Exhibit 99.1



                                                                           FOR
[First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Logo]                    IMMEDIATE
                                                                       RELEASE


1401 Highway 62-65 North                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
P. O. Box 550                                    Larry J. Brandt/President-CEO
Harrison, AR  72601                                   Tommy Richardson/EVP-COO
                                                       Sherri Billings/EVP-CFO
                                                                  870-741-7641



              FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.
                 ANNOUNCES A QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDEND

Harrison, Arkansas - November 30, 2005 - (NASDAQ NMS:FFBH) First Federal
Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the "Corporation"), a unitary savings and loan
holding company for First Federal Bank of Arkansas, FA (the "Bank") announced
that its Board of Directors declared a $.13 (thirteen cent) cash dividend on
the common stock of the Corporation payable on December 23, 2005 to the
stockholders of record at the close of business on December 9, 2005.

Larry J. Brandt, President/CEO of the Corporation, stated, "This will be our
36th consecutive cash dividend.  Our strong capital base and continued
profitability afford us the opportunity to pay another consecutive quarterly
cash dividend.  Such action demonstrates our commitment to and confidence in
our future prospects."

The Bank, in its 71st year, conducts business from 16 full-service branch
locations and 27 ATMS located in Northcentral and Northwest Arkansas.  At
September 30, 2005, the Corporation had total assets of $840.9 million, total
liabilities of $763.3 million and stockholders' equity of $77.6 million.




















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