Expanding into the Middle East or North Africa is a big step. Before your first deal closes, a stack of paperwork has to make the trip with you: contracts, company registration papers, product manuals, financial statements, marketing material. Every one of them has to read correctly in Arabic.
A poor translation can delay a government approval, confuse a partner or, in the worst case, change the meaning of a contract clause. This guide explains which business documents usually need translating, when you need a certified translation, and how to choose a provider you can rely on.
Business Documents We Translate Most Often
- Contracts, NDAs and distribution agreements
- Articles of incorporation, licences and company registration papers
- Financial statements, audits and tax documents
- Tenders, bids and proposals
- Product manuals, safety data sheets and packaging
- Websites, brochures and marketing campaigns
- HR documents, employee handbooks and training material
- Patents and trademark filings
You can see the full range on our translation service page.
When Do You Need a Certified Translation?
A certified translation comes with a signed statement from the translator or agency confirming that it is complete and accurate. Government offices, courts, embassies, banks and many large companies ask for it. As a rule, if a document is going to an official body or will be relied on legally, get it certified. Learn more about our certified translation services.
Some countries also require notarisation or an embassy attestation on top of certification. Ask the receiving office exactly what they need before you order, so you do not have to do it twice.
Why Arabic Business Translation Is Different
It Reads Right to Left
Layout matters. Tables, charts, numbered lists and design files often need to be rebuilt, not just filled with new text. A provider who only sends back a Word file of plain text is leaving half the work to you.
Formal Arabic vs Dialect
Business documents are almost always written in Modern Standard Arabic. Marketing aimed at a specific country, though, may sound more natural with local touches for the Gulf, Egypt or the Levant. A good translator knows when to use which.
Legal Concepts Do Not Always Match
Terms common in US contracts may have no direct equivalent in the legal systems of Arab countries. A skilled legal translator explains the meaning rather than translating word for word, and flags terms your lawyer may want to review.
Numbers, Dates and Names
Currency formats, Hijri and Gregorian dates, and the spelling of company and personal names all need to stay consistent across every document.
Our Translation Process
- We look at your documents, the purpose and the deadline, then send a clear quote.
- A native Arabic linguist with experience in your field translates the text.
- A second linguist checks accuracy, terms and tone. Our proofreading service is part of every project.
- We match the layout of your original, including right to left design.
- Certification and delivery. Certified copies are signed and sent in the format you need.
Everything is handled confidentially, and we are happy to sign an NDA before you send files.
Translation for Websites and Software
If you are launching an app or website for Arabic speaking users, translation is only part of the job. Menus, buttons and layouts have to flip to right to left, and the product needs testing in Arabic before launch. Our software localization team handles that from start to finish.
Need Spoken Language Support Too?
Many clients pair written translation with meeting support. If you have negotiations, site visits or conference calls coming up, our interpretation service covers on-site, phone and video interpreting. For recorded meetings or interviews, we also offer transcription.
How to Choose an Arabic Translation Company
- Native Arabic linguists, not machine translation with a quick edit
- Experience in your industry, whether legal, financial, medical or technical
- A second linguist reviewing every project
- Ability to certify and handle right to left design
- Clear pricing and realistic deadlines
- Written confidentiality commitments
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Arabic translation priced?
Usually by word or by page, depending on the document. Technical, legal and rush projects may cost more. We send a fixed quote before starting.
How long does it take?
Short documents can often be turned around in a day or two. Larger projects depend on volume and complexity. Rush service is available.
Do you translate from Arabic to English as well?
Yes. See our Arabic to English translation page.
Where are you based?
We have offices in San Francisco and Anaheim and serve Los Angeles and clients across the US. Most translation work is handled fully online.
Get a Quote
Send us your documents and tell us where they are going. We will tell you exactly what you need and what it will cost. Contact Arabic Language Service to get started, or read more on our FAQ page.