Translation experts from Saudi Arabia and seven other countries gathered in Riyadh this week to examine the main issues and challenges facing the global translation industry, shared best practice methods, and exchanged ideas. The forum also explored the role of translation in bridging cultures, as well as laws and regulations governing the industry. Hosted by the Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, one of 11 commissions under the Ministry of Culture, from 2 to 3 December 2021, the forum hosted engaging panel discussions and interactive workshops that presented new tools and techniques in the fields of literary translation, news translation, political translation, and language interpretation. Discussions highlighted international best practice in using translation technologies and computer-assisted translation tools. Nine prominent international speakers, trainers, and professors from top universities such as Leuven University (Belgium), National University of Colombia, Lumière University Lyon 2 (France), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (Qatar), University of Granada (Spain), University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) and University College London (UK), participated in the forum's panel sessions and training workshops. Dr. Mohammed Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, said: "We are proud to have hosted the first successful edition of the Translation Forum. It has been a true honor to bring together some of the top experts in the translation sector to discuss ways we can work together to advance the sector. Saudi Arabia has one of the biggest translation and publishing markets in the region, and we are exerting all efforts to grow the sector even more through nurturing and encouraging local writers and translators, forging international collaborations, and developing a supportive regulatory framework." As part of the forum, the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission organized the Kingdom's first audiovisual translation challenge for students, amateurs, and professionals in the field. During the two-day 'Movisation Challenge', teams of two to three members competed in translating short film clips discussing Saudi culture and history from Arabic into English, French, Spanish, and Korean. Prizes ranged from SAR 5,500 ($1,466) to SAR 20,000 ($5,332) for winners in two tracks: amateurs and students, and professionals.
