As part of the Qatari Forum for Authors’ initiatives in activating the cultural factor in society, the forum organised a seminar entitled “The Awards’ Role in Promoting Creativity”, at the Ministry of Culture and Sports in the presence of intellectuals and interested parties.
A professor at the University of Qatar, and a member of the media team of Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding, Dr Imtenan al-Smadi said that Qatar attaches importance to preserving and disseminating sciences, arts, cultural and national heritage, and encouraging scientific research in accordance with the provisions of the Article 24 of the Qatari Constitution.
He noted that the Article 24 has been implemented through a number of mechanisms, among them are the announcement of awards, including the State Appreciation Awards in Arts and Science, and the State Award for Children’s Literature by the Ministry of Culture, in addition to several awards by some institutions such as the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel and Katara Prize for Prophet’s Poets, Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani Award in Islamic Sciences and Thought, Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding, as well as the Doha Award for Dramatic Writing by the Ministry of Culture and Sports this year. 
She said that the awards honour scientists, thinkers, researchers and creative talents financially and morally and promote their efforts at the international and regional levels to contribute to enriching the research effort, intellectual diligence and artistic creativity, as well as creating a climate for creative and innovative scientific competition.
Dr Hanan al-Fayyad, professor at Qatar University and spokesperson of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding, said it is an international award that seeks to honour translators and appreciate their role in strengthening the bonds of friendship and co-operation between the nations and peoples of the world, encouraging creativity, consolidating lofty values, spreading diversity, pluralism and openness. “It aspires to consolidate the culture of knowledge and dialogue, spreading Arab and Islamic culture, developing international understanding, and enhancing the role of translation in spreading peace and spreading knowledge, and the role of translators in bringing the world closer.” 
Dr al-Fayyad said that the prize, which will hold its fifth season this year, encourages translation from and into Arabic in more than one language, and adopts an international language every year besides English. 
Dr al-Fayyad added that the award widened its circle since 2017, and is considered the highest value at the level of awards in the Arab world with a total of $2.2mn, adding that a new category has been added, including five oriental languages: Chinese, Japanese, Farsi, Urdu and Malay, in recognition of the achievements of translation into and from Arabic in the five languages. (QNA)

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