01/07/2025
Why are the numbers called ‘Arabic’ when they’re hardly used in the Arab world?
Sounds paradoxical — but it actually makes perfect sense.
The numerals we call Arabic are actually a European adaptation of a number system that was originally developed in India and transmitted to Europe by Arab scholars.
The Arabs themselves use a different set of numerals, known as Hindu-Arabic numerals, which are distinct in shape and style. You will see these numbers on signs and in everyday life across the Gulf, including the UAE.
But why did this happen? Because the Hindu-Arabic numerals were better suited to the Arabic script and culture. They’re a cultural code that links scripts, sounds, and centuries — from handwritten scrolls to digital screens.
Today, usage depends on geography:
— In Maghreb countries and Egypt, the familiar ‘1,2,3’ numerals are more common.
— In the Gulf, including the UAE, Hindu-Arabic numerals are the norm.
Most Arab countries now use both:
— European numerals in business, tech, and English-language contexts.
— Hindu-Arabic numerals in everyday life and visual culture.
Curious to see how they evolved? Swipe →
