Wisam Balloul, English-Arabic-English Translator/Creative Arabic Copywriter

Wisam Balloul

English-Arabic-English Translator/Creative Arabic Copywriter

Freelancer

Location
Syria - Damascus
Education
Higher diploma, English-Arabic Translation
Experience
35 years, 2 Months

Share My Profile

Block User


Work Experience

Total years of experience :35 years, 2 Months

English-Arabic-English Translator/Creative Arabic Copywriter at Freelancer
  • United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi
  • My current job since October 2017

English-Arabic-English Translation and Arabic Copywriting

Translator at The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research
  • United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi
  • May 2006 to August 2017

ECSSR is an Abu Dhabi federal research and think-tank presided by H.H. Crown
Prince of Abu Dhabi.

The ECSSR’s Department of Publications produces reports, monographs, and books in Arabic and English for internal and public distribution covering regional politics, economics, education, energy, and social issues.

Freelance Copywriter and Translator at Freelance Work
  • Syria
  • July 2002 to May 2006

My main Clients were:

1. Compass Marketing Communications (CMC) - Qatar:

CMC handles all Doha Bank’s communications and marketing activities. I did the Arabic copywriting and translation work for all Doha Bank’s press advertisements, leaflets and brochures…

2. Directions Communications & Marketing - Kuwait

Operations Officer and Senior Translator at Crossmed Maritime Co.
  • Syria
  • January 2004 to May 2006

I was responsible for communication between Crossmed's international clients and Crossmed's management in Tartous.

I used also to prepare, translate, design and input all Crossmed's forms on the PC.

Copywriter and Translator at Arab Advertising Agency
  • Kuwait - Al Kuwait
  • February 1994 to May 2002

I was employed at Arab Advertising Agency (AAA), Kuwait, in the capacity of creative Arabic copywriter and Arabic ↔ English translator.

The types of copywriting varied according to clients’ products; such as cars: (Al-Sayer: Toyota, Lexus, Land Rover, KIA. Al-Babtain: Nissan); perfumes and cosmetics, gift items, electric and electronic appliances, clothes, etc.: (Jashanmal: Christian Dior, Boucheron, Davidoff, Sisley, Stendhal, Aigner, Cerruti, Swatch, Cross, Kenwood, Hoover, Mexx, Burberry, Clarks, Delsey. Al-Andalus Trading Co.: Ariston, Samsung. Supplying Store Co.: Sanyo); computers, and software solutions: (Al-Andalus Trading Co.: Palm, CardScan, Bluetooth. 4C Computers and Communication Concepts Co.; ISPs: (FalconStream; Qualitynet - as freelance translator); investment services: (The Bank of Kuwait & The Middle East: KMEFIC and Al-Manara funds); health services: (International Clinic; Hadi Clinic; Kuwait National Union Against Cancer); leisure facilities: (Al-Sha’ab Leisure Park); travel and tourism: (Al-Sawan Co.); banking services: (Industrial Bank of Kuwait: Handicraft and Small Enterprises Financing Portfolio); bedroom accessories: (Ali Al-Ghanim Al-Dabbous Sons Co.: Mora, TA, Uno, Aroma. The Bed Shop: King Koil, Englander…); telecommunications and mobile phones: (Kuwait-Ericsson Co.; International Communications Est.; Barrak International Center); department stores: (Jashanmal; Landmark).

In addition to my main work as translator and copywriter for the above-mentioned clients and products, I used also to do all Arabic layouts and Arabic versions of the English advertisements, and other print matter, on the Apple Macintosh computer.

Translator at Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS)
  • Syria - Damascus
  • January 1989 to February 1994

I was working in Syria at the Information, Translation and Publication Division, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS). I worked as translator, arranger, proofreader, and layout and printing supervisor of the AECS’s magazine, AALAM AL-ZARRA (The World of the Atom).

During my time in Syria, at the Atomic Energy Commission, I worked also as freelance translator of TV series and programmes for a private establishment. I used, as well, to translate seminar papers for some of the University of Damascus students, at various scientific faculties and departments; such as: Chemistry, Biology, Dentistry, School of Medicine and Mechanical and Agricultural Engineering.

In addition to my language and translation skills, I worked for 7 years as freelance calligrapher and designer. I had produced all types of Arabic calligraphy and design for business, invitation and wedding cards, labels, copper plates, rubber stamps, leaflets, brochures, plastic bags, calendars and educational aids.

Education

Higher diploma, English-Arabic Translation
  • at University of Damascus
  • October 1993

Diploma of Qualification and Specialization in Translation and Arabization from Dept. of English, Faculty of Letters, University of Damascus.

Bachelor's degree, English
  • at University of Damascus
  • August 1988

Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Dept. of English, Faculty of Letters, University of Damascus

Specialties & Skills

English Arabic translation
Arabic English Translation
Arabic Copywriting
Arabic Calligraphy
Photography
Working on the Apple Mac. & its applications: Adobe Photoshop, Freehand & Nasher Sahafi...
Working on the PC & its applications: MS Windows, MS Office, Internet & E-mail + Photoshop, Freehand
Arabic Calligraphy
Photography
English and Arabic Business & Personal Correspondence & Writing
Proofreading (manuscripts, typed texts, layouts and films)

Languages

Arabic
Expert
English
Expert
German
Beginner
Russian
Beginner

Hobbies

  • Photography, Arabic Calligraphy, Reading