THE FOUNDER
Rana Saïfi
I am a Lebanese–Canadian translator, editor, writer, and novelist, deeply passionate about languages and connecting with others. This passion led me to specialize in Translation and Living Languages, earning my DEA from the École de Traducteurs et d’Interprètes de Beyrouth, Université Saint-Joseph, Lebanon (2003).
I founded TARJAMAT to bring this passion to life—offering professional translation (of all types, including certified translation), editing, creative writing, copywriting, ghostwriting, book production, consultancy, workshops, and more.
Translation & Editing
Over the years, I have translated more than 20 books across diverse genres—including novels, autobiographies, self-development, education, sociology, and alternative medicine—for prestigious Arab and international publishers. I have also edited and co-authored books for renowned figures or governmental entities like the Localization and Translation curriculum for the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Bahrain. I contribute as a ghost writer for famous figures, and my work extends beyond books to include general, technical, and legal documents.
In 2023-2024, I served as Member of the Monitoring & Documentation Committee, one of the founding committees tasked with establishing the Arabic Observatory of Translation. I contributed to setting up the Observatory’s foundational interface structure and providing data that led to its successful digital launch. The initiative was launched by the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission in cooperation with ALECSO.
The workshops I lead in translation and literary industries give me the opportunity to share my expertise with university students while also learning from their contemporary perspectives.
Innovation & Media
I believe that books are one of our greatest pathways to knowledge. This inspired me to create, write and present “Jadid Al Kotob” segment as a guest on NewTV, Lebanon (2023), a weekly cultural segment designed to promote reading and raise cultural awareness.
I also believe that the impact of our work opens doors to spaces where words become bridges and voices an invitation to reflection; I responded to interview invitations on television, radio, and print media, to share insights about translation, writing, editing, and publishing.
I have been honored to serve as a keynote speaker at international cultural events, beginning with two conferences organized by the ALECSO in Tunisia (2002) and Italy (2009), and most recently at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025.
Writing
Beyond translation and publishing, writing is where my voice resonates most. My philosophical, cultural, and socio-psychological articles have appeared in respected newspapers such as Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Al-Quds Al-Arabi, and An-Nahar (2022–2024).
My debut novel, عطر الشوك (The Perfume of Thorns), published by Hachette Antoine / Naufal in 2020, reflects my deep belief that words have the power to build invisible bonds between people.
Publishing
School Publishing: I served as Administrative Manager at GeoProjects (2004–2011), collaborating with thinkers, academic authors, and education specialists in , and with Ministries of Education across the Arab World. This experience honed my organizational, managerial, and leadership skills, refining my ability to make strategic decisions and efficiently oversee complex projects.
Trade books Publishing: As Publishing Director at All Prints Distributors and Publishers (2021–2025), I expanded the publishing portfolio to include Arabic novels, children’s books, and self-development titles. I tripled the annual number of publications compared to previous years, carefully selecting books with high intellectual and cultural value, and worked with both emerging and established authors. During my tenure, I edited over 60 fiction and non-fiction titles and continue collaborating with All Prints’ sister companies since 2001.
I secured Arabic publishing rights to works by award-winning international authors, as well as memoirs of world leaders. I had the honor of working with them directly, or with the agents representing them, such as: Henry Kissinger, Angela Merkel, Bob Woodward, Roberto Mangabeira Unger, Paulo Coelho, Elizabeth C. Economy, Phillip Seib, Catherine Ryan Howard, Jessica Baum, Rachel Havrelock, Catherine Ryan Howard, Ondine Khayat, Antoine Mariotti, Lucinda Riley, Jorge Benitez, Jacob Ward, Sam Dogen, Richard Pink and Roxanne Emery, Soren Mau, Viorica Marian, Nelofer Pazira Fisk, Noam Chomsky.
I also published award-winning, longlisted and acclaimed Arab authors and writers, across genres such as philosophy, sociology, psychology, politics, geopolitics, information technology, and literature: Khalil Sweileh, Hassouna Al Mesbahi, Jan Dost, Dr. Sami al Badri, Dr. Mahmoud Shreih, Dr. Ahmad Abdelhalim Attiah, Dr. Rajaa Nehme, Bassem El Sabeh, Dr. Ghazi Wazni, Dr. Mohammad Kamara, Dr. Hady Safa, Rima Bali, Fadia Bazzi, Lorca Sbeity, Dr. Rateb Shabo, Dr. Ghassan Mrad, Dr. Moustafa Sbeity, Dr. Youssef El Hassan, Dr. Nimr Freiha, Dr. Christine Nassar, Dr. Kheireddine Jomaa, Dr. Kamal Sesalem, Dr. Fares Al Maliki, Dr. Samir Sanbar, Dr. Khodor Durah, Zeina Hamwi, Ali Mahmoud, Mohammad Hayawi, Dr. Kamal Bekdash, Dr. Bassel Hajjar, Dr. Sally Hammoud, Ali Al Sakka.
I believed in creative young Arab talents and supported them by publishing their debut works: Alaa Drissi, Nagham Al Kassir, Aya Al Sabouni, Asmaa Amer, Bassem Sara, Homam Kadar, Ali Al Moussawi, Oussama Al Tawil.
