Abu Dhabi announced on Wednesday, unveiling the inauguration of an exclusive English-language Notary Services Office, marking a pioneering achievement for the region.
This new establishment came into existence following a decree by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, who serves as Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and also leads the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
Enhancing Access to Crucial Services for Non-Arabic Speakers
The primary goal of the Notary Services Office is to provide access to essential services, such as documentation and certification procedures, for individuals who do not speak Arabic. It aspires to bolster Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a prominent global business destination.
Yousef Al Abri, the undersecretary of the judicial department, commended this move as a pioneering step towards simplifying the processes associated with legal documentation, according to The National News.
He emphasized that it would eliminate language barriers faced by non-native speakers when dealing with services such as validating company contracts, finalizing board decisions, power of attorney matters, and legal declarations in English. Additionally, it is expected to attract more foreign investments.
This office aims to mirror the multicultural nature of the capital and contribute to economic development, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s commitment to providing accessible legal services for everyone.
Notably, in December 2021, Abu Dhabi introduced a family court for non-Muslims as part of its efforts to modernize the judicial system.
This court handles cases related to marriage, custody, divorce, paternity, inheritance, and personal status, conducting sessions in both Arabic and English to ensure that foreigners can comprehend and to enhance transparency in judicial proceedings.
In February, legal procedures based on Abu Dhabi’s civil family court system were extended across the UAE.
Furthermore, in November 2018, Abu Dhabi stipulated that plaintiffs in civil and commercial cases involving non-Arabic-speaking defendants must translate case files into English, removing the need for costly translation services and making legal information more accessible.
