Riyadh: The International Translation Forum 2025, organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission under the theme ‘From Saudi Arabia, We Translate the Future,’ opened the third day of its sessions in Riyadh with a panel discussion titled ‘Cultural Transformations in Translation: An Insight into the Saudi-Chinese Experience.’

According to Saudi Press Agency, the session explored the dimensions of cultural exchange between the two countries and the role of translation in building bridges of knowledge and human connection. The session featured Professor at Ain Shams University Dr. Najah Suliman, a specialist in translation studies and comparative literature, and was moderated by Rasheed Aljebreen from the Ministry of Culture. It attracted a notable audience of researchers, translators, academics, and individuals interested in linguistic and cultural studies.

The discussion addressed the rapid transformations taking place in translation between Arabic and Chinese in light of mutual cultural openness and the growing cooperation between the Kingdom and the People’s Republic of China in the literary, educational, and media fields. Dr. Suliman emphasized that the Saudi-Chinese Annual Cultural Program, launched by the Ministry of Culture, is one of the most important initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural relations between the two countries through diverse projects and initiatives, including translation, publishing, the arts, and the exchange of academic and professional expertise.

The session reviewed examples of mutual translations between Arabic and Chinese, including classical Chinese literary masterpieces translated into Arabic and modern Saudi literature translated into Chinese, contributing to expanding knowledge exchange and strengthening reciprocal cultural presence. It also highlighted the cultural relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, which has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by Saudi Vision 2030 that places culture and translation at the core of promoting civilizational dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Additionally, it underscored that translation serves as a strategic tool for building understanding between peoples and a key pillar in transferring expertise and expanding academic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.