FAQ - Film| MOC

The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission aims to enrich the Kingdom’s literary content and develop its literary system to make it more competitive and sustainable. It will also employ innovative technologies to digitally transform the sector and forge partnerships with the public, private and non-profit sectors, both locally and internationally.

What are the sub-sectors that the Commission seeks to develop within the cultural sector?

The literature sector, the publishing sector, and the translation sector.

What is the Commission’s Mission?

First, develop an environment that enables and empowers the practice of Saudi literature to enrich writers' creativity, ensure quality and enhance audience experience. Second, support the publishing industry in Saudi Arabia to attract global investment and competitiveness, and develop the translation field, in terms of both quantity and quality, according to international standards, to enhance cultural exchange and enrich knowledge of Arabic content. And finally, build effective partnerships, and utilise innovative technologies.

What is the Commission’s Vision?

A sustainable wealth of literature. A developed publishing industry. A professional translation sector.

What is the role of the Commission?

The Commission regulates the publishing industry, sets a creative environment, adopts training programs, and creates investment opportunities in the fields of literature, publishing, and translation.

What is the scope of the literature sector?

The literature sector supports the creation of literary content by enhancing writers’ skills, raising awareness of literary genres, and promoting reading habits.

What is the scope of the publishing sector?

The publishing sector oversees the regulation and development of the publishing industry in line with international standards. It will support the publication of Saudi books, including print, audio and e-books, both locally and internationally and will be responsible for organizing international book fairs.

When was the Commission established?

The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission was established in February 2020.

Who is the Commission’s CEO?

Dr. Mohamed Hassan Alwan is the CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.

Can non-Saudi publishing houses apply for translation grants?

Translation grants are only intended for Saudi publishing houses.

Do the grants cover literature books only?

Publishing houses can submit non-literary books (nonfiction books) such as biographies, philosophy and history books, while taking into account the books that are exempt from the translation grant.

Do translation grants include new publishing houses that Have not published any books yet, or publishing houses that are currently inactive?

No, the publishing house is required to have prior experience to ensure the ability to translate and publish according to the acceptable standards.

How many translation grants can a publishing house receive?

A publishing house can obtain more than one grant for translation, and the number of grants awarded to each publishing house is determined based on the books selected.

I am a freelance translator; I applied to the translation grant, what is the next step?

The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission will share your information with the publishing houses that obtained the grants. The Commission is not responsible for any contracting between the freelance translator and the publishing house.

I am a translation graduate; can I apply for translation grants?

The Tarjim translation grants target Saudi publishing houses as primary beneficiaries, but registration for translation grants is available, the Literature, Publishing and Translation commission will share translators' information with the publishing houses, and translators will be selected by publishing houses based on specific criteria, such as the quality their translation, and the translator's CV.

I faced some technical issues while registering for the translation grant as a free translator/publishing house.

Please contact lpt.info@moc.gov.sa to resolve the issue.

What are the books that are excluded from the translation grant?

The grants do not cover political books, textbooks, dictionaries, journals and periodicals, guidebooks and pamphlets, doctoral theses and dissertations, books that do not generate sales, such as books that are distributed for free.

What are the conditions to submit a publishing house to the translation grant?

The conditions for translation grants are found on the Tarjim website here.

What is the scope of the translation sector?

The Translation Sector seeks to be a competitor at a regional and global level, and a pioneer in the Arab world by coordinating Arab efforts in the Translation field. Due to the increasing interest in Saudi business and culture, the translation sector aims to organize the translation profession in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to develop the capabilities of translators, as well as to transfer Saudi content and culture to the world.

What languages does the translation grant cover?

The Literature, Publishing and Translation commission receives books from all languages.

I am a translation graduate; can I apply for translation grants?

The translation grants will cover the translation rights fees and the cost of the translation service.

Will the Commission grant licenses?

Yes, licenses will be granted to practice cultural activities. To apply for a license, please visit the following link:

click here