How Much Do Translation Companies Charge in Dubai, UAE?

How Much Do Translation Companies Charge in Dubai, UAE?

How Much Do Translation Companies Charge in Dubai, UAE?
UM October 4, 2024

Dubai, a global business hub in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a multicultural city where translation services are in high demand. The city’s diverse population and booming economy create an ideal market for translation companies, serving industries like tourism, law, healthcare, real estate, and finance.

Whether for legal documents, website localization, or business agreements, the cost of translation services in Dubai depends on various factors such as:

  • Language Pairs
  • Project Complexity
  • Deadlines

In this article, we’ll explore the costs of translation services in Dubai, explaining the key factors affecting pricing and providing insights into the most common services translation companies offer. We’ll also explain the hourly rates and pricing per word, providing a comprehensive guide for businesses and individuals seeking translation services in the UAE.

 

Factors Affecting Translation Costs in Dubai

Here are some factors that affect the total cost of translation in Dubai:

1. Language Pair

One of the most significant factors in determining the cost of translation services is the language pair, meaning the source and target languages. Languages that are more common or widely spoken (like English to Arabic) are cheaper. In contrast, rare or specialized languages (like Japanese, Swahili, or Icelandic) can cost more due to a smaller pool of qualified translators.

In Dubai, English-to-Arabic and Arabic-to-English translations are some of the most frequently requested services, and the prices for these pairs are often more competitive than for less common languages. Translation companies may need to outsource to specialized linguists for rarer language pairs, raising costs.

2. Complexity of the Text

The complexity of the content also plays a significant role in determining costs. General documents, such as agreements or marketing materials, are straightforward and thus less expensive. However, specialized content like legal contracts, medical reports, or technical manuals requires translators with subject-matter expertise, which increases the price.

Complex texts often require additional quality assurance steps, such as proofreading by a second linguist or industry expert, to ensure accuracy and compliance with professional standards, which increases the cost.

3. Urgency and Deadline

The cost can be usually higher if a translation project has a tight deadline. Rush translations or same-day deliveries often require translators to work overtime or prioritize the project than others. This urgency increases the rate charged by translation companies, typically 25% to 50% of the standard price, depending on how quickly the translation is needed.

4. Volume of the Project

The volume of content also influences pricing. Most translation companies charge per word, and bulk projects can sometimes lead to discounted rates. The more words a project contains, the more flexibility there may be in negotiating the price per word, especially for long-term clients. On the other hand, smaller projects may come with standard charges even if the word count is low.

5. Certifications and Legalization

Certain translations, such as legal documents, contracts, or immigration paperwork, require certified translations, which are often more expensive. Translation companies in Dubai typically charge a premium for certified or notarized translations, as these documents must meet specific regulatory requirements, such as those set by the UAE Ministry of Justice or other governmental bodies.

Certification and legalization may also require a more experienced translator or official verification, adding to the cost.

 

Average Pricing for Translation Services in Dubai

Average Pricing for Translation Services in Dubai

Here are some steps that affect the average pricing:

1.     Per Word Pricing

In recent years, the average cost of translation services in Dubai has ranged from AED 0.37 to AED 0.59 per word, equivalent to £0.10 to £0.16 per word. A standard translation project of 1,000 words would cost anywhere from AED 370 to AED 590 (approximately £100 – £150), depending on the language pair, project complexity, and urgency.

Translation companies may offer discounts for large volumes or repeat customers, especially for long-term projects or ongoing business relationships.

Read More: How Much Does a Legal Translation Cost Per Word?

2.     Per Hour Pricing

Translation companies in Dubai also offer per-hour pricing, which is common for certain types of projects like interpreting services or projects that require a significant amount of formatting or non-linguistic tasks. The hourly rate varies based on several factors, including:

  • Language pair
  • Urgency
  • Complexity of the text

On average, per-hour translation rates range from AED 75 to AED 275 per hour (approximately $20 to USD 75 per hour). More technical or specialized projects, such as legal or medical translations, often increase the costs.

Read More: How Much Does a Legal Translation Cost Per Page?

 

Types of Translation Services Offered in Dubai

Here’s a look at some of the most common types of translation services you can find in Dubai:

1.     Legal Translation

This service is essential for translating contracts, agreements, certificates, and other legal documents. Certified legal translations may be required for government processes, immigration applications, or court use.

2.     Certified Translation

Certified translation is essential for official documents like legal contracts, court papers, or certificates that require an official guarantee of accuracy. In Dubai, certified translations are often needed for government or legal submissions and may include notarization. Due to the strict requirements, certified translations are typically more expensive.

3.     Technical Translation

Industries like engineering, IT, and manufacturing rely on technical translations for manuals, product descriptions, and other specialized materials. These require subject matter experts for accuracy.

4.     Medical Translation

This service is essential for translating medical reports, prescriptions, and research papers and requires high accuracy and knowledge of medical terminology.

5.     Marketing and Website Localization

As Dubai is a global business hub, businesses must often localize their content to appeal to diverse audiences. Translation companies offer website localization, marketing material translation, and brand adaptation services for different languages and cultures.

Read more to know about: How Much is a Legal Translation in Dubai?

 

Tips for Reducing Translation Costs in Dubai

If you’re looking to save money on translation services, here are a few practical tips:

1.     Plan Ahead

You can avoid urgent translations by planning your translation needs in advance. Giving translators ample time to complete the project will help you avoid rush fees.

2.     Provide Clear Instructions

Ensure the translator has clear guidelines and context for the translation. This may reduce the need for revisions and minimize time spent clarifying content.

3.     Negotiate Long-Term Contracts

If you have ongoing translation needs, negotiating a long-term contract with a translation company may result in discounted rates or package deals.

4.     Use Simple Language

For non-technical translations, simpler language can reduce complexity and costs. Complicated sentence structures or jargon may require more time and expertise to translate.

 

Conclusion

The cost of translation services in Dubai varies widely based on language pair, text complexity, volume, and urgency. On average, companies charge AED 0.37 to AED 0.59 per word, with typical hourly rates ranging from AED 75 to AED 275, depending on the project. Certified or specialized translations often come at a higher cost due to the additional expertise and regulatory requirements.

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