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Future Support of Arabic Typography

With the continuous progress of Opentype and the variable font technology, the support for diverse scripts is improving annually, accommodating the intricate needs of world scripts. Instead of simplifying scripts to conform to Latin-based type systems, modern multi-script fonts are being developed and utilized in unprecedented ways.

As an expert in Arabic typography, Pascal Zoghbi will delve into the Arabic script, exploring contemporary fonts and type technologies while drawing parallels with the past. By acknowledging the challenges faced throughout the history of creating Arabic fonts and printing, Zoghbi will provide a comprehensive overview of the past and present, offering insights into potential future font developments and their potential applications.

Focusing on Naskh, the most widely used and produced style in Arabic printing, Zoghbi will trace its evolution across different periods. Through a visually analytical narrative, Zoghbi will provide a detailed account of the challenges encountered in Arabic font production over time, offering potential solutions for the future. Additionally, Zoghbi will investigate how a user-friendly typesetting app or plugin can enhance the user experience for Arabic typography, providing an imaginary Arabic typography UI that can benefit typographers in setting Arabic text, editing text justification options, adjusting diacritics, and more.

Pascal Zoghbi 2025
Speaker

Pascal Zoghbi

Pascal Zoghbi is a Lebanese designer and educator with a Master of Design in Type & Media from KABK. He founded 29Letters Type Foundry in 2013. Building on a cross-cultural approach, he has developed an outstanding collection of contemporary multiscript typefaces. Having moved to Madrid in 2018, he expanded 29LT’s focus on Arabic and Latin scripts to embrace a global multiscript approach that taps into other world scripts. Zoghbi taught for ten years at various design schools in Lebanon and in the UAE. Internationally renowned, he has received prestigious design awards, such as TDC, Granshan, AIGA, and was nominated for Jameel Prize 3. He also co-authored and edited the “Arabic Graffiti” book.