The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) is organising two cultural sessions to mark International Translation Day, which falls on 30 September, in collaboration with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – Al Ain.
Overseen by the ALC’s Kalima Project for Translation, the two sessions aim to shed light on the role of translation in building bridges between cultures and enhancing the presence of the Arabic language in the global knowledge sector. To that end, panel discussions will be held to look back on the Kalima Project for Translation and its journey, and discuss the initiative the Centre has launched to support young Emirati translators working on translating children’s books, while celebrating their efforts in developing this vital sector and enriching the Arabic library.
His Excellency Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC, said: “Celebrating International Translation Day reflects the international community’s appreciation for the notable role that translation plays in strengthening inter-civilisational communication and promoting values of understanding and tolerance among peoples. Translation is a fundamental pillar for the prosperity of the publishing and cultural industries. The UAE has long been a pioneer in supporting translators and national talents, in line with its strategic vision rooted in investing in knowledge.”
H.E. Al Tunaiji noted that the ALC supports translation to and from Arabic through a wide and diverse range of initiatives and awards, most notably the Translation category in the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) and the Kanz Al Jeel Award, in addition to publishing translations of international works that have won the Nobel Prize in Literature. This contributes to enriching the Arabic library with the most prominent human achievements, he explained, adding that it also serves to expand the horizons of cultural dialogue, and reaffirms the Arabic language’s role as a vessel for human knowledge and a leading source of innovation and creativity.
Since its launch in 2007, the Kalima Project for Translation has cemented its position as one of the most prominent translation projects in the region and the Arab world. To date, it has published 1,397 translated books from 23 languages, including English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, in addition to other European and Eastern languages, such as Czech and Slovak.
This extensive output covers various fields of knowledge; the Project has published 393 titles in literature, 111 in science, 156 in history, and 64 in philosophy, in addition to 368 books for children and young adults, thus affirming its role in nurturing generations of avid readers and strengthening the Arabic book industry.
Kalima has earned local and international recognition, culminating in a prestigious collection of awards that assert its role as a leading initiative in the field of translation. These include the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Award for Translation (2011), and the Ibn Khaldoun-Senghor Translation Award in Human Sciences (2014) from the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie.
It also received the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award (2010) in appreciation of its efforts to supply the Arabic library with a substantial body of works, and the Arab Publishers Association Award for Best Cultural Project (2013), in addition to various special tributes at Arab and international book fairs that value its impact on encouraging the translation movement and consolidating its presence.
The Project’s impact is not only measured in terms of quantity, but is also evident in the quality of the reference works it selects, which contribute towards deepening cultural dialogue and reconnecting Arab readers with global intellectual movements.
Its most recent publications include ‘Translation Movement and Acculturation in the Medieval Islamic World’ by researcher Labeeb Ahmed Bsoul, which explores the role of translators and scholars in transferring knowledge between civilisations and their contribution to building cultural bridges between East and West in the Middle Ages. Also on the list is ‘La Langue mondiale. Traduction et domination’ (The World Language: Translation and Domination) by French researcher Pascale Casanova, which sheds light on translation as a tool of soft power historically employed to consolidate cultural and political hegemony, in the lead-up to the era of globalisation.
These works reflect Kalima’s approach of combining classic books of historic value with contemporary publications that address current intellectual discussions, which position the Project as a renewed source for Arab thought and a cornerstone in creating shared knowledge between cultures.
The Kalima Reading Club at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre will be overseeing the organisation of the two sessions as part of the role it has played since its establishment in 2018, which aims to promote a culture of reading in Arabic and highlight the latest publications of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The Club also organises discussion sessions at local, Arab, and international book fairs, further strengthening the UAE’s position as a civilisational and cultural bridge connecting nations, and reflecting its forward-looking vision to invest in young talents and expand the scope of cultural dialogue.
About the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre:
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, was established by a law issued by the President of the United Arab Emirates, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, to promote the Arabic language, set general strategies for its scientific, educational, cultural and creative development, and enhance cultural communication and Arabic language proficiency at the local and international levels. It also aims to support Arab talents in the fields of writing, translation, publishing, scientific research, and audiovisual content creation. It plays a key role in organising book fairs and supporting the publishing industry in the region. To achieve this, the Centre relies on dedicated programmes, the expertise of its teams, and partnerships with prestigious technical, cultural, and academic institutions around the world.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of the emirate’s culture, tourism, and creative sectors, fuelling the UAE capital’s economic progress and enabling it to achieve wider global ambitions and leadership.
By working in partnership with the organisations that establish Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi aims to unify the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate efforts and investment opportunities, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries in the emirate.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage, and landscape. The Department works to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a hub of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its rich traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.
