MAG Code:
All Arabian elements are in the group of acrobatic elements backward, Example Arabian double front 1⁄2 = same as double back 1/1 (D value). The following Arabian elements (Jump bwd. with 1⁄2 t. to double salto fwd.) have the same value and Code box as the bwd. double salto element with the same amount of twisting: Arabian dbl. str. 1⁄2 (Penev), Arabian dbl. str. (Tamayo), and Arabian dbl. str. 1/1 (Hypolito).
WAG Code:
Arabian elements are considered Forward Elements
There is an argument for both. But FIG should standardize on one or the other. If only Steve Butcher had the FIG job looking at inconsistencies like this. 🙂
The takeoff is more critical than the landing position in my opinion. Arabians are much more a backwards tumbling skill than forwards.
Hattie points out that a backward layout with 1 1/2 twist lands forward like Arabian, but no-one would argue it’s a forward tumbling element.
(via Gigi)
Gymnastics Coaching.com 
I don’t think they are talking about a forward landing position as to why it is a forward element. An arabian is a forward flip, from a backwards take off. So the flipping part is what they are looking at, the skills before the flip.
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