Award for Translation: A Beacon of Cultural Enlightenment
As we approach the eleventh edition of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Award for Translation, this distinguished milestone—remarkable in its concept, approach, and execution—could not have come at a more crucial time. It offers an opportunity to present ourselves as a civilized Arab and Islamic world, eager for cultural and intellectual engagement. These valuable initiatives, launched annually in a consistent and periodic manner, reflect the foresight and unwavering belief of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques that the good seeds planted today will inevitably yield fruitful results when they are most needed. The value lies not only in the act of translation itself or the works being translated, but also in the broader image it projects to the entire world—particularly the civilized, intellectually curious, and peace-loving global community that shares our aspiration for a future of prosperity and harmony.
The eleventh edition of the award will soon be celebrated in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. This initiative of hosting the award ceremony in various world capitals began in Riyadh, as is fitting for a city that has always been a source of goodwill and a radiating center for human benefit. As media professionals, we often focus on the outcomes of events and activities—how they are perceived by others and the image they convey. While many positive initiatives are undertaken, messages can sometimes be misunderstood or fail to resonate as intended. However, the Secretariat of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Award for Translation has masterfully selected both content and method to present the Kingdom in its true light: as a nation committed to knowledge, civilization, cultural diversity, and human coexistence.
The details and implications of the award were eloquently elaborated by His Excellency Faisal bin Muaammar, the Supervisor General of the award, who outlined its goals, objectives, and programs. In his remarks, one finds not only a profound sense of accomplishment but also an unwavering ambition for continuous improvement. Bin Muaammar emphasized that the entire process is professional, well-coordinated, and based on balanced principles and regulations, offering opportunities to all who possess the desire and ability to contribute to enriching human knowledge, exchanging ideas and cultures, and disseminating positive information in all languages. This is what elevates humanity— fostering love, understanding, and mutual respect.
Translation plays a vital role in today’s world, especially given the unprecedented convergence of societies driven by modern technology and a growing desire among peoples to explore diverse cultures across the globe. It is against this backdrop that the award was established in 2006—to foster the necessary intercultural dialogue between languages and civilizations worldwide.
Under the patronage of the King Abdulaziz Public Library, the translation award actively contributes to the knowledge and global engagement pillars of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It enjoys generous and sustained support from the leadership—may God preserve them—under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his faithful Crown Prince. Their commitment ensures the award continues to fulfill its cultural and intellectual mission by promoting translation into and from Arabic and honoring distinguished translators around the world.
In this complex and rapidly evolving age, the award underscores the power of the "good word"—a foundation of thought that serves all humanity. It reminds us that, when challenges grow increasingly intricate, we must return to this fundamental principle. Books, ideas, and expertise, originally framed in the languages of their creators, become accessible in our own tongue through a process of selective excellence. This endeavor presents us—as Muslims, Arabs, and Saudis—as people who remain true to our covenant: we wish for others the same good we desire for ourselves.
