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How do I make a mobile app in Arabic (RTL)?

Updated October 12, 2026

The short answer

A proper Arabic app is not a translated English one. The whole layout must mirror right to left: menus, back arrows, the navigation bar and the order of items in each row, while numbers, phone numbers and emails stay left to right. You also need a clear Arabic font and text written in Arabic from the start. The easiest route is to build Arabic-first and add English second.

People also ask this as
  • how to make an Arabic mobile app
  • RTL support in a mobile app
  • app in Arabic and English
  • common RTL problems in mobile apps

Signs of a translated app and an Arabic-first app

A translated 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.
An Arabic-first app
  • 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

  1. 1
    Start in Arabic

    Describe the app and write its text in Arabic from day one, and make English the second language.

  2. 2
    Choose a readable font

    A clear Arabic font, slightly larger than the English size, with more line spacing.

  3. 3
    Check the mixed fields

    Phone number, email, card number and verification code stay left to right.

  4. 4
    Review every screen in both languages

    Switch the language and make sure nothing broke, overlapped or got clipped.

  5. 5
    Test 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.

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