We arrange Tagalog interpreters, confirmed by name before you book, between Filipino and Arabic or English in hospitals and clinics, labour and HR meetings, lawyer appointments and meetings between domestic workers and employers. Many Filipino residents speak good English, and we will tell you honestly when an interpreter adds little and when it really matters.
Trusted Credentials
English Is Not Always Enough
English is an official language in the Philippines and is widely used at work, so many Filipino residents handle everyday business in English with no help at all. The picture changes when the stakes rise: a consent form, a statement that will be read back and signed, a disciplinary hearing, or any conversation held under stress.
Someone who works comfortably in English can still lose detail when they are frightened, in pain or exhausted. Medical consent, a statement about what happened, and testimony about dates, amounts and who said what are exactly where a missed word causes harm. Speaking in Filipino lets the person give a full, precise account, and the interpreter renders it into Arabic or English faithfully. If the person tells you they are happy in English for a routine meeting, that is their call, and we will say so.
Filipino is the national language of the Philippines and is based on Tagalog. In daily speech many people mix it freely with English, a style often called Taglish. A good interpreter follows that mix naturally and does not correct the speaker, while keeping legal and medical terms exact in both directions. Many Filipinos speak another Philippine language at home, such as Cebuano (often called Bisaya), Ilocano or Hiligaynon, and use Filipino as a second language. Those languages are on request only, and we confirm availability before you book.
A Filipino middle name is usually the mother’s maiden surname, not a second given name, and Philippine records often write dates month first. In the room, the interpreter checks any name or date that could be misheard instead of guessing, so the Arabic record matches the passport. If documents are being signed, we can translate them beforehand so the person reads them in a language they know.
Where We Interpret
Mostly consecutive interpreting for one-to-one and small meetings, with whispered or simultaneous interpreting when a group needs it.
Consultations, procedure and anaesthesia explanations, maternity appointments and discharge instructions, so the patient understands the risks and can ask questions before signing a consent form.
HR investigations, disciplinary meetings, settlement discussions linked to a MOHRE complaint, contract explanations and end-of-service meetings, interpreted neutrally for employer and employee alike.
Statements, hearings and lawyer meetings involving Filipino speakers. For statements and hearings the authority arranges or approves the interpreter, so check with it first; our court interpreter page explains SWLT's contracts with the Federal Courts and the Federal Public Prosecution. Outside that, we interpret lawyer meetings and translate documents and evidence.
Meetings between a domestic worker and a household or agency about duties, terms, leave or ending the contract. The interpreter speaks for whoever is talking, takes no side, gives no advice and treats both parties with the same respect.
Consultations about family, employment or property matters, and notary appointments where the person must understand what they sign, with the documents translated by our office.
Short follow-ups, telehealth calls and lawyer check-ins by video or phone, where the setting allows it. Useful when the person is in another emirate.
How It Works
Which language are they most comfortable in for this conversation: Filipino, English, or another Philippine language? Then send us that with the date, emirate and setting.
The purpose of the meeting, who will attend, and any documents to be explained, such as a consent form, contract or warning letter.
We confirm the interpreter, the mode (in person or remote) and the price before you commit.
Minutes, settlement terms or policies can be translated into Filipino afterwards, so the person keeps a copy they can read.
Where Our Interpreters Work
Transparent Pricing
Interpreting rates are confidential and sent on WhatsApp. Translation is per 200-word page, plus 5% VAT. The interpreter stays neutral and offers no legal or medical advice.
FAQ
A Filipino middle name is usually the mother's maiden surname, not a second given name, and Philippine records often write dates month first. The interpreter checks any name or date that could be misheard instead of guessing, and our translations follow the passport so the Arabic record matches it.
For routine matters, English often works well and you may not need us. An interpreter matters when precision and stress meet: medical consent, a statement that will be signed, a disciplinary hearing, or testimony about dates and amounts. In those moments people explain themselves more fully in their first language.
Filipino is the national language of the Philippines and is based on Tagalog, so in practice a Tagalog interpreter serves Filipino speakers. Other Philippine languages, such as Cebuano and Ilocano, are distinct languages; we provide them on request only and confirm before booking.
On request. Availability varies, so we check and confirm a named interpreter before you book. Many Cebuano speakers are also comfortable in Filipino, so ask the person which they prefer for the conversation.
Yes, for consultations, procedure explanations, maternity appointments and discharge instructions. The interpreter renders what the doctor and patient say and does not add medical advice. For hospital consent in more detail, see our medical interpreter page.
Yes. Either side can book, and the interpreter stays neutral: they interpret what each person says, do not advise or negotiate for anyone, and keep what they hear confidential. If the matter becomes a formal complaint, check with the authority how interpretation is arranged there.
Interpreting is quoted per booking and our rates are confidential. For Filipino bookings the setting drives the quote: a short clinic visit, an HR hearing or a video follow-up are priced differently. Filipino documents into Arabic or English are AED 250 per page + VAT; English documents into Arabic are AED 60 per page + VAT.
Yes, for short follow-ups, telehealth calls and lawyer check-ins, where the organiser allows it. For a sensitive first meeting or a signing, we usually suggest an interpreter in the room.
You May Also Need
Certified translation of Filipino documents and PSA papers.
Interpreting for consultations, consent and discharge.
How interpreting works in UAE hearings and prosecution.
All our interpreting modes and equipment in one place.
Ask the person whether they would rather speak Filipino or English, and tell us the setting. We confirm the interpreter and the price on WhatsApp, and translate any documents into Filipino or Arabic.