When Do you Need Arabic Legal Translation in Saudi Arabia?

You need it the moment a foreign-language document enters the Saudi court system. Article 23 of the Saudi Law of Civil Procedures makes Arabic the official language of the courts. Non-Arabic speakers are heard through an interpreter. Any document in a foreign language must come with a certified Arabic translation prepared by a licensed office.

Employment is the second trigger. Article 9 of the Saudi Labor Law makes Arabic the language of employment contracts, records, files and employer instructions. If the employer also uses a foreign language, the Arabic text prevails. The law received broad amendments that took effect on 18 February 2025, so check the current consolidated text before you rely on any article number.

The practical point: an English-only contract can still end up in Arabic. If it reaches a Saudi court, the judge works from the certified translation. Preparing that Arabic text before a dispute gives you control over the wording.

How Does the UAE Compare?

The UAE also starts from Arabic but allows more room for English. Article 5 of the UAE Civil Procedure Code, in force since 2 January 2023, makes Arabic the official court language and lets judicial heads designate English for certain specialized tribunals. Al Tamimi & Company notes that documents previously had to be translated into Arabic by a Ministry of Justice approved translator. Local rules also vary. Abu Dhabi’s Judicial Council Circular No. 8 of 2023 exempts English documents that contain only numerical data, such as bank statements and invoices, from mandatory translation, while judges keep discretion.

Separately, the DIFC Courts run an English-language common law jurisdiction. They hear claims arising out of the DIFC and any case where all parties agree in writing to use them.