This paper presents a preliminary analytical overview of studies dealing with Arabic-based Youth Language practices (YL). It first provides a quick assessment of the development and evolution of YL studies in different areas of the globe (Europe, USA and Africa). It then reviews YL studies in the Arab world. It ends with a presentation of data collected during a collective research undertaken in four Moroccan cities in 2009-2012. This preliminary state of the Arts indicates a growing interest in Arabic-based YL starting from the 2000s, following the great amount of research on this topic in Western countries in the 1990s. Western and Arab urban contexts show important differences regarding the social components and sociolinguist profiles of the investigated youth groups. However, many similar trends have been recorded both at the level of YL linguistic features and youth discursive practices. Studies on Arabic-based Youth Language practices cover a large range of domains: written and oral uses, interaction within peer-group, artistic performances. The paper questions the role and place of YL as factors of language and cultural change.