Yes, in most Egyptian courts and before public authorities, the Arabic version usually prevails if there is any conflict between the Arabic and English texts. This is because Arabic is the official legal and court language in Egypt.
s an English-only contract valid in Egypt?
Yes, an English-only contract can still be valid between the parties, but if a dispute goes to court, it will usually need a certified Arabic legal translation to be accepted as evidence.
Can the contract say that the English version controls instead?
Yes. The parties can include a prevailing language clause, such as:
“In case of discrepancy, the English version shall prevail.”
However, Egyptian courts and government authorities may still require an Arabic version for filing, registration, or enforcement
What happens if the Arabic and English versions say different things?
If both versions conflict and there is no clause choosing the controlling language, Egyptian courts will generally rely on the Arabic wording. This is why bilingual contracts should be drafted in parallel, not translated later.
What is the safest way to draft a bilingual contract in Egypt?
The safest way is to
- prepare Arabic and English together
- keep clause numbering identical
- define which language prevails
- use a certified legal translator
- have an Egyptian lawyer review the Arabic text before signing