Objective: To test the validity and reliability of the short form of Mini-Nutritional Assessment screening tool - Arabic version (MNA-SF-A) and to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in recently hospitalized elderly. Design: A cross-sectional study conducted on 230 recently hospitalized elders. Measurements: The short form of Mini Nutritional Assessment screening tool - Arabic version (MNA-SF-A) and selected anthropometric and laboratory measurements. Results: MNA-SF-A is valid and reliable. Most of the assessed recently hospitalized elderly were either liable for malnourishment (39.1% of the studied population) or malnourished (44.8% of the studied population). The MNA scores have been found to be significantly correlated to age, number of chronic illnesses and anthropometric measurements (BMI, calf circumference and mid arm circumference) in addition to serum total protein levels. Conclusions: The MNA-SF-A is a valid and reliable nutrition screening tool in recently hospitalized elderly in whom malnutrition and liability for malnourishment are highly prevalent.