The Saudi Ministry of Culture has introduced two new Arabic typefaces—Al-Awwal and Saudi—as part of a broader effort to honour the Kingdom’s cultural legacy while encouraging creativity in modern design. The typefaces are now publicly available for use in both official and artistic contexts.
Developed under the supervision of the Ministry, the Al-Awwal and Saudi fonts are deeply rooted in the visual traditions of early Arabic calligraphy. Drawing inspiration from inscriptions dating back to the first Hijri century, the Al-Awwal typeface pays tribute to the region’s earliest scripts. It reinterprets these historic forms through a modern lens, incorporating contemporary calligraphic techniques that preserve the visual character of ancient handwriting.
The Saudi typeface builds on the foundation established by Al-Awwal. While maintaining ties to the historical aesthetics of the region, it presents a more stylised and adaptable approach to Arabic script. According to the Ministry, both typefaces were developed through a process that combined expertise in manuscript studies, design, linguistics, and digital programming.
Download the new Al-awwal and Saudi typefaces today to discover more options for creative expression. The new typefaces, developed by #SaudiMinistryOfCulture and inspired by ancient inscriptions, are designed for everyone to use and explore.
Download and discover more:… pic.twitter.com/ErCtOu84At
— Saudi Arabia Ministry of Culture (@mocsaudi_en) April 16, 2025
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan described the launch as “a tribute to the Kingdom’s vast cultural and aesthetic heritage,” noting that each font serves as a “bridge between the past and the present,” reported the Saudi Gazette. He emphasised that this initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation.
The design of the typefaces focused on balance and clarity, enhancing the visual relationship between letters, diacritics, and spacing. This attention to detail supports their use across a wide range of applications, from official government documents to branding, publishing, and creative media.
By making the fonts freely accessible to individuals and organisations, the Ministry aims to foster widespread use of Arabic calligraphy in ways that remain true to its historical essence while embracing digital innovation. The launch also supports broader cultural goals, including promoting Arabic language usage and preserving the artistic legacy of the script.
The Al-Awwal and Saudi typefaces are available for download via the Ministry of Culture’s website here.
Comments (0)