Sari Jihad Ahmad Karasneh
Localization Lead
Amman,AM
Summary
A seasoned Localization Specialist with over 7 years of experience in games, media localization, and project management. Fluent in both English and Arabic, I specialize in delivering high-quality localized content for mobile games, websites, and digital platforms. I am an expert in using industry-leading localization tools such as Crowdin, memoQ, PhraseApp, and other systems for translation, localization, and subtitling. Throughout my career, I’ve successfully led teams, implemented AI-driven solutions to enhance translation accuracy, and streamlined workflows. My passion lies in creating culturally relevant, engaging content that resonates with global audiences and drives business success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Localization Lead
Babilgames
01.2021 - 11.2024
- Company Overview: Top-tier mobile game publisher in the MENA region with international operations
- Lead localization efforts for old and new games from English to Arabic (EN to AR)
- Oversee translation and localization of documents and marketing materials (ads, websites)
- Manage game testing and LQA (Localization Quality Assurance) to ensure quality post-publishing
- Develop and maintain game-specific terminology dictionaries and guidelines
- Supervise and train new localizers, providing support throughout the localization process
- Collaborate with other project managers, attending meetings and making strategic suggestions
- Utilize AI technologies (ChatGPT engines) for efficient and high-quality translations
- Monitor and report on localization progress to management on a weekly/monthly basis
- Top-tier mobile game publisher in the MENA region with international operations
Localizer
Babilgames
03.2020 - 12.2020
- Translated and localized games from English to Arabic, including marketing materials
- Performed quality assurance and testing of localized games prior to launch
- Created and maintained terminology dictionaries and provided training to new team members
Subtitler
Rosetta International for Subtitling and Dubbing
08.2019 - 03.2020
- Company Overview: Translation and Subtitling Media programs company
- Subtitled various programs, series, and movies from English to Arabic (EN to AR) and vice versa using software (Poliscript and GTS)
- Provided subtitles for full scripts and voice-based materials
- Attended training sessions and participated in meetings related to subtitling
- Translation and Subtitling Media programs company
Localization Project Coordinator (MENA & SSA)
iflix
05.2018 - 06.2019
- Company Overview: Subscription video-on-demand service focused on emerging markets
- Managed localization projects, ensuring timely delivery of subtitles and other localized content
- Worked closely with regional teams to ensure material availability and localization quality
- Coordinated with vendors and freelancers to meet deadlines and production standards
- Supported new language launches, including Arabic and French, and ensured consistency across platforms
- Subscription video-on-demand service focused on emerging markets
Localization Coordinator (MENA & SSA)
iflix
03.2017 - 05.2018
- Coordinated the localization of iflix's website and mobile applications for Arabic (AR) and other languages
- Developed Arabic localization guidelines and ensured compliance with best practices
- Managed vendor relationships and facilitated onboarding processes for freelance subtitlers
- Handled technical issues and ensured proper formatting of subtitle files before publishing
Subtitle Editor
iflix
11.2016 - 03.2017
- Edited subtitles for various media content, ensuring accuracy and adherence to formatting standards
- Used software tools like Poliscript and Subtitle Edit for the subtitling process
- Worked on subtitling for both full scripts and voice-based materials
Subtitler
Captivate Arabia for Subtitling and Dubbing
11.2015 - 11.2016
- Company Overview: Translation and Subtitling Media programs company
- Created subtitles for programs, series, and movies from English to Arabic using Poliscript
- Subtitled full scripts and voice-based materials
- Translation and Subtitling Media programs company
Subtitler
Rosetta International for Subtitling and Dubbing
11.2011 - 11.2015
- Company Overview: Translation and Subtitling Media programs company
- Subtitled media content (programs, series, movies) from English to Arabic using Poliscript and GTS
- Edited and formatted subtitles for both scripts and voice-based materials
- Translation and Subtitling Media programs company
Trainee
Al Kunooz for Tourism, Umrah, and Hajj
04.2011 - 08.2011
- Assisted with airline ticket bookings, hotel reservations, and tourism services
- Supported sales and marketing for Umrah and Hajj programs
- Organized meetings and handled promotional activities
Intern
State University of New York, Legislative Strengthening Program in Jordan
07.2010 - 08.2010
- Translated political documents related to workshops on the role of women in elections
- Summarized news articles for internal distribution and external stakeholders
Education
BSc - English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
Jordan University of Science and Technology
Irbid 01.2007 - 04.2011
Tawjihi Certificate - Scientific Stream
Irbid Secondary High School
Irbid 01.2006 - 04.2007
Skills
Fluent in English and Arabic
Proficient with Localization and translation systems like Crowdin, phraseapp, memoq
Proficient with Poliscript
Proficient with GTS
Proficient with Subtitle Edit
Proficient with Aeigsub
Proficient with Ezconvert
Proficient with Eztitles
Proficient with proprietary software
Microsoft Office
Google Apps (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
In-house tools (MSS)
Extensive experience with game and video localization
Expertise in document translation
Expertise in media subtitling
Experience in coordinating teams
Experience in managing deadlines
Experience in liaising with vendors
Familiar with AI tools like ChatGPT engines
Strong organizational skills
Strong prioritization skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Additionalinformation - References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Localization Lead
Babilgames
01.2021 - 11.2024
Localizer
Babilgames
03.2020 - 12.2020
Subtitler
Rosetta International for Subtitling and Dubbing
08.2019 - 03.2020
Localization Project Coordinator (MENA & SSA)
iflix
05.2018 - 06.2019
Localization Coordinator (MENA & SSA)
iflix
03.2017 - 05.2018
Subtitle Editor
iflix
11.2016 - 03.2017
Subtitler
Captivate Arabia for Subtitling and Dubbing
11.2015 - 11.2016
Subtitler
Rosetta International for Subtitling and Dubbing
11.2011 - 11.2015
Trainee
Al Kunooz for Tourism, Umrah, and Hajj
04.2011 - 08.2011
Intern
State University of New York, Legislative Strengthening Program in Jordan
07.2010 - 08.2010
BSc - English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
Jordan University of Science and Technology
01.2007 - 04.2011
Tawjihi Certificate - Scientific Stream
Irbid Secondary High School
01.2006 - 04.2007