Abu Dhabi - In conjunction with the launch of the National Month of Reading in the UAE, which falls in March every year, the National Library Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has issued the criteria for publishing programmes and projects. The sector also announced the public can also submit their suggestions for books to be translated and published, which can be sent to Publishing@dctabudhabi.ae.

Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Acting Executive Director of the National Library Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “DCT Abu Dhabi’s National Library Sector is responsible for a number of projects that contribute to publishing in the fields of authorship and translation. These contributions include publishing works, studies and research dealing with Abu Dhabi’s history, culture, heritage and society, and translating important foreign works in various fields. In addition to organising cultural events and activities that promote the publishing industry and reading as a daily practice, the Sector participates in local and international book fairs and establishes significant agreements with key players in the publishing field.

“These projects aim to keep the National Library Sector up to date with ongoing global developments in the publishing world, which in turn contributes to enhancing its position internationally as an advanced platform, stimulating publishing and culture.” 

He added: “The National Month of Reading is an opportunity to support the development of the publishing industry, as books are one of the most important elements for building individuals and spreading knowledge in society. This requires us, as contributors in this field, to seek all that is new in an effort to use reading as an instrument to nurture a cultured and aware generation, with individuals eager to build their own libraries and eventually making home libraries a pillar of every home.

“As part of that vision, we announce today the publishing policy adopted in our programmes and projects to encourage authorship and research at the local and regional level, and offer writers and translators the chance to publish their works and translations.” 

Publishing criteria for each project

First: Kalima Translation Project:

Kalima receives nominations to translate works from all languages and fields. Works to be translated are selected according to the following conditions:

The book has not been translated before.
Translation must be from the source language, except in cases where it is not possible.
The book must pass the selection mechanism adopted by the National Library at DCT Abu Dhabi.
Commissioning the translation of the work is carried out after Kalima succeeds in obtaining the translation rights.
The translator must pass the competency sample test, which requires him/her to translate around 10 pages of the first chapter of the book.
The translator must add footnotes defining ambiguous and uncommon terms and concepts.
Adding an index of the most important source-language terms mentioned in the book next to their equivalents in Arabic.
All translations will be subject to revision by specialised revisers and editors.
https://www.zawya.comAll translations will be subject to proofreading by specialised proofreaders.
 

Second: The ‘Publications’ Division

The ‘Publications’ Division receives works proposed for publication in the fields of literature, history, heritage, travel, society and culture in the United Arab Emirates. The works to be published are selected according to the following conditions:

A summary on the subject of the book and a description of the author, in no more than two pages should be provided.
The book should be a qualitative addition to its subject field, and the author should adhere to strict scientific standards, including mentioning the books (sources) from which he/she acquired information.
The book must include indexes defining foreign terms (if any), locations (if any), and prominent persons (if any).
The book must include a part containing images and figures (if any) arranged and numbered according to the order in which they are presented in the book.
The author must conform to Arabic language grammar.
The book must be submitted in its final form, after it has been revised, edited and proofread by the author.
The book must pass the selection mechanism adopted by the National Library at DCT Abu Dhabi.
 

Third: The ‘Qalam’ Division

The ‘Qalam’ Division receives books nominated for publishing in Arabic and English, covering novels, prose and poetry. Titles to be published are chosen according to the following criteria:

Submission is limited to Emirati nationals.
A summary on the subject of the book and a description of the author, in no more than two pages should be provided.
Avoiding inappropriate words and references, and adhering to the accustomed manners and traditions of the United Arab Emirates.
The author must conform to Arabic language grammar.
The book must be submitted in its final form, after it has been revised, edited and proofread by the author.
The book must have no less than XXX A4-size pages.
The book must pass the selection mechanism adopted by the National Library at DCT Abu Dhabi.
 

Fourth: Research and Studies

Research and studies to be published are selected according to the following criteria:

Studies and research should relate to the history, culture, heritage and community of the UAE.
A one-page summary of the research or study, with the full copy of it (paper copy + digital copy) should be attached.

A scientific method in preparing the research or study should be adopted.
Modern and prominent scientific and practical sources in preparing the research or study should be used.
Scientific rules adopted in documenting sources of data and information mentioned in the research or study should be used.
Linguistic accuracy in phrasing, delivering meaning and grammar should be adhered to.
The research or study must be in either Arabic or English.
The research or study must not be less than 40 A4-size pages.
The research or study must pass the selection mechanism adopted by the National Library at DCT Abu Dhabi.