By Ahmed Elramlawy | theramlawy | رملاوي
Creative Director | Arabic Typography Advocate | UX Branding Strategist
🌍 Why This List Matters
In today’s world of apps, websites, and digital platforms—especially in Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab region—type is the experience. Arabic typography is no longer just about cultural flavor; it’s about legibility, trust, motion design, and product performance.
If you’re building UX for fintech, govtech, e-commerce, or edu-tech in the Arabic market, you need fonts that respect the script and the interface.
🔟 Arabic Fonts UX Designers Must Master in 2025
1. 29LT Azel
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Type Style: Neo-Kufic
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Vibe: Modern, confident, geometric
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Why Use It: Exceptional legibility for both headers and UI components. Great for fintech and digital services.
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UX Fit: Clear in dense data apps and dashboards
2. IBM Plex Arabic
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Type Style: Humanist Sans
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Vibe: Tech-forward, open-source
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Why Use It: Harmonizes beautifully with Latin Plex. Perfect for SaaS, dev platforms, and global brands.
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UX Fit: Optimized for screens, available in multiple weights
3. Cairo (Google Fonts)
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Type Style: Rounded Naskh/Grotesque
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Vibe: Friendly, readable
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Why Use It: Free, variable, and highly legible. Widely used across apps in MENA.
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UX Fit: Perfect for onboarding flows and accessible UI
4. DIN Next Arabic
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Type Style: Technical Sans
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Vibe: Professional, bold, precise
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Why Use It: Strong vertical rhythm makes it great for mobile interfaces.
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UX Fit: Perfect for logistics, maps, urban mobility platforms
5. Noto Sans Arabic (Variable)
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Type Style: Minimal Naskh
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Vibe: Clean, global
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Why Use It: Backed by Google, cross-platform safe, works everywhere
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UX Fit: App settings, small labels, microcopy
6. Mada
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Type Style: Simplified Naskh
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Vibe: Sharp, editorial
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Why Use It: Legible at small sizes, sleek at large sizes. Great balance of modern and formal.
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UX Fit: Ideal for government or edu-tech dashboards
7. 29LT Bukra
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Type Style: Progressive Neo-Naskh
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Vibe: Futuristic, distinct
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Why Use It: “Bukra” means “tomorrow”—designed for innovation-centric products.
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UX Fit: Works well in innovation and startup environments
8. GE SS Unique
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Type Style: Saudi Brand Font
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Vibe: National identity meets UX
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Why Use It: Widely used in official Saudi platforms like Absher & Tawakkalna.
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UX Fit: Trust-building for government and national apps
9. Markazi Text
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Type Style: Classical Naskh with modern proportions
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Vibe: Cultural yet minimal
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Why Use It: Great for apps targeting wide audiences with a classic-modern blend
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UX Fit: Arabic news platforms, content-heavy UI, product education
10. Tanseek™ Modern Arabic
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Type Style: Soft geometric
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Vibe: Balanced, trustworthy
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Why Use It: Excellent bilingual design pairing with Latin.
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UX Fit: Retail apps, e-commerce, travel
🧠 UX Tips for Working with Arabic Fonts
✅ Always test Arabic fonts in real UI contexts — not just mockups
✅ Pair with neutral Latin fonts (avoid over-styled Latin glyphs)
✅ Use variable fonts for performance optimization
✅ Ensure you include diacritics for proper pronunciation in education or Quranic apps
✅ Test for kerning issues in RTL flows and narrow screens
🔄 Bonus: Font Pairing Cheat Sheet
| Arabic Font | Ideal Latin Pair | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| IBM Plex Arabic | IBM Plex Sans | SaaS / tech / apps |
| Cairo | Inter / Roboto | E-learning / govtech |
| 29LT Bukra | Neue Haas / Circular | Startups / branding systems |
| GE SS Unique | Helvetica Neue / GE SS | National / formal platforms |
| Tanseek Modern | SF Pro / Avenir | Retail / commercial apps |
🏁 Final Word from theramlawy
Typography isn’t just a visual detail — it’s the invisible UX layer that builds trust and clarity.
“If you’re designing for Saudi or Arabic-speaking users in 2025, mastering Arabic font systems is as crucial as your design tools.”
Every pixel of type is a chance to speak clearly, emotionally, and authentically.
So let your typography do more than decorate. Let it lead.
