Tips for Arabic content creation in the UAE!

Living in the United Arab Emirates, I have learnt that the community here is a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds. Therefore, it is important for us to show respect and tolerance towards the cultural diversity that exists in the region. It is also crucial for us to learn the boundaries that are set to avoid making mistakes. This is true both in person and online via social media.

Through my journey in Arabic content creation and specifically here in the UAE region, I have learned a few tips and would like to share them with others that may find them beneficial.

Here are a few that I believe are most important to keep in mind:

1.  The first and most important tip is to use the correct title and surname

Here in the region, we witness many important positions and leaders being announced. It is important to acknowledge that detail in order to not confuse ourselves and to address the leaders properly. A useful tip I discovered was finding the correct title and surname in previous releases OR if the company lists the individual with their full title and surname. We usually get to find them through tabs such as (Meet the team, Our team, About us, etc…)

For my example listed below, I usually always go with Al Bayan Newspaper. They are my go-to reference as they provide the needed information I acquire.

Above is an example of an individual enlisted with his right title and surname.

2. Use the correct terms

When creating Arabic content, there are a few things that we have to bear in mind, especially when it is tailored for the GCC Audience. In the Arabic language, there are so many terms we do not use as much. They are usually terms that may be too formal or too old to use now.

Here is an example of terms below:

Try to avoid using (لحم البقر) and use (لحم العجل) instead.

Try to avoid using beef and use veal instead.

The reason behind it is due to religious respected members may interpret it from a different view.

Try to avoid using (ويسكي، بيرا، فودكا، مشاريب روحية) and use (شراب الشعير، شراب العنب، المشاريب الفوارة)

Referring to alcoholic beverages, it is best to use general terms rather than specific ones.

3. Translating acronyms and names of companies

When referring to a company, it is best to consult the industry itself and get their approval on how they wish to be stated or known to the public. (In Arabic or English).

A prime example is DEWA. (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority).

A Dubai resident is aware that we should avoid writing it as ديوا and use the correct term which is هيئة كهرباء ومياه دبي

Lastly, here I have listed a few more general tips:

• Try to use modern standard language.
• Use simple words to help you get straight to the point and avoid lengthening the text as it will be repetitive and confusing.
• Avoid repeated ideas.
• Be aware of typos. It is natural for our unconscious mind to not see the typos, so, I suggest handing the draft to someone else to have one last look to make sure everything is termed properly.

In my journey of writing content, I have developed these tips to help me avoid mistakes and moreover, learn from them. I hope these will be a great help to you for Arabic content creation as they were to me.