Saudi Arabia Seeks To Boost Malay-arabic Literary Translations

By Noor Azuki Fahme Ismail

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- Saudi Arabia is seeking to expand Malay-Arabic literary translations and deepen publishing cooperation with Malaysia, as part of a broader effort to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.

Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, Dr Abdullatif Abdulaziz Al Wasel, said the current volume of Malay-Arabic translations remains below expectations despite the kingdom's Tarjim initiative having supported the translation of more than 2,800 titles to and from Arabic in 19 languages since 2020.

"We have worked with 19 languages so far, and one of them is Malay. The challenge is that the volume of translation work involving Malay has not met the expectations of either the Saudi or Malaysian side.

"InsyaAllah (if Allah wills it), following this participation, we will explore ways to increase these numbers and work more closely with Malaysian partners, as well as the private sector in both countries, to produce more works translated between Malay and Arabic," he told the media at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) 2026, where Saudi Arabia is the guest of honour.

Al Wasel said literature and translation play a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding, enabling people to better appreciate each other's cultures, values, and experiences.

"We believe literature and translation are among the most important bridges between our two cultures. They make it easier for people to understand one another, recognise shared values, and transform those commonalities into projects with lasting impact," he said.

He said Saudi Arabia's participation at KLIBF 2026 provides an opportunity to showcase the kingdom's cultural landscape to Malaysian audiences through a specially curated pavilion featuring 16 cultural sectors.

The pavilion features literature, arts, heritage, and interactive cultural experiences, offering visitors a glimpse into the kingdom's diverse traditions and contemporary cultural achievements.

Al Wasel expressed hope that connections forged between publishers, translators, cultural organisations, and institutions from both countries during the book fair would develop into long-term partnerships.

"The most important outcome we hope to achieve from this participation is the creation of sustainable programmes between our two countries," he said.

-- BERNAMA