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novels nominated for the 11th edition of the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel, one of the most prestigious literary awards in the Arab world. These novels were selected after careful evaluation by specialized judging panels, based on artistic and literary standards that reflect the richness of contemporary Arabic fiction.
About the Prize
The Katara Prize for Arabic Novel is a prominent cultural initiative that aims to:
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Promote Arabic literature, particularly the novel form;
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Honor Arab novelists and support their creative work;
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Encourage publishing and translation across languages.
The award includes several categories: published novels, unpublished novels, young adult fiction, critical studies, drama adaptations, and Qatari novel.
The 18 Longlisted Novels (Alphabetically by Author’s First Name)
| # | Author | Novel Title | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Ibrahim Farghali | A House of Glass for Averroes’s Lover | Egypt |
| 02 | Ahmed Al-Zoubi | The Mirage Compass | Oman |
| 03 | Thaer Al-Nashef | A Wound on Leonardo’s Forehead | Syria |
| 04 | Hassan Al-Nawab | The Paupers’ Break | Iraq |
| 05 | Hamid Al-Raqimi | The Blindness of Memory | Yemen |
| 06 | Rahma Diyaa | Lady of the Vine | Egypt |
| 07 | Rola Khaled Alam | Free Titebira | Palestine |
| 08 | Sami Rajab | The Hour of Nouj | Tunisia |
| 09 | Sameer Samir Al-Margani | Dinner for Eight People | Tunisia |
| 10 | Sameer Darwish | Not Far from the Man’s Head – Aziza and Younes | Egypt |
| 11 | Abdullah Al-Hamad | The Eternal City | Morocco |
| 12 | Abdelmajid Al-Naimi | The Ostrich’s Ink | Morocco |
| 13 | Abdelwahab Al-Hamadi | The Year of Fat Cats | Kuwait |
| 14 | Abdo Al-Ahmar | Karl Marx’s Last Supper | Algeria |
| 15 | Mohamed Baraka | A Throne on Water | Egypt |
| 16 | Mohamed Nassar | Al-Tahiri Who Had No One Before Him | Palestine |
| 17 | Mostafa Al-Khamisi | Seven Movements of Cruelty | Egypt |
| 18 | Wajih Tawila | Years of Deception | Egypt |
Key Observations
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Egypt dominates the longlist with 7 nominated novels, followed by Palestine with 3, and Tunisia and Morocco with 2 each.
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Other represented countries include Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait, and Algeria.
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The titles reflect a diverse thematic range, including historical narratives, philosophical inquiries, political critique, memory, and identity exploration.
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Some works exhibit experimental approaches and symbolic depth (e.g., Karl Marx’s Last Supper, A House of Glass for Averroes’s Lover), while others embrace realism or autobiographical tones.
What Does Longlisting Mean?
Making it to the longlist is a critical milestone toward qualification for the prestigious shortlist, which includes:
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Five winners in the Published Novels category, each receiving $60,000 USD.
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The first prize-winning novel is adapted into a television drama.
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It is also translated into English and French, widening its global reach.
Expectations and Critical Impressions
This year’s longlist showcases both established voices and emerging talents, pointing to a vibrant and evolving Arab literary scene. The diversity of themes, styles, and countries represented highlights a rich literary panorama reflective of contemporary Arab societies and their transformations.
Conclusion
The Katara Prize continues to serve as a lighthouse of Arabic narrative art, offering authors a global platform for recognition and promoting literary dialogue across cultures.
📌 For more information, visit:
🌐 www.katara.net
