with local stakeholders, and pilot testing with Arabic speakers. Data from 867 participants were analyzed in R using descriptive and inferential statistics to understand how demographic factors influence attitudes, reflecting the complexity and agency of the community.

RESULTS:
Our results demonstrated strong acceptance of brain health testing, with over 75% expressing readiness to undergo assessment. Primary motivations were preventive, seeking insights into current and future cognitive and mental health. Key acceptance determinants included test accuracy, affordability, and convenience, particularly home-based testing options. These preferences highlight trust in scientific validity while emphasizing the importance of minimizing financial and logistical barriers which are critical factors for health equity. Most participants reported that they would seek professional help following concerning results, suggesting testing could catalyze timely healthcare engagement.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our study provides systematic evidence on brain health testing attitudes in an Arabic-speaking population, demonstrating robust willingness when credibility, cost, and accessibility are prioritized. The emphasis on affordability and home-based options aligns with contemporary debates on health equity, sustainability, and digital health innovations central to achieving health without borders. The findings inform culturally sensitive, population-centered strategies for scaling brain health screening across diverse Global South contexts, supporting inclusive approaches addressing diverse populations' preferences and strengthen early intervention pathways across borders.