Translation bridges cultures, fuels Vision 2030, Riyadh forum told

Update Translation bridges cultures, fuels Vision 2030, Riyadh forum told
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A translator works diligently in the interpretation booth at the Translation Forum 2024, providing real-time interpretation for attendees. (AN photo)
Update Translation bridges cultures, fuels Vision 2030, Riyadh forum told
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The bustling scene at the Translation Forum 2024, where visitors engage with various booths showcasing the latest in translation and cultural exchange initiatives. (AN photo)
Update Translation bridges cultures, fuels Vision 2030, Riyadh forum told
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The vibrant Translation Forum 2024 booth welcomes attendees with a modern design, reflecting the forum’s focus on connecting cultures and expanding translation opportunities in Saudi Arabia. (AN photo)
Update Translation bridges cultures, fuels Vision 2030, Riyadh forum told
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A speaker at the Translation Forum 2024 highlights the various pathways for translation grants, covering topics from academic publication translation to book translation and beyond. (AN photo)
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Updated 09 November 2024
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Translation bridges cultures, fuels Vision 2030, Riyadh forum told

Translation bridges cultures, fuels Vision 2030, Riyadh forum told
  • Experts discuss translation’s role in fostering global relations, driving growth

RIYADH: Translation is the “backbone” of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, building bridges with the world, and supporting Vision 2030, an international forum in Riyadh has been told.

The International Translation Forum, which concluded in Riyadh on Saturday, explored how translation can foster cultural exchange, improve global dialogue, and attract investment.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the two-day summit attracted professionals, scholars and industry leaders from around the world.

The forum highlighted translation’s crucial role in building international relations, attracting investment, and promoting Saudi culture worldwide.

It also covered the latest developments in translation, showcased new practices and technologies, and addressed local and international challenges for translators.

Notable speaker Amer Qobti, a Ph.D. candidate at Kent State University in Ohio, emphasized translation’s essential role in the nation’s transformation.

“Translation is actually the backbone of this transformation. The country’s vision is actually built on opening to other cultures, attracting outside interests, and all of these initiatives need translation,” Qobti said.

“Without translation, there is no international dialogue, no contact with other investors to come to Saudi Arabia, and without it, foreign companies won’t explore Saudi culture. I would say for any success in the country’s transformation, translation should be part of it.”

The forum featured over 10 panel discussions, seven “Translation Tales” sessions, and six discussion circles, allowing participants to explore various translation specializations and strategies.

With contributions from over 45 local and international experts, the event highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing translation industry and its alignment with the Kingdom’s ambition to become a cultural and economic powerhouse.

Experts in linguistics emphasized to Arab News the importance of translation in enhancing cultural communication between peoples, while at the same time stressing the necessity of preserving the original identity of the language.

Hailah Al-Khalaf, director general of the Department of Translation at the commission, said: "We aim to empower translators and develop their skills to keep pace with the latest technological developments that have become an integral part of the translation field."

The forum contributes to creating a supportive environment for translators, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to face the challenges of the future and explore new horizons in this vital field, Al-Khalaf added.

Abdulrahman Alshabeb, academic and consultant at the Council of Universities' Affairs, said: "Cultural communication plays a pivotal role in bridging diverse communities, fostering mutual understanding, and preserving cultural heritage. In today’s interconnected world, effective cultural communication is essential for cooperation, diplomacy, and peaceful coexistence."

He added: "Translation serves as a powerful tool to enhance this exchange by making ideas, values, and traditions accessible to broader audiences. It breaks down language barriers, enabling people to appreciate the richness of other cultures, thus building empathy and respect."

The Publishing Association, under the Ministry of Culture and the National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector, introduced initiatives to support Saudi publishers, launched during the Riyadh International Book Fair in October 2023.

Aimed at Saudi publishing houses, the association seeks to strengthen industry ties, provide essential resources, and advocate best practices in publishing. These initiatives empower local publishers to expand their reach and connect with international markets.

In addition to talks, the forum offered interactive translation experiences and specialized workshops on topics such as “Digital Presence and Translators’ Professional Identity” and “Integrating GenAI into CAT Tools,” equipping participants with practical skills and insights into the latest tech advancements.

A unique feature of the forum was its focus on fostering both competition and collaboration among translation professionals. It aimed to give translators and publishers an opportunity to share insights, engage in high-level discussions, and explore innovative solutions to enhance professional standards.

Qais Bajaeifir, a member of the American Translators Association, said: "Translation is more than just transferring words; it is a complex process that involves understanding the precise meanings and expressing them in another language, while preserving the spirit of the original text."

He added that translation is more than just a profession; it is a noble mission that seeks to build a more understanding and tolerant world. "In the face of accelerating globalization, translation has become an urgent necessity to strengthen communication between peoples and cultures and build a brighter future for all," Bajaeifir added.

The forum included an exhibition featuring about 30 entities specializing in translation, showcasing the latest technologies and tools to support the sector.

The exhibition offered opportunities to enhance cooperation and build strategic partnerships with academic institutions, technology companies, and media outlets, aiming to develop and modernize translation methods.


Prince Faisal bin Mishaal sponsors opening of QISR International Surgical Conference

Prince Faisal bin Mishaal sponsors opening of QISR International Surgical Conference
Updated 49 min 15 sec ago
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Prince Faisal bin Mishaal sponsors opening of QISR International Surgical Conference

Prince Faisal bin Mishaal sponsors opening of QISR International Surgical Conference
  • Conference, aimed at showcasing the latest surgical advancements, is being held at the King Khalid Cultural Center and will continue for three days

BURAIDAH: Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal has sponsored the opening ceremony of the 2024 Qassim International Surgical Conference, under the theme “Revolutionizing Surgery with Technology.”

The event, aimed at showcasing the latest surgical advancements, is at the King Khalid Cultural Center and will continue for three days.

During the ceremony, Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of such conferences in harnessing modern technology to advance health care services, particularly in surgery, which has witnessed remarkable progress thanks to technological innovations.


Health minister begins official visit to Greece

Health minister begins official visit to Greece
Updated 21 November 2024
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Health minister begins official visit to Greece

Health minister begins official visit to Greece
  • Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel met with Greek counterpart Adonis Georgiadis
  • Al-Jalajel: Visit exemplifies the strong Saudi-Greek relations, enhances cooperation in mutual areas of interest and paves the way for future partnerships in healthcare innovation

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Health Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel began his official visit to the Hellenic Republic on Thursday.

He will hold meetings with his Greek counterpart, Adonis Georgiadis, and pharmaceutical industry leaders.

The visit includes tours of Greek pharmaceutical facilities, aimed at exploring collaboration opportunities in drug research, development and local drug manufacturing.

“This visit exemplifies the strong Saudi-Greek relations, enhances cooperation in mutual areas of interest and paves the way for future partnerships in healthcare innovation,” Al-Jalajel said, highlighting the visit’s strategic importance for the healthcare sectors of both countries.

During the visit, Al-Jalajel will evaluate various healthcare initiatives, focusing on emergency response systems, telemedicine platforms and virtual healthcare solutions.

It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 healthcare transformation goals, seeking to leverage international expertise to enhance service efficiency. Key areas of potential collaboration include virtual medicine, emergency services, digital health and enhancing healthcare services in tourist islands.


Museums Commission signs deal with National Center for Palms and Dates

Museums Commission signs deal with National Center for Palms and Dates
Updated 21 November 2024
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Museums Commission signs deal with National Center for Palms and Dates

Museums Commission signs deal with National Center for Palms and Dates
  • It aims to highlight the Kingdom’s cultural and historical identity

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Center for Palms and Dates on Thursday during the International Dates Conference and Exhibition at the Roshan Front in Riyadh.

The MoU, signed by the director general of partnerships and business development at the commission, Khaled Baasiri, and the CEO of the center, Dr. Mohammed Al-Nuwairan, aims to highlight the Kingdom’s cultural and historical identity and enhance integration between government agencies to achieve the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to harness joint capabilities and expertise to develop the palm and dates sector, enhance its cultural value, and contribute to strengthening the national economy, in an effort to achieve fruitful cooperation between the two parties.

The agreement came within the framework of the two organizations’ efforts to provide an enriching cultural, educational and tourism environment for the community.

Al-Nuwairan said that the partnership aimed to achieve key goals that served the interests of both sectors alike.

“Through this cooperation, we seek to raise the heritage and cultural value of dates globally, as well as achieve promising economic income,” he said.

Al-Nuwairan said that there was a clear mechanism that had been agreed on with the commission. This included developing cultural and educational programs and interactive workshops inside museums and schools, with the aim of educating students and the public about the stages of palm cultivation, processing dates and linking them to the environmental heritage of the Kingdom.

Baasiri said that the commission was working on designing integrated cultural paths, including visits to historical farms, establishing a museum specializing in palm trees and dates, and holding exhibitions that told the story of palm trees and dates in the Kingdom.

“Palm trees and dates are of great importance in our Arab culture, as they are a symbol of authenticity and generosity, and this importance has made them an essential element of the museum narrative, whether in public or specialized museums,” he said.

Baasiri said that the commission would work to expand cooperation with intersecting government agencies and to learn about community desires from different parties, which contributed to diversifying cultural presentation methods and innovating smart display methods that contributed to achieving common strategic goals.

The move is part of making museums vital places that preserve heritage and present it in ways that contribute to enhancing knowledge and awareness among local and international visitors.


The road to COP16: synergy among conventions paves the way for Riyadh

The road to COP16: synergy among conventions paves the way for Riyadh
Updated 21 November 2024
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The road to COP16: synergy among conventions paves the way for Riyadh

The road to COP16: synergy among conventions paves the way for Riyadh
  • Khaled Al-Abdulkader: Land degradation impacts agricultural systems, soil fertility, and climate stability
  • Al-Abdulkader: If you invest $1 in land restoration, the returns can reach up to $30

BAKU: As the world looks ahead to COP16 in Riyadh, a clear message is emerging from discussions at COP29 in Baku: addressing global challenges requires breaking down silos between conventions on land, climate, and biodiversity. These three pillars are deeply interconnected, and their integration is essential for building a sustainable future.

The importance of land degradation is a recurring theme, with experts pointing to its role as both a symptom and a driver of broader environmental crises.

Land degradation not only diminishes biodiversity but also reduces agricultural productivity and undermines climate resilience, leading to an estimated $10 trillion in annual economic losses, according to the Economics of Land Degradation Initiative.

COP16 aims to position land rehabilitation at the forefront of global environmental policy by emphasizing its cross-cutting role in achieving sustainable development goals.

The intersection of land, climate, and biodiversity

In an interview with Arab News, Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development, underlined the significance of restoring degraded lands as a cornerstone of integrated environmental action.

“Land degradation impacts agricultural systems, soil fertility, and climate stability. Restoring land not only enhances biodiversity and carbon sequestration but also offers significant economic benefits, creating opportunities for local communities,” he said.

Al-Abdulkader highlighted how Saudi Arabia is implementing initiatives that directly align with the objectives of the UN’s three major conventions: the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Projects such as mangrove restoration and ecosystem rehabilitation illustrate how land restoration can simultaneously support biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and provide financial returns.

“If you invest $1 in land restoration, the returns can reach up to $30. This demonstrates how land-based solutions can address not only environmental challenges but also economic and social priorities,” he added.

Nature-based solutions: a transformative investment

A panel discussion at the Saudi Pavilion during COP29 also shed light on the potential of nature-based solutions in tackling land degradation and its associated impacts. These involve human interventions that emphasize existing facets of healthy ecosystems.

Astrid Schomaker, executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, stressed that sustainable land use and rethinking agricultural practices are critical. “Nature-based solutions, when implemented with societal and environmental safeguards, yield outstanding returns. They represent a transformative investment for both ecosystems and communities,” she remarked.

Schomaker called for agriculture to shift towards more sustainable practices, recognizing its dual role as a contributor to and a victim of environmental degradation. This aligns with the broader push for nature-based solutions that can mitigate climate change, conserve biodiversity, and ensure food security, all while fostering economic resilience.

Saudi Arabia’s role on the global stage

As the host of COP16 in December, Saudi Arabia is poised to bring innovative frameworks to the table. Al-Abdulkader noted that the Riyadh conference will feature groundbreaking initiatives, including the introduction of thematic days focused on land, agricultural systems, innovation, and people.

The Kingdom has already demonstrated its leadership through its commitment to restoring vegetation cover and promoting sustainable land use. Such efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental sustainability alongside economic diversification.

The need for global synergy

COP16 in Riyadh will serve as a platform to enhance collaboration across borders, ensuring that land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate action are addressed in tandem.

“We need to foster more synergy among the conventions,” Al-Abdulkader emphasized. “This includes not just technical cooperation but also mobilizing financial resources, improving institutional capacities, and ensuring that every stakeholder — from governments to local communities — is involved.”

The call for enhanced cooperation was echoed by Manual Pulgar-Vidal, former president of COP20, who emphasized the need for actionable targets that integrate the efforts of all three conventions. “The Riyadh conference will be an opportunity to launch a comprehensive action agenda that ensures land restoration remains a global priority,” he said.

The road ahead

With the road to COP16 now clearly mapped out, the focus is on uniting nations, organizations, and individuals to address the challenges of land degradation and its ripple effects. The discussions at COP29 have laid the groundwork for a future where land restoration is recognized not only as an environmental necessity but also as an economic opportunity.

The Riyadh conference promises to be a milestone in global environmental cooperation, with the potential to set new standards for integrating land, biodiversity, and climate objectives.


Amount of desalinated water produced by Saudi Arabia each day equivalent to global oil production

Amount of desalinated water produced by Saudi Arabia each day equivalent to global oil production
Updated 21 November 2024
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Amount of desalinated water produced by Saudi Arabia each day equivalent to global oil production

Amount of desalinated water produced by Saudi Arabia each day equivalent to global oil production
  • President of the Water Authority tells Local Content Forum 2024 in Riyadh the Kingdom aims to be a pioneer in desalination industry

RIYADH: The volume of desalinated water produced by Saudi Arabia each day is equivalent to daily global oil production, the president of the Saudi Water Authority said on Thursday.

Speaking on day two of the three-day Local Content Forum 2024 in Riyadh, Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim said the Kingdom desalinates an estimated 15 million cubic meters of water daily. In 2023, global oil production amounted to nearly 15.3 million cubic meters a day, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The nation’s water sector has undergone significant shifts in recent years as a result of critical issues such as climate change and growing demand for fresh water, he added, and there are “great opportunities for the Kingdom to become a pioneer” in the desalination industry.

The Water Authority is working tirelessly to support Saudi manufacturers and contractors and help them enter the desalination sector, Al-Abdulkarim said.

“Partnerships in the water sector start from research and innovation, and transforming them into new projects,” he added.