The Arab slave trade brought major demographic, economic, and cultural shifts across continents. Unlike the transatlantic slave trade, the Arab trade continued in some regions late into the 20th century.

That being said, slavery was still evident between Arab and Muslim lands up until the 1960s, as during the Mecca pilgrimage, slaves were sold and traded. Today, the Arab slave trade leaves a legacy through its highlighting of human exploitation. In societies where slavery was practiced, the trade shed light on the created social and racial hierarchies.

Overall, the Arab slave trade formed progressions across specific regions.