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Designing for Arabic Markets: RTL Layouts and Cultural UX
Designing for Arabic Markets: RTL Layouts and Cultural UX
Short answer: designing for Arabic markets means more than translating text. You mirror the layout right to left, choose fonts made for Arabic script, adjust icons and numbers, and respect local expectations around imagery and trust. I learned this designing products for Arabic and Polish markets, including work for a food delivery brand and a bank in the region.
1. Mirror the layout, not everything
In right-to-left (RTL) interfaces, the reading flow starts on the right. Navigation, text alignment, progress steps and back arrows move to the other side.
But some elements should not be mirrored:
Logos and brand marks
Media controls such as play and pause
Numbers, phone numbers and card numbers
Charts with a time axis, which often still read left to right
2. Choose fonts made for Arabic
Latin fonts with an Arabic fallback rarely look good together. Pick a typeface family with native Arabic and Latin versions so both languages share the same weight and rhythm.
Arabic text often needs a slightly larger size and more line height
Avoid italic and letter-spacing on Arabic, since the script is connected
Test long words; Arabic and English strings differ in length
3. Icons and visuals
Flip directional icons such as arrows and "next"
Keep universal icons such as search, home and settings unchanged
Choose photos that reflect local people, dress and settings
4. Numbers, dates and currency
Some audiences use Western digits, others Eastern Arabic digits. Agree on one system per product. Show local currency and date formats, including the Hijri calendar where relevant.
5. Build trust the local way
Local payment methods, clear delivery information, visible customer support and familiar brand cues matter. In finance and food delivery, users expect reassurance at every step.
Bilingual websites: Arabic and English
Design the RTL version from the start, not after launch. Use components that adapt to direction, and test every page in both languages. In Framer, locales make it possible to manage both versions in one project.
FAQ
What is RTL design?
RTL design means designing interfaces for languages written right to left, such as Arabic, Hebrew and Persian, by mirroring layouts and adapting typography.
Do I need a separate website for Arabic?
Usually not. One website with two language versions is easier to maintain, as long as the design supports both directions.
Can Framer handle RTL websites?
Yes. You can set text direction and build mirrored layouts, and manage languages with Framer's localization features.
Planning a product for the Middle East?
I've designed websites and apps for Arabic and Polish markets. Tell me about your project.
Volodymyr Bogdanov, UX/UI Designer & Framer Developer at Studio Grid
Short answer: designing for Arabic markets means more than translating text. You mirror the layout right to left, choose fonts made for Arabic script, adjust icons and numbers, and respect local expectations around imagery and trust. I learned this designing products for Arabic and Polish markets, including work for a food delivery brand and a bank in the region.
1. Mirror the layout, not everything
In right-to-left (RTL) interfaces, the reading flow starts on the right. Navigation, text alignment, progress steps and back arrows move to the other side.
But some elements should not be mirrored:
Logos and brand marks
Media controls such as play and pause
Numbers, phone numbers and card numbers
Charts with a time axis, which often still read left to right
2. Choose fonts made for Arabic
Latin fonts with an Arabic fallback rarely look good together. Pick a typeface family with native Arabic and Latin versions so both languages share the same weight and rhythm.
Arabic text often needs a slightly larger size and more line height
Avoid italic and letter-spacing on Arabic, since the script is connected
Test long words; Arabic and English strings differ in length
3. Icons and visuals
Flip directional icons such as arrows and "next"
Keep universal icons such as search, home and settings unchanged
Choose photos that reflect local people, dress and settings
4. Numbers, dates and currency
Some audiences use Western digits, others Eastern Arabic digits. Agree on one system per product. Show local currency and date formats, including the Hijri calendar where relevant.
5. Build trust the local way
Local payment methods, clear delivery information, visible customer support and familiar brand cues matter. In finance and food delivery, users expect reassurance at every step.
Bilingual websites: Arabic and English
Design the RTL version from the start, not after launch. Use components that adapt to direction, and test every page in both languages. In Framer, locales make it possible to manage both versions in one project.
FAQ
What is RTL design?
RTL design means designing interfaces for languages written right to left, such as Arabic, Hebrew and Persian, by mirroring layouts and adapting typography.
Do I need a separate website for Arabic?
Usually not. One website with two language versions is easier to maintain, as long as the design supports both directions.
Can Framer handle RTL websites?
Yes. You can set text direction and build mirrored layouts, and manage languages with Framer's localization features.
Planning a product for the Middle East?
I've designed websites and apps for Arabic and Polish markets. Tell me about your project.
Volodymyr Bogdanov, UX/UI Designer & Framer Developer at Studio Grid
