Ahmed Zaza Arabic Type Designer
I studied architecture, started working in graphic design in 2017, and in 2020 founded Iwan Type, an independent Arabic type foundry.
I design contemporary typefaces inspired by Arabic heritage, balancing beauty and function, in print and on screen.
Ahmed Zaza is an Arabic type designer and the founder of Iwan Type, an independent Arabic type foundry established in 2020. He has designed 59 typefaces: 53 retail typefaces across Naskh, Kufi, Nastaliq, Thuluth, Ruqaa and serif styles, most with companion Latin, and 6 custom typefaces for brands, including the Thmanyah typefaces.
Experience & Education
Since 2017Founder & Type Designer — Iwan Type
Founded an independent Arabic type foundry and design its typefaces from the first sketch to release, along with custom typefaces for brand identities. Clients include government entities, universities and brands across the Gulf.
Graphic Designer
Architecture
Typefaces
Retail & Custom53 retail typefaces across six styles — Naskh, Kufi, Nastaliq, Thuluth, Ruqaa and serif — most with companion Latin, plus 6 custom typefaces. Hover over a name to preview it; click to open its page on Iwan Type.Tap a name to open its page on Iwan Type.
Skills
CraftLetter drawing
Naskh, Kufi, Nastaliq, Thuluth and Ruqaa, with companion Latin designed alongside the Arabic.
Font engineering
OpenType features — alternates, ligatures and swash forms — plus spacing and pair kerning.
Variable fonts
Multi-weight families and variable fonts, such as Wameed in seven weights.
Language support
Broad language coverage: Salma supports more than 300 languages.
Questions
FAQWho is Ahmed Zaza?
Ahmed Zaza is an Arabic type designer and the founder of Iwan Type, an independent Arabic type foundry established in 2020. Since then he has designed 59 typefaces: 53 retail typefaces across Naskh, Kufi, Nastaliq, Thuluth, Ruqaa and serif styles, most with companion Latin, and 6 custom typefaces for brands.
What is Iwan Type?
Iwan Type (إيوان تايب) is an independent Arabic type foundry founded by Ahmed Zaza in 2020. Its catalogue at iwantype.com includes 53 retail Arabic typefaces, from text faces to display, Nastaliq and Thuluth designs, available under desktop and web licences.
Which typefaces has Ahmed Zaza designed?
His releases include Salma, which supports more than 300 languages; Wameed, a seven-weight family with a variable font; the Wathiq series in Naskh, Thuluth, Ruqaa and Nastaliq; Shaheen and Shaheen Display; Waha and Waha Marin; Rawasi; Fatima; Omnia; and Iwan Zaza, his first typeface from 2020. The full list by year is above.
Does Ahmed Zaza design custom Arabic typefaces for brands?
Yes. His custom work includes the Thmanyah typefaces, The Year of Handicrafts 2025, Onsor and Infinix Display. A custom project covers drawing the Arabic letterforms, a matching Latin where needed, OpenType engineering, spacing and kerning, and delivery of the final font files.
How can I commission a typeface or license an existing one?
For a custom typeface, email info@iwantype.com with the brand, the scripts and the weights you need. Retail typefaces can be licensed directly on iwantype.com.