A defining beginning
RTLtype began in 2009 with a bespoke typeface for the Middle East website of beIN SPORTS, establishing a practice that has since expanded across Palestine, the Arab region and international markets.
Independent type foundry since 2009
We design the type through which institutions find their voice.
Founded in 2009, RTLtype is an independent type foundry specialising in Arabic and Latin typography. We unite precise design, font engineering and rigorous technical testing to build type systems for identity, publishing, screens and digital products.From the first glyph to the final technical test, we treat type as both a carrier of meaning and a professional system. Visual character, multiscript balance, spacing, marks, OpenType behaviour and software compatibility all receive the same exacting attention.
Work at institutional scale
We were early contributors to Canva and supplied more than 60 original Arabic fonts. Our work also includes type projects for Riyad Bank, Arla, Goody Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Year of Arabic Poetry.
Across sectors and scripts
Our Kurdish media work includes Channel 8, Radio Nawa, Awj Film Production and Kurdistan24.net under Al Jazeera supervision—experience that strengthens our ability to design for distinct cultural and technical environments.
Founder and creative director
Zakariya Saleh is RTLtype’s founder and creative director, a university lecturer and type specialist. He holds a Master’s degree with distinction in Creativity in Multimedia from Palestine Polytechnic University.