November 7, 2024, marks the opening of the fourth edition of the International Translation Forum, organized by the Saudi Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission. The event will take place over two days, on November 8 and 9, at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Riyadh. Designed to showcase the evolving state of the translation profession, the forum will bring together local and international experts to examine the latest trends, practices, and challenges within the field.
The program will feature seven distinct tracks, blending both theoretical and interactive elements to engage participants. One of the standout sessions, the "Panel Discussion," will present cutting-edge academic research supported by the Arab Translation Observatory, providing valuable insights into the future of the industry. Another track, "Translation Circles," will offer hands-on, interactive experiences, such as workshops focused on the localization of video games—a growing area of interest in translation and digital media. Additionally, the "Translation Tales" track will provide a platform for industry professionals to share their personal stories and experiences, offering attendees a unique glimpse into the day-to-day realities of the translation world.
A highlight of the forum will be the "Dialogue Session," which consists of ten in-depth discussions addressing the most pressing issues in contemporary translation. Spread over two days, these sessions will feature more than 50 experts from various fields, offering a diverse range of perspectives on everything from technical translation to literary adaptation.
The forum’s opening session will be particularly noteworthy, as it celebrates the "Year of the Camel 2024" under the theme "Translating Heritage: Camels … From Local Symbolism to Global Culture." This special segment underscores the commission's ongoing commitment to using translation as a bridge for sharing Saudi cultural heritage with the global community.
In addition to the discussion tracks, the forum will offer ten specialized workshops aimed at developing the skills of aspiring and seasoned translators alike. These workshops will cover a wide range of topics, from the application of artificial intelligence in translation to the challenges of dubbing visual content and translating Japanese manga. To ensure broad accessibility, these workshops will be available both in person and virtually, making it possible for participants from across Saudi Arabia and beyond to engage with the event.
The forum will also feature an exhibition with 30 organizations, including professional and specialized translation institutions and associations from both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. This exhibition will offer an invaluable opportunity for professionals to network, exchange ideas, and learn more about the latest developments in the translation industry.
This year’s forum is part of the Saudi Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission’s broader efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a key cultural hub and to advance the translation industry in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. By fostering international cooperation and cross-cultural communication through translation, the commission aims to continue its support of the sector’s growth and global impact.
Those interested in attending the forum are encouraged to register via the Webook platform at the following link: https://webook.com/ar/events/international-translation-forum-moc.