The 1987 Arab Athletics Championships was the fifth edition of the international athletics competition between Arab countries.
It took place in Algiers, Algeria from 6–9 July.
A total of 40 athletics events were contested, 24 for men and 16 for women.
The men's 20 kilometres walk was restored to the programme, having been removed after 1981.
A men's 50 kilometres walk was also held for the first time.