ADGM Translation Requirements
When You Need Arabic, and When You Don't
MOJ-certified translator Khaled Mohamed Abdeltawab Aladl (License #701) · Digital draft in 60 minutes · Pre-screened against authority requirements
Abu Dhabi Global Market operates entirely in English. But the moment your documents leave ADGM’s jurisdiction, courts, government entities, banks, Arabic translation becomes mandatory. This guide maps exactly when each language is required.
ADGM: English-Only Jurisdiction
ADGM is one of two financial free zones in the UAE operating under English common law (the other is DIFC in Dubai). Established on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, ADGM has expanded to Al Reem Island with 31% year-on-year growth.
For ADGM’s internal operations, English is the sole official language. This covers:
- Company registration and licensing
- Memoranda of association and articles
- Board resolutions and shareholder agreements
- ADGM court filings and proceedings
- Regulatory submissions to ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority
- Employment contracts within ADGM entities
When Arabic Translation IS Required
Documents leaving ADGM’s jurisdiction enter Abu Dhabi’s Arabic-language legal system. These scenarios require MOJ-certified Arabic translation:
- ADJD Court Filings: Enforcing ADGM judgments in Abu Dhabi’s local courts through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department requires full Arabic translation. This includes the judgment itself, supporting evidence, and any contractual documents.
- Employee Visas (GDRFA): ADGM companies processing employee visas through GDRFA must submit translated academic certificates, birth certificates, and police clearances. GDRFA is a federal entity, Arabic MOJ translation required.
- Abu Dhabi Government: Any interaction with Abu Dhabi government departments. Department of Economic Development, Department of Health, municipality, requires Arabic documentation.
- MOFA Attestation: Documents going through MOFA attestation for international use need Arabic translation. This applies to ADGM company documents being used outside the UAE.
When English Is Sufficient
These scenarios do not require Arabic translation:
- ADGM court proceedings: All filings and hearings in English
- ADGM arbitration: Awards and submissions in English
- Company registration: All ADGM incorporation documents
- Regulatory filings: FSRA submissions and compliance reports
- Contracts between ADGM entities: Governed by ADGM law in English
- ADGM-registered wills: Wills Registration Service operates in English
Planning Ahead: If there is any possibility your matter will leave ADGM, enforcement in local courts, disputes with mainland entities, or government filings, prepare Arabic translations from the start. Retroactive translation under deadline pressure costs more and risks errors.
ADGM companies often discover translation needs at filing deadlines. Send your documents via WhatsApp and we assess whether Arabic translation is required before you spend anything. Learn about our concierge approach.
ADGM vs DIFC: Translation Comparison
| Aspect | ADGM (Abu Dhabi) | DIFC (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal System | English common law | English common law |
| Internal Language | English only | English only |
| Local Court Interface | ADJD (Arabic required) | Dubai Courts (Arabic required) |
| Wills Registration | English (ADGM Wills Service) | English (DIFC Wills Service) |
| Enforcement Outside | Arabic MOJ for ADJD | Arabic MOJ for Dubai Courts |
Send your ADGM documents via WhatsApp. We’ll confirm whether you need Arabic translation and provide an exact quote within minutes. WhatsApp for quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our translation services.
Does ADGM require Arabic translation?
No for internal ADGM proceedings. ADGM operates under English common law with English as its official language. Arabic translation is only required when you take documents outside ADGM, to ADJD courts, MOFA, or federal government entities.
What languages does ADGM accept for company registration?
English. All incorporation documents, memoranda of association, board resolutions, and shareholder agreements can be submitted in English. If original documents are in another language, they need English translation, not Arabic.
When do ADGM companies need MOJ translation?
When dealing with entities outside ADGM: filing in ADJD courts, submitting to MOFA for attestation, employee visa processing through GDRFA, or presenting documents to Abu Dhabi government entities. These all require MOJ-certified Arabic translation.
Can I use the same translation for ADGM and ADJD?
Not directly. ADGM needs English documents. ADJD needs Arabic MOJ-certified documents. If you have an Arabic document going to ADGM, you need English translation. If an English ADGM document goes to ADJD, you need Arabic MOJ translation.
How does ADGM compare to DIFC for translation requirements?
Nearly identical. Both operate under English common law and accept English documents internally. Both require Arabic MOJ translation when documents leave their jurisdiction. The main difference is geographic: ADGM is in Abu Dhabi (interfaces with ADJD), DIFC is in Dubai (interfaces with Dubai Courts).
What about ADGM arbitration, do awards need translation?
Awards within ADGM's own arbitration centre are in English. However, enforcing an ADGM arbitration award through Abu Dhabi's local courts (ADJD) requires a full Arabic MOJ translation of the award and supporting documents.
Not Sure What Your Documents Need?
Send your document. We check the requirements, tell you what is needed, and confirm the right path before you spend anything.