Rome: The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), a prominent literary accolade in the Arab world, has announced a series of academic conferences in partnership with Alma Mater Studiorum - Universit di Bologna, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, and the University of Naples 'L'Orientale'. These conferences are scheduled to take place from May 11 to May 15, 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event, titled 'Authenticity, Authority, and Mediation: From Classical Translation to Contemporary Literary Cultures and Digital Humanisms', will explore the tradition of classical translation. It will examine the Arabic translations of Greek and Latin texts and their influence on Italian Humanism, especially in light of contemporary technological advancements and new linguistic expressions. The conferences will emphasize the crucial role of Arabic in mediating Greek and Latin works into Italian Humanism.
The conference series builds on academic initiatives launched by the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in Italy during 2024 and 2025, in Venice and Naples respectively. This year's involvement of the University of Bologna reaffirms the intercultural dialogue between the Award and Italian culture.
The collaboration among Italy's leading Arabist departments and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award establishes a vital hub for Arabic studies within Italian academia. It enhances the historic connection between Italy and the Arab world, promoting deeper intellectual exchanges and academic excellence.
An official delegation, led by Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award's Secretary General, will visit Italy to engage with key cultural and academic institutions. The event will feature academic symposia, public lectures, and dialogues at the participating universities, as well as at the Centro Universitario Umberto Eco in Bologna and the Premio Citt di Napoli, linking Italian and Arab intellectual traditions.
Dr Ali bin Tamim expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming conferences, emphasizing their role in fostering cross-cultural exchange and highlighting the global presence of Arab creativity in literary and academic fields. He anticipates a week of enriching conversations.
Chiara Fontana, Coordinator of the Scientific and Organising Committee, welcomed the distinguished delegation, highlighting the collaboration's focus on placing Arabic literature at the center of interdisciplinary dialogue and engagement with the Italian academic community.
Paola Scrolavezza, Head of the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Bologna, and Simone Sibilio from Ca' Foscari Universit di Venezia, both emphasized the significance of the collaboration in fostering international academic excellence and cultural exchanges. Monica Ruocco and Oriana Capezio from Universit di Napoli 'L'Orientale noted the event's role in promoting scientific debate and cultural exchange, marking a commitment to academic excellence and collaboration.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Italian-Arab relations, ensuring a lasting legacy of intellectual dialogue and research in Arabic studies.