Arabic vs English Contract UAE | Which Is Legally Binding?

You signed a contract in Dubai. The agent gave you an English version. You read it carefully. But there’s also an Arabic version, signed on the same page, or stapled behind it. The English says “30-day notice period.” The Arabic says “90 days.” Which one counts? The Arabic one.

The rule

UAE courts (excluding DIFC and ADGM) operate in Arabic. When a dispute reaches court, the judge reads the Arabic version of any contract. If the English and Arabic versions say different things, the Arabic text prevails.

This isn’t a technicality. It’s the foundational principle of contract law in the UAE. Articles 2-3 of the UAE Civil Transactions Law establish Arabic as the language of the courts. Every contract you sign in Dubai is ultimately interpreted through its Arabic text.

Where this matters most

• Tenancy contracts. Ejari-registered leases are bilingual. The Arabic defines your rent increase cap, eviction terms, and notice period.
• Employment contracts. MOHRE contracts are Arabic. The English offer letter is not the registered contract.
• Property SPAs. DLD sale agreements are Arabic. The English summary may omit details that are in the Arabic text.
• Consumer contracts. Gym, telecom, and insurance agreements with Arabic terms on the back.
• Commercial contracts. Supplier agreements, partnership contracts, and licensing deals registered with DED. These fall under corporate translation when businesses need certified Arabic versions.

The exception: DIFC and ADGM

DIFC Courts and ADGM Courts operate in English. Contracts governed by DIFC or ADGM law can be enforced in English. But this only applies if the contract explicitly states DIFC or ADGM as the governing jurisdiction. A standard Dubai contract that ends up in dispute goes to Dubai Courts, in Arabic.

Abu Dhabi Courts vs Dubai Courts

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai courts require Arabic for all proceedings. The principle is the same, Arabic prevails, but the court systems are separate.

Dubai disputes go through Dubai Courts or the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (for tenancy). Abu Dhabi disputes go through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). Abu Dhabi also has its own labour dispute process for employment contract issues.

If your contract doesn’t specify a governing jurisdiction, the court where you file determines which system handles your case. In both cities, an MOJ-certified Arabic translation of your contract is required for submission.

What to do

Before signing any bilingual contract in the UAE, have the Arabic version translated and compared with the English. The cost of translation is a fraction of the cost of discovering a discrepancy when you’re already in a dispute. Visit our contract translation service page for details on what we handle.

Send your contract on WhatsApp: +971 50 862 0217. We’ll translate the Arabic and flag any differences from the English version before you sign.