ADJD Translation Requirements

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) operates all courts in Abu Dhabi emirate, including Al Ain. Every foreign-language document submitted requires MOJ-certified Arabic translation. This guide covers what ADJD needs, formatting rules, and common rejection reasons.

ADJD Court Structure

ADJD manages a hierarchy of courts across Abu Dhabi emirate. Understanding which court handles your matter helps anticipate translation requirements and timelines.

• Court of First Instance: Handles initial civil, commercial, labour, and criminal cases. Most translation work starts here. Documents include contracts, evidence, witness statements, and expert reports.
• Court of Appeal: Reviews decisions from the Court of First Instance. Appellate submissions often require re-translation of original documents plus new appellate briefs.
• Court of Cassation: Highest court in Abu Dhabi. Reviews points of law only. Translation requirements focus on legal arguments and referenced previous judgments.
• Personal Status Court: Handles family law matters: marriage, divorce, inheritance, custody. Requires translation of marriage certificates, birth certificates, and divorce decrees.

What ADJD Requires

Mandatory Elements

1. MOJ seal: Circular seal with translator’s license number, name in Arabic and English, and “Certified Legal Translator”
2. Translator’s signature: Handwritten signature on every page
3. A4 format: Standard A4 paper (not US Letter)
4. Page numbering: “Page X of Y” in both languages
5. Binding: Original and translation bound together
6. Certification statement: Declaration of accuracy and completeness

Common Case Types and Documents

• Commercial disputes: Sale agreements, NDAs, memoranda of association, financial records
• Labour cases: Employment contracts, termination letters, salary certificates, academic credentials
• Family matters: Marriage/divorce certificates, custody agreements, inheritance documents
• Real estate: Property deeds, lease agreements, ownership transfers
• Arbitration enforcement: Arbitration awards from ADGM, DIAC, or international centres

ADJD vs Dubai Courts vs ADGM

Circular 8/2023: The Numerical Data Exception

ADJD Circular No. 8 of 2023 introduced a limited exception for documents containing primarily numerical data. Key points:

• Scope: Bank statements, invoices, and similar financial documents where content is primarily numerical
• Court discretion: The court retains the right to request full translation even for numerical documents
• Not automatic: You cannot assume the exception applies. Submit translated versions as backup.
• Headings still matter: Column headers, account holder names, and bank names in the document still need translation context

Our Recommendation: Always prepare Arabic translations even for numerical documents. The exception is at the court’s discretion and invoking it can delay proceedings. Having translations ready costs less than a postponed hearing.

Common Rejection Reasons

1. Expired translator license: MOJ licenses expire annually. Courts check validity at submission date.
2. Wrong paper size: US Letter format rejected. Must be A4.
3. Incomplete translation: All elements must be translated, headers, footers, stamps, handwritten notes.
4. Missing attestation: Foreign documents often need full attestation chain before court acceptance.
5. Name mismatches: Transliterated names must match passport exactly.

ADJD rejections cost time and hearing dates. We pre-check formatting, paper size, and name transliteration before stamping. So your submission meets ADJD standards on the first attempt. Learn about our concierge approach.

Send your documents via WhatsApp. We’ll confirm requirements, pricing, and turnaround for your specific ADJD submission. WhatsApp for quote.

ADGM Exception

Numeric-only documents (financial statements with only numbers, invoices) do not require MOJ-certified translation for ADGM enforcement proceedings. All text-bearing legal documents still require MOJ certification. If you are enforcing a judgment through ADGM’s onshore courts division, the Arabic MOJ translation is mandatory regardless of the document type.