Two quotes for the same Arabic text can be very different. The reason is rarely the language itself: it is how the text is counted, what it is about and what you need to do with it afterwards. Knowing these factors helps you compare quotes and avoid surprises.
The factors that set the price
- Volume: most translations are priced by word or by page of the source text. Arabic words are often written together with articles and prepositions, so the same text has fewer words in Arabic than in English. Always check which side is counted.
- Subject: legal, medical and technical texts need specialised translators and more checks than general texts.
- Variety: Modern Standard Arabic suits most documents, but marketing texts sometimes need a version adapted to a specific country or region.
- Files: editable files cost less than scans. Right-to-left layout in brochures and manuals needs extra desktop publishing work.
- Certification: certified or sworn translations and legalisation add fixed costs per document.
- Deadline: urgent work needs more translators on the same text, and a final review to keep it consistent.
How to keep the cost under control
- Send the final version of the text, not a draft that will change.
- Send editable files and any previous translations or glossaries.
- Plan ahead: a normal deadline is cheaper than an urgent one.
Every text is different, so the only reliable price is a quote based on your files. Send them to us and you receive a detailed quote within 24 hours on business days, with no obligation.
