Arabic as the Mandatory Language of Law in the UAE
Pursuant to Federal Law No. 6 of 2012 on the Regulation of the Profession of Legal Translation, and Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 on the Civil Procedures Law, Arabic is the official language of the UAE judiciary, ministries, and municipal authorities.
While English is widely spoken in daily business, any contract, certificate, or pleading presented before UAE courts, police authorities, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), or notary public offices must be accompanied by an official, sworn translation into Arabic.
What Makes a Translation 'Certified' in the UAE?
A simple commercial translation or freelance rendering holds zero legal validity before UAE government entities. To be certified, a translation must fulfill three statutory criteria:
- Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Licensed Translator: The translation must be executed by a professional translator who has passed formal federal examinations and holds an active license registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice.
- Official Sworn Seal: Every page of the translated text must bear the translator's official embossed or ink seal, displaying their full name, MOJ registration license number, and language combination.
- Bilingual Affidavit Stamp: The document includes a sworn legal declaration in Arabic stating that the translated text accurately, faithfully, and completely reflects the content of the attached original source document.
When Is Certified Legal Translation Mandatory?
- Labor Disputes: Submitting employment contracts, email correspondence, or salary records to MOHRE or labor courts.
- Court Litigation: Any evidence, witness statement, or commercial contract introduced in civil, commercial, or criminal proceedings.
- Vital Status Filings: Foreign birth certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees presented to DHA, DoH, or courts.
- Vehicle Title & Driving License Conversions: Non-English or non-Arabic foreign driver's licenses presented to the RTA.