English training for Dubai judges

Judges and prosecutors in Dubai will soon be given training in English language skills, Emirates Business has learned.

A programme initiated by Dubai Judicial Institute will start in March with an aim to offer Arabic-speaking judges and prosecution a better understanding of in-court exchanges between English-speaking defendants or claimants and translators.

While judges in court can only be addressed in Arabic, the idea of enhancing their English skills is to ensure that judges or lawyers can correct or catch any misinterpretations by translators in court, said Dr Jamal Alsumaiti, Director-General of Dubai Judicial Institute.

"This is the first time such an initiative is taking place and Dubai and the move will help remove any misunderstandings arising through translations," he said.

The programme will be conducted through two two-hour afternoon sessions each week over a period of four months.

It will teach basic spoken English followed by modules on legal English.

"This programme will serve as an aid. For example, judges and prosecution will be able to intervene if they realise an English-speaking defendant is being misinterpreted or misunderstood. This is an important move and a huge project for us," said Alsumaiti.

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