Documentation can be an arduous task as it involves tracing back records, compiling them in order, observing a framework, checking the compilation, and finally meeting the deadline for submission. The initial step that involves making sense of the records alone is a time consuming endeavor. Take for example the process of assembling financial statements. Combing through piles of data and then winnowing them down to the relevant receipts can test one’s patience. This is why an auditor is sought to circumvent the burden of documentation.
Similarly, in the task of filing legal and business documents, especially in large scales, professionals are roped into the process. When the same documents correspond to international entities, a translation service provider becomes the need of the hour.
France and the UAE issued a joint statement in 2022, outlining the areas of partnership. Both nations were mutually motivated to address issues affecting global supply chains. Both nations expressed interest in seeking energy solutions together. Additionally, both nations underlined their shared goal of converging their respective business communities.
Over 12% of expatriates in the UAE are registered French nationals and over 600 permanent French offices have been established here. This immigration pattern has raised the need for translation services in many contexts. The two chief domains in which these needs arise are the legal and business realms.
French translation of legal documentation
On the personal level, a French expatriate has legal needs to be fulfilled in the UAE. Here are some of them:
Asset protection: Any property of an individual which holds financial value and scope for further benefits is classified as an asset. A French national living in the UAE is recommended to seek legal counsel about how they want their assets to be handled. This would involve the listing of valuables such as savings accounts, jewelry, collectibles, real estate, and so on. Overseas wills may also be needed to cover foreign assets. The professional involved in this legal process must possess language skills and an intricate understanding of their client’s unique situation. Cultural beliefs must be respected, familial norms must be observed, and the requirements of the law must be met. A French translator who is a native speaker of Arabic becomes indispensable in these scenarios, mediating between officials and the expatriate. Sensitivity and confidentiality must be practiced in addition to interpretation.
Tenancy contract: Renting property in the UAE is often preferred over buying property, especially by younger and newer expatriates from France, whose goal is temporary residence. So, the next logical step is entering into a tenancy contract with the landlord. The terms of this contract range from accurate description of the property, payment conditions, termination and renewal clauses, insurances payable by the landlord, and maintenance responsibilities among others. A misinterpretation in this process can challenge or even nullify the negotiation altogether. Native speakers of Arabic who can play the role of trustworthy translators are important. They scour these contracts for loopholes and concealed liabilities, ensuring the most suitable conditions for their client
Power of attorney: This power grants an individual the right to make decisions on behalf of another individual. In the UAE, the power of attorney (POA) is granted when a public notary authenticates it. To qualify for authentication, the relevant documents must be attested and reach the notary office on time. The nature of the power vested upon the POA-holder is clearly delineated in these documents. Depending on that, the documentation may include property deeds, company papers, and other relevant affidavits. Each of these attachments require eagle-eyed proofreading. When it needs to be translated from French to Arabic, professional translators work on the precision of each term, because revoking POA is a tedious process. Here, too, if a mistake was previously made, the right translation agency can help the client reassess the circumstances and then reframe the terms.
French translation for business documentation
As mentioned previously, bilateral cooperation in business enterprises between France and the UAE has led to a deeper exploration of the sector. Key projects in gaming, climate technology, and renewable energy are already underway. The UAE’s Minister of Economy H E Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri has officially encouraged more business incentives mutually beneficial to both countries. Given this backdrop of rapidly growing French companies in the UAE, translation services make their presence known in various capacities. Here are a few examples:
Business activity specification: Any development or decision that affects operations of a company (positive or negative) must be accounted for by the company. This helps in determining the corporate tax payable. Transactions, investments, expansions, mergers, acquisitions, and terminations are detailed in this statement. Previous statements may often need to be amended and/or cross-referenced. Any cross-border dealings have to be included. Key details from invoices and declarations must be submitted as well. The demanding nature of such extensive paperwork calls for the expertise of translators. French translators in the UAE can help the client’s company comply with the regulations of the host country. Attention to detail can be extended both to the language and the business terminology.
Shareholders agreement: A flourishing business is more than likely to invite shareholders to participate in and support its enterprises. These shareholders will then be entitled to a series of rights and obligations, which can be invoked under various clauses. Drawing up an agreement that attests to this is a major undertaking. When the added complication of varying languages is introduced, the work of a professional translator is, no doubt, a necessity. Professional translation agencies are particularly trained to navigate the fine points of a contract in a different language. French contracts can therefore be converted to Arabic and vice versa for multiple purposes. Translators can navigate closely with the client to identify amendments, dividend provisions, voting power, and their position in the hierarchy. They can then help the client restructure, renegotiate, or comply with the terms as needed.
Board resolutions: Once a company has made known its business activities and identified its shareholders, its paramount decisions made by its board of directors must be shared with the concerned entities. Sometimes, funds may be granted to the company from an external source. Conversely, the company may choose to release funds to support a sister concern. The board of directors may add members to or remove members from its panel. They may also want to announce new investment opportunities. In each case, the resolution must be promptly detailed and circulated to those who are entitled to be in the know. Time is usually of the essence in these circumstances as many resolutions are sensitive to market fluctuations. Shareholders may mostly be of French origin but some may also originate from diverse linguistic backgrounds. They must all be updated. Translation agencies with teams of skilled translators and review panels work on speedy turnaround times and meet the urgency of these scenarios.
Most French companies in the UAE belong to the sectors of logistics, aviation, hotels, and banking. The stated documentation needs and legal processes affect them all. Enlisting the services of a translation provider therefore, is not only advisable, but essential. That is what we perfectly do at Al Resala Legal Translation Services.
