Signs of a translated app and an Arabic-first app
- The back arrow points the wrong way.
- Arabic text aligned to the left.
- Icons on the opposite side from the text.
- Literal labels such as 'Submit' on every button.
- Dates and numbers with scattered direction.
- Navigation starts on the right and swipe-back is mirrored.
- Text and headings aligned right.
- The icon comes before the text, on the right.
- Clear verbs: 'Order now', 'Book your visit'.
- Western digits with a stable direction inside text.
The steps
- 1Start in Arabic
Describe the app and write its text in Arabic from day one, and make English the second language.
- 2Choose a readable font
A clear Arabic font, slightly larger than the English size, with more line spacing.
- 3Check the mixed fields
Phone number, email, card number and verification code stay left to right.
- 4Review every screen in both languages
Switch the language and make sure nothing broke, overlapped or got clipped.
- 5Test with an Arabic-speaking user
Someone from your audience spots the odd phrase you did not see.
Local details that matter
- The local phone number format and country code.
- Hijri dates next to Gregorian where needed.
- The local currency and where its symbol sits.
- A week that starts on Sunday in calendars and booking.