Qatar Adds Portuguese to 2027 Translation Award
The Sheikh Hamad Award will include the Portuguese language in its upcoming cycle to celebrate translation activity.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Language Learning
Live Poll
Do international translation awards successfully boost the recognition of local literature in your area?
Qatar officials announced that the 2027 Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding will officially include Portuguese. The inclusion follows Brazil's emergence as a significant hub for Arabic-Portuguese translation work.
Why it matters
Including Portuguese helps foster international cultural exchange by rewarding translators and organizations working between Arabic and other global languages. This addition recognizes the growing volume of scholarly and literary output within the Portuguese-speaking community.
The award offers 2 million USD in total prize money, with at least 200,000 USD specifically set aside for Portuguese-language entries. Applicants may submit work for the Achievement or Individual Book categories.
The players
Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding
This is a prestigious international award based in Qatar that recognizes excellence in translation between Arabic and other world languages.
The details
Award organizers are currently in Brazil meeting with academics to finalize the scope of the program. The organizers are evaluating whether to place Portuguese in the widely spoken language category for the 2027 cycle.
Timeline
Portuguese was last accepted for the award in 2019.
The 2027 award inclusion was officially announced on October 19, 2026, in São Paulo.
A seminar will be held at the National Library on October 23, 2026.
Applications open for the award on January 1, 2027.
Applications close for the award on March 30, 2027.
Culture Shift
This decision reflects the broader global push to recognize translation as a bridge for diplomatic and cultural relations between Arabic-speaking nations and the Lusophone world. The move specifically capitalizes on the rising prominence of Arabic-Portuguese academic collaboration in Brazil.
Translators and organizations working with Portuguese may now begin preparing their portfolios for the 2027 entry window. Prospective applicants should monitor upcoming seminars in Brazil to better understand the specific requirements for the Achievement and Individual Book categories.
The takeaway
Translators can increase their chances of selection by focusing on high-impact literary or scholarly works that bridge Arabic and Portuguese linguistic traditions. Staying informed about regional seminars will provide essential guidance for navigating the application process.
What happens next
Applications for the 2027 award cycle are scheduled to open on January 1, 2027, and will remain open until the March 30, 2027, deadline.
Further reading
Learn more about global linguistic trends in the Language Learning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Agência de Notícias Brasil-Árabe.
Live Poll
Do international translation awards successfully boost the recognition of local literature in your area?
