The problem seems an automatic language detection by Kobo (and ODK?) based on the first label/hint for the first visible item, i.e. in your case the . (dot) in the first note.
So, you need to add a dummy note at the first place and make it invisible by setting relevant to false. See example ar01.xlsx (11.0 KB). Image was not yet uploaded here.
(Same appearance in Online validator preview.)
Another option would be to give your original first note an AR (textual) label, not only a . (dot).
In Enketo, you should also set an AR required_message ( e.g. هذه الخانة مطلوبه ) for “This field is required”. Otherwise you will get the EN default/system message. (AR translation seems missing here in Enketo.)
This required_message setting is not necessary in Collect. But in Collect you need to set the project/app language to AR. Otherwise you will get mixed alignment, e.g. selects on the left.
Maybe, some AR or other RightToLeft language experts from the community have further solutions and hints, please.
As far, as I tested, the following would not solve the alignment issue for Enketo (and the EN requirement message):
- Change the KoboToolbox language to AR, in the account menu
- Change the Browser language to AR too.
- Add an AR label or/and hint to the start metadata. (first meta item, invisible)
- Add a calculate with an AR label or/and hint.
- Try to reformat the . dot in Excel (type Arabic, right to left cell alignment).
