In the expansive landscape of international literature and media, few figures stand as prominently as Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, also known as Ashraf Dali. An Egyptian writer, journalist, editor, and cultural leader, his career spans more than three decades across Africa and Asia, where his contributions have helped shape the narratives of intercultural dialogue and global storytelling.
Aboul-Yazid is a name synonymous with literary depth and media excellence. With over 35 years in cultural journalism, he has held pivotal editorial roles at some of the most respected publications in the Arab world and beyond. From his early work with Al-Manar in Cairo during the late 1980s, to his editorial and artistic direction at Nizwa magazine in Oman, to his extensive tenure at Kuwait’s Al Arabi magazine, Aboul-Yazid has consistently brought thoughtful, culturally rich content to diverse readerships. His experience with international agencies like Reuters further underscores his journalistic acumen.
A prolific author and translator, Aboul-Yazid has published 45 books, reflecting a profound engagement with world literature, poetry, and translation. His works traverse genres and geographies, and his editorial leadership as Editor-in-Chief of The Silk Road Literature Series since 2016 has made him a key curator of global literary voices.
Ashraf’s influence extends beyond the page. He has been called upon to serve on international juries for prestigious festivals and awards, including the Costa Rica International Festival of Song Writers (2017), Kazan Muslim Film Festival (2021), and the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) African Poetry Prize (2022), among other completions. These roles demonstrate the global trust in his literary insight and cultural sensibility.
“The Other” is a cultural TV program created, presented, and directed by Ashraf Aboul-Yazid for Kuwait’s Al Arabi Channel and Kuwait TV Channel. The show explores global creativity by hosting prominent intellectuals, artists, diplomats, and media figures from outside the Arab world, aiming to build dialogue through a visual medium. Its two seasons featured 60 episodes, includes interviews and documentaries with international figures from over 40 countries. The program emphasizes cultural diversity and mutual understanding.
In the realm of media leadership, Aboul-Yazid served as President of the Asia Journalist Association (AJA) from 2016 to 2024, where he played a crucial role in fostering dialogue among Asian media professionals. He now continues his commitment to African journalism as Secretary General of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), while also contributing to continental literature as Vice President of PAWA.
His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous international honors, including the Manhae Grand Prize in Literature (Korea, 2014), the Arab Journalism Award (UAE, 2015), and Poet of the Year for Africa at the Silk Road International Festival (UAE, 2025). Medals and trophies from Turkey, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Kuwait and Egypt affirm his unique role as a bridge between cultures through literature and media.
In every position he holds—be it as editor, presenter, jury member, or cultural envoy—Ashraf Aboul-Yazid brings with him a commitment to storytelling that connects people across languages and continents. His journey continues to inspire writers, journalists, and readers from Cairo to Seoul, Muscat to Abuja, and beyond.
