Sale Purchase Agreement Translation in Dubai
MOJ Certified for Property & Business Transactions
SPA translations are directly accepted by Dubai Land Department (DLD), Oqood, and DIFC Courts when MOJ-certified. Failure to accurately translate price adjustment clauses or completion conditions is among the top reasons for property transaction disputes at DLD trustee offices.
| Standard Translation | OnlineTranslation.ae Legal Standards |
|---|---|
| Generic contract translation | UAE Property Law and Commercial Code compliance |
| Approximate price terms | Exact payment schedule and milestone terminology |
| No warranty clause analysis | Representations and indemnities preserved precisely |
| Variable formatting | DLD and trustee office submission format |
| Basic stamp | MOJ-certified legal stamp with QR verification |
Why SPA Translations Are Disputed
The Dubai Land Department reviews the Arabic SPA at the trustee office—this is the version that gets registered against the title. Disputes arise when translations introduce ambiguity in price adjustment mechanisms, when completion conditions are vaguely rendered, or when representations and warranties differ between languages. The difference between AED figures and payment milestones must match exactly. Our translators verify numerical consistency and ensure completion conditions translate with identical legal effect.
SPA Transaction Types
Critical SPA Provisions
Every SPA contains provisions that can become litigation subjects if translation introduces ambiguity. Purchase price and payment terms must translate with identical figures and milestone triggers. Conditions precedent governing when completion occurs must be legally equivalent. Representations and warranties from both parties define what each is guaranteeing about the transaction. Indemnification provisions and caps establish liability limits. Dispute resolution clauses determine which forum hears any conflicts.
For property transactions on Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Marina, we translate SPAs for buyers, sellers, and developers. For business transactions in DIFC and mainland Dubai, we handle everything from restaurant acquisitions to technology company purchases. Each translation is formatted for the specific reviewing authority.
If DLD, any UAE court, or arbitration panel rejects our SPA translation due to our error, we correct and redeliver at no charge—including courier costs to meet your closing deadline.
Confidentiality in High-Value Transactions
SPAs contain sensitive commercial information—transaction values, payment structures, business valuations, warranty disclosures. Under Article 378 of the UAE Penal Code, unauthorized disclosure carries significant penalties. Every SPA translation is assigned to a single MOJ-licensed translator who signs a confidentiality undertaking. Documents are processed on encrypted systems with restricted access. For M&A transactions and high-profile property deals, additional protocols are available.
SPA Types We Translate
Property SPAs
Off-plan purchases, ready property, and secondary market transactions for DLD registration
Business Acquisition
Share purchase agreements, asset acquisitions, and company sale contracts
Vehicle & Equipment
High-value asset transfers requiring legal documentation
Marine & Aviation
Yacht, boat, and aircraft purchase agreements
What You Need to Know About SPA Translation
The Real Question: What Happens at DLD?
For property transactions, Dubai Land Department (DLD) is the final stop. When you walk into a trustee office to transfer ownership, the Arabic version of your SPA is what gets reviewed. If the Arabic translation does not match the English terms you negotiated, problems arise at the worst possible moment.
This is not theoretical. We have seen transactions delayed because the payment schedule in the Arabic translation did not match the English original. We have seen disputes over which fixtures were included because the Arabic inventory list was incomplete. These problems are avoidable with proper translation upfront.
Property SPA vs Business SPA: Different Animals
Property SPA (Real Estate)
- Governed by DLD regulations
- Requires Oqood (off-plan) or trustee (ready)
- Payment linked to construction milestones
- RERA protection for buyers
- Specific defect liability periods
- Service charge provisions
Business SPA (Shares/Assets)
- Governed by Commercial Companies Law
- Due diligence requirements
- Employee transfer provisions (MOHRE)
- Warranty and indemnity schedules
- Escrow arrangements
- Non-compete covenants
Off-Plan Purchases: OQOOD Registration
Off-plan SPAs have specific requirements for OQOOD system registration:
- Developer details: Full legal name and license numbers
- Project registration: DLD project registration number
- Unit specifications: Plot number, building, floor, unit number
- Payment plan: Exact breakdown of installments and dates
- Handover terms: Expected completion date and tolerance period
- Cancellation provisions: Refund terms if developer defaults
The Arabic translation must include all these elements in the format OQOOD expects. Our translators are familiar with OQOOD requirements and format accordingly.
Ready Property: Trustee Office Requirements
For secondary market transactions (ready property), you visit a trustee office (like Dubai Real Estate Company or Al Dar Properties) to complete the transfer. The trustee needs:
- Arabic SPA with all parties' details
- Clear purchase price and payment confirmation
- NOC from developer (if applicable)
- Mortgage discharge (if applicable)
The Arabic SPA is what gets uploaded to the DLD system. Any discrepancies between the Arabic and English versions can cause the trustee to pause the transaction.
Business Acquisition: Share Purchase Agreements
Share Purchase Agreements (also called SPAs) for business acquisitions involve more complex translation:
Due Diligence Findings
Often incorporated by reference or as schedules. These findings become part of the seller's representations.
Warranties and Representations
What the seller is guaranteeing about the business. Must be translated precisely because they determine your recourse if problems emerge.
Indemnification
Who pays if something goes wrong. The caps, baskets, and time limits for claims must be unambiguous in Arabic.
Completion Accounts
How the final purchase price is adjusted based on working capital, debt, and cash at completion.
Common SPA Translation Issues
Golden Visa and Property Purchase
If you are buying property worth AED 2 million or more to qualify for Golden Visa, the SPA translation becomes part of your immigration file. GDRFA needs to see that the property meets the threshold. We ensure the purchase price, payment confirmation, and property details are clearly translated for visa processing.
Realistic Timeline
Standard property SPAs (10-15 pages) take 24 hours. Complex business acquisition SPAs with multiple schedules may need 2-3 days. If you have a closing date, tell us upfront. We can prioritize to ensure you have the translation before your DLD or trustee appointment.
Before Closing: Review Your Translation
Request the Arabic translation before your closing appointment. Review it with your lawyer or agent to confirm all figures and terms match the English version you negotiated. Discovering discrepancies at the trustee office wastes everyone's time.
Critical SPA Elements We Handle
Payment Terms
Precise translation of payment schedules, milestones, and financial conditions
Representations & Warranties
Accurate rendering of seller guarantees and buyer protections
Conditions Precedent
Clear translation of conditions that must be satisfied before completion
Indemnification Clauses
Legal terminology for protection and liability provisions
Dispute Resolution
Arbitration clauses, jurisdiction, and governing law provisions
Completion Mechanics
Closing procedures, title transfer, and handover provisions
Need an SPA Translated?
Send your Sale Purchase Agreement via WhatsApp. We'll review the document complexity and provide an accurate quote.