--- title: "ADJD Translation Requirements | Abu Dhabi Courts Guide" description: "ADJD translation requirements: formatting rules, case types, and when MOJ Arabic certification is needed for Abu Dhabi courts." url: "https://onlinetranslation.ae/resources/adjd-translation-requirements/" lang: "en-AE" --- # ADJD Translation Requirements Abu Dhabi Judicial Department Court Guide The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) operates all courts in Abu Dhabi emirate, including Al Ain. Every foreign-language document submitted requires MOJ-certified Arabic translation. This guide covers what ADJD needs, formatting rules, and common rejection reasons. Jurisdiction: Abu Dhabi + Al Ain Language: Arabic only Requirement: MOJ seal mandatory ## ADJD Court Structure ADJD manages a hierarchy of courts across Abu Dhabi emirate. Understanding which court handles your matter helps anticipate translation requirements and timelines. ### Court of First Instance Handles initial civil, commercial, labour, and criminal cases. Most translation work starts here. Documents include [](/legal/contracts)contracts, evidence, witness statements, and expert reports. ### Court of Appeal Reviews decisions from the Court of First Instance. Appellate submissions often require re-translation of original documents plus new appellate briefs. ### Court of Cassation Highest court in Abu Dhabi. Reviews points of law only. Translation requirements focus on legal arguments and referenced [](/legal/litigation/verdict)previous judgments. ### Personal Status Court Handles family law matters: marriage, divorce, inheritance, custody. Requires translation of [](/personal/vital-records/marriage)marriage certificates, [](/personal/vital-records/birth)birth certificates, and [](/personal/vital-records/divorce)divorce decrees. ## What ADJD Requires ### Mandatory Elements 1. MOJ seal: Circular seal with translator's license number, name in Arabic and English, and "Certified Legal Translator" 2. Translator's signature: Handwritten signature on every page 3. A4 format: Standard A4 paper (not US Letter) 4. Page numbering: "Page X of Y" in both languages 5. Binding: Original and translation bound together 6. Certification statement: Declaration of accuracy and completeness ### Common Case Types and Documents - Commercial disputes: [](/legal/contracts/spa)Sale agreements, [](/legal/contracts/nda)NDAs, [](/legal/corporate/moa)memoranda of association, financial records - Labour cases: Employment contracts, termination letters, salary certificates, [](/personal/academic/degree)academic credentials - Family matters: Marriage/divorce certificates, custody agreements, inheritance documents - Real estate: Property deeds, lease agreements, ownership transfers - [](/legal/litigation/arbitration)Arbitration enforcement: Arbitration awards from ADGM, DIAC, or international centres ## ADJD vs Dubai Courts vs ADGM AspectADJDDubai CourtsADGMLocationAbu Dhabi + Al AinDubaiAbu Dhabi (Al Maryah)Legal SystemUAE Civil Law (Arabic)UAE Civil Law (Arabic)English Common LawLanguage RequiredArabic onlyArabic onlyEnglish onlyTranslation NeededMOJ Arabic for allMOJ Arabic for allOnly when leaving ADGMNumerical ExceptionCircular 8/2023 (limited)No formal exceptionN/A (English accepted) ## Circular 8/2023: The Numerical Data Exception ADJD Circular No. 8 of 2023 introduced a limited exception for documents containing primarily numerical data. Key points: - Scope: Bank statements, invoices, and similar financial documents where content is primarily numerical - Court discretion: The court retains the right to request full translation even for numerical documents - Not automatic: You cannot assume the exception applies. Submit translated versions as backup. - Headings still matter: Column headers, account holder names, and bank names in the document still need translation context Our Recommendation Always prepare Arabic translations even for numerical documents. The exception is at the court's discretion and invoking it can delay proceedings. Having translations ready costs less than a postponed hearing. ## Common Rejection Reasons 1. Expired translator license: MOJ licenses expire annually. Courts check validity at submission date. 2. Wrong paper size: US Letter format rejected. Must be A4. 3. Incomplete translation: All elements must be translated — headers, footers, stamps, handwritten notes. 4. Missing attestation: Foreign documents often need [](/services/attestation)full attestation chain before court acceptance. 5. Name mismatches: Transliterated names must match passport exactly. The Concierge Difference ADJD rejections cost time and hearing dates. We pre-check formatting, paper size, and name transliteration before stamping — so your submission meets ADJD standards on the first attempt. [Learn about our concierge approach](/about/#concierge-model) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does ADJD accept translations from any MOJ-licensed translator? Yes. Any translation bearing a valid MOJ seal from a licensed translator is accepted by ADJD. The court clerk verifies the seal and license number, not the specific translator. Our translations carry License #701 (Arkan Legal Translation), valid through October 2026. ### What size paper do ADJD courts require? A4 (210mm x 297mm). US Letter size is rejected. All pages must be numbered sequentially with 'Page X of Y' in both languages. The original and translation should be bound together. ### Do ADJD courts handle wills registration? ADJD handles wills for Muslim individuals under Sharia law. Non-Muslims typically register wills through the ADGM Wills Service (English) or DIFC Wills Service. If an ADGM/DIFC will needs enforcement through ADJD, Arabic MOJ translation is required. ### How is ADJD different from Dubai Courts for translation? Both require MOJ-certified Arabic translation. The main differences are jurisdictional: ADJD covers Abu Dhabi emirate (including Al Ain), Dubai Courts cover Dubai. Some formatting preferences differ. We handle both and know the specific requirements for each. ### What about the ADJD Circular 8/2023 on bank statements? ADJD Circular No. 8 of 2023 allows courts to accept bank statements and invoices with numerical data without Arabic translation in certain cases. The court retains discretion. This applies to documents where the content is primarily numerical. We advise having translations ready as a precaution. ### Can I submit English documents to ADJD? No. ADJD operates in Arabic. All documents in foreign languages must be accompanied by MOJ-certified Arabic translation. This includes contracts, court orders, certificates, and evidence. The only exception is the limited numerical data provision under Circular 8/2023. ## Need Translation for ADJD? Send your documents via WhatsApp. We'll confirm requirements, pricing, and turnaround for your specific ADJD submission. [Send Documents for Quote](https://wa.me/971508620217?text=I%20need%20translation%20for%20ADJD%20court%20submission)