IATIS8 Conference Begins at SQU with Global Participation from 61 Countries

Muscat: The 8th Conference of the International Association for Translation and Intercultural Studies (IATIS8) kicked off today at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).

Held under the theme “Sustainable Translation in the Age of Knowledge Extraction, Generation and (Re)Creation,” the four-day conference was inaugurated under the auspices of Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and attended by HH Sayyid Dr. Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, Vice Chancellor of SQU.

The conference is hosted by SQU, with the support of the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. It features accompanying workshops and specialized sessions.

With the participation of scholars, researchers, experts, faculty members and students from 61 countries, the event is regarded as one of the leading global academic platforms in the fields of translation and intercultural studies. It serves as a high-level forum for dialogue, exchange of expertise, and exploration of emerging theories, methodologies and practices in translation and its applications across various domains.

Oman’s hosting of the eighth edition reflects international appreciation of the Sultanate’s role in promoting the values of peace, dialogue and cross-cultural understanding, particularly amid global transformations. It further enhances Oman’s soft power through meaningful scientific and cultural engagement in translation studies and intercultural communication.

The conference themes also support Oman Vision 2040 objectives related to citizenship, identity, heritage and national culture, by reaffirming translation as a key tool for preserving identity, enabling dialogue and fostering knowledge exchange—thus contributing to the establishment of a knowledge-based society capable of producing, critiquing and utilizing knowledge.

An accompanying exhibition showcases the initiatives and experiences of government and private institutions from Oman and abroad in the fields of translation and culture.