Zael
Protype Foundry · Ibrahim Hamdi · 2023
A single-weight Arabic display typeface rooted in Naskh calligraphy, developed from pre-experimental lettering by Ibrahim Hamdi and recognised with awards at Dubai Lynx, D&AD and Cannes Lions.
About
Zael draws on the thick base strokes characteristic of classic Naskh script, reinterpreted for contemporary screen and print applications. It supports Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Kurdish, with OpenType features including contextual and stylistic alternates, ligatures and swash. Font engineering was handled by Abdo Mohamed, and the typeface launched in 2023, reaching version 3.0.
Classification
A single-style Arabic display typeface rooted in Naskh calligraphy with a thick base and modern adaptations, designed expressly for headlines and poster work rather than body text.