This paper reviews the history and background of the popular tilapias production from the wild as well as the reasons behind the preference in farming tilapias in an expanding aquaculture in the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The paper reviews tilapias production in 21 countries 14 of which produce captured and/or cultured tilapias and 7 countries have the capabilities and the potential to produce one or more species of tilapia. National reviews of all these countries are presented highlighting the current situation as well as future prospects. The paper concludes by raising the main issues which need to be taken to strengthen and enhance tilapias production in order to meet the increasing demand for fish.