Arabic Video Interpreting: When Face-to-Face Is Not Possible
Arabic video remote interpreting (VRI) has become an essential communication tool for organisations that need Arabic interpreters quickly, cost-effectively, or across geographic distances. The shift towards remote working and virtual meetings has accelerated VRI adoption, and Arabic is one of the most frequently requested VRI languages in the UK.
When Arabic video interpreting is the right choice:
- Home Office and immigration — UKVI asylum interviews, solicitor-client consultations, and immigration casework are increasingly conducted via video link. Arabic VRI allows interpreters to support applicants in immigration removal centres, regional Home Office locations, and solicitor offices without travel time and cost.
- Healthcare appointments — NHS consultations, GP appointments, and mental health assessments with Arabic-speaking patients. Video interpreting provides the visual cues (facial expressions, gestures, body language) that are important for medical communication, while being faster to arrange than face-to-face interpreting.
- Business meetings with Gulf clients — UK companies conducting meetings with Saudi, Emirati, or Qatari business partners via Zoom or Teams benefit from Arabic VRI to bridge the language gap. The visual element creates a more personal connection than telephone interpreting.
- Legal consultations — Solicitor meetings with Arabic-speaking clients, case conferences, and witness preparation sessions. Video interpreting allows the solicitor, client, and interpreter to see each other, improving communication quality for sensitive legal discussions.
Arabic VRI is typically 30-40% cheaper than face-to-face interpreting (no travel costs or minimum booking periods), available within 1-2 hours for urgent requests, and accessible from any device with a camera and internet connection.