Sheikh Hamad Translation Award delegation concludes Brazil tour ahead of 2027 Edition

A delegation from the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding wrapped up its introductory tour of Brazil by visiting Rio de Janeiro. The visit aimed to promote the award among Portuguese-speaking translators and publishers ahead of the 2027 edition. During the trip, the delegation met Laura Di Pietro, the founder and editorial director of Brazilian publishing house Tabla, which specializes in Arabic literature. They discussed potential collaborations and encouraged translators at Tabla to enter the award.

The group also paid a visit to the National Library of Brazil. Library president Marco Lucchesi engaged in talks about translation serving as a bridge between Arab and Brazilian cultures. They also discussed the library's role in preserving shared cultural heritage through translations.

Two seminars held during the tour focused on the challenges faced by translators of Arabic literature and the importance of specialized awards in supporting translators. The delegation also toured the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, which houses an extensive collection of Portuguese literature.

The tour emphasized the historical connections between Arabic and Portuguese languages. This included the translations of the Quran and Ibn Khaldun's Muqaddimah, underscoring the award's goal of strengthening cultural exchange through translation.