The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) in Doha has announced the upcoming 10th Katara Prize for Arabic Novel winners ceremony, which will take place next Thursday as part of the Katara Arabic Novel Festival from Sunday until October 20. The ceremony will honor winners in six categories: published novels, unpublished novels, young adult novels, unpublished historical novels, critical studies, and the Qatari novel. Additionally, there will be a symposium on the Arabic novel in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and a workshop on young adult novels and fine art.
The Katara Arabic Novel Festival will feature various activities including symposiums, dialogue sessions, and workshops on the Arabic novel’s evolution and cultural significance. Topics that will be covered include fantasy in the Arabic novel, writing techniques, the Qatari novel and its connection to Arab criticism, the novel’s role in society, the influence of social media on the Arabic novel, and themes of alienation in novels. Moreover, a performance of the play “Al Burj” at Katara Drama Theater, an adaptation of Syrian writer Nour Al Din Al Hashemy’s novel which won the 8th Katara Prize for the Arabic Novel, will be showcased during the festival.
Moroccan novelist Tuhami Al Wazzani has been chosen as the personality of the year for this edition of the festival. He will be honored for his significant contributions to the development of Arabic novels, with an exhibition showcasing his work. Furthermore, there will be a symposium on the origins and extension of the Moroccan novel as part of the festival. The event will also include book signing ceremonies for special titles recently published by Katara Publishing House and other Qatari publishing houses.
The Katara Arabic Novel Festival will also host the 2nd Katara Book Fair, bringing together Qatari publishing houses, local libraries, cultural and research institutions, and Kuwaiti publishing houses. This fair will provide a platform for authors, publishers, and readers to connect and explore new literary works. Through various activities and events, the festival aims to celebrate the richness and diversity of the Arabic novel, promote literary exchange, and support the growth of the publishing industry in Qatar and the wider Arab world.
In conclusion, the Katara Arabic Novel Festival is a significant cultural event that highlights the importance of the Arabic novel in contemporary society. By honoring talented authors, hosting engaging discussions, and promoting new literary works, the festival contributes to the preservation and advancement of Arabic literature. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and cultural exchange, the festival provides a platform for authors and readers to come together, celebrate literature, and explore the power of storytelling. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it will play a vital role in shaping the future of Arabic literature and fostering a love for reading and writing in the community.
