Sheikh Zayed Book Award Announces Grant for Translation of 9 Novels into 5 Different Languages

The Arabic volumes have been translated into English, French, Italian, Ukrainian, and, for the first time under the program, Greek, as part of SZBA's Translation Grant

on Dec 19, 2022

Sheikh Zayed Book Award Announces Grant for Translation of 9 Novels

The translation of nine new works into five languages has been announced by the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), a division of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

The Arabic volumes have been translated into English, French, Italian, Ukrainian, and, for the first time under the program, Greek, as part of SZBA's Translation Grant. This indicates that since the award's inception in 2018, a total of 24 books have been published with grant financing.

The Translation Grant provides foreign publishers with financial assistance of up to US $19,000 to help them translate literary works and children's books that have won or been nominated for the SZBA to promote Arabic literature globally.

Among the events planned to commemorate the UN World Arabic Language Day, which seeks to encourage Arab cultural production, promote Arabic literature globally, and emphasize its role in igniting global cultural circles, is the translation of literary classics from Arabic under the Translation Grant.

The Translation Grant is a significant contribution to the international literary landscape and a cultural link that links our area with the rest of the globe, according to His Excellency Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, Secretary-General of the SZBA and Chairman of the ALC. The program aids in promoting modern Arabic literature and creating forums for intellectual discourse that promote the sharing of opinions.

The award intends to connect with new cultures interested in learning more about Arab civilization and is by our vision and objectives at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre. We anticipate translating additional novels in the upcoming years to spread awareness of Arabic literature worldwide and foster intercultural conversation.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award's Translation Grant, according to Lucia Guarano, Director of Foreign Copyrights at Round Robin Editrice in Italy, is a crucial instrument for bridging cultures and fostering Arab authors in Italy and Europe. The initiative's translation of "Amtar Sayfiya" (Summer Rains), offers in-depth insight into Arab civilization and illuminates its customs, traditions, and contemporary civilization. It is a lovely book for readers of all ages and is intimately related to music and the arts.

Arabic literature "opens the doors to comprehending Arab civilization and culture, one of the most significant historical cultural foundations of the globe," according to Constantinos Malousaris, Director of Strange Days Books from Greece.

The children's narrative "Al Fatat al-Laylakiya" (The Lilac Girl), which was translated into Greek with the help of the project, contains a message that aims to foster children's creativity by exposing them to the world of color and encouraging art. This in turn represents the essence of Arabic literature and its significance for the advancement of humanity.

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award honors outstanding contributions made by authors, artists, and intellectuals in the humanities. Honoring authors who write about Arab culture and civilization in several languages promotes the translation movement.