Pulaar Recognized Globally: Fulani Language Included in Sheikh Hamad Translation Award 2026

Pulaar, also known as Fulfulde or Fulani, has been selected as one of the featured languages for the 12th edition (2026) of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding, one of the world’s most prestigious and generously endowed literary awards dedicated to translation between Arabic and other languages. This historic selection marks the first time an African language has been included in this global competition, representing a major milestone for Pulaar speakers and Fulbe communities worldwide.

Qatari Delegation Visits Dakar to Strengthen Cultural Cooperation

In recognition of this important inclusion, a Qatari delegation visited Dakar, the capital of Senegal, from February 1 to February 6, 2026. The purpose of the visit was to engage with Pulaar literary organizations, scholars, writers, and cultural advocates, and to strengthen collaboration ahead of the award’s nomination process.

One of the key highlights of the visit was a meeting at the headquarters of ARED (Association for Research in Education and Development), a leading literary and educational organization dedicated to developing and distributing teaching and reading materials in Pulaar/Fulfulde. During the visit, ARED hosted an exhibition showcasing books written in Pulaar, demonstrating the vitality and richness of the language’s literary tradition. The event was attended by many distinguished members of the Fulbe intellectual and cultural community.

Prominent Fulbe Scholars and Cultural Leaders in Attendance

The gathering brought together a remarkable assembly of Fulbe dignitaries, scholars, and activists, reflecting the deep cultural significance of this moment.

Among those present were:

Elhadji Boubou Sanghott, former diplomat and president of ARP/Tabital Pulaagu Senegaal
Professor Abdoulaye Eliman Kane, philosopher and former Minister of Culture of Senegal (1993–2000)
Hapsatu Ly, president of Goodal
Oumar Sow, representing Fedde Potal Ɗemɗe Ngenndiije
Samba Jinnda Ba, president of Kisal Deeyirde Pulaagu
Saydou Sow, president of MEEF, an organization of Fulbe students

Numerous writers, journalists, and intellectuals also participated, including:

Hamet Amadou Ly, journalist at 2STV and Pulaar writer
Abdurahman Wone, director of Amani TV
Abdurahman Thiam, of Radio Télé Fulbe (RTF)
Abou Sy and Bacca Bah, Pulaar authors
Amadou Tidiane Kane, writer and educator
Professor Nalla Kane, linguist, writer, and editor

The delegation was officially welcomed by Mamadou Amadou Ly, director of ARED, a renowned linguist and Pulaar writer who was recently honored as a laureate of the prestigious Yidan Prize in 2025 for his contributions to education and linguistic development.

A Shared Vision: Translation as a Bridge Between Cultures

During the meetings, the Qatari delegation explained the mission and objectives of the Sheikh Hamad Award. The award seeks to honor translators and recognize their essential role in strengthening cultural ties and mutual understanding between nations and peoples.

According to the organizers, the award aims to: Encourage excellence and creativity in translation, promote cultural dialogue and intellectual exchange, strengthen bonds of friendship and cooperation among diverse societies, support diversity, pluralism, and openness.

Both the delegation and their Senegalese hosts described the discussions as productive, meaningful, and beneficial for fostering future cooperation.

The Choice of Pulaar/Fulfulde

The selection of Pulaar/Fulfulde for the 2026 edition represents a historic recognition of the language’s cultural importance and the decades-long efforts of Fulbe activists, scholars, and grassroots organizations to promote literacy and literary production in their native language.

Pulaar is one of the most widely spoken African languages, with tens of millions of speakers distributed across more than twenty countries, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa to the Red Sea in East Africa. The Fulbe people form one of the most geographically widespread cultural and linguistic communities on the continent.

This recognition has been warmly welcomed by Fulbe communities around the world, who view it as an affirmation of their linguistic heritage and a validation of their sustained efforts to preserve and develop Pulaar literature.

About the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding

Established in 2015 in Doha, Qatar, by the Forum for Arab and International Relations (FAIR), the Sheikh Hamad Award was created to revive and celebrate the historic role of translation in advancing human knowledge and intercultural dialogue.

Named in honor of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, the award carries a total prize value of $2 million, making it one of the richest translation prizes in the world.

Translation has historically played a central role in Arab civilization, from the Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad to the great translation schools of later centuries. These institutions facilitated the exchange of knowledge between civilizations and contributed to global intellectual progress. Today, the award continues that legacy by encouraging translation as a tool for peace, understanding, and cooperation.

Key Details for the 2026 Edition

The 12th edition of the award has officially opened nominations, with important highlights including:

Single Book Category Languages: English and Chinese.

Achievement Category Featured Languages: Italian, Azerbaijani, Pulaar (Fulfulde / Fulani), English and Chinese.

Nomination Period: January 1 to March 31, 2026

Purpose:

To honor translators and strengthen cultural relationships between Arabic and other languages, while promoting deeper global understanding.

Award Categories and Prize Structure

The Sheikh Hamad Award includes three major categories:

1. Translation Awards

Four branches:

Arabic to English
English to Arabic
Arabic to another language
Another language to Arabic

Each branch carries prizes totaling $200,000:

First Place: $100,000
Second Place: $60,000
Third Place: $40,000

2. Achievement Awards

Up to ten branches recognizing lifetime contributions to translation between Arabic and selected languages. Each branch is worth up to $100,000.

3. International Understanding Award

A single prize of $200,000 awarded to an individual or institution for outstanding contributions to promoting peace and intercultural understanding.

A Historic Moment for Pulaar and African Languages

The inclusion of Pulaar in the Sheikh Hamad Award represents more than a symbolic recognition—it marks a turning point in the global acknowledgment of African languages as vehicles of knowledge, literature, and intellectual exchange.

It opens new opportunities for Pulaar writers, translators, and scholars to participate in international literary dialogue and contributes to the preservation and expansion of one of Africa’s most historically significant languages.

For the Fulbe people and supporters of linguistic diversity everywhere, this moment stands as a powerful affirmation that local languages carry universal value and deserve a place on the global cultural stage.