International Translation Forum

The International Translation Forum is an international event focused on the field of translation, organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, one of the commissions under the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first edition was launched in 2021 in Riyadh City.

The International Translation Forum aims to address the current state and future of the translation profession, advance the translation sector in the Kingdom, foster high-level competition among translators and entrepreneurs, support communication within the translation community, and raise awareness of the importance of translation in promoting social, cultural, and linguistic connections across diverse races and communities. It also seeks to enhance and develop the use of modern technologies in translation.

The International Translation Forum includes panel discussions addressing translation issues, workshops, and a variety of interactive experiences. It also features an exhibition for international and local entities in the translation sector, providing a networking space among translators.

The first edition of the International Translation Forum launched on December 2, 2021, at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Riyadh City and lasted for two days. It featured three panel discussions: the first titled “Translation and Its Role in Bridging Cultures,” the second, “Literary Translation: From Translation to Creativity,” and the final session, “Translation: Reality, Legislation, and Prospects.” The forum also included workshops, and a special concluding session, and covered various aspects of the translation industry and its prospects in the Kingdom and globally.

The second edition of the International Translation Forum was held in 2022 under the theme “Translating the Future: Translation and Technology.” The two-day event took place at the Ministry of Education headquarters in the capital, Riyadh, and included a dedicated “Talk with the Experts” track. The forum featured nine panel discussions on key translation topics, ten workshops to enhance practitioners' skills and develop their capabilities, and three interactive training sessions focused on modern translation technologies. Attendees also had the opportunity to experience live interpretation under the supervision of experts. The accompanying exhibition facilitated networking among translation professionals from various countries. The forum also included recognition for the winners of the Translation Hackathon.

The third edition of the International Translation Forum took place in 2023 under the theme “Cross-Cultural Content” at King Saud University in the capital, Riyadh. This edition focused on global cultural exchange through content sharing, highlighting the importance of the translation profession and its role in connecting cultures and civilizations. The forum included around ten panel discussions and ten workshops, along with accompanying activities such as “Talk with the Experts” and “Translation Stations.” An exhibition was also held, featuring various local and international entities involved in the translation sector.