A civil marriage interpreter for non-Muslim couples marrying in Abu Dhabi or Dubai: at the ceremony, while you prepare the prenuptial agreement, and in later civil family matters. We also translate the supporting documents, from passports to divorce decrees, at AED 60 per page for Arabic⇄English.
Trusted Credentials
Before the Ceremony
Civil marriage for non-Muslims runs under two laws: Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021, applied by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Civil Family Court, and Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 with its executive regulation (Cabinet Resolution No. 122 of 2023), applied in Dubai and elsewhere. Both rest on free, informed consent. If one partner speaks neither Arabic nor English, language becomes the first thing to plan.
According to the UAE government portal, the Abu Dhabi vows are read in a pre-recorded voiceover available in seven languages, and a couple who need a language other than English should inform the court before the ceremony so it can make arrangements. Do that first. Then ask the court whether a professional interpreter should attend with you, and book one early if so.
ADJD requires a civil prenuptial agreement in Arabic and English. If you do not use the court template, your own agreement must be legally translated into both languages and signed by both of you. A partner who reads neither language should have the terms interpreted before signing, not at the counter.
For a civil marriage in Dubai, the government portal states that documents not in Arabic need certified Arabic translations stamped by the UAE Ministry of Justice, and that documents issued abroad must be certified in the issuing country, legalised by the UAE embassy there and then attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Getting the translation and attestation order right saves a second appointment.
Where We Interpret
Consecutive interpreting between the language you speak and Arabic or English, plus certified translation of the paperwork. Whether an interpreter you bring may take part in a court ceremony or hearing is for the court to decide, so we confirm that with you before the date.
For a partner, parent or guest who speaks neither Arabic nor English, where the court agrees to an interpreter attending. In person in Abu Dhabi or Dubai; ADJD also offers ceremonies by videoconference where all parties are UAE residents.
Interpreting while you and your lawyer go through property, maintenance and custody terms, so both partners understand what they sign. We interpret; the legal advice comes from your lawyer.
Legal translation of your own agreement into Arabic and English, as ADJD requires when the court template is not used.
Passports, divorce decrees, a former spouse's death certificate and other civil-status records, AR⇄EN at AED 60 per page. For the single status certificate, see our dedicated guide linked below.
Interpreting at lawyer meetings, settlement talks and, where the court permits, sessions on divorce, custody or inheritance under the civil personal status laws.
Translation of the UAE marriage certificate into your home-country language after MOFA attestation, and interpreting at embassy appointments.
How It Works
Send the court, the ceremony or meeting date, and the languages each person speaks. If the date is not fixed yet, tell us the expected window.
You inform the court of the language need and ask how it handles it. In Abu Dhabi the contact is civilfamilycourt@adjd.gov.ae. We adapt the booking to the answer.
Documents that need translation are done before the application: attested originals first, then the certified translation, with every name spelled as in the passport.
We send the interpreter the names, the draft certificate details and any agreement in advance. On the day, the interpreter arrives early and stays until the certificate is signed.
Where Our Interpreters Work
Transparent Pricing
Court fees are paid to the court and are not part of our quote. We interpret and translate; we do not give legal advice, file applications or represent you.
FAQ
Not if you both follow English or Arabic comfortably. If one of you does not, the government portal says to inform the court in advance when you need a language other than English. Ask the court how it will handle your language and whether you should bring a professional interpreter.
The Civil Family Court works in Arabic and English. The government portal states that the vows are read in a pre-recorded voiceover available in seven languages. Check with the court whether yours is one of them.
No, we do not claim that. SWLT is an MOJ-licensed legal translation office and holds exclusive interpretation contracts with the UAE Federal Courts and Federal Public Prosecution. Whether an interpreter you bring may assist at an ADJD ceremony or hearing is decided by the court.
According to ADJD, the parties must not be related in the first or second degree, neither may be married to someone else, and they must be non-UAE nationals, with non-Muslim UAE nationals exempt from that restriction. The government portal gives 18 as the minimum age in Abu Dhabi. Confirm the current rules with ADJD before applying.
Dubai applies the federal civil personal status law. The government portal lists a minimum age of 21, at least one partner resident in Dubai, appearance in person or through legally authorised representatives, and certified Arabic translations stamped by the MOJ for documents not in Arabic.
According to the government portal, no: the notary officer acts as the witness. You may bring guests, and an interpreter for a guest is welcome where the court agrees.
For ADJD, the agreement must be in Arabic and English. If you use your own agreement rather than the court template, it must be legally translated into both languages and signed by both parties. We translate it; your lawyer advises on its content.
It depends on the court. ADJD lists Emirates ID and passport, plus a divorce decree or a former spouse's death certificate where relevant. Dubai also asks for proof of single status and Arabic translations of non-Arabic documents. Anything issued abroad is usually attested before translation.
Interpreting is quoted per booking, based on the languages, place, date and expected duration. Document translation is AED 60 per 200-word page for Arabic⇄English, excluding 5% VAT.
That depends on your home country, so ask its embassy. ADJD states that for recognition abroad the certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If your home authority wants a translation, we prepare it after attestation.
You May Also Need
Where to get it, attestation and translation for a UAE marriage.
Certified translation of marriage certificates issued abroad.
The attestation chain for a foreign marriage certificate.
Interpreting for hearings, prosecution interviews and legal meetings.
Send the court, the date and the languages on WhatsApp. We quote for the interpreter, translate the documents at AED 60 per page for Arabic⇄English, and plan around what the court tells you.