Riyadh to host 4th edition of International Translation Forum 2024

The Saudi Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission is set to hold the fourth edition of the International Translation Forum, scheduled to take place over two days in Riyadh on November 8 and 9 at the Ministry of Education headquarters, SPA reported.

The forum aims to highlight the current state of the translation profession and showcase the latest professional practices in the field, both locally and internationally, as well as address the current challenges within the field.

The forum will feature seven theoretical and interactive tracks, including the “Panel Discussion,” which presents leading academic research supported by the Arab Translation Observatory.

 Another key track, “Translation Circles,” will offer interactive experiences for attendees, such as the localization of video games. The “Translation Tales” track will provide a platform for experts to share their personal stories and professional experiences in the field.

One of the forum's main tracks, the “Dialogue Session,” will consist of ten sessions covering the latest issues in contemporary translation. Held at a rate of five sessions per day, these discussions will involve over 50 local and international experts.

The forum’s opening session will celebrate the "Year of the Camel 2024" under the theme "Translating Heritage: Camels ... From Local Symbolism to Global Culture," underscoring the commission's commitment to showcasing the role of translation in sharing Saudi cultural heritage with the world.

The forum will host ten workshops designed to develop translation skills and introduce modern technologies in the field. Topics include the application of AI in translation, the art of dubbing visual content, and the challenges of translating Japanese manga. To expand accessibility and enable participation from various regions within Saudi Arabia and internationally, these workshops will be available both in person and virtually.

The forum will have a dedicated exhibition featuring 30 organizations from professional and specialized translation institutions and associations from both inside and outside the Kingdom. It offers a valuable opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts in the field to network and exchange expertise.

This forum is part of the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission’s ongoing efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a leading cultural hub that supports the translation industry and to develop the translation field in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, fostering international cooperation and cross-cultural communication through translation.