Right to an Interpreter in UAE
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Arabic is the official language of all UAE courts and legal proceedings. Given that over 80% of the population are expatriates, interpretation is a frequent necessity:
- The Public Prosecution and courts must provide an interpreter if you do not speak or understand Arabic.
- The interpreter must be sworn and certified — not just any bilingual person. The UAE Ministry of Justice maintains a register of approved interpreters.
- All legal documents, charges, and proceedings must be translated or interpreted for you.
- You have the right to object to the interpreter if you believe the translation is inaccurate or biased.
- The cost of interpretation in criminal cases is covered by the state, not by you.
- This right is particularly important because police reports and prosecution files are all prepared in Arabic — signing an Arabic document you do not understand can have serious consequences.
When does it apply?
- You are involved in any criminal investigation, interrogation, or court proceeding in the UAE.
- You do not speak or understand Arabic well enough to follow the proceedings.
- This right applies at all stages — from the police station through trial and sentencing.
What to Do If You Are Not Provided an Interpreter During UAE Police Proceedings
- Request an interpreter immediately if you do not speak Arabic — do this at the very first interaction with police or prosecutors.
- If the interpreter's translation seems wrong or incomplete, say so on the record and ask for a different interpreter.
- Do not sign any Arabic-language document without having it fully translated for you — this includes police statements, bail documents, and prosecution forms.
- Your lawyer can also help verify the quality of the interpretation and ensure nothing is being misrepresented.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not pretend you understand Arabic if you do not — this could lead to misunderstandings that seriously harm your case.
- Do not rely on a friend or family member as your interpreter in legal settings — they are not certified and their translation will not be accepted by the court.
- Do not rush through documents — take time to ensure every document is properly translated before you sign.
Common Questions
When does it apply — right to an interpreter?
You are involved in any criminal investigation, interrogation, or court proceeding in the UAE.You do not speak or understand Arabic well enough to follow the proceedings.This right applies at all stages — from the police station through trial and sentencing.
What should I do if the UAE police are questioning me without providing an Arabic interpreter?
Request an interpreter immediately if you do not speak Arabic — do this at the very first interaction with police or prosecutors.If the interpreter's translation seems wrong or incomplete, say so on the record and ask for a different interpreter.Do not sign any Arabic-language document without having it fully translated for you — this includes police statements, bail documents, and prosecution forms.Your lawyer can also help verify the quality of the interpretation and ensure nothing is being misrepresented.
What should you NOT do — right to an interpreter?
Do not pretend you understand Arabic if you do not — this could lead to misunderstandings that seriously harm your case.Do not rely on a friend or family member as your interpreter in legal settings — they are not certified and their translation will not be accepted by the court.Do not rush through documents — take time to ensure every document is properly translated before you sign.