diff --git a/src/feature.h b/src/feature.h
index 2c65253..4de2989 100644
--- a/src/feature.h
+++ b/src/feature.h
@@ -236,6 +236,18 @@
 # endif
 #endif
 
+// It is unclear if there are any users of the +rightleft and +arabic fetures.
+// The lack of feedback and bug reports suggests that they are not actively
+// being used.
+// FOR NOW: disable the features here.  If nobody complains the code can be
+// removed.
+#ifdef FEAT_RIGHTLEFT
+# undef FEAT_RIGHTLEFT
+#endif
+#ifdef FEAT_ARABIC
+# undef FEAT_ARABIC
+#endif
+
 /*
  * +emacs_tags		When FEAT_EMACS_TAGS defined: Include support for
  *			emacs style TAGS file.
diff --git a/src/version.c b/src/version.c
index 530874a..aab7032 100644
--- a/src/version.c
+++ b/src/version.c
@@ -700,6 +700,8 @@
 static int included_patches[] =
 {   /* Add new patch number below this line */
 /**/
+    696,
+/**/
     695,
 /**/
     694,