DIFC Translation Services

The Dubai International Financial Centre operates as a financial free zone with its own legal system based on English common law. This creates a distinct environment within Dubai where legal concepts, corporate structures, and terminology differ from mainland UAE.

For translation purposes, this means navigating between two legal traditions. A DIFC company's Articles of Association use common law concepts and terminology. When that company needs to open a bank account with a mainland UAE bank, or engage with Dubai Land Department, Arabic translation is required—but not just any translation. The translator must understand how common law concepts map to their Arabic equivalents.

The Common Law Difference

Common law jurisdictions like DIFC use legal concepts that may not exist in UAE civil law. Trusts, equity, precedent-based legal reasoning, and specific corporate law concepts require careful handling in translation. A literal translation may fail to convey the legal effect; a knowledgeable translator renders the substance correctly.

Similarly, when translating from Arabic to English for DIFC use, mainland UAE legal concepts need appropriate English equivalents that DIFC Courts and practitioners will understand correctly.

When Translation is Required

DIFC operates primarily in English, so many DIFC-only transactions proceed entirely in English. However, translation becomes necessary when DIFC entities interact with the broader UAE ecosystem. Opening mainland bank accounts requires Arabic documentation. Property transactions need Arabic contracts for Dubai Land Department. Dealings with federal authorities require Arabic submissions. Employment matters involving MOHRE need Arabic documentation.

Conversely, mainland entities appearing before DIFC Courts may need English translations of Arabic documents. Cross-border transactions involving both DIFC and mainland entities often require documentation in both languages.

Company Formation Documents

DIFC companies are established through the DIFC Registrar of Companies with documentation that follows common law conventions. Articles of Association, Memoranda of Association, and constitutional documents use English common law terminology. When these documents need Arabic translation for mainland purposes, we ensure accurate rendering of the corporate concepts involved.

Governance Documents

Board resolutions, shareholder resolutions, and corporate governance documents follow DIFC Companies Law conventions. Translation may be required when these documents evidence authority for mainland transactions—bank account signatories, property purchases, contract execution.

Investment and Fund Documents

DIFC hosts numerous investment funds and financial services firms. Fund offering documents, subscription agreements, limited partnership agreements, and investor correspondence often involve sophisticated financial and legal terminology. We handle these documents with awareness of both the financial concepts and the legal framework.

Banking and Finance

Loan agreements, facility letters, security documents, and banking correspondence for DIFC-based financial institutions may require translation for various purposes. We understand banking terminology and the specific documentation conventions used in the financial sector.

DFSA Regulatory Documents

The Dubai Financial Services Authority regulates DIFC's financial services sector. License applications, annual returns, regulatory correspondence, and compliance documentation may require translation when interacting with other regulatory bodies or for record-keeping purposes.