Islamic calendar and key dates
An Arabic to English translator not only translates terms; they also need to understand how the Islamic calendar (Hijri) affects contracts and international transactions. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is lunar, so the dates change by around 10-11 days each year.
- Ramadan: holy month of fasting. In 2026, this will begin on February 18 and end on March 19. During this time, by law, many Arab countries reduce the working day by two hours for Muslim employees. In the United Arab Emirates or Qatar, this is stipulated in labor regulations.
- Eid al-Fitr: the festival that marks the end of Ramadan. In 2026, this will take place from March 20 to the days just after that. These are official festivals in most Arab states, which means all public and private offices close.
- Eid al-Adha: the festival of sacrifice, which in 2026 will fall on May 27. This is also an official holiday lasting several days, with administrative and commercial activities stopping.
A English-Arabic translator who works with contracts and work schedules needs to be able to identify if the dates are expressed in the Gregorian or Islamic calendar, and warn of any legal or practical implications that may have.
Labor restrictions and their impact on projects
Religious festivals entail requirements that directly affect the labor setting and, therefore, documents that need to be translated accurately:
- Reduced working day during Ramadan: businesses and public bodies shorten their working hours, which affects productivity and planning in terms of contract periods.
- No activity on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: delivery contracts or commercial agreements that fall on these dates need to include automatic extensions or flexibility clauses.
- Cultural sensitivity in clauses: mentioning work on religious festivals may be interpreted as a breach of the law or a lack of respect for local customs.
Here, the role of a specialized Arabic-English translator is essential: translating the date is not enough; it needs to be contextualized and, where necessary, adaptations need to be suggested to ensure the contract or document complies with labor regulations in force.
Recommendations for professional quality in specialized projects
For English companies seeking to operate in Arab markets, having a English to Arabic translator who is experienced in these details is key to avoiding costly mistakes:
- Legal negotiations: a contract that marks a delivery on Shawwal 1st needs to be changed to the exact Gregorian date, as this changes each year depending on the moon’s phases.
- Business planning: launching marketing campaigns during Ramadan or Eid may be inefficient or counterproductive if the message and calendar are not suitably adapted.
- Human resources: internal documents such as work schedules or working day agreements need to correctly reflect reductions and official holidays.
In short, understanding Islamic festivals and their labor implications is not just an additional detail, but an essential element in the work of a English-Arabic translator. Only an accurate, culturally-relevant translation can avoid misunderstandings, ensure legal compliance and guarantee that businesses operate successfully in Arab markets.
