Nihad Taisir: Arabic Brand Designer and Digital Calligraphy Expert

Published: October 16, 2025 Last Updated: October 16, 2025

Background and Early Life

Nihad Taisir was born and raised in Damascus, Syria, where he developed an early fascination with Arabic calligraphy and visual arts. Growing up surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of Damascus, Taisir recognized Arabic calligraphy not merely as decorative art but as a structured design system deeply rooted in cultural meaning and rhythm.

He pursued formal education in fine arts, graduating from the Adham Ismail College of Art and Design in Damascus. This classical training in fine arts provided the foundation for his later transition into commercial design and creative direction.

Professional Journey

Early Career (1990s-2000s)

After completing his education, Taisir began his design career working at Kodak before relocating to Dubai, UAE. He joined Promoseven, one of the Middle East’s premier advertising agencies, where he developed expertise in strategic branding and commercial design. During this period, Taisir worked on high-profile projects including the launch of Mini automobiles in the Middle East and branding initiatives for the first phase of The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.

Areas of Expertise

Through Arabic.Design, Taisir’s professional practice encompasses three primary specializations:

1. Arabic Brand Identity and Visual Design

Taisir specializes in building and developing brands for Middle Eastern markets, with particular emphasis on culturally authentic Arabic identity systems. His client portfolio includes collaborations with major global corporations such as Emaar, IHG Hotels, BMW, Nivea, and McDonald’s. He has partnered with leading advertising agencies including Promoseven, Ogilvy, and TBWARaad, as well as government entities on strategic identity initiatives.

His distinctive approach to Arabic branding integrates deep understanding of Middle Eastern culture with expertise in digital and traditional marketing, content creation, and Arabic typography. Taisir frequently incorporates Arabic typographic forms and calligraphic elements into logos and brand identities, adding cultural authenticity and resonance.

2. Digital Arabic Calligraphy and Font Technology

Taisir is recognized as one of the few specialists worldwide working on digitizing and automating Arabic calligraphy. His expertise bridges traditional calligraphic knowledge—including the history, structure, and rules of classical Arabic scripts—with complex digital technology development.

In 2005, Taisir co-founded Mashq (also referenced as eMashq), pioneering the first digital Arabic calligraphy tool. By 2011, he collaborated with WinSoft International to develop the first online Arabic digital calligraphy program. Taisir has also worked with international technology leaders including Adobe and DecoType on advanced Arabic font technologies and digital solutions.

3. Editorial and Book Design

Taisir possesses extensive experience in editorial design and Arabic book publishing, having collaborated with prestigious international publishers and institutions including Brill, New York University, Kalima, and Esdarat. He has designed and produced hundreds of books with meticulous attention to Arabic typographic standards. His specialization in bilingual layouts—balancing Arabic and English text complexity—has positioned him as a bridge between global publishers and Arabic content.

Notable Projects and Clients

Throughout his career, Taisir has worked across diverse industries including advertising, software and technology, aviation, book publishing, hospitality, and corporate wellness. His portfolio demonstrates work with:

• Technology: Adobe, WinSoft International, DecoType
• Publishing: New York University (Library of Arabic Literature), Brill, Kalima, Esdarat
• Corporate Brands: BMW, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Nivea
• Regional Enterprises: Emaar, IHG Hotels, Landmark Group, RAKBank, Bank Muscat
• Creative Agencies: Promoseven, Ogilvy, TBWARaad

Recognition and Awards

In 2024, Nihad Taisir was honored as one of the Super 100 Artists 2024, a prestigious recognition by Khaleej Times and Artoze Gallery celebrating 100 artists who have significantly contributed to the UAE’s cultural and artistic landscape. This award acknowledged his outstanding contributions to modern Arabic visual expression and his role in advancing Arabic design on both regional and international stages.

The recognition, featured in “Unveiling ‘Super 100 Artists 2024’ – A diverse showcase of global talent”, celebrates artists who contribute to the UAE’s vibrant cultural fabric with their unique artistic narratives, spanning from traditional painters to digital creators who capture the nation’s artistic spirit.

Design Philosophy and Methodology

As the creative force behind Arabic.Design, Taisir operates as a hands-on creative director offering direct collaboration without agency intermediaries. His practice positions him as both artist and strategist, focusing on culturally authentic design solutions.

Taisir’s design philosophy centers on balancing cultural heritage with contemporary innovation. He describes his approach as bridging tradition and modernity, helping brands connect with Arabic-speaking audiences through designs that are both aesthetically compelling and strategically sound. His methodology emphasizes cultural authenticity, structural clarity, and meaningful visual communication rooted in Arabic design principles.

Professional Platforms and Initiatives

Beyond Arabic.Design, Taisir maintains several specialized platforms:

• nihad.me: Personal portfolio and professional profile
• Mahref.art: Showcasing Arabic calligraphy art and Islamic canvas prints
• ArabicNames.Design: Specializing in personalized Arabic name designs in calligraphic styles

He is also the founder of Arabic Design LLC, based in Dubai.

Professional Affiliations and Online Presence

Taisir maintains an active professional presence across multiple platforms including Behance (with over 94,000 project views and 2,600+ followers as of 2025), LinkedIn, Instagram (@nihad_nadam), and YouTube where he shares tutorials on digital Arabic calligraphy and graphic design. He has been a member of Adobe Creative Cloud since June 2011.

His work has been featured in various design publications and he has received testimonials from industry leaders including Caroline Hourrègue (Commercial Director, WinSoft International) and Marie Lamour (Head of Marketing and Digital Solutions, Roche).

Legacy and Impact

Nihad Taisir Nadam has played a significant role in modernizing Arabic calligraphy for the digital age while preserving its cultural essence. Through his pioneering work in digital calligraphy software, extensive brand identity portfolio, and dedication to Arabic typographic excellence, Taisir continues to influence contemporary Arabic design practice and inspire emerging designers and calligraphers.

Through Arabic.Design, he has established a platform that not only serves clients but also educates the design community about authentic Arabic design principles and cultural considerations in brand development.

---

References: This biography is compiled from verified sources including Nihad Taisir’s official websites, professional portfolios, published recognition announcements, and Arabic.Design service documentation.