The Emirates Literature Foundation, in partnership with The Executive Council of Dubai, hosts the Dubai Translation Conference from 20-22 October 2016. The event celebrates the ideals of the National Reading Policy, launched in the United Arab Emirates in 2016, and is another step towards enriching the body of literature in Arabic Language, promoting the creative content of Arab writers to non-Arabic speakers and promoting a reading culture within the Arab world, in an effort to create a new generation of literate and open-minded readers both culturally and intellectually within an inclusive and cohesive society.
The Conference is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates Literature Foundation.
‘Reading opens minds, promotes tolerance, openness and communication, and prepares an educated, informed and open-minded people. Our goal is to establish the UAE as a world cultural capital with distinction,’ said His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, announcing the year of 2016 as a Reading year.
The Conference will deliver a wide ranging programme covering all aspects of translation, with a focus on the evolution of translation in the UAE, presented in an entertaining and informative manner.
‘We have book fairs, cultural festivals, literary and poetry awards and now a range of new initiatives to protect the language and encourage reading. We are building the basis for our journey towards cultural excellence,’ said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Ms. Aisha Miran, Assistant Secretary General for Strategy Management and Governance at the Executive Council of Dubai said: ‘The National Reading Policy is a corner stone in the development of the UAE. It re-emphasises the prominent place of the individual and the society in the development process. Both are in the heart of the Dubai Plan 2021 aims and objectives, and the driver behind its programs.’
As part of the Dubai Plan 2021 implementation process, The Executive Council has conducted a series of focus groups in March 2016, branded as the Creative Labs. The Avid Readers lab discussed the challenges facing reading in the Arab world, and the means to foster the reading culture among new generations. Emphasis has been shifted to developing the supply side of reading, and translation came up as a main recommendation to enrich the creative content in Arabic language.
‘Translation is a two-way process that builds bridges among nations and cultures. Today Dubai is making a first move, and we anticipate that others would do the same as well. There is no better time to spread this message than these days,’ Miran added.
Aimed at International and locally-based delegates, and all levels from beginner to expert, the Conference will include sessions from experts in their field, workshops to enhance translation skills and a variety of networking opportunities.
‘We have put together a lively programme that is fresh, relevant, engaging, informative – and hopefully fun,’ said Isobel Abulhoul, OBE, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. ‘Too often the field of translation is seen as dull but we hope this conference will highlight its value and importance. Reading literature in translation opens up new worlds and broadens minds, subtly educating the reader on different cultures and points of view. Young people who read regularly develop greater degrees of empathy and tolerance; reading really is food for the soul. Translators are a vital part of the process.’
Currently the Arabic Speaking World, made up of 22 countries, is lagging behind other languages in the numbers of books published and translated annually.
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