Doha, Qatar – Nominations are now being accepted for the 12th edition of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding, a prestigious international prize recognizing excellence in the field. The award, which champions cross-cultural dialogue through linguistic expertise, is open for submissions until March 31, 2026. This year’s edition focuses on both single works and lifetime achievements in translation between Arabic and a diverse range of global languages.
The Sheikh Hamad Award, established in 2015, is considered the most significant and financially rewarding prize dedicated to translation involving the Arabic language. It aims to elevate the standards of translation and Arabization, fostering a deeper understanding between Arab societies and the wider world. The award is an independent, globally recognized initiative.
Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation: Key Details of the 12th Edition
The 12th edition of the award builds on previous successes by providing ample time for translators and institutions to prepare comprehensive nominations. This proactive approach, according to a statement released by the award organizers, is intended to enhance the overall quality of submissions and reinforce the award’s commitment to professionalism. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official award website.
Focus on Mandarin Chinese and Other Languages
This year’s competition features a strong emphasis on Mandarin Chinese, reflecting the growing importance of Sino-Arab relations. Mandarin Chinese is included in the single book category alongside English, which remains a constant feature of all editions. The inclusion of Mandarin Chinese for a third time underscores the increasing demand for high-quality translation between these two languages.
Additionally, the achievement category – recognizing sustained contributions to the field – highlights Italian, Azerbaijani, and Fula (Fulani) alongside English and Mandarin Chinese. This diverse selection of languages reflects the award’s commitment to recognizing translation efforts across a broad spectrum of linguistic and cultural contexts. The award aims to promote linguistic diversity and cultural exchange.
Prize Values and Categories
The financial rewards associated with the Sheikh Hamad Award are substantial. The top three winners in each single book category will receive USD 200,000. Meanwhile, the achievement award, recognizing long-term dedication to translation, carries a prize of USD 100,000 per category. These significant prizes aim to incentivize and support translators in their vital work.
The single book category focuses on evaluating the quality of a specific translated work, assessing its accuracy, clarity, and cultural sensitivity. The achievement category, however, takes a broader view, considering the overall impact of an individual or institution’s contribution to the field of translation over an extended period. This includes factors such as the volume of work, the range of languages covered, and the influence on the broader translation community.
According to the award’s organizers, the selection process involves a rigorous evaluation by panels of expert judges, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are recognized. The judges will assess submissions based on criteria including linguistic accuracy, stylistic quality, and cultural relevance.
The Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding plays a crucial role in promoting intercultural understanding and fostering dialogue between different cultures. The award’s impact extends beyond the financial prizes, providing recognition and support to translators who are working to bridge linguistic and cultural divides.
Following the March 31, 2026 deadline, the judging panels will begin their deliberations. The announcement of the winners is anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027, though the exact timeline remains subject to change. Observers will be watching to see how the increased emphasis on Mandarin Chinese influences the submissions and ultimately, the selection of winners.
