ATHAR / Practical study
Bilingual website content review for the Saudi market
Machine translation is a starting point only; terminology, direction and local context require specialist review.
Preview template←We review meaning before style: business terminology, CTA intent, numbers, mixed-direction labels and local context. We then verify that Arabic and English convey the same value without literal phrasing or misleading promises.
Define the language hierarchy
Arabic and English should not be two isolated translations. Decide which language leads, what information must match exactly, and where local phrasing or examples should differ for clarity.
Review meaning, not only words
Check business terms, CTA intent, dates, numerals, address formats, legal notices and culturally sensitive imagery. Machine translation can accelerate drafts, but it cannot sign off on public copy.
Test the living interface
Switch languages across navigation, forms, error messages, search, metadata and emails. A bilingual launch is complete only when both journeys work as complete products, not when both menus exist.
Practical principles
- Make Arabic the source experience when it is the primary market.
- Use a reviewer who understands the sector vocabulary.
- Validate visual direction and translation together.
- Recheck metadata, not just page body copy.