# Problem with inserting the symbols \times and \omega when using arabi package

Is it impossible to insert the mathematical symbol \times when using the arabi package?

After compiling

A\times B


it becomes AB and the sign \times disappears

See the example below.

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage[LFE,LAE,OT1]{fontenc}
\usepackage[farsi,english,arabic]{babel}

\begin{document}
\selectlanguage{farsi}
سلام
$A\times B$
\end{document}


I don't know whether this fact is documented (I can't see it in the manual, though), but the arabicfnt.sty that's automatically loaded has

\DeclareRobustCommand{\times}{\fontfamily{artimes}\selectfont}


which explains the mystery.

\DeclareMathSymbol{\mtimes}{\mathbin}{symbols}{"02}


and using \mtimes for the product symbol. If you want to use \times for the symbol, you have to rename the font changing command (or leave it out altogether):

\DeclareRobustCommand{\timesr}{\fontfamily{artimes}\selectfont}
\let\times\relax
\DeclareMathSymbol{\times}{\mathbin}{symbols}{"02}


Note that a similar problem happens for \omega, so either you do

\DeclareMathSymbol{\momega}{\mathord}{letters}{"21}


and use \momega for the Greek letter, or rename the font command

\DeclareRobustCommand{\omegar}{\fontfamily{aromega}\selectfont}
\let\omega\relax
\DeclareMathSymbol{\omega}{\mathord}{letters}{"21}

• Many thanks, I confirm that your solution perfectly works. – Name Oct 15 '14 at 7:17
• I am interested to know from where the numbers 21 and 02 in your answer comes. And if there is a comprehensive list of such numbers, I would be glad to know about it. – Name Nov 25 '14 at 11:27
• @Name You can find them reading the file fontmath.ltx – egreg Nov 25 '14 at 12:29
• Perfect as usual. Why is there nothing to see with \times or \omega? What's the purpose of the commands in arabicfnt.sty? – Dr. Manuel Kuehner Mar 28 '17 at 9:21
• @Dr.ManuelKuehner The commands are redefined as font selection commands; not a good choice, in my opinion. – egreg Mar 28 '17 at 11:40