The paper presents data from a number of sites in the Middle East where detailed pavement evaluation has been performed; generally utilising the FWD, DCP, coring/pitting and, sometimes high-speed ground radar, to determine pavement layer thickness and condition. This data has enabled both empirical and mechanistic design methodologies to be used and compared. Emphasis is made to one particular project in Qatar, where over 3000 FWD test points were analysed and relationships between deflection levels, stiffnesses, predicted lives and Modified Structural Number were developed. Data from the detailed assessment of a heavily trafficked pavement in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) is also given to illustrate the importance of material characterisation when developing maintenance measures. The results from the FWD were used in conjunction with performance related laboratory test results, predominantly using the Nottingham Asphalt Tester, NAT. The NAT enables stiffness, deformation resistance and fatigue cracking resistance properties of bituminous materials to be determined.