The Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding was founded in Doha, Qatar in 2015. It is an international award that is managed by a Board of Trustees, a Steering Committee, and independent judging committees. The award aims to contribute to the advancement of cultures and support the translation movement worldwide, specifically from and into the Arabic language.

Over the years, it has become the most important and largest translation award in the world, both in terms of value and impact. The vision of the award is to honor translators and appreciate their role in strengthening friendship and cooperation among nations and peoples. It also seeks to encourage excellence, creativity, and the dissemination of high values, diversity, and openness.

The award offers prizes in two categories: single book translation awards and achievement awards in multiple languages. With a total value of 2 million dollars, the award is managed by a Board of Trustees, overseen by a Management Committee, and judged by specialized committees. It aims to enrich the Arab library and international heritage with significant works from world cultures and promote international understanding through mature cultural exchange between the Arabic language and other languages