UK Document Attestation in Dubai
UK documents use the Hague Apostille system - not the embassy attestation chain. Arkan handles MOFA attestation and MOJ-certified Arabic translation on the UAE side, with step-by-step guidance for the UK apostille process.
Common UK Documents for Attestation
Educational
- - UK degree certificates (for MOHRE, KHDA)
- - ENIC/UK NARIC equivalency letters
- - A-level and GCSE certificates
- - Professional diplomas and postgrad awards
Personal (GRO Certificates)
- - Birth certificates (family visa sponsorship)
- - Marriage certificates (spouse visa)
- - Decree absolute (remarriage in UAE)
- - Death certificates (inheritance, estate)
Commercial
- - Companies House certificates
- - Articles of association
- - Board resolutions and memoranda
- - Powers of attorney (UK-issued)
Professional Registrations
- - GMC registration (medical)
- - SRA practising certificates (legal)
- - RICS membership (property/surveying)
- - ACCA/CIMA certificates (accounting)
Attestation Chain - UK Apostille Route
The UK uses the Hague Apostille Convention - a simpler route than embassy attestation
UK Documents for Use in the UAE
Solicitor Certification (if needed)
A UK solicitor certifies the document as a true copy or verifies the signatory. Required for some document types before FCDO will apostille.
Guide-only - completed in the UKFCDO Apostille
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issues an apostille certificate. This replaces the old embassy attestation chain for Hague Convention countries.
Guide-only - completed in the UKMOFA UAE Attestation
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attests the apostilled document for use within the UAE. This is the final attestation step.
Done-for-you where authorizedArabic Translation (if required)
MOJ-certified Arabic translation under License #701 for UAE courts and government bodies. English originals still need Arabic for most official submissions.
Done-for-you where authorizedUAE Documents for Use in the UK
For UAE documents going to the UK, an apostille from MOFA UAE is generally sufficient since both countries are Hague Convention members. Some UK bodies (universities, regulatory authorities) may require additional steps. Send your document and we confirm the exact requirements for your receiving authority.
Translation and Attestation
UK documents are already in English - but Arabic translation is still needed. UAE courts, GDRFA, MOHRE, and most government ministries require Arabic versions of foreign documents, even when the original is in English.
For government submissions, translation must be MOJ-certified. Arkan translates English to Arabic under License #701 (Tier 1 - direct MOJ certification). The order matters: attestation is completed on the original English document first, then translation is done on the attested version. See the order guide for details.
MOJ-Certified
English to Arabic under License #701
Route Check Included
We confirm if your authority needs attested + translated, or just one
Verify Our Credentials
MOJ License #701 covers Khaled Mohamed Abdeltawab Aladl's Arabic ↔ English legal translations and is verifiable through the UAE Ministry of Justice. Arkan's DUL #CJ9803 is verifiable through the Dubai Economy public registry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between apostille and attestation for UK documents?The UK is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means UK public documents receive an apostille from the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) rather than going through the older embassy attestation chain. An apostille is a single certificate recognized by all Hague member countries. For UAE use, the apostilled document then goes through MOFA UAE attestation. This is faster and simpler than the multi-step embassy chain used by non-Hague countries. Send your document and we confirm the exact steps needed.
Do UK documents in English still need translation for UAE use?Yes, in most cases. While UK documents are already in English, UAE courts, government ministries, and many official bodies require Arabic translation. For government submissions, this means MOJ-certified Arabic translation under License #701. Private entities sometimes accept the English original, but it depends on the receiving authority.
How long does UK document apostille and attestation take?The FCDO apostille typically takes 1-5 working days if done in person or via postal service in the UK. MOFA UAE attestation in Dubai is usually same-day or next business day. The total process depends on whether you need solicitor certification first and whether translation is required. Contact us for a timeline based on your specific document.
Can Arkan handle the full UK apostille process for me?Arkan handles the UAE side of the process on a done-for-you basis - MOFA attestation and MOJ-certified translation. For the UK side (solicitor certification and FCDO apostille), we provide step-by-step guidance since these must be completed in the UK by the document holder or their UK-based representative. We coordinate both sides so you know exactly what to do and when.
Which UK professional registrations need attestation for Dubai?Common UK professional documents attested for UAE use include GMC registration (medical professionals), SRA practising certificates (solicitors), RICS membership (surveyors and property), ACCA/CIMA certificates (accountants), and engineering registrations. These typically need FCDO apostille, MOFA attestation, and Arabic translation before the relevant UAE authority accepts them.
Need a UK document attested for UAE use?
Send your document and we confirm the apostille route, handle MOFA attestation, and provide MOJ-certified Arabic translation - all coordinated end to end.