General information only. This guide is not legal advice and does not create an advocate-client relationship. Legal steps depend on the documents and facts.
General information only. Adapted from the legacy AJ ADVOCATES contract translation blog topic.
Contract language can affect review and enforcement
UAE business contracts are often drafted in English, Arabic, or both. Before relying on a document, it is important to know which version controls, whether a certified translation exists, and whether the signing record is complete.
This is especially important where the document may be used before an authority, court, notary, bank, or government department.
Check consistency before signing or sending
A bilingual contract should be reviewed for meaning, dates, party names, payment terms, jurisdiction clauses, and notice provisions. Small inconsistencies can create practical problems later.
- Confirm party names match passports, Emirates IDs, or trade licenses.
- Check whether the Arabic and English versions say the same thing.
- Confirm signatures, stamps, attachments, and page numbering.
- Keep the final signed PDF and any original copy safely stored.
Use a legal review before a dispute starts
The safest time to review a contract is before signing or before sending a formal notice. If a dispute already exists, send the signed contract and the communications around the breach for a focused intake.
Documents to prepare
- Current draft or signed contract in all available languages
- Trade licenses, IDs, powers of attorney, and authority documents
- Attachments, schedules, invoices, or payment terms referenced in the contract
- Prior emails or messages explaining the deal or dispute
- Any government, court, bank, or notary requirements already received