Media in Saudi Arabia has taken an entirely new direction, accelerating at an unprecedented pace that reflects the progress the Kingdom is witnessing across various sectors.
Saudi media now targets both local and international media productions, presenting their content to Saudi and foreign audiences alike in a way that suits their culture as well as the Kingdom’s values and regulations.
For this reason, standard translation is not going to cut it anymore. Media translation services require more than just linguistic expertise; they require knowledge of timing, style, dialect, and culture.
In this blog, we tackle how Alsun Arabia provides media translations and for whom.
Media Translation Services in Saudi Arabia
The demand for media translation services in Saudi Arabia has increased alongside the entertainment and digitalization drive being promoted by the country recently.
With the introduction of international movies and series into Saudi Arabia, streaming platforms, and even e-learning platforms, there is increased demand for video content and hence the requirement for translation of videos and localization for adaptation to the Saudi dialect.
Translation in this context includes subtitling and dubbing services, and this goes beyond translation into localized content that reflects humor, culture, and the needs of the Saudi Arabian audience.
What are Media Translation Services?
Media translation services refer to the process of translating audio, video, and broadcasting materials from one language into another with full preservation of meanings, timing, and intonation.
Media translation involves spoken dialogues, on-screen texts, background narration, and sound synchronization simultaneously. It usually includes the scope of multimedia translation services that include all sorts of subtitles, audio dubbing, voiceovers, and closed captioning services.
Translation of media is not only about linguistic accuracy but also about ensuring that the translation sounds authentic for the target language speaker, matches lip synchronization where necessary, and reflects the cultural specificity of the target audience.
Types of Media Translation We Provide
Alsun Arabia offers all types of media translation services, covering the multimedia formats that companies need:
Subtitling
Translations shown on-screen that are time-coded and shortened, which is perfect for movies, corporate videos, and even social media posts.
Dubbing
The process of replacing the original audio track with a re-recorded translation that matches lip synchronization and character mood.
Voice-Over
Translation added to the original audio as a narrated track, usually used for documentaries, e-learning, and corporate presentations.
Transcription & script translation
Transcription of the audio track into a script before starting the translation process.
Audio & Video Localization
Idioms, humor, measurements, and culture-specific references are adapted to be understandable to the target audience, not just translated.
Who Needs Media Translation Services in Saudi Arabia?
Media translation is not limited to the film sector only. We actually deal with a variety of clients in Saudi Arabia and across Saudi Arabia, including:
- Film, TV, and documentary production companies who require their films, series, or documentaries to be localized for Saudi Arabia and the MENA region.
- Corporate organizations require localization of video training and orientation programs.
- Marketing and advertising agencies needing localization of commercials, product launches, and social media marketing campaigns for Saudi Arabia.
- E-learning platforms that require localization of videos and educational content.
- Government and non-governmental organizations who create public awareness campaigns using multimedia.
- Game and application developers require localization of dialogue, cut scenes, and video trailers for games and applications.
Subtitling vs. Dubbing vs. Voice-Over: Which Does Your Content Need?
Wondering which type of media translation services you should choose for your content or product. Here are the top differences between subtitling, dubbing, and voice-over to know which is suitable for you or what you actually need.
- Subtitling is the way to go when you want to keep the original audio and performance active, as it is usual for movies, interviews, and branded content of premium quality. Subtitling is the least costly among the formats and the quickest to be produced.
- Dubbing is the right format when you need the audience to feel that the content was originally created for them. It implies full replacement of the original voice track; thus, dubbing is the best choice for entertainment content, animated movies, and campaigns directed at audiences who do not need to read subtitles. It takes more time, voice actors, and budget than subtitling.
- Voice-over is when the narration in the foreign language goes over the original audio track, which has been lowered in volume. Voice-over is usually used for corporate videos, documentaries, and e-learning content. Its cost is something between the subtitling and dubbing.
Our Media Translation Process
The organization of the translation process at Alsun Arabia is our priority. In order to ensure that all media translations are done with complete accuracy, brand alignment, and timeliness, we have established an efficient workflow as follows:
- After we receive the media material you need to translate, we analyze it and produce a complete transcription if one is not available yet.
- We assign the script translation to subject matter experts who perform the translation accurately, adapting its tone, idioms, and cultural references to the local context of the target audience.
- Once the translation is done, in case of subtitles and dubbing, our team will synchronize the translated text or audio with the source material.
- The final file is reviewed by another expert translator for quality assurance purposes and to check that the translated text matches with the original audio in context and cultural references.
- On the scheduled time, we delivered the files to you in the requested format, accurate and correct.
How Much Do Media Translation Services Cost?
It is so difficult to set a fixed price for media translation services, as they range between subtitling, dubbing, and voice-over.
So, the price is determined according to a number of criteria, including the size of the text, language pair, format type (subtitling, dubbing, or voice-over), and urgency of work.
Some additional price factors can be the need for fast delivery and some special language pairs. To get an accurate price quote, we advise you to provide us with information regarding your video size, languages, and format type via WhatsApp and email.
Why Choose Alsun Arabia for Media Translation?
Alsun Arabia is a top-notch certified translation company in Riyadh that brings together linguistic competence with a deep insight into Saudi media culture.
The company has translators proficient in 75+ languages and project managers ensuring that the entire process of translation, quality control, and delivery is carried out.
We have been working with production companies, corporations, and government-associated organizations in Saudi Arabia and all over Saudi Arabia for more than 10 years, and every one of our projects undergoes careful review before delivery.
No matter what needs to be translated in the media industry, we are capable of dealing with any task, large or small, with the precision and cultural awareness required in Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s entertainment industry, corporate world, and IT sector grow rapidly, so the need for professional media translation services in Saudi Arabia is certainly essential.
When it comes to such types of translation services as subtitling, dubbing, and voice-over, a professional approach to translation will turn your regular translation into something special.
Alsun Arabia will assist you in reaching out to the larger, multi-language audiences culturally appropriate and linguistically accurate.
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FAQs
How long does it take to translate and localize a video?
The turnaround depends on the video’s length and format. Subtitle translation usually takes less time than dubbing, which requires voice recording and synchronization.
Do you provide Saudi dialect localization, or only Modern Standard Arabic?
We can localize the project into Modern Standard Arabic or the Saudi dialect, as we have a professional team who is expert in providing foreign languages and Arabic in different dialects, as the target audience requires.
Can you handle large-scale projects like full series or training programs?
Yes, we have a dedicated team who is capable of translating and localizing an entire series accurately and delivering it on time without sacrificing the quality.
What file formats do you deliver for subtitles and dubbed audio?
We will deliver subtitle files in a usual format (for example, SRT or VTT) and audio files in the requested format for your broadcasting platform.
How can I reach Alsun Arabia?
You can reach us via WhatsApp or email, sending us your project information and details to receive a tailored quote. You can visit our office to discuss these details face to face.
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About author
Norhan Fathi
Professional SEO Content Writer and Translator with extensive experience in crafting creative, high-quality content. Skilled in reviewing, refining, and enhancing texts with a strong focus on content quality, coherence, and clarity to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved in the most effective way.