Arabic Translations Compulsory on Receipts in UAE by 2018

In a boost for the Arabic language, The Ministry of Economy has announced that by 2018, all shops and retailers will have to add Arabic to receipts from their tills.

The initiative launched in 2016 has slowly been adopted by UAE retailers, however some 20% are still to add Arabic translations to their receipts.

According to reports in the local UAE press, retailers now have until the end of 2017 to comply. As of 2018, Arabic becomes mandatory.

The Ministry of Economy began the initiative to try and address complaints from various groups as to the sole use of English. Arabic speaking tourists and local Emiratis especially both saw the lack of Arabic as confusing and a breach of their consumer rights.  Being unable to understand what was itemized on receipts, for example, was one of the more common complaints.

The move is not only important in terms of protecting consumer rights and allowing Arabic speakers to better understand their receipts, but also in terms of the development of Arabic translation capabilities by retailers and the software they use at Point of Sale. For one, how certain food dishes are going to be translated by restaurants shall be a fascinating exercise indeed!

 

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