Choosing the Right Translation for Your Documents in the UAE
When submitting documents to UAE authorities, courts, or embassies, it’s essential to understand the difference between certified and normal translation.
Both serve unique purposes — but using the wrong type could lead to delays, rejections, or legal complications.
At Alwan Corporate Services, we provide both certified translations approved by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and standard translations for business, academic, and personal use — ensuring your documents meet the exact requirements of each institution.
What Is Certified Translation?
A certified translation (also known as legal translation) is a translation that carries official recognition from the UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ).
It’s performed by licensed translators who are authorized to translate legal and government-related documents.
A certified translation includes:
- The translator’s official stamp and signature
- A declaration of accuracy and completeness
- Approval for use in UAE courts, ministries, embassies, and government offices
Certified translations are required when a document must be legally valid and enforceable in the UAE.
Examples of Documents That Require Certified Translation:
- Court judgments and affidavits
- Marriage, birth, and educational certificates
- Contracts, MOAs, and legal agreements
- Power of Attorney and declarations
- Immigration, visa, or embassy papers
At Alwan, all our legal translations are completed by MOJ-approved translators and accepted by UAE courts and government authorities.
What Is Normal Translation?
Normal translation, sometimes referred to as general or non-certified translation, is used for documents that do not require legal validation but still need professional accuracy.
These translations focus on clarity, tone, and context — ideal for businesses, marketing, and general communication.
Examples of Documents That Require Normal Translation:
- Company profiles and presentations
- Product manuals and brochures
- Academic papers and reports
- Website or marketing content
- Internal correspondence and proposals
While not legally binding, normal translations still require linguistic accuracy and cultural fluency, ensuring that your message is conveyed clearly and effectively.
Key Differences Between Certified and Normal Translation
| Aspect | Certified Translation | Normal Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For legal and government use | For business or personal use |
| Translator | MOJ-approved legal translator | Professional language expert |
| Validation | Official stamp and signature required | No legal validation needed |
| Accepted By | Courts, embassies, and ministries | Private companies and individuals |
| Languages | English ↔ Arabic (legally binding) | Any language pair for general use |
Both translation types are essential — the key is knowing when to use which.
Why Accuracy Matters
In the UAE, even a small error in translation can cause serious consequences — from document rejection to legal misinterpretation.
That’s why Alwan’s translation team combines legal expertise, linguistic precision, and cultural understanding to ensure every document is correct and compliant.
How Alwan Corporate Services Can Help
At Alwan Corporate Services, we offer:
- Certified (MOJ-approved) translations accepted by UAE authorities
- Normal translations for business, marketing, and general purposes
- Legalization and attestation coordination for translated documents
- Multi-language support for English, Arabic, French, Hindi, Urdu, and more
- Fast turnaround and strict confidentiality
Whether you need a legally valid document or a professional translation for communication, Alwan ensures quality and compliance every time.
Why Choose Alwan for Translation Services
- Certified translators approved by the Ministry of Justice
- Translations recognized by courts and government offices
- Experienced professionals for technical, legal, and business content
- Accurate, secure, and timely delivery
- One-stop solution including notarization and attestation
Ensure Your Translations Are Accepted Everywhere
Choosing the correct translation type is crucial for saving time and avoiding rework.
With Alwan Corporate Services, you get precise, compliant, and fully recognized translations — tailored to your needs, every single time.
