Why we love Dubai’s new font
By: Samer Abu-Ltaif, General Manager of Microsoft Gulf
During Satya Nadella’s recent visit to the UAE, he attended the signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Executive Council of Dubai pledging to provide technical support to design and launch the final version of a brand new font.
The package of computer fonts, aptly named the “Dubai Font”, is the first Microsoft font to be developed by a city and to carry its name. It is also the first font to be designed from scratch for both Arabic and Latin.
Font for the future
Dubai Font is a unique project that reflects the heritage and culture of Dubai and the UAE in a medium that is both appealing and accessible regionally and globally, which in many ways is a reflection of Dubai itself.
The package will feature a set of exclusive fonts for the Emirate of Dubai in both Latin and Arabic character sets.
Not only will Microsoft provide the technical support to design and launch the final version of the font, but we will also provide specialised consultation on the technical specifications and unique characteristics of the “Dubai Font” to ensure that it’s compatible with the latest systems and applications released by Microsoft.
The launch of this new font demonstrates our commitment to support the city’s innovation agenda and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as outlined in the Dubai 2021 vision.
Middle East as a cradle for innovation
Emerging markets in the Middle East such as the United Arab Emirates are perfectly positioned to become innovation hubs and growth nodes for the region. In fact, they already are, with many analysts and entrepreneurs predicting that the next Silicon Valley will be in the Middle East.
It is also important to note that greater access to new as well as existing technologies in these regions such as faster internet, smart devices and other important technological services can lead to fresher perspectives and newer ways of addressing local and regional issues.
Indeed, Middle East entrepreneurs have long used innovation to overcome challenges and find new opportunities for growth, and there is no doubt that the Middle East, despite its challenges, is rife with potential and possibilities.
Strategic partnerships to elevate Dubai globally
At the signing of the MoU, His Excellency Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani, the Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai said that Microsoft is one of the first corporations from the private sector to work so closely with the Emirate of Dubai to promote development efforts and support the leadership’s vision.
Because Microsoft strives to empower every UAE citizen, business and government organisation to achieve more, we look forward to furthering our relationship with the city of Dubai by using technology to empower its people and businesses.