Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the provision of translation, interpretation, and related language services by OT House of Translation (“OT” or “the Company”), a company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to any person or entity (“Client”) using our services. By requesting or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please refrain from using our services.
1. Scope of Services
OT House of Translation offers a comprehensive range of language services to clients. Our scope of services includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Legal Translation: Translation of legal documents such as contracts, court judgments, certificates, laws, and regulations. We provide certified translations for official use when required.
- Medical Translation: Translation of medical reports, healthcare documents, pharmaceutical content, and other medical-related materials.
- Technical Translation: Translation of technical manuals, engineering documents, IT and software content, scientific papers, and other technical materials.
- Interpretation Services: Oral interpretation (consecutive or simultaneous) for meetings, conferences, legal proceedings, and other events, provided on-site or via remote conferencing as needed.
- Proofreading and Editing: Review and proofreading of translated documents or other texts to ensure accuracy, consistency, and linguistic quality.
- Other Services: Any other translation-related or linguistic services (such as website localization, content translation, transcription, etc.) as may be agreed upon between the Client and the Company.
Our services are offered to a wide range of clients, including individuals, businesses, law firms, and government agencies. We cater to both online (remote) requests and offline (in-person) needs, depending on what the Client requires. All services will be provided with professional care and in accordance with any applicable certification standards (for example, legal translations certified by a duly licensed translator when needed).
2. Service Delivery
We strive to deliver all services in a timely and efficient manner. The delivery method and timeline for each project will be determined by mutual agreement between the Client and the Company:
- Delivery Methods: Completed translations are typically delivered electronically (via email or secure file transfer) in the format requested (such as Microsoft Word, PDF, etc.). For certified hard-copy translations or original documents, the Client may arrange to collect the documents from our office or request courier delivery (shipping or courier fees may apply, which will be communicated in advance). Interpretation services can be delivered on-site at the Client’s location or remotely via video/telephone, as agreed.
- Timelines: Upon receiving a translation or interpretation request, the Company will evaluate the scope and provide an estimated turnaround time. The timeline for completion will be confirmed with the Client before commencement of work. Standard turnaround times depend on the complexity and length of the material. Rush Services: If the Client requires an expedited delivery faster than the standard timeline, the Company will attempt to accommodate this through a rush service for an additional fee. Rush or priority services must be explicitly requested by the Client, and any applicable rush surcharges will be communicated for the Client’s approval. All timelines are subject to the Client providing any required information or clarifications in a timely manner.
- Communication: The Company will keep the Client informed of the project status, especially if any issues arise that could impact the delivery time or quality (for example, illegible source text or need for clarification of terms). If the scope of work changes or the Client requests additions during the project, the delivery schedule and pricing may be adjusted by mutual agreement.
- Delays: While we make every effort to meet agreed deadlines, certain circumstances beyond our control (such as unexpected translator illness, technical difficulties, power or internet outages, or other force majeure events) may result in delays. In such cases, we will notify the Client as soon as possible and propose a revised delivery date. Delays caused by force majeure or the Client’s own delays in responding or providing materials will not be considered a breach of these Terms.
3. Payments
The Client agrees to pay for services in accordance with the following payment terms:
- Pricing and Quotes: Upon request, we will provide a price quote for the translation or service, based on factors such as word count, language pair, complexity, formatting, and turnaround time. Quotes are generally provided in United Arab Emirates Dirhams (AED) and are valid for a limited time (as specified in the quote). We reserve the right to revise a quote if the material submitted for translation differs from what was initially described or if the scope changes.
- Advance Payment: As a standard policy, payment must be made in advance before the commencement of the translation or service. The Company will issue an invoice or a secure payment link once the project details are agreed. The Client is expected to pay the full invoiced amount upfront, unless a different payment schedule has been explicitly agreed in writing (for example, for large projects or long-term contracts, a partial advance payment or milestone payments might be arranged at the Company’s discretion).
- Payment Methods: We accept payment via secure online payment links (which may allow credit/debit card payments) and via direct bank wire transfer. Instructions for payment (such as the payment link URL or bank account details for wire transfer) will be provided on the invoice or separately via email. The Client should follow the provided instructions to remit payment.
- Currency: Unless otherwise stated, all prices and payments shall be in AED. If the Company agrees to accept payment in another currency (such as USD or EUR) for the convenience of the Client, the exchange rate or conversion costs will be applied and communicated. The Client is responsible for any currency conversion fees or bank charges so that the full amount invoiced is received by the Company.
- Invoicing: The Company will provide an electronic invoice detailing the services, costs, and applicable taxes or fees (if any). In the UAE, translation services may be subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) as per law. If applicable, the invoice will include any VAT or other taxes. The Client will receive a receipt or confirmation of payment once the payment is successfully processed.
- Additional Fees: Any additional fees (for example, rush service fees, courier delivery charges, certified copy fees, or notarization fees if applicable) will be clearly communicated to the Client in advance and included in the invoice or charged separately with the Client’s consent. The Client is responsible for any bank transfer fees or payment processing fees; if such fees are deducted from the amount received, the Company may consider the invoice not fully paid until the shortfall is covered.
- Non-Payment: Work will not begin until the advance payment is received (or the first installment, if a special arrangement is made). In the event of any outstanding balances or if a payment fails, the Company reserves the right to pause work or withhold delivery of completed work until payment is received. If the Client cancels the service after payment and work has begun (outside the scope of an error on our part), any refund of the advance will be at the Company’s discretion and may be adjusted to cover the work already completed.
4. Refund Policy
Our goal is to provide high-quality translation and language services. Due to the customized nature of our services, refunds are generally not available once a project is completed, except under the limited circumstances described below:
- Translation Errors: If the Client believes that the delivered translation contains verified translation errors that significantly alter the meaning of the source text, the Client must notify the Company in writing (with details of the alleged errors) within a reasonable time frame, such as within 7 days of delivery. The Company will review the identified portions against the source material. If, in our professional judgment, the translation is objectively incorrect or below industry-standard quality due to our error, we will take corrective action.
- Remedies for Errors: In cases of verified translation errors, the Company will, at its discretion, either correct the errors at no additional cost to the Client or offer a refund or credit. Minor errors or stylistic preferences (for example, choosing a different synonymous term) will be corrected upon request but do not qualify for a refund. If a refund is deemed appropriate due to serious errors, the refund amount will typically reflect the portion of the work that was flawed, up to the full price of the project. A full refund will only be issued in cases where the translation is unusable and cannot be feasibly corrected.
- No Other Refunds: Aside from translation quality issues as described above, refunds will not be provided for other reasons. In particular, no refund will be issued if the Client simply changes their mind after work has started, or if the Client failed to provide adequate information or clarification resulting in a translation the Client is unsatisfied with. Additionally, delays in delivery caused by factors outlined in Section 2 (such as force majeure or Client delays) are not grounds for a refund as long as the service is eventually provided as agreed.
- Revision Requests: The Client is encouraged to review the translated material upon delivery. If any portion of the translation appears to need improvement or adjustment, the Client should inform us promptly. We will address reasonable revision requests to ensure the final product meets agreed expectations. Such revisions are part of our commitment to quality and do not constitute a “refund” scenario but rather a normal part of the service if needed.
- Finality: Once a translation has been delivered and accepted by the Client (either explicitly, or implicitly by no error report within the stipulated review period), the transaction is considered finalized. Any later changes or new requests will be treated as a new service request.
5. Client Responsibilities
For the Company to provide accurate and timely services, the Client has the following responsibilities:
- Accurate Source Material: The Client must provide the text or material to be translated (or related reference materials for interpretation assignments) in a clear, legible, and finalized form. Source documents should be in an editable electronic format when possible, or high-quality scans if originals are not digital. Handwritten documents or low-quality scans should be accompanied by a transcription or explanation of any parts that may be difficult to read. The Company is not responsible for errors in the translation that arise from illegible or ambiguous source text provided by the Client.
- Complete and Final Text: The Client should ensure that the material submitted for translation is the final version. If the Client provides revised or additional content after a translation project has begun, it may result in additional fees and adjusted delivery times. The Client is responsible for clearly identifying the content to be translated and for not withholding any portions that are needed for context.
- Timely Cooperation: The Client must cooperate with any queries or clarification requests from the Company. If our translators or project managers have questions about abbreviations, acronyms, technical terms, names, or any unclear passages in the source text, the Client should respond as promptly as possible. Delays in responding to queries can impact delivery timelines and potentially the quality of the final translation.
- Special Requirements: If the Client has any specific requirements for the translation (such as use of a particular terminology, style guide, tone, or target audience considerations), these requirements should be communicated at the time of ordering the service. Likewise, if a certified translation with a particular format (e.g., with a translator’s stamp and signature) is needed, or if multiple copies or notarization are required, the Client must inform the Company in advance.
- Review of Delivered Work: Upon receiving the translation or completed work, the Client is expected to review it in a timely manner. Any concerns, questions, or issues detected should be raised to the Company as soon as possible, preferably within the review window specified in the Refund Policy (e.g., 7 days). Prompt review allows for any necessary revisions or corrections to be addressed quickly. If no feedback or error notice is provided within a reasonable time, the delivered work will be deemed accepted.
- Use of Translation & Legal Review: The Client is responsible for the use of the translated materials. If the translation is of a legal or critical document, the Client should have it reviewed by their own legal counsel or relevant professionals if they deem necessary. The Company provides translation but not legal advice, and the Client should ensure the translated content’s appropriateness for its intended use.
- Lawful Content and Rights: The Client must have the legal right to submit the content for translation. By providing material to the Company, the Client warrants that doing so and receiving a translation does not violate any copyright, confidentiality obligation, or other third-party rights, and that the content is not unlawful. The Client will indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any claims or losses arising from the translation of materials provided by the Client that breach any law or third-party rights (for example, if the Client gives us copyrighted text to translate without permission, or content that is defamatory or illegal).
6. Prohibited Content
As a Sharia-compliant business based in the UAE, OT House of Translation maintains strict guidelines on the type of content we will handle. We will not accept or work on translation projects that contain, promote, or involve certain prohibited content. The following types of content are strictly prohibited:
- Alcohol: Content that promotes the use, sale, production, or consumption of alcoholic beverages (e.g., marketing material for alcohol brands, detailed discussions of alcoholic products, recipes focused on alcoholic drinks, etc.).
- Gambling: Content related to gambling, betting, casinos, lottery, or any form of wagering activity that is not permitted under Islamic principles and UAE law.
- Nudity and Sexual Content: Any material containing nudity, pornography, or sexually explicit/erotic content (including text, images, or videos intended to cause sexual arousal).
- Other Unethical or Illegal Material: Any content that violates public decency, is blasphemous or derogatory towards religious beliefs, or is illegal under UAE law. This includes hate speech, extremist propaganda, or materials promoting illicit activities.
The Company reserves the right to interpret and determine what content is considered prohibited under this policy. If a Client is unsure whether their content violates these restrictions, it is the Client’s duty to inquire with us before submitting the material for translation.
If any material provided by the Client is found to contain prohibited content after work has commenced, the Company will immediately halt the project and notify the Client. In such a scenario, the provisions under Right to Refuse Service (Section 7) will apply, and the Company may refuse to complete the work. Depending on the situation, a cancellation fee may be charged or a partial refund issued, at our discretion. The Company’s adherence to Sharia-compliant guidelines is non-negotiable, and the Client is expected to respect these principles when engaging our services.
7. Right to Refuse Service
OT House of Translation values all clients but reserves the unconditional right to refuse or discontinue service to any client or on any project at any time, for any reason, at our sole discretion. This right to refuse service may be exercised in various circumstances, including (but not limited to) the following:
- If the content provided by the Client falls under the prohibited categories outlined in Section 6, or is otherwise deemed inappropriate, offensive, or unlawful.
- If the Company does not have the capacity or expertise to fulfill the request (for example, a language pair or subject matter outside our offered services, or an unfeasible deadline that we cannot meet).
- If the Client violates these Terms or engages in unethical behavior, harassment, or abuse towards our staff or translators.
- If there is a conflict of interest or any legal impediment in carrying out the service.
- If for any reason the Company believes that accepting or continuing the project would be detrimental to our interests, reputation, or compliance with laws and regulations.
In the event that we refuse a service request upfront, any payment that has been made for that request will be refunded in full (provided the refusal is not due to misleading information or a violation of Section 6 by the Client). If we discontinue or cancel an ongoing project, we will refund the Client for the portion of work not delivered, or issue a proportional refund if some portions have already been completed and delivered, except in cases where the Client’s own violation of these Terms prompted the discontinuation (in such cases, any refund is at the Company’s discretion).
The Company is not obligated to provide a detailed explanation to the Client for a refusal of service, though we will generally inform the Client of the broad reason (for instance, content-related refusal, or scheduling impossibility). Our decision to refuse service will always be made in good faith, typically to uphold our policies, legal obligations, or quality standards.
8. Intellectual Property and Confidentiality
Intellectual Property: The Company acknowledges that all source materials provided by the Client, as well as the final translated works, are the intellectual property of the Client or the rightful owner. By submitting content for translation, the Client does not transfer ownership of the original content to the Company. Similarly, upon full payment for the services rendered, the translated content produced by OT House of Translation will be deemed the property of the Client. The Client shall have all rights to use, publish, distribute, or otherwise utilize the translated materials as they see fit for lawful purposes. Until such time as the agreed fees are paid in full, the translated work remains the property of the Company. The Company reserves the right to retain copies of source and translated materials solely for record-keeping, reference, and to evidence the work performed. We will not publish or share the Client’s translated content with any third party without the Client’s consent, except as needed for the purpose of providing the service (such as collaborating translators or editors who are also bound by confidentiality, or if required by law or competent authority as described below).
Confidentiality: We understand the importance of confidentiality. OT House of Translation is committed to protecting the confidentiality of all documents and information entrusted to us by the Client. The following measures and commitments apply:
- All files, documents, and information provided by the Client will be treated as confidential. We will not disclose the content of these materials to any outside party except for the purpose of executing the translation or service. This means that only personnel directly involved in the project (such as assigned translators, interpreters, proofreaders, or project managers) will have access to the materials, and all such personnel are either our employees or contractors who are bound by confidentiality agreements or professional ethical obligations to maintain secrecy.
- The Company abides by applicable UAE laws and regulations regarding confidentiality in professional translation. (For example, licensed legal translators in the UAE are legally required to maintain client confidentiality by law.) We ensure that our team is aware of and complies with these legal obligations. Any subcontractors or freelance linguists engaged for a project will, as a condition of working with us, agree to keep all client information confidential.
- We will not use the Client’s content or translated materials for any purpose other than providing the requested services. We will not share or publish the content in any form. If we wish to use a snippet or example for our own marketing or portfolio (for instance, as a sample of our work), we will only do so with the Client’s explicit written permission, and typically any sensitive information would be anonymized. By default, we do not use client content in this way without consent.
- If the Client requires a separate Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for additional assurance, we are willing to review and sign such an agreement, provided its terms are reasonable. Our own commitment to confidentiality exists regardless of an NDA, but we recognize some clients may have internal policies requiring formal NDAs.
- Data Security: We take reasonable measures to secure digital data. Our systems and networks are protected by security protocols to help prevent unauthorized access to client files. If physical documents are provided, they are stored securely and returned to the Client or securely disposed of per the Client’s instructions.
- Legal Disclosure: In the rare event that we are required by law, court order, or government authority to disclose confidential information (for example, a subpoena or official demand for documents), we will, to the extent permitted, inform the Client of the request. We will only disclose the minimum amount of information necessary to comply with the law and will seek to ensure that the information remains protected to the fullest extent (for instance, by requesting protective orders in legal proceedings).
- Our confidentiality obligations continue even after the completion of the project. We understand that confidential information may remain sensitive indefinitely, and we do not impose a time limit on our duty to keep client information private.
By using our services, the Client also agrees to treat any communications, quotations, or translation samples from the Company as confidential, especially any sample translations provided for evaluation, and not to disclose them to third parties without our consent.
9. Limitation of Liability
While we are committed to providing high-quality services, there are inherent limitations to our liability given the nature of our work:
- No Liability for Indirect Damages: To the fullest extent permitted by law, OT House of Translation shall not be liable to the Client for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages. This includes, without limitation, losses or damages such as loss of profits, loss of revenue, loss of business opportunities, loss of anticipated savings, loss of data, or any similar harm, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages. The Company’s liability is limited solely to direct damages suffered by the Client as a result of a breach of these Terms by the Company, subject to the cap described below.
- Liability Cap: In all cases, the maximum aggregate liability of the Company arising from or related to any service provided (whether arising in contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise) shall not exceed the amount the Client paid to the Company for that specific service or project. For example, if a Client paid AED 1,000 for a translation, and subsequently makes a claim regarding that service, the Company’s total liability for any and all claims shall be limited to a maximum of AED 1,000 (i.e., a refund of the service fee), provided that a breach or fault by the Company is proven.
- Client’s Use of Translations: The Client assumes responsibility for how it uses the translated materials. The Company is not liable for any consequences arising from the use of the translation by the Client or any third party. For instance, if the Client uses a translation in a legal proceeding or publishes it, any consequences (legal, financial, or otherwise) resulting from that use are the Client’s responsibility. The Client is expected to review the translation (and seek independent verification if the content is highly sensitive or critical) before using it in any high-stakes context. The Company does not guarantee any specific result or outcome that might arise from the Client’s use of the translation.
- Delay or Non-Performance: We shall not be liable for any delay in delivery or failure to perform our services due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, as described in Section 2 (force majeure events). If such an event occurs, we will make reasonable efforts to complete the service as soon as possible, but we will not be responsible for any loss or damage arising from the delay or inability to fulfill the service due to those circumstances.
- Third-Party Claims: The Company shall not be liable for any claims or disputes brought by a third party against the Client that result from the content of the source text or the translated text. The Client is solely responsible for any such third-party disputes (for example, intellectual property disputes or defamation claims related to the content the Client asked us to translate). The Client’s indemnification obligations in Section 5 (Client Responsibilities – Lawful Content and Rights) apply in such cases.
- No Warranties: Except as explicitly provided in these Terms, the Company makes no warranties or guarantees, express or implied, about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the translation for any particular purpose. Any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose are disclaimed to the fullest extent allowed by law. This Limitation of Liability section is a fundamental part of the agreement and reflects a fair allocation of risk between the parties.
Nothing in these Terms is intended to limit or exclude any liability that cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law. To the extent that any applicable law restricts limitation of liability clauses, this Terms and Conditions shall be interpreted to comply with such restrictions.
10. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with our services or this agreement (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Emirate of Dubai and the applicable federal laws of the United Arab Emirates. By engaging our services, the Client agrees that any disputes which cannot be resolved amicably shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Dubai, UAE.
In the event of a dispute, the Company and the Client agree to first attempt to resolve the matter in good faith through negotiation. If such attempts fail, either party may refer the dispute to the competent courts of Dubai for resolution. Each party irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts.
Please note that nothing in this section shall prevent the Company from seeking injunctive relief or interim remedies in any appropriate jurisdiction, if necessary, to protect its intellectual property or confidential information.
11. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms and Conditions or need to communicate with us for any reason, please contact us using the information below:
OT House of Translation
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: [email protected]