Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation's 'Turjuman' Programme takes off with 6-week training initiative

The course, which is underway at the American University in Sharjah (AUS), will span 120 training hours. In addition to highlighting latest translation technologies, the initiative will also introduce key advanced skills and industry-specific tools to further enhance the competencies of the participating translators.

Ali Al Shaali, Director of Publishing, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said: "Our multi-tier strategy not only focuses on the translation of international best sellers to make them available to the average Arab reader, it also places special emphasis on creating a pool of highly skilled translators to ensure the delivery of quality end-products.

"The Turjuman programme has generated keen interest across the region. Nominees to the pilot training courses have been selected by a neutral committee according to a stringent and transparent selection process."

As part of its curriculum, each participant of the training course will be assigned with the challenge of translating one book, which will eventually result in the addition of 20 new books to the Arab world's library by the end of the course.

Dr. Nawar Golley, Head of Department of Arabic Studies, American University in Sharjah, said: "Our cooperation with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for the Turjuman programme reflects our mutual interest to provide world class training to high-potential translators. We are glad to be part of this initiative, which seeks to enhance translators' professional competencies.

"The programme will enrich the Arabic library with a series of valuable books and facilitate effective knowledge transfer throughout the region. It will update Arab readers on the latest world intellectual output, especially in administration, as well as other genres covered by the Foundation's initiatives."

Earlier this year, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation launched 'Tarjem', a programme that aims to streamline the quality of translation and accelerate knowledge transfer to the Arab world. The programme pursues an ambitious target of translating 1,000 books over the next three years. The first phase of the programme mandates the translation of 365 books by the end of this year, half of which comprise management best sellers.