The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) successfully wrapped up the international conference "On the Path of Mutual Understanding: Arabic-Russian and Russian-Arabic Literary Translation", on December 21 and 22 in Moscow, Russia. Held in conjunction with UNESCO's World Arabic Language Day and part of the “Arabian Days” Festival this initiative was in alignment with ALC's mission of promoting and advancing the Arabic language and aimed to showcase the language's artistic, cultural, and societal applications, while also illuminating the contributions of its leading intellectuals and creative minds.

Organised in collaboration with the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE), and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Russia, and brought together renowned Russian and Arab writers, poets, translators, and linguists and promoted cross-cultural dialogue and understanding through the exchange heritage, culture, and literature.

The Conference addressed topics such as the fantasy genre in Russian and Arabic literature, the art of the novel and acculturation between Russian and Arabic, possibility of artificial intelligence replacing the art of translation, and ways to contribute to the development of the art of translating Arabic literature into Russian and vice versa.

His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “Preserving and promoting the Arabic language celebrates our cultural identity. The Conference has also helped strengthen our cultural ties with one of Moscow’s oldest literary and cultural hubs, fostering dialogue, introducing the timeless works of our language through translations, and exploring the literary gems of other nations.”

The agenda for the Conference included four panel discussions, as well as musical performances and activities featuring renowned literary figures, academics, and experts in literature and language. The opening session brought together HE Dr Ali bin Tamim, Dr Felix Azhimov, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities - HSE University, Dr Vitaly Naumkin, Head of the Institute of Oriental Studies - RAS, Head of the Main Department of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the National University of Research - Graduate School of Economics, and full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as Mohammad Rashid Al Mansoori, Head of the Political Department at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Russian Federation.

The first panel discussion, ‘Fantasy in Russian and Arabic Literature’, featured HE Dr Ali bin Tamim, Ekaterina Koloskova, Lecturer at the Institute of Cultures and the Ancient Classical Era at the National University of Research - Graduate School of Economics, and an Arabic Literature Translator, and Ekaterina Zvontsova, writer, editor, novelist, and instructor of literary skills. Moderated by Vasily Kuznetsov, Vice President of the Institute of Oriental Studies - Russian Academy of Sciences and Head of the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies, the session discussed the role of fantasy literature in Russian and Arab cultures, outlining key defining features of the genre.

The second session, ‘The Art of the Novel and Cultural Exchange between Russian and Arabic’, featured Shamil Idiatullin, journalist, writer, and winner of the “Big Book” literary prize, along with Dr Christina Osipova, Assistant Professor in the Department of Arabic Philology at the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University. Moderated by Rami El Kaliubi, an Egyptian-Russian journalist, translator, and visiting lecturer at the School of Orientalism at HSE, the session discussed the main tenets of the novel in modern Russian and Arab literature, the reasons driving the public’s renewed interest in this literary genre, and the common elements and differences between modern novels in both cultures.

The third session, ‘Will Artificial Intelligence Replace the Art of Translation?’, featured Dr Alexander Kostyrkin, Head Researcher in the Department of Asian and African Languages at the Institute of Oriental Studies - Russian Acedemy of Sciences, Ksenia Burjskaya, author, poet, journalist, and AI specialised trainer, and Dr Abdallah Abushmaes, Acting Language Research and Studies Unit Head at the ALC. Moderated by Dr Berlant Qabeel, Programmes Section Head at the ALC, the session posed a number of questions, most notably: What does the art of translation consist of? Can AI replace humans in translation? And what are the specific features for using AI in literary translation from Russian to Arabic and vice-versa? The discussion also explored how auto translation technologies can bring people and cultures together, and the extent to which this can threaten cultural identity.

The fourth and final session titled ‘How Can We Contribute to the Development of the Art of Arabic-Russian and Russian-Arabic Literary Translation?’, delved into the traditions of literary translation from Arabic to Russian and vice-versa over many centuries, exploring means to generate more interest in Russian literature. Speakers were Elena Gimon, visiting lecturer at the School of Oriental Studies at the National University of Research - HSE University and organiser of the Russian-Arabic Literary Translation Competition, and Leonid Kogan, Deputy Director of the Institute of Cultures and the Ancient Classical Era at the National University of Research - HSE University, and Head Researcher at the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies - Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as Hind Khlaifat, Journalist and Director at “Deraya”.

The discussion was moderated by Vitaly Naumkin, Head of the Institute of Oriental Studies - Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Main Department of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the National University of Research - Graduate School of Economics, and Full Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The participants explored the current state of literary translation between the two languages, the potential to increase readers’ interest in Russian literature in the Arab world and Arabic literature in Russia, and the role of writers, translators, publishers, and experts in oriental studies in enhancing this interest.

The conference agenda also included the announcement of a new translation competition organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) in collaboration with the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), as well as a musical performance titled ‘Spirit of the Emirates’, which presented renditions of poems by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, performed by Sherine Tohamy, oud soloist and professor at Bait Al Oud in Egypt, along with musician and violinist Ali Dridi and percussionist Hussain Al Hammadi.