Design in logical properties
Using inline-start and inline-end rather than left and right removes most mirroring work before it exists. Icons with direction — arrows, chevrons, progress indicators — need explicit flip rules; brand marks and media controls generally do not.
Documents are where localisation fails
Invoices, delivery notes and statements are generated server-side, often by a library with weaker bidirectional support than the browser. Test Arabic PDF output in week one of the project, with real customer names, mixed Latin part codes and VAT numbers.
Compliance is regional, not generic
UAE and Saudi VAT, ZATCA e-invoicing phases and Arabic-language document requirements are concrete deliverables with formats and deadlines. They belong in the backlog as engineering work, not in a compliance appendix.
- Bilingual tax invoices with correct field ordering
- ZATCA-compliant e-invoice generation and reporting
- Data-residency options where the client's policy requires them
Content operations decide longevity
A platform that ships Arabic without a named owner for Arabic content degrades within two release cycles. Define who writes, who approves, and how untranslated strings behave in production before launch.