Common English Mistakes in Press Releases by Arabic Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Arabic speakers from United Arab Emirates when writing a Press Release in English.

Mistake Example #1

Misuse of articles ('I have car' instead of 'I have a car')

For immediate release:The Dubai Tourism Board is excited to announce theopening ofa new cultural festival in thecity. EAn event will take place atthe famous Dubai Creek and will feature performances from local artists. We invite themedia to join us for acelebration and toexperience the rich heritage of UAE.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I added some articles and made a couple of other minor changes. Nice job!"

For immediate release: The Dubai Tourism Board is excited to announce the opening of a new cultural festival in the city. An event will take place at the famous Dubai Creek and will feature performances from local artists. We invite the media to join us for a celebration and to experience the rich heritage of UAE.

For immediate release: Dubai Tourism Board is excited to announce opening of new cultural festival in city. Event will take place at famous Dubai Creek and will feature performances from local artists. We invite media to join us for celebration and experience rich heritage of UAE.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of passive voice

For Immediate Release: The new cultural festival was announced by theDubai Tourism Authority, announced a new cultural festit isval expected to attract thousands of visitors. TOrganizers designed the eventis organized to showcase the rich heritage of the UAE, andit will beheoldit at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The fescitival isy celebrateds the festival annually, and offitcials hoped that it will boost tourism in the region.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed changes to remove instances of passive voice."

For Immediate Release: The Dubai Tourism Authority announced a new cultural festival expected to attract thousands of visitors. Organizers designed the event to showcase the rich heritage of the UAE and will hold it at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The city celebrates the festival annually, and officials hope it will boost tourism in the region.

For Immediate Release: The new cultural festival was announced by the Dubai Tourism Authority, and it is expected to attract thousands of visitors. The event is organized to showcase the rich heritage of the UAE, and it will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The festival is celebrated annually, and it is hoped that it will boost tourism in the region.