Isdar Mustaqel is an Arabic-English biannual paperback on design practices that is serious, critical and playful. Isdar aims to initiate discussions, develop ideas, continue conversations and experiment with designs that balance theory with practical experience, contributing to the development of a design discourse that engages communities on the margins of Western-centric design practices and conversations.

Language is the theme of the inaugural issue of Isdar. Language in all its forms is used as a lens through which to examine the practice of graphic design and typography and tackling issues such as sociolinguistics, pop culture, script/speech, mass media and more. The issue features several contributors from across the design and arts scene, who share their vivid and compelling take on what language means to them.