Arabic Booker Prize 2025 Shortlist Announced: A Celebration of Diverse Storytelling
The International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF), commonly known as the “Arabic Booker Prize,” has unveiled its highly anticipated shortlist for 2025. This 18th edition of the prestigious award showcases a rich tapestry of literary talent, with six captivating novels vying for the top spot.
The shortlisted authors, hailing from six different Arab countries—the UAE, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, and Mauritania—represent a diverse range of ages and perspectives. Their works explore a fascinating array of contemporary issues and themes, demonstrating the vibrant and evolving landscape of Arabic literature.
Meet the 2025 Shortlisted Authors and Their Novels:
Ahmed Vall Eddine for Danshmand (Scholar). While details about this novel are still emerging, the title suggests an exploration of knowledge, intellect, and perhaps the challenges faced by intellectuals in the modern world.
Azhar Jerjis for Wadi al-Faraashat (Valley of the Butterflies). This evocative title hints at a story of transformation and beauty, possibly set against a backdrop of nature and escape.
Tayseer Khalaf for al-Masih al-Andalusi (The Andalusian Messiah). This intriguing title suggests a historical or perhaps allegorical narrative, potentially exploring themes of faith, identity, and cultural exchange in the context of Andalusian history.
Hanin al-Shaykh for Mithaq al-Nisa’ (The Women’s Pact). This title suggests a focus on female empowerment, solidarity, and perhaps a challenge to traditional societal norms. Al-Shaykh is a well-established Lebanese author known for her powerful portrayals of women.
Mohamed Samir Nada for Salat al-Qalaq (Prayer of Anxiety). This title suggests an exploration of inner turmoil, spiritual searching, and the anxieties of modern life.
Nadia al-Najjar for Malmas al-Daw’ (Touch of Light). This poetic title suggests a story of hope, resilience, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity.
The winner will be announced in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The anticipation is building as readers and critics alike eagerly await the final decision. The IPAF not only celebrates established authors but also provides a crucial platform for emerging voices in Arabic literature, fostering a global appreciation for the richness and diversity of storytelling from the Arab world.
Beyond the 2025 Shortlist: Celebrating Past Winners
The IPAF’s impact extends beyond the current year’s shortlist. Previous winners continue to gain international recognition, with translations bringing their stories to wider audiences. For example, Bread on Uncle Milad’s Table by Libyan author Mohamed Alnaas, the 2022 IPAF winner, is set to be published in English by HarperVia in 2026. This novel, exploring themes of masculinity and societal expectations, resonated deeply with readers and critics, and its English translation promises to introduce Alnaas’s powerful voice to a global readership. This continued focus on translation is vital for promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of Arabic literature.
The Arabic Booker Prize plays a crucial role in the literary world, shining a spotlight on exceptional Arabic novels and fostering a global appreciation for the diverse voices and narratives emerging from the Arab world. The 2025 shortlist promises a compelling celebration of literary excellence, and the eventual winner will undoubtedly join the ranks of celebrated authors who have shaped the landscape of contemporary Arabic fiction.
