Certified Court Documents Translation in Dubai: Is It Really Essential?

 

Having tried to file a document at Dubai Courts and failed due to the translation “not being certified,” you must be aware of the answer to the question posed in the title of this blog. Indeed, MOJ-certified translation of court documents in Dubai is not an optional service but a legal requirement for determining the success or failure of your case.

This blog will help you understand everything related to court documents translation in Dubai, including who requires this service, what documents are eligible for translation, and why it is necessary to use only MOJ-approved translators, in addition to the process, timeframe, and costs of the service.

Court Documents Translation Services in Dubai

Translation of court documents is a branch of legal translations. Not only does it include translating texts from English or any language into Arabic but also delivering a document that would be accepted by a judge, court officer, or any other relevant authority as the exact legal equivalent of the original one.

In case you need court documents translation in Dubai, at Alsun, we provide you with professional services for all types of litigation and legal documents.

Each translation project is done by translators registered with the Ministry of Justice of the UAE and provided with the official MOJ seal and signature, as well as properly formatted according to the format requirements of the particular court (Dubai Courts, DIFC Courts, or ADJD).

What Is Court Documents Translation and Why Is It Mandatory in Dubai?

“Court documents translation” refers to the official translation of legal documents from one language into another. Such a process is legally required since Arabic is the official language of the UAE courts and official authorities.

It is important to note that court document translation is not an administrative routine. These documents are used by the court for understanding contracts, assessing evidence, and issuing rules.

An error in translating such a document, especially in a defined term, date, or figure, could alter the entire meaning of the contract and thus affect the judgment of the case. This is the reason why the UAE gives permission to specific translation offices to ensure the accuracy of such legal terminology.

Who Needs Court Documents Translation in the UAE?

Court filings translation is not just for those currently undergoing litigation. Instead, it is required for a wide range of people, which includes:

• Persons who are involved in a civil, criminal, labor, or family case, where they have documents in a language that is not Arabic.
• Foreign residents providing foreign contracts, judgments, or letters of attorney for a case in the UAE.
• Law firms that need to provide evidence, affidavits, or foreign legal opinions.
• Companies and corporations undertaking commercial litigation, arbitration, or debt collection cases.
• Financial institutions seeking the enforcement of foreign contracts or judgments.

Types of Court Documents We Translate in Dubai

Our legal translators handle all types of court documents and legal-related paperwork with high linguistic proficiency and extensive legal knowledge. The common documents we translate at Alsun:

• Court judgments and rulings
• Pleadings and legal memoranda
• Powers of attorney
• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Contracts and agreements submitted as evidence
• Witness statements
• Arbitration awards
• Case files and legal correspondence
• Property and title documents used in litigation
• Corporate documents

Why Only MOJ-Certified Translators Are Accepted by UAE Courts

Legal translators, who are granted a license by the Ministry of Justice, have their knowledge of legal terms, UAE court procedure, and their ability to accurately translate from one language into another and vice versa already verified.

The reason for such a procedure is the fact that legal translations present certain risks that regular translations do not. Certain terms might not have their exact equivalent in other languages and legal systems. A translator certified by the MOJ understands the difference and translates accordingly.

This is also the reason why automatic tools and freelance translators cannot fulfill this task since they cannot provide an MOJ stamp, license number, and signed statement of completion and accuracy of the translation.

Consequences of Using Non-Certified Translation in Dubai Courts

Wondering what happens when a translation is not certified by the Ministry of Justice: it will not only cost you time but will possibly cause your case to fail. The possible outcomes include:

• Rejection of your documents at the filing stage and the need to re-translate your document at a certified translation office.
• Failure to meet the deadline, which is inevitable in UAE courts and cannot be extended if the first translation was rejected.
• Dismissal of your case or entering into a default judgment due to failure to meet an important deadline.
• Arguments about the meaning of the translation due to possible mistakes in it that may be used by the opposing side.
• More costs due to the need to redo your translation within a short time frame.

How Our Court Documents Translation Process Works

Our translation process is focused on one matter: translations that will be accepted in the very first attempt. Thus, we follow a quality-controlled and fast-paced translation process to meet this goal.

1. We start by examining the document, determining which court/authority it will be delivered to, and establishing the document’s required format and terminology.
2. We assign your document(s) to a specialized MOJ-certified translator who specializes in the field.
3. Our translator translates the document into Arabic or English and cross-verifies defined terminology and statutory references.
4. An expert proofreader checks the document against the source before certifying it.
5. Your document is prepared and stamped and then certified by the translator with an MOJ registered number on each page.
6. The document is formatted according to the Dubai Courts, DIFC, ADJD or other authorities’ requirements and delivered for filing.

Turnaround Time for Court Documents Translation in Dubai

Depending on the length and difficulty of the document as well as the language combination, it may take from several hours up to several days, but here is what you should usually expect:

• Simple documents in 24 hours
• Difficult or long documents in 2-3 days
• Urgent cases in the court on the same day, if possible

How Much Does Court Documents Translation Cost in Dubai?

The cost of translating court documentation into Arabic in Dubai is normally done per page, and it is based on the required language pair, the difficulty of the source text, whether it is an urgent or standard job, and the document length.

At Alsun, the cost of certified legal translation in Dubai starts at AED 50 per page. We always give you a firm quote before we even begin work so that there are no unpleasant surprises when you get your translation back.

Court Documents Translation Office in Dubai

Alsun is a translation office in Dubai that collaborates directly with the courts, lawyers, and private individuals within the United Arab Emirates.

At our translation office, we have everything covered: document submission, certified translations, and delivery all in one place, meaning you won’t have to coordinate separately for translations, stamps, and formatting. Whether it’s a case of submitting your documents in person or by email, we will do it for you.

Why Choose Alsun for Court Documents Translation in Dubai?

• MOJ-certified translators with deep knowledge of law and courts in the UAE and not simply fluent language speakers.
• Jurisdiction-sensitive translation services depending on where your document will be filed.
• Terminology consistency in all documents via glossary for each individual document.
• Swift turnaround time, including same-day services for urgent legal filings.
• Competitive prices, confirmed prior to commencing work.
• Compliance with formatting standards, including stamping requirements of the receiving court or body.

Conclusion

Court documents translation services in Dubai are obligatory; they’re something to be taken seriously. UAE courts will only accept documents that have been translated and stamped by authorized translators from the MOJ and failure to do so will result in rejected applications, late submission of forms, and potential negative repercussions for your case.

If you’re an individual, a law firm, or a business entity, dealing with a translation company that is well-versed in the language and the legal system is what separates success and failure in this process. Alsun is a certified translation office that provides support in such cases with certified legal translations, ensuring the acceptance.

Read More: Certified vs Notarized Translations

FAQs

Is certified translation mandatory for all court documents in Dubai?

Yes. Documents submitted to the UAE court in any language other than Arabic need to be translated and certified by an MOJ-certified translator first.

How long does a certified court documents translation take?

It usually takes 24 hours. The more complex or longer document takes 2-3 working days to translate, and there is an option for express same-day delivery.

What happens if my translation is rejected by the court?

The document needs to be revised and re-translated by a licensed MOJ translator and sent again; otherwise, it might cause delays in your case and even might make you miss the filing deadline.

Can AI translation tools be used for court documents?

No, AI-generated translations do not have an MOJ stamp, registration number, and statement of accuracy and cannot be used for UAE court documents.