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Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser al-Khelaifi has been named Best President of the Year at the 2025 Golden Boy Awards held in Italy on Tuesday. The awards saw PSG’s Désiré Doué win the 2025 Golden Boy Award after an outstanding season.The annual awards, organised by Italian newspaper Tuttosport since 2003, recognise excellence across European football and are voted for by a panel of 50 sports journalists from across the continent.PSG’s achievements during the 2024/25 season were a major factor in the recognition. Under al-Khelaïfi’s leadership, the club completed a quadruple that included the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions and their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy.Doué, the 20-year-old forward, scored 16 goals and provided 16 assists in 61 appearances, including two goals in PSG’s Champions League final win over Inter Milan.The club’s sporting advisor, Luis Campos, was also named Best Executive for his role in shaping PSG’s football strategy and building a balanced and competitive squad.

Renowned Arab architect Abdelwahed El-Wakil has been named the recipient of 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tamayouz Excellence Award.El-Wakil was recognised during the Tamayouz Excellence Award Ceremony in Baghdad, held as part of the inaugural Arab Architecture Festival. The award celebrates his pioneering role in reviving traditional Islamic architecture, his extensive contributions to built projects and research, and his enduring influence as an educator and mentor.Born in Cairo in 1943, El-Wakil studied architecture at Ain Shams University, where he graduated with distinction in 1965. While initially influenced by modernist design, a formative mentorship under Hassan Fathy reoriented his vision towards traditional and vernacular methods. His career has since become synonymous with the revival of Islamic architectural heritage, integrating local craftsmanship and climate-responsive design with a timeless sense of dignity and purpose.Among his earliest celebrated works is the Halawa House in Agami, Egypt, which earned him the first Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1980. This milestone project, rooted in vernacular and climate-sensitive design, set the stage for a career defined by innovation grounded in tradition. During the 1970s and 1980s, El-Wakil became a leading authority on Islamic architecture, with his mosque designs in Jeddah and Madina reshaping the urban and cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia. Notable projects such as the King Saud Mosque demonstrated his mastery of brick construction, vaults, and domes, while reaffirming the enduring relevance of heritage building methods in modern contexts.His influence extended internationally, with landmark projects including The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in the United Kingdom, a work that reflects his capacity to blend cultural identity, spiritual purpose, and architectural excellence across diverse geographies.El-Wakil’s architectural contributions have been recognised worldwide. In addition to being the only recipient of two Aga Khan Awards, he was the recipient of the Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Classical Architecture in 2009 and the Arthur Ross Award for Excellence in the Classical Tradition in 2023. These accolades place him among the most influential architects of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.Ahmed Al-Mallak, Founding Director of Tamayouz, commented on the selection: “This year recognition of the distinguished Egyptian Architect Abdelwahed El-Wakil is in recognition of his achievements as an architect who contributed towards the advancement of architecture through his built work and extensive research, his outstanding contributions to important initiatives for the built environment, and as a respected educator and mentor for generations of younger architects.”The prize was given during the Tamayouz biennial ceremony, which was part of the Tamayouz-organised inaugural Arab Architecture Festival held in Baghdad under the Patronage of the Prime Minister of Iraq.The Tamayouz Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates architects whose careers have had a profound impact on the profession and the built environment. By recognising Abdelwahed El-Wakil in 2025, Tamayouz pays tribute to a visionary who has elevated architecture through his built work, research, and teaching, and who continues to inspire future generations around the world.The Lifetime Achievement Award was previously presented to Iraq’s renowned architects: Dr Mohamed Makiya (2014), Dr Rifat Chadirji (2015), Dr Kahtan Al-Madfai (2016), Hisham Munir (2017) and Maath Alousi (2018). In (2019), the award opened to architects from across the Near East and North Africa, and was presented to Palestinian-Jordanian architect Dr Rasem Badran, and in (2020) to Egyptian architect Dr Abdelhalim Ibrahim Abdelhalim.

Msheireb Properties, Qatar's leading sustainable developer, has been recognised with two international awards at the 2025 Green Apple Awards.The UK-based Green Organisation named the Qatari developer a winner for the 'Beautiful Buildings' award, specifically for the Msheireb Mosque, and the 'Environment Best Practice - Built Environment' award for its Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) development.Selected from over 700 entries worldwide, Msheireb Properties will be honoured at a prestigious ceremony in the House of Lords, London, on November 17.Achieving this landmark achievement marks a successful title defence for Msheireb Properties, which won the Green Apple Award for Beautiful Buildings in 2024 for its "Transforming Doha's Heritage Houses" project. This repeat recognition places the company among the few organisations globally to be honoured in consecutive years for different projects.Commenting on the achievement, Chief Executive Officer of Msheireb Properties Eng. Ali Al Kuwari said: "We are privileged to receive recognition in two categories at the esteemed Green Apple Awards."The Msheireb Mosque serves as a symbol of spiritual peace and architectural beauty, while Msheireb Downtown Doha validates that environmental responsibility and urban development can, and must, go hand-in-hand."These accolades recognise Msheireb Properties alongside all those who believe in our mission to set a new global standard for sustainable and culturally sensitive urban regeneration. Winning in two categories this year underscores that our projects are both culturally and architecturally important but also exemplars of environmental best practice."These awards distinguish Msheireb Downtown Doha as a notable international case study in sustainable city design. The project moves beyond being a collection of buildings to become a working model for future urban development that prioritises environmental stewardship alongside cultural heritage.The Green Apple Awards are judged by an independent panel of environmental specialists, who review entries based on innovation, measurable outcomes, and transferability of best practice. Winners are showcased as examples to encourage further progress in the global environmental movement.

The US James Foley Foundation has awarded HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, the 2026 American “Hostage Freedom Award”. In a statement published on its official website, the Foundation stated that “His Excellency, in his capacity as Chief Negotiator, played a decisive role in securing the release of Americans held hostage in Afghanistan, Iran, Gaza, and Venezuela.”The Foundation noted that his expertise contributes to opening channels of dialogue when all other paths are blocked, building bridges of trust, and guiding negotiation tracks in the most challenging cases.The American Foundation confirmed that HE Dr al-Khulaifi succeeded in finding means of communication and humanitarian solutions in cases where the US lacked formal relations. It added, “His Excellency’s work embodies the role played by the State of Qatar as a trusted mediator and affirms the strength of diplomacy in serving peace and preserving human dignity.”

Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Pre-University Education has announced the opening of registration for the 2026 edition of its Akhlaquna initiative, including the Akhlaquna Award, which recognises youth and community projects that embody and promote ethical and human values in Qatar and beyond.Registration will continue until January 11, 2026. Applicants can apply across four established categories: the Junior Award (ages 7–14), the Youth Award (ages 15–18), Individual Contributions – Qatar, and Individual Contributions – GCC (ages 25–45). This year also marks the launch of a new category – the Al-Shabab Award – which aims to broaden participation and empower young people to showcase their initiatives.Al-Shabab Award highlights morally driven initiatives that create a positive impact on society. It is open to individuals and groups (aged 18–25), encouraging young people to present projects with a clear ethical dimension, whether developed individually or collaboratively.This year also marks the launch of the annual Akhlaquna campaign under the theme “Thank You”. The campaign seeks to foster a culture of gratitude, recognition, and meaningful appreciation, encouraging communities to practice thankfulness not only through words but also through actions and initiatives that strengthen social bonds.Ahmad Yousef al-Malki, project manager and member of the Akhlaquna team, said: “Over the years, the Akhlaquna initiative has become a cornerstone in encouraging ethical initiatives within our society. The initiative continues to provide a platform for highlighting and honouring projects that bring about positive change and inspire individuals to integrate moral values into their daily lives.”Speaking about this year’s campaign, al-Malki explained: “‘The theme of this year’s campaign, reflects QF’s vision of instilling a culture where gratitude and appreciation are not only expressed but also practised in ways that make a tangible impact. By promoting this value, we aim to strengthen relationships and encourage individuals to contribute positively to their communities.”“Our goal is to empower young people and the wider community to adopt ethical values as a guiding principle in their lives. By recognising and supporting them, we contribute to creating a growing impact that extends beyond the award itself, helping build a society where ethics and humanity shape our shared future.“We have high hopes for this edition, especially with the introduction of the new category. Our aim is to reach more young people committed to promoting ethical values and making a difference in their communities.“The Akhlaquna initiative aspires to leave a lasting legacy by encouraging ethical behaviour in society, inspired by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and by honouring initiative leaders as role models for others.”As part of Akhlaquna activities, school visits and student engagement sessions were held across QF schools and beyond, introducing students to the award’s objectives and categories and encouraging them to participate with their ethical initiatives. These sessions also included the implementation of this year’s campaign, “Thank You”, through interactive and practical activities that strengthened the value of gratitude within the school environment and encouraged students to practice thankfulness in their daily lives, both inside and outside the classroom.More information about the Akhlaquna Awards is available at www.akhlaquna.qa

Qatar won three awards at the GCC e-Government Award 2025, held in the State of Kuwait Wednesday, in recognition of its distinguished government initiatives in digital transformation and smart service development. These awards reflect the country’s continuous progress in implementing pioneering digital projects.The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) was recognised with the Outstanding Project Award in the Best Government Competencies Building Initiative Award category for its initiative ‘Qatar Digital Academy’. The award recognises the ministry’s efforts in raising awareness of emerging technologies and empowering all segments of society to actively participate in Qatar’s national digital transformation initiatives.This achievement marks a milestone in the MCIT’s ongoing efforts to implement projects and programmes that promote digital culture and advance digital inclusion across Qatar, in alignment with the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030 which aims to build an integrated digital society where individuals and institutions participate equally.The Ministry of Social Development and Family received the Outstanding Project Award in the Best Digital Inclusion Initiative Award category for its project “Sokoon” application to digitise Sign Language. Meanwhile, the National Planning Council earned the first place in the Open Data Initiative category for its project “Qatar Open Data Platform.”This achievement reaffirms Qatar’s leading position in digital government, driven by continuous investment in digital infrastructure, national talent, and regional collaboration in innovation and the digital economy. HE the Minister of Information and Communications Technology Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai emphasised that Qatar’s winning of three awards at the Digital Government Award 2025 reflects the success of the national strategy for digital transformation and underscores the country’s pioneering role in advancing the GCC digital integration process.

Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has won the “Highly Commended Award”, under the “Worldwide Operator of the Year” category at the 2025 Global Light Rail Awards, for the second consecutive year.Representatives of Qatar Rail’s senior management team received the award during the ceremony in London, which saw the participation of major international companies operating in the field of light rail operation, maintenance, and management of light rail systems.This award reaffirms Qatar Rail’s commitment to delivering world-class and sustainable transport services, while also consolidating its position as a leading operator of advanced railway systems at both the regional and international levels.Engineer Abdulla Saif al-Sulaiti, the chief of service delivery at Qatar Rail, said: “Winning this award is a testament to the outstanding performance of the Qatar Rail’s networks, including the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram, which provide efficient mobility solutions that support advancing sustainability and urban development in Doha, Lusail, and their surrounding areas.”“The award also reflects the significant efforts made by the company to support an integrated and sustainable public transport system in the State of Qatar,” he said.Since its launch in May 2019, the Doha Metro has carried more than 250mn passengers, while Lusail Tram celebrated in early August the milestone of transporting more than 10mn passengers since the start of its operations in January 2022.On the sustainability front, the company recently received several prestigious local and international recognitions, including the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation Decarbonisation Award 2025 for its pioneering project “Regenerative Propulsion in the Doha Metro: Kinetic Energy to Electrical Energy".In addition, the Doha Metro's Administration, and ICC Building (B14) was awarded the Global Sustainability Assessment System Platinum Certificate for Sustainable Operations.In the field of occupational health and safety, Qatar Rail was recognised with the prestigious Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Gold Award for the year 2025.The Global Light Rail Awards, organised annually by the publishers of the international monthly magazine *Tramways and Urban Transit, is considered one of the most prominent awards in the public transport sector worldwide, celebrating innovation and excellence in the operation and development of railway systems.

Compass International School Doha is delighted to share that our Gharaffa Campus has recently been honoured with the prestigious Clear Flag Award by Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education.The Clear Flag Award recognises schools that go above and beyond to provide a safe, supportive, and values-driven environment for students. To receive this award, schools must demonstrate a strong partnership with parents, maintain a record free from complaints or violations, and show a consistent commitment to high-quality education and care. The award is a celebration of schools that create spaces where students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn every day.What is the Clear Flag Award?The Clear Flag Award is one of the highest recognitions given to private schools and kindergartens in Qatar. It is awarded only to schools that:Have no complaints or violations during the academic year.Demonstrate a positive and transparent relationship with parents.Show full commitment to accuracy, professionalism, and timely communication with the Ministry of Education.This recognition is not given lightly – it represents years of hard work, care, and dedication. Winning the Clear Flag Award shows that a school not only meets expectations but sets the benchmark for excellence in safety, wellbeing, and community trust.Principal Jamie Hughes said:“This recognition is a proud moment for our whole Compass community. It reflects the care and dedication of our staff, the trust of our families, and the safe and inspiring environment we provide for every student. It is a wonderful confirmation of what we work toward every single day.”Lorna McNab, Head of Primary at Gharaffa Campus, added:“This award shines a light on the incredible relationships we have built with our families and the positive, nurturing atmosphere that our children enjoy. At Gharaffa, we are truly one community working together to help every child succeed.”This achievement underlines Compass International School Doha’s dedication to excellence, and we look forward to continuing to build on this success together with our families and wider community.As part of the Nord Anglia Education leading premium international schools, Compass International School shapes a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate with everything they need for future success. The school’s strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and internationally recognised curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating a learning environment for students to thrive in. Our family of 80+ schools in 30+ countries around the world cultivates an approach to learning that is personalised and provides students with unforgettable experiences through partnerships with world-renowned institutions The Juilliard School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and UNICEF. As one of the most established schools in Qatar, Compass International School inspires students to achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world’s leading universities.To learn more or apply for a place for your child, go to Compass International School

Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has been recognized with the "Prestigious RoSPA Gold Award" by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), UK, for the year 2025. This global recognition was achieved thanks to the collaborative efforts and innovation of Qatar Rail, and its service provider, RKH's Occupational Health and Safety Teams, supported by robust health and safety management systems across all operations, said a press release from Qatar Rail. The RoSPA Adjudication Panel evaluated Qatar Rail's practices across a wide range of categories, including leadership, workforce involvement, planning and risk assessment, communication, monitoring, investigation, and performance review, among others. On this occasion, Senior QSHESE Director at Qatar Rail Eng. Abdulrahman Al Malik stated: "This achievement reflects Qatar Rail's leadership and its efforts in collaboration with RKH Qitarat to enhance the effective use of health and safety management systems, as well as its continuous commitment to adopting the best international practices. Additionally, it reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our employees, passengers, and partners. This accolade is also a testament to the culture of care, accountability, and continuous improvement that drives our operations and strengthens Qatar Rail's role as a leader in sustainable and safe mobility." Winning the RoSPA Gold Award places Qatar Rail among an elite group of international organizations that have demonstrated world-class leadership in health and safety. The award is particularly significant as it is recognized across industries globally, from transport and infrastructure to energy and healthcare, making it a hallmark of international excellence and trust. In 2017, Qatar Rail won three international awards from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for the Lusail Tram and the Doha Metro Gold and Green Lines. The Lusail Tram won the Gold Award for Health and Safety for the second consecutive time, while the Doha Metro Gold and Green Lines won the Silver Award, and the main stations won the Guardian Angel Award. The Lusail Tram was awarded the RoSPA Gold medal in 2020 for winning RoSPA Gold for 5 consecutive years from 2016-2020. Each year, nearly 2,000 entries are received from over 50 countries, representing organizations that collectively employ more than seven million people. The RoSPA Awards recognize organizations that set the highest benchmarks in accident prevention, workplace safety, and employee wellbeing.

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) is positioning the ‘Qatar Real Estate Award 2025’ as a strategic initiative to enhance regulatory impact and promote excellence across the country’s property sector.Aqarat recently announced the launch of the awards event, which will be held alongside the third edition of the ‘Qatar Real Estate Forum’, organised by the authority from October 12-14 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).In a statement, Aqarat described the ‘Qatar Real Estate Award 2025’ as “a dedicated platform to celebrate excellence and innovation” in Qatar’s real estate sector. “The award aims to honour pioneering projects and innovative ideas that enhance Qatar’s position as a leading global investment destination, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030,” Aqarat stated further.The award categories include ‘Best Residential Project’, which is evaluated on quality of life elements, building classification, green space ratio, community services and amenities, public utility integration, and resident satisfaction metrics.The ‘Best Sustainable Urban Development Project’ is assessed through architectural plans, construction materials, environmental certification (GSAS or LEED), efficiency reports, smart systems, EIA studies, and readiness for future technologies.The ‘Best Commercial/Office Real Estate Project’ is judged on work environment, digital infrastructure, proximity to business hubs, interior flexibility, and integration with public services.The ‘Best Rest Estate Investment’ award is based on feasibility studies, ROI indicators, occupancy/sales rates, market contribution, job creation, operations and maintenance (O&M) and expansion plans, and connectivity and integration with public utilities and community services.Aqarat is inviting all real estate developers, consulting firms, and contractors to nominate their outstanding projects to Deadline for submission is on October 7, 2025.In his official message on the forum’s website, Aqarat chairman Khaled bin Ahmed al-Obaidli emphasised the broader significance of the forum and its alignment with Qatar’s national development goals.“The third edition also places strong emphasis on the pivotal role of government in shaping the sector. It highlights recent legislation and policies designed to create a safe and stimulating real estate environment, strengthen investor confidence, and establish a robust regulatory framework that ensures sustainable and well-organised growth, aligning with the goals of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030,” al-Obaidli stated.He noted that this year’s edition will be devoted to the investor journey by reviewing the stages of investment and the best practices “that help investors maximise the promising opportunities offered by Qatar’s real estate market.”“Forum sessions will further examine ways to streamline procedures and enhance the overall investor experience, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading real estate investment destination distinguished by transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business,” he pointed out.Al-Obaidli added: “In light of global transformations, this forum will feature a dedicated section on the latest digital innovations revolutionising the sector, including smart platforms and advanced data analytics.“These technologies play a vital role in enhancing transparency, facilitating investment, and unlocking new horizons for growth in Qatar’s real estate landscape. Moreover, the forum will highlight the most prominent projects that are shaping the future of the sector and defining Qatar’s urban and economic development trajectory.”

Qatar Airways has been awarded the ACT Middle East Treasury Award for capital raising for its landmark QR4.5bn QNB-led dual-tranche syndicated facility and supported by a consortium of local banks. “The milestone transaction marks one of the largest aviation finance deals of its kind in the region, reinforcing the airline’s financial strength and resilience.“The achievement underscores Qatar Airways’ prudent financial strategy, strong relationships with Qatar’s world-class banking sector, and its ability to successfully navigate complex financing structures to supportlong-term sustainable growth.” QNB, as the leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, played a pivotal role in structuring and leading the capital raising, leveraging its expertise and strong relationships with local banks. The transaction underscores QNB’s ability to deliver innovative financial solutions that support Qatar’s flagship companies in achieving sustainable growth and global competitiveness.The ACT Middle East Treasury Awards recognise outstanding achievements in corporate treasury across the region, celebrating excellence in financial management. The accolade highlights Qatar Airways’ commitment to the highest standards of financial management and the strategic role of the airline in strengthening Qatar’s economic resilience.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed al-Meer, said: “We are delighted to receive the ACT Middle East Treasury award for our landmark capital raising agreement with local banks led by QNB for QR4.5bn. The landmark financing deal, achieved with the leadership of QNB and the support of our local banks, reflects the strength of our partnership and commitment to financial excellence and is fully in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. It is not only an achievement for the airline, but also a testament to Qatar’s world-class banking sector.”QNB Group Chief Executive Officer, Abdulla Mubarak al-Khalifa, said: “We are proud to have supported Qatar Airways in this landmark transaction, which reflects the strength of Qatar’s financial sector and its ability to deliver innovative financing solutions. This achievement not only reinforces the airline’s global position but also demonstrates our commitment to advancing Qatar’s economic resilience and long-termsustainable growth in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.”Qatar Airways continues to be a leader in both aviation and finance, ensuring the airline remains well-positioned to expand its network, invest in new aircraft, and deliver the five-star service for which it is globally renowned. The national carrier also aims to stimulate greater collaboration between the aviation and the banking sector, paving the way for innovative financial structures tailored to the airline’s evolving needs while promoting national economic resilience.

The Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding participated in “The Reality and Challenges of the Arabic-Chinese Translation Movement” conference hosted by the Shanghai International Studies University (SISU).The event was part of the award’s delegation tour in China on September 16-26, which included visits to Beijing and Shanghai.The Shanghai Translation Conference brought together a distinguished group of professors, researchers, and translators from both the Chinese and Arab worlds, aiming to strengthen cultural exchange and present a comprehensive vision of the current state and future prospects of translation between Arabic and Chinese.At the opening of the conference, the director of the SISU’s Institute of Translation Studies, Prof Wang Youyong, emphasised that translation is a bridge of communication between peoples, not merely a transfer of words, but a means of conveying meanings and emotions and deepening mutual understanding.He praised the pioneering role of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding in honouring translators and opening broader horizons for cultural co-operation.He expressed his hope to strengthen partnerships between both sides to prepare a new generation of translators and deepen the roots of friendship between Chinese and Arab civilizations.Prof Wang also spoke about his belief that translation is not a mechanical process but a profound civilisational and human act, serving as a bridge linking China and the Arab world from the Silk Road to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).The director-general of the Award, Dr Mohammed al-Ahmari, expressed his pleasure at the convening of the conference, affirming that translation is the most honest path to direct understanding between peoples, away from third-party mediation.He said that the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding aims to be a beacon of civilisational communication, and called for more joint efforts to promote mutual acquaintance and knowledge between China and the Arab world.The first intervention, delivered by Institute of Middle Eastern Studies director Prof Ding Jun, focused on the early arrival of Islam in China in the year 31 AH with the envoy of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him).This event was considered the beginning of a long path that later resulted in a widespread Islamic presence, now exceeding 20mn Muslims.His presentation addressed the development of translating the meanings of the Holy Qur’an into Chinese over more than three centuries, beginning in the 17th century with limited attempts to translate select verses for citation in religious texts.In the 19th century, selected translations of frequently recited chapters and verses appeared, such as the book Tafsir Khatm Al Qur’an.By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, full translation projects began, with the first complete version published in Beijing in 1927, based on a Japanese translation.This was followed by more than 14 translations, including the work of Prof Mohammed Makin at Peking University.The expansion in the 21st century significantly contributed to spreading Islamic concepts and enhancing exchange and understanding between Chinese and Arab Islamic civilisations.Professor at the College of Asian and African Studies Dr Lu Yiwei praised the award’s role in promoting cultural dialogue between China and the Arab world.She affirmed that Shanghai literature forms a distinguished civilisational bridge, rooted in Chinese culture and open to global modernity.Dr Lu pointed to the history of translating literature into Arabic in the mid-20th century, supported by prominent academic and cultural institutions in China, Egypt, and Syria.She emphasised that Shanghai literature, through its translations and reception in the Arab world, not only enhanced knowledge about China but also enriched Arabic literature in both criticism and creativity, forming a living model of cultural exchange and human rapprochement between the two civilisations.College of Asian and African Studies vice-dean Dr Chen Youyang highlighted that the Arabic Language Department at the university, one of the oldest in China, is celebrating its 65th anniversary.She said that the department has not only trained linguistic competencies but also built bridges of understanding between China and the Arab world through translating and publishing classical Arabic literature such as the works of Naguib Mahfouz, Tawfiq Al Hakim, and Khalil Gibran, as well as translating Chinese thought into Arabic through the notable efforts of a group of professors.College of Asian and African Studies assistant professor Dr Jiu Shuwen focused her presentation on the challenges that translators face when dealing with cultural symbols and imagery in Chinese texts.She also reviewed a recent research experience in employing artificial intelligence (AI) through semantic vector technology, which enables the representation of words in a mathematical space and calculates the distance between the original and the translation to measure semantic accuracy.Dr Jiu noted that AI serves as a supportive tool for translators but cannot replace the cultural and human sensitivity necessary to convey the spirit of texts and build bridges of understanding between China and the Arab world. – QNA