About the Arabic language.
Arabic is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. About 310 million people speak it as their first language, across 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, and it holds deep religious significance for nearly 1.8 billion Muslims, which makes it one of the most important translation markets anywhere. Other Semitic languages we translate include Amharic, Aramaic, Assyrian and Egyptian Arabic.
For South African businesses, Arabic translation has real commercial weight. South Africa trades closely with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Algeria, and the Gulf states are major investors in local infrastructure, real estate and energy. Tourism from the UAE and Saudi Arabia is also growing, so clear Arabic contracts, marketing and visitor information matter more each year.
Closer to home, South Africa's Muslim community numbers over 800 000 people, mostly in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and many keep strong cultural and linguistic ties to Arabic. The language belongs to the Semitic branch of the Afroasiatic family, alongside Hebrew, Amharic and Aramaic, and has written records dating back to at least the 4th century CE.
Our Arabic translation services.
Tell us the source and target languages, intended audience and service required. We confirm the available linguist, format and review level for your Arabic project before quoting.
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Arabic document translation
Accurate translation of written materials including contracts, reports, correspondence, and marketing content.
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Arabic website and software localisation
Adapting websites, applications, and digital platforms for Arabic-speaking audiences, including text, interface elements, and supporting content.
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Arabic interpreting
Ask about Arabic interpreting for your meeting, hearing or event. Include the date, location or online platform and preferred interpreting mode so we can check availability.
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Arabic voice-over
Multilingual voice recording for video and audio productions requiring Arabic language delivery.
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Arabic subtitling
Accurate, timed Arabic subtitles for films, corporate videos, e-learning content, and broadcast media.
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Arabic desktop publishing
Formatting and layout services for print and digital materials translated into Arabic, ensuring a professional finished product.
Certified, legal and business Arabic translation.
Certified Arabic translation
For official documents, tell us which institution will receive your Arabic translation and send its written requirements. We assess the language pair and confirm whether the project needs a signed statement of accuracy, a sworn translator or another process. Acceptance is decided by the receiving institution.
Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, degree certificates and police clearance certificates. Requirements differ between courts, embassies, universities and immigration authorities, so tell us where the Arabic translation will be submitted and send any written instructions you have. If an authority asks for a sworn translation, ask us to confirm availability for the language pair.
Arabic legal translation
Legal translation into and from Arabic requires specialist knowledge of legal terminology, document conventions, and the specific requirements of the relevant legal system. Each project is assigned to a linguist with the right language pair and subject expertise, and managed by a named project manager.
- Contracts, agreements, and commercial negotiations
- Court pleadings, motions, and legal filings
- Patent applications and intellectual property documents
- Legal correspondence including letters and emails
- Expert witness reports and legal opinions
- Regulatory filings and licence applications
Arabic government translation
Premium Lingua provides Arabic translation services for government agencies, public sector bodies, and organisations working in regulated or government-related environments. Send the required terminology, document format and confidentiality instructions with your brief so these can be assessed and included in the agreed scope.
Client materials are handled under confidentiality requirements, with access restricted to the people who need them to deliver the service, and our privacy framework is designed around the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Arabic business document translation
For businesses operating in or engaging with Arabic-speaking markets, clear and accurate communication is essential. Share previous translations, glossaries or approved terminology before we start, so your Arabic content stays consistent across projects. Our business translation services cover:
- Marketing materials including brochures, adverts, and promotional content
- Financial reports, balance sheets, and income statements
- Company policies, procedures, and internal guidelines
- Business contracts and commercial agreements
- Business correspondence including emails and letters
- Product catalogues, technical specifications, and datasheets
- Human resources documents including job descriptions and employee handbooks
Request your Arabic project quote.
We aim to reply within two business hours, Monday to Friday, South African time. Include your language pair, intended use and deadline so we can assess the scope.
Request received.
A project manager will reply by email or phone, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 SAST.