diff --git a/lib/setup.php b/lib/setup.php
index 5aa7d710b2a..6d7b75ea663 100644
--- a/lib/setup.php
+++ b/lib/setup.php
@@ -587,6 +587,8 @@ global $HTTPSPAGEREQUIRED;
             $CFG->lang = $SESSION->lang;
         }
     }
+    
+    $CFG->langdirection = (get_string('thisdirection') == 'rtl') ? 'rtl' : 'ltr';
 
     // set default locale and themes - might be changed again later from require_login()
     course_setup();