The Arabic alphabet consists of 28 letters and is written from right to left. Each letter can have different forms depending on its position in a word—initial, medial, final, or isolated. The alphabet is used in several languages, including Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. Unlike the Latin alphabet, the Arabic script is primarily consonantal, meaning that vowels are often omitted in writing. Diacritical marks can be added to indicate short vowels, but they are usually not included in everyday texts. The Arabic alphabet is essential for reading and writing in many cultures across the Middle East and North Africa.