How Much Does Translation Cost in UAE? A Complete Guide (2025)

In today’s multicultural and globalized environment of the UAE, translation services are more than an option—they are necessary. Whether you’re dealing with legal documents, marketing materials, or website localization, finding the right translation service is essential. But the question on everyone’s mind is: How much does translation cost in UAE?

This comprehensive guide will break down translation costs in the UAE, explore the different types of services, and help you understand what to expect regarding pricing, quality, and turnaround time.

Why Translation Services are in High Demand in the UAE

The UAE is a hub of nationalities, with over 200 nationalities living and working in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and others. With Arabic as the official language and English widely used in business, translation plays a vital role in:

  • Legal and immigration processes
  • Real estate transactions
  • Healthcare and medical reports
  • Business documents and contracts
  • Marketing and website localization
  • Technical and engineering documents

This diversity creates a strong need for accurate, fast, and certified professional translation services.

Average Translation Cost in UAE (2025)

Translation prices in the UAE can vary significantly based on the type of translation, language pair, urgency, and complexity of content.

Here’s a general breakdown of the average translation cost in UAE per word and per page:

Type of TranslationPrice per Word (AED)Price per Page (AED)
General TranslationAED 0.30 – 0.50AED 70 – 120
Legal TranslationAED 0.50 – 1.00AED 120 – 200
Medical TranslationAED 0.60 – 1.20AED 130 – 220
Technical TranslationAED 1.00 – 1.50AED 120 – 180
Website TranslationAED 0.40 – 0.80Custom Quotation
Certified TranslationAED 75 – 200 (per page)N/A

Note: Prices vary based on agency, language, and complexity.

Read More: How Much Does Legal Translation Cost in UAE? A Complete Guide

Types of Translation Services & Their Cost Structure

1. General Translation

Used for emails, articles, reports, resumes, etc.

  • Least expensive
  • Starting at AED 0.30/word

2. Legal Translation

Required for contracts, court documents, agreements, etc. Must be done by MOJ-certified translators in the UAE.

  • Legally recognized
  • AED 120–200/page

3. Certified Translation

It includes an official stamp translator’s signature and is recognized by government bodies.

  • Birth certificates, marriage licenses, diplomas
  • AED 75–200/page

4. Technical & Medical Translation

Involves industry-specific jargon and expertise.

  • Requires specialized knowledge
  • AED 1.00–1.50/word

5. Medical Translation

Required for patient records, research papers, and pharmaceutical documents.

  • Cost: AED 0.60 – AED 1.20/word.

6. Business & Financial Translation

Includes reports, invoices, and market research.

  • Cost: AED 0.80 – AED 1.50/word.

7. Website & Marketing Translation

Localization for UAE audiences (Arabic, English, etc.).

  • Cost: AED 0.40 – AED 0.80/word.

8. Academic & Certificate Translation

Needed for degrees, transcripts, and diplomas.

  • Cost: AED 100 – AED 400 per document.

Read More: Legal Translation in UAE Cost: Everything You Need to Know

Factors That Affect Translation Pricing in UAE

Here are some factors:

1. Language Pair

Rare or complex languages (e.g., Japanese, Norwegian) are more expensive due to fewer qualified translators.

2. Urgency

Express services (same-day or 24-hour delivery) may charge 20–50% more.

3. Complexity

Technical, legal, and medical documents require specialized knowledge, increasing costs.

4. Certification

Certified translations for government use are more expensive and must follow UAE legal requirements.

5. Volume

Large projects may receive a bulk discount, especially if exceeding 10,000 words.

6. Formatting Requirements

Documents that require DTP (desktop publishing), graphs, or design may have extra charges.

What is Certified Translation in UAE?

A certified translation in the UAE is a legally recognized translation stamped and signed by an accredited translator approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice. It is required for:

  • Court Documents
  • Birth, Marriage, and Academic Certificates
  • Immigration and Visa Paperwork
  • Power of Attorney, Contracts, and Mous

Legal translations must be done by sworn translators authorized by UAE courts, especially for submissions in Dubai Courts, the Ministry of Justice, or embassies.

Translation Process in the UAE (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Submit Your Document – Online or in Person

Step 2: Get a Quote – Based on word count, language pair, and urgency

Step 3: Translation by Expert Linguist – Matched to the domain (legal, medical, etc.)

Step 4: Editing & Proofreading – Ensures 100% accuracy

Step 5: Certification & Formatting – If required

Step 6: Delivery – In soft copy (PDF/Word) or hard copy with official stamp

Where to Get Translation Services in UAE

1. Translation Companies

2. Freelancers

  • Lower cost, but may lack certification
  • Best for general or non-official use

3. Online Platforms

  • Ideal for fast, non-certified work
  • Use with caution for sensitive documents

Most Commonly Translated Languages in UAE

The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities. Some of the most requested translation language pairs include:

  • Arabic ↔ English
  • Arabic ↔ French
  • Arabic ↔ Russian
  • Arabic ↔ Chinese
  • Arabic ↔ Hindi/Urdu
  • English ↔ Tagalog
  • English ↔ German

These combinations can also impact pricing, depending on supply and demand.

Tips for Choosing a Translation Provider in UAE

Tip 1: Always check for MOJ certification if you need a legal or certified translation.

Tip 2: Ask for a quote upfront with details on per-word or page pricing.

Tip 3: Review their experience in your industry (e.g., medical, legal, marketing).

Tip 4: Check reviews and testimonials to ensure quality and reliability.

Tip 5: Inquire about turnaround time, especially if you’re on a deadline.

Where Can You Find Trusted Translation Services in the UAE?

When choosing a provider, look for these credentials:

  • Certified by the UAE Ministry of Justice
  • ISO Certified Translation Company
  • Experienced in your document type
  • Transparent pricing and timelines
  • Positive reviews on Google and social media

You can find translation services in:

  • Dubai (Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Trade Centre)
  • Abu Dhabi (Hamdan Street, Al Nahyan)
  • Sharjah, Ajman, and other Emirates

Many agencies offer online translation services with secure document upload and fast delivery.

Translation Cost Calculator – Sample Scenario

You must translate a 4-page legal contract (1,200 words per page).

Total Words: 4,800

Type: Legal Translation

Price/Word: AED 0.50

Estimated Cost: 4,800 x 0.50 = AED 2400

For urgent service (+30% surcharge):

AED 2400 + 30% = AED 3120

Tips to Save Money on Translation in UAE

Tip 1: Bundle multiple documents to get bulk discounts

Tip 2: Use editable formats (like Word instead of scanned PDFs)

Tip 3: Avoid last-minute requests – rush jobs cost more

Tip 4: Choose only certified translators for legal papers to avoid rejections

Tip 5: Get multiple quotes and compare pricing and reviews

Is Translation in UAE Expensive?

Not considering the country’s legal implications, professional quality, and multilingual diversity, the prices are competitive and fair. Many providers offer volume discounts, loyalty programs, and subscription models for businesses with ongoing needs.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Budget?

For general purposes, you can expect to pay around AED 70 –120 per standard document. The budget for legal or certified translations is AED 150 – 200 or more depending on complexity. Always choose a reputable agency with native-speaking translators for the best results, especially for legal and medical documents.

So, whether you’re a business owner, expatriate, or legal professional, understanding the translation cost in UAE helps you make smarter, faster decisions.

Read More: How Much is Legal Translation in Dubai? A Complete Guide to Costs and Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions that people ask:

Do I need a certified translation in UAE?

Yes, for legal documents such as visas, courts, and contracts.

Can I get a same-day translation?

Yes, but it often comes with a surcharge (20–50%).

Are online translators reliable?

Only for general understanding. Not suitable for official or legal use.

How can I reduce translation costs?

  • Use bulk translation packages.
  • Avoid urgent services when possible.
  • Prepare editable files to avoid formatting fees

How long does translation take in the UAE?

Typically, 1–3 days for standard documents. Urgent services are available at an extra cost.

Are online translation services accepted in UAE courts?

Only if a certified UAE translator does them and puts in the official stamp and signature.

Can I use Google Translate for official purposes?

Machine translations are not valid for legal, immigration, or governmental processes.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re looking for affordable, certified, fast translation services in the UAE, always work with MOJ-approved professionals who understand the local legal and cultural landscape. Don’t compromise on quality when accuracy is key. To work with the best provider in Dubai, UAE, click here.