
Medical Translation Costs in Dubai: English–Arabic, French–Arabic, Spanish–Arabic
In Dubai, medical translation services are typically priced per page, with a “page” often considered to be around 200 words. The total cost depends on the language pair and the complexity of the document. Generally, English–Arabic translations are the most budget-friendly, while French–Arabic and Spanish–Arabic translations tend to be priced higher. Below is an overview of current pricing trends for medical document translation, along with the key factors that influence these costs.
What Affects the Cost of Medical Translation?
- Language Pair & Availability: English–Arabic translations are more affordable due to high availability, whereas French–Arabic and Spanish–Arabic translations cost more because there are fewer specialized translators in these pairs.
- Document Complexity: The more technical the content, the higher the cost. Basic documents like prescriptions are inexpensive, but specialized reports (lab results, clinical studies) require expert translators, making them pricier.
- Certification Requirements: Certified translations, often needed for legal or official use, cost extra due to compliance with UAE Ministry of Justice standards. English–Arabic certified translations typically start at AED 49 per page plus VAT.
- Urgency & Turnaround Time: Same-day or 24-hour translations can increase the cost by 25%–50% due to priority handling.
- Volume & Formatting Needs: Large-volume projects may get bulk discounts, while complex formatting (tables, graphs) may slightly increase costs.
Price Comparison by Language Pair (Per Page)
To highlight cost variations, the table below outlines the per-page translation price ranges for medical documents in English–Arabic, French–Arabic, and Spanish–Arabic, based on rates from multiple Dubai translation providers (referred to as Agencies A, B, C, etc., for confidentiality):
Trends and Key Insights in Dubai’s Translation Market
Dubai’s status as a multilingual hub means many agencies compete on price, particularly for English–Arabic translation. Promotional rates for legal or medical document translation in this language pair often range between AED 49 and 55 per page. This strong competition keeps average prices stable and affordable.
Conclusion
Medical document translation in Dubai is typically priced per page, with English–Arabic translations averaging the lowest cost and French–Arabic or Spanish–Arabic translations incurring higher fees due to translator availability and language complexity. Based on current market trends, expect English–Arabic medical translations to range from AED 50 to 100 per page, while French–Arabic and Spanish–Arabic translations typically fall between AED 100 and 150 per page.
Prices vary depending on document complexity, with simpler medical documents at the lower end and highly technical ones at the higher end. Additional services, such as certification or rush delivery, can further increase costs. Dubai’s translation market is both competitive and increasingly transparent, allowing clients to obtain upfront pricing. However, when comparing rates, it is important to consider what each quote includes—a lower per-page rate may exclude certification or assume non-technical text, while a higher quote may reflect specialized expertise or faster delivery. Understanding these pricing factors will help clients make informed decisions and budget effectively for medical translation services in Dubai’s multilingual landscape.