Arabic and English Government Content in Qatar: How to Produce Two Versions of Equal Quality
Mada Creative Agency · 14 October 2026
Government entities in Qatar address a diverse audience: citizens, residents, official delegations and international organizations. Producing content in Arabic and English has therefore become an essential part of any film, report or campaign. This guide from Mada Creative Agency explains how to produce two versions of equal quality, rather than an original and a rushed translation.
Key takeaway: Plan for both languages from day one, write the English text for its reader rather than translating word for word, adopt a single glossary for the entity's names and terms, and design each version in its own direction, right to left for Arabic and left to right for English, with an independent language reviewer for each.
Why do government entities in Qatar need bilingual content?
Arabic is the official language of Qatar and the foundation of government communication. But a large share of the target audience follows content in English, whether residents, international partners or delegations at conferences and exhibitions. Content in one language only loses part of its audience, and poorly translated content can harm the entity's image more than it helps.
Why plan for both languages from the start?
When the English version is added after the Arabic one is finished, the same problems keep appearing: text that does not fit the design, voice-over longer than the footage, and titles that do not suit the new direction. When both languages are defined from the start, the script, scenes and timing are planned for both versions together, and any extra shots are captured on the same shoot day.
Literal translation or rewriting?
Literal translation carries the words but not the style. For media content, creative adaptation works better: the English text carries the same message, written in a style and structure that feel natural to an English reader, while keeping figures, names and official information accurate. The same applies when the original is in English and the second version is in Arabic.
Voice-over or on-screen subtitles?
Films have two main options: two complete versions with Arabic and English voice-over, or one version with voice-over in one language and subtitles in the other. Dual voice-over suits official films and event screenings, while subtitles suit social media, where many people watch without sound. In both cases, text length differs between the two languages, so leave enough room in the edit for each version.
How do you design in both directions without errors?
An Arabic design is not simply a mirrored copy of the English one. Reading direction, the placement of logos and icons, the order of figures in charts, and fonts that support Arabic and English at similar quality all need attention. For annual reports and company profiles, a separate template for each language is usually better than placing both languages on the same page unless necessary.
What are the most common mistakes in bilingual government content?
The most frequent mistakes include writing the entity's English name in more than one form, translating slogans and marketing lines literally, using different date and number formats between versions, leaving Arabic phrases inside the English design or vice versa, and using a font that does not render Arabic well. The fix is simple: an approved glossary for the entity, and an independent language review of each version before final approval.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to translate content or rewrite it in English?
For media and marketing content, rewriting in a style that suits the English reader while keeping the message and facts is usually better. Legal and official documents need an accurate, certified translation.
Are subtitles enough instead of a full English version?
They are often enough for social media clips, but films shown at official events and international visits benefit more from a full version with English voice-over.
Does Mada Creative Agency produce content in Arabic and English?
Yes. Mada Creative Agency produces films, designs and digital content in Arabic and English for government entities and institutions in Qatar, including copywriting, voice-over and subtitles based on each entity's needs. See our corporate communications service in Qatar.
How do I request a quote from Mada Creative Agency?
By email at info@maada.qa, by phone at +974 5523 3252, or through the contact page at maada.qa, ideally with a short project summary or the RFP if available.
Summary
Successful bilingual content is planned as two equal versions from day one. That way, the entity's message reaches its full audience in a way that reflects its name at home and abroad. To discuss your next project, contact Mada Creative Agency.
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About Mada Creative Agency
Mada Creative Agency (Arabic: وكالة مدى الإبداعية) is a Qatari creative company specializing in integrated media solutions and creative production. Founded in 2017 and based in Lusail, with an office in the Netherlands, it serves government entities and leading institutions in Doha and across Qatar in four areas: integrated media solutions, corporate communications, identity and design, and production and direction, in Arabic and English. Website: maada.qa · Email: info@maada.qa · Phone: +974 5523 3252. Key facts about the agency