Sharjah Book Authority champions role of awards in translation
Al Hassani spotlighted the Sharjah Award for Translation (Turjuman), a Dhs1.4 million ($381,000) prize that recognises excellence in the translation of both foreign and Arabic content
Amidst the backdrop of the 54th Cairo International Book Fair, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) participated in a panel discussion on the role of awards in advancing the translation movement and fostering cross-cultural communication. Titled “The Role of Awards in Supporting Translation,” the session was part of the 2nd edition of the Arabic Translation Conference, organised by the National Centre for Translation.
The discussion centred on the most influential Arab awards and their benefits, with panellists sharing their experiences and insights on how publishers and translators can leverage these awards to further support the cultural landscape. The speakers also proposed recommendations to strengthen the Arab translation movement.
Mansour Al Hassani, Director of the Publishing Services Department at the SBA, spoke about the ongoing efforts of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan BIN Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to advance the global translation movement and build bridges of communication between the Arab world and other cultures. Al Hassani spotlighted the Sharjah Award for Translation (Turjuman), a Dhs1.4 million ($381,000) prize that recognises excellence in the translation of both foreign and Arabic content. The award serves as a tribute to the legacy of Arab thought leaders and their influence on the literary, intellectual, and cultural spheres. The translator receives Dhs100,000, while the remaining Dhs1.3 million is allocated to publishers.
Al Hassani also highlighted the Sharjah Rights Connection Award, which supports rights professionals and expands opportunities for industry growth. The award is presented in two categories, one for individual professionals and another for independent professionals or those working with specialised agencies.
In conclusion, Al Hassani called on publishers at the Cairo International Book Fair to participate in Sharjah’s various awards aimed at promoting Arabic content, noting that registration for the Turjuman Award is open to international and Arabic publishing houses. The session, moderated by Sharif Baker, featured notable speakers such as Karma Sami, Director of the National Centre for Translation; Saeed Hamdan, representative of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award; Suzan Kenawy, Marketing Manager at the American University in Cairo and representative of the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature; and Brazilian publisher Laura Di Pietro.
Earlier, Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), presented a signed copy of ‘The Audacious’, the latest work by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to the Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-sisi received on his behalf by Egypt’s Prime Minister, Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, during the Authority’s participation at the 54th Cairo International Book Fair organised under the theme ‘Together: Read, Think, Create’ between January 25th and February 6th.
At the SBA pavilion, the SBA Chairman received an Egyptian delegation headed by Egypt’s Prime Minister, accompanied by Dr. Nevine Al Kilani, Minister of Culture and Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, who praised the leading role of Sharjah in introducing Arab culture to their counterparts around the world.
During the visit, the Prime Minister extended his gratitude for the warm message from the Ruler of Sharjah, which was delivered by Al Ameri, in which His Highness expressed his pride and great appreciation of Egypt represented in its president, government and people. In turn, Madbouly emphasised the similar status of His Highness to Egypt and its people.
As part of the visit to Sharjah’s pavilion, Al Ameri discussed with the Minister of Culture strengthening cooperation and cultural exchange between the two parties. Al Kilani lauded the UAE’S participation not only in the book fair but also at all levels.
The Chairman of SBA discussed ways to advance partnership with the General Egyptian Book Organization. He also invited the Minister of Culture and Dr. Ahmed Bahey El-din, Chairman of the General Egyptian Book Organisation, to participate in the upcoming edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival.