On Worldwide Translation Day, Dubai Tradition and Arts Authority (Dubai Tradition), in collaboration with the Emirates Literature Basis, will have fun the transformative energy of literature to deliver worlds collectively. On the Emirates Airline Pageant of Literature 2026, two landmark initiatives will spotlight the significance of translation, underscoring its function in connecting readers throughout languages and cultures.
As a part of this collaboration, Dubai Tradition will help the Pageant’s Translation Strand, a devoted programme targeted on how translation makes literature accessible to all. With a specific emphasis on the trade between Arabic and different languages, particularly English, the initiative will characteristic distinguished voices, together with Egyptian translator Dai Rahmy, Korean sociologist and award-winning translator Dr Karima Kim, and Emirati kids’s books translator Noura Al Khoori. By a sequence of conversations, panels, and workshops, they may share their insights on the artwork and impression of translation. Acclaimed authors akin to Hoda Barakat, Saud Al Sanousi, Dr Shahla Ujayli, and Soukaina Habibullah, whose works have been broadly translated, may also participate.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Tradition, stated: “Translation is a strong act of human connection, opening doorways for tales to journey freely and for communities to share information and deepen mutual understanding. By supporting these initiatives in partnership with the Emirates Literature Basis, Dubai Tradition reaffirms its dedication to fostering dialogue between Arabic and world literature, and strengthening Dubai’s place as a worldwide centre for tradition, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for expertise.”
Moreover, the Pageant will mark the twentieth anniversary of The Saif Ghobash-Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation. Administered by the Society of Authors within the UK, it’s awarded yearly to a translator for the printed English translation of a full-length literary work in Arabic. The Prize is generously supported by Lioudmila Ghobash, Saeed Saif Ghobash, and Maysoune Saif Ghobash, in reminiscence of HE the late Saif Ghobash. Over many years, it has launched English-speaking readers to Arab literary luminaries, akin to Iman Mersal, Najwa Barakat, Reem Bassiouney, Ibrahim Al-Koni, Iman Humaydan, and Mahmoud Darwish. The anniversary celebration can be an unique, invite-only occasion, bringing collectively many previous winners and nominees to honour 20 years of excellence.
Maysoune Ghobash, Emirati entrepreneur, philanthropist and one of many sponsors of the Saif Ghobash Banipal Pize for Arabic Literary Translation stated: “The Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize strengthens intercultural understanding and permits readers to come across the richness and humanity of Arabic literature in English.”
Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Basis, Director of the Emirates Airline Fesitval of Literature and Managing Director of the Emirates Literature Basis stated: “Translation is on the very coronary heart of our competition this yr. It’s the bridge that carries Arabic literature to the broader world, whereas additionally drawing us nearer to the good masterpieces of world literature.
We imagine that each Arabic story carries a deeply human that means that speaks throughout borders, and it’s our obligation to offer these tales new languages and wider horizons. Translation is, at its core, an act of affection and openness, and cultural dialogue prospers when various voices meet and experiences intertwine.
By shining a highlight on the artwork of translation on the competition, we’re reaffirming our mission to make literature a strong drive for human connection, and to strengthen the presence of the Arabic phrase on the worldwide stage.”
The Emirates Airline Pageant of Literature is without doubt one of the high ten literary festivals on the earth. The 2026 version will happen in Dubai, UAE, from January 21-27, welcoming authors, illustrators, poets, performers, publishers, and, in fact, translators from across the globe.