Arabic Language Professional · Serving Dubai, the UAE and the GCC
Arabic Translator, Subtitler & Tutor
Learn Arabic with a native tutor, or bring your content to Arabic-speaking audiences with translation, subtitling and localization that read naturally. Online, on Gulf time, for learners and businesses in Dubai and across the Gulf.
PortraitWho is Nawal El Daou?
A Lebanese Arabic language professional with a Master's in Translation from Université Saint-Joseph and over a decade in translation, subtitling, proofreading and localization.
I currently work in media localization with Deluxe, contributing subtitling and content editing to Asharq News, the Gulf-based news network. Alongside that, I'm a certified Arabic teacher, and my students are expats and professionals in Dubai from Europe, Asia, Latin America, the US and Canada. Two sides of one profession: translating makes me a clearer teacher, teaching makes me a more precise translator.
Two ways to work with me
Tutoring and language services carry equal weight. Pick the one you need, or both.
Arabic Tutoring
One-to-one online lessons tailored to your level and goals. Whether you're an expat settling into life in Dubai or a professional who needs Arabic for work, every class is built around you.
- Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
- Conversational & Lebanese Arabic
- Arabic for expats in Dubai and the GCC
- Free trial lesson, no commitment
Language Services
Translation, subtitling, localization and MTPE across Arabic, English, French and Turkish, for marketing, media, digital and professional content that needs to sound right, not just read right.
- English, French, Turkish → Arabic; Arabic → English
- Subtitling to newsroom standard
- Localization for UAE and Saudi audiences
- Proofreading and Arabic content editing
Services
Every service has its own page with details, process and what to send.
Arabic Tutoring
All tutoringWhy work with me
Trained, not just bilingual
Master's in Translation from ETIB (Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut) and over a decade in translation, subtitling, proofreading and localization.
Media localization specialist
Currently subtitling and editing for Asharq News through Deluxe, one of the world's largest media localization companies.
Certified Arabic teacher
Certified in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, so lessons are structured, not improvised.
Four working languages
Native Arabic, with English, French and Turkish. One contact for content from several source languages.
One person, start to finish
No agency layers. Direct communication, consistent quality, one voice across your project or your lessons.
Built for the Gulf
Online delivery, Gulf-time scheduling, and content adapted for UAE and Saudi audiences, not for “the Arab world” in general.
Language that connects. Arabic that speaks naturally.
From an online lesson in Dubai Marina to a subtitle file for a Gulf newsroom, the goal is the same: Arabic that is clear, natural and easy to understand.
Where I work
Online, on Gulf Standard Time, with Dubai as the hub.
Students and clients are mostly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with growing work for Riyadh, Doha and the wider GCC. Everything is delivered online, so distance changes nothing except the time slot.
- Lessons and meetings on Gulf Standard Time
- Content adapted for UAE and Saudi readers
- Evening and weekend availability for working professionals
- NDA available for business clients
How it works
For learners
Book a free trial
Message me on WhatsApp, tell me what you want Arabic for, and try a short lesson.
We agree a plan
Level, goals, dialect or MSA, and how often to meet.
Weekly one-hour classes
Online, on Gulf time, with notes after every session.
For clients
Send your files or a brief
Through the quote form or WhatsApp, with target market and deadline.
Clear quote and timeline
Every project is quoted individually.
Ready-to-publish delivery
In your format, with a round of revisions included.
Lessons and projects, in practice
What people say
Student testimonial
Name, nationality — DubaiStudent testimonial
Name, nationality — DubaiClient testimonial
Company — UAEFrequently asked questions
How do online Arabic lessons work?
Lessons are one-to-one over video call, one hour each, scheduled at times that suit you. After each class you receive notes and practice material.
Is the trial lesson really free?
Yes. The trial is a chance to meet, talk about your goals and try a short lesson so you can decide whether my approach suits you. There's no obligation to continue.
Should I learn Modern Standard Arabic or a dialect?
It depends on your goal. If you want to speak with people day to day, start with a dialect. If you need to read, write or work with formal Arabic, start with MSA. Many learners in the Gulf combine both, and we can design your plan that way.
How do I get a quote?
Send your files or a short description through the quote form or on WhatsApp, along with your deadline and target audience. You'll receive a quote and delivery date.
Do you offer certified or legal translation?
No. I focus on marketing, digital, media, editorial, educational and professional content rather than certified or sworn legal documents.
What time zone are lessons in?
All scheduling is in Gulf Standard Time (GST). Morning, evening and weekend slots are available.
From the blog
Lebanese Arabic vs Modern Standard Arabic: which should you learn first?
The question every new student asks, answered by what you actually want Arabic for.
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Three words for three different jobs. Which one does your Arabic content need?
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Learning Arabic as an expat in the UAE: where to start
Which Arabic to choose, what to expect, and how to make progress with a busy schedule.
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Ready to start?
Choose the path that fits you. Both begin with a short conversation.