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In a powerful new chapter for regional storytelling, A History of Arab Graphic Design is a definitive collective work that traces the evolution of graphic design across the Arab world. The book has finally been released in Arabic by The American University in Cairo Press, AUC Press.

The Origins Behind this Release

Initially published in English in 2020 to international acclaim, the award-winning book by Bahia Shehab and Haytham Nawar has become a cornerstone for scholars, artists, and design enthusiasts alike. Now, by releasing it in its native tongue, the book is poised to inspire a new generation of Arabic-speaking creatives, students, and cultural historians.

The Transformational Impact of this Release

Featuring more than 600 vibrant colour illustrations and the work of over 80 pioneering designers from Morocco to Iraq and the whole Arab diaspora. The volume paints a sweeping, deeply textured picture of Arab visual culture from the early twentieth century to the digital present. From bold political posters and evocative magazine covers to the rise of digital typography, the book unpacks how design has both shaped and reflected the region’s social, political, and artistic movements.

“We are delighted that this landmark publication is now available in Arabic,” said Nadia al-Naqib, AUC Press’s director of editorial acquisitions. “It’s more than a translation; it’s a cultural homecoming. This edition opens the door for wider dialogue, creative education, and a deeper connection to a vibrant visual legacy.”

A Significant Turning Point in the Remarkable Editorial Work of AUC Press

While AUC Press has historically focused on translating Arabic works into English to bring regional voices to a global readership, this release marks a meaningful reversal. “Publishing A History of Arab Graphic Design in Arabic allowed us to bring the book home in a very real sense,” said Executive Director Thomas Willshire. “We took the same care, editorial precision, and production quality that won the English version a PROSE Award and applied them to this Arabic edition.”

A History of Arab Graphic Design: A Practical Applicable Archive

More than a historical record, the book is a living archive. It connects the influence of Islamic art and Arabic calligraphy to contemporary digital aesthetics, highlighting how cultural identity, political resistance, and artistic innovation intersect in the realm of visual design.

The authors, both leading figures in the field, Shehab as founder of AUC’s graphic design program and Nawar as former chair of the Department of Arts, have meticulously documented the people, stories, and movements behind the graphics. The result is not only a reference work but a powerful testament to the creativity and resilience of Arab designers throughout history.

With its release in Arabic, A History of Arab Graphic Design stands as a beacon for regional pride, artistic discovery, and cultural preservation, offering fresh perspectives and sparking new conversations across classrooms, studios, and public discourse.