Many brands targeting the Gulf design their label in English or French and then order a quick Arabic translation at the end. The result is Arabic text with broken letters, a literal translation that changes the meaning of a claim, or too little space for the text. It is better to plan both languages from the first draft.
Start with the destination's requirements, not the design
Labeling requirements differ by country, change over time, and can vary by product type. Do not rely on a rule you heard from another brand. Before designing:
- ask the relevant authority in the destination country, the local distributor or a compliance adviser which elements are required, in which language, and any minimum type size;
- write the required elements down and keep the list with the artwork file;
- never assume a label accepted in one market will be accepted next door.
Our article on the artwork and label approval process covers the sign-off workflow.
What gets translated and what stays as is
| Element | Usual treatment | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Product name and description | Written in both languages | Adapt rather than translate literally |
| Ingredient list (INCI) | Often standard INCI names kept as is | Check the destination's rule first |
| Directions and warnings | Translated precisely | Reviewed by a native speaker and someone who knows the product |
| Net content and numbers | Clear, consistent units | Keep numeral style consistent |
| Batch number and dates | One fixed format | Do not repeat it in two forms |
| Origin, company, address | Per destination requirements | Must match your documents |
Marketing copy is not technical copy
A punchy English tagline can lose its force word for word, and a precise warning can change meaning through a poor synonym. Separate two kinds of text:
- Technical text (ingredients, warnings, directions): exact translation, stable wording, no creativity.
- Marketing text (tagline, short description): written directly in Arabic once the idea is understood.
In both cases, watch the claims: they must mean the same in both versions. "Helps hydrate skin" should not become "treats dry skin" because the phrasing sounds better.
Arabic layout pitfalls
Arabic runs right to left and its letters connect, which causes errors that are invisible to anyone who cannot read it:
- Disconnected or reversed letters: some older design software handles text direction poorly. Check the final preview.
- Fonts: choose an Arabic font that stays legible at small sizes; keep decorative fonts for the brand name.
- Mixed lines: with numbers or Latin symbols, punctuation can jump to the wrong side.
- Balance: at the same point size Arabic takes different space from English; give it room instead of shrinking it.
- Vowel marks: use sparingly, only where they prevent ambiguity.
A review routine before printing
- Freeze the source text first; editing after translation multiplies errors.
- Give it to a translator who knows cosmetic terminology, not just a machine tool.
- Ask a second native Arabic speaker from the target market to review it.
- Compare both versions line by line: ingredients, numbers, warnings, claims, company name.
- Print a full-size proof and test legibility on the actual container.
- Get written approval from the brand owner before sending to the printer, and keep a copy.
Common costly mistakes
- Freely translating the INCI list into non-standard names.
- Different net content or numbers between the Arabic and English versions.
- Leaving placeholder text or an internal note in the print file.
- Changing the Arabic after approval without a new review.
- Shrinking the Arabic to make it fit until it is unreadable.
FAQ
Is an English-only label enough for the Gulf?
It depends on the country, product and sales channel. Check with the authority or your local distributor. Even where it is not mandatory, Arabic builds trust with local buyers.
Should ingredients be in Arabic?
Standard INCI names are commonly kept as is, though some authorities may ask for a translation or addition. Check before finalizing the layout.
Can I use machine translation?
It can be a starting point for marketing copy, but not for warnings, directions or claims. Have a human reviewer approve every word.
When should I update the label?
When the formula, claims, supplier or market requirements change, or when an error is found. Any change means a new review and sign-off.
At Assil Ouargane we coordinate the approval stages within our working process before printing and filling. Prepare your text in Arabic and English, then request a quote at assilouargane.com/quote.
