check the system => preferences => keyboard => layouts make sure that there's arabic layout there

Ahmed D. El-Mekkawy

yes, i had the same problem but I fixed it when you add the arabic in the lang support there is a tab to configure the keyboard type,, u have to select your keyboard type,, in ubuntu it is a 105 keys keyboard by default,, select a generic 101 keyboard or your keyboard type if you find it and the problem will be fixed,, and u can test that in the field of testing to select the most keyboard that comforts you

SCIM appeared because you checked the option "Enable support to enter complex characters" in System > Administration > Language Support. Try unchecking that option and see if your problems persist.

Wow..this is really the best arabic kinux community

I got really fast replies..go on guys...you are really making a difference

unfortunaely, this does not solve the problem. I disabled SCIM, but I don't know if there's another way to switch languages now (tell me how if there's)!

and it is not a layout problem, I already marked my KB as 101- keys

if you have other suugestions, tell me thanks guys

Ok guys, problem solved

I am just writing the solution here for future refernce of other users of this forum...

first, system --> admin. --> lang. support, and add Arabic do not check the (support complex characters)

second, system --> preferences --> in the second tab (layouts) choose Arabic

third, right click any of your panels (bars for new windows immigrants), select Add to panel --> select (keyboard Indicator)

now you can switch languages using the new button out there!!