About

FAQ

What is the history of the Prize?

The idea for the prize emerged during a meeting between two leading figures in Arab and British publishing, who suggested that a ‘Booker’-style prize (based on the highly successful Booker Prize) would encourage recognition of high-quality Arabic novels and foster increased translation of such literature into world languages.
With advice from the Booker Prize Foundation in London and initial funding and administrative support from the Emirates Foundation in Abu Dhabi, a steering committee of Arab and international literary experts, publishers and journalists was first established to advise on the set-up and structure of the prize.

The first prize was awarded in 2008 and the winner was Sunset Oasis, by Egyptian author Bahaa Taher. 

What is the submissions process?

Submissions for the 2026 prize will open on 1st May 2025. All information about the process can be found on our Submissions page.

How are the judges selected?

The Board of Trustees is responsible for appointing the judges (including designating its Chair), who change each year A judging panel will include a mix as to age and gender and is drawn primarily from across the Arab world.  However, one judge will be an international specialist who is a sophisticated reader of Arabic fiction and fluent speaker of Arabic, but who is not an Arab. This judge brings an important, distinctive, perspective and sensibility to the judging process.

Publishers may not serve as judges.

Writers (so long as they are not competing for the Prize) as well as academics, critics, journalists and other public figures with a demonstrable interest and engagement in literature may all be considered to serve as judges.
Judges remain anonymous until the longlisted books are announced, in order to ensure the independence and integrity of the selection process.

Are short stories and collections of poetry eligible for the prize?

No they are not, the prize is for fiction novels. All information about eligibility of submissions can be found here.

What other initiatives does IPAF run other than the main prize cycle?

In addition to the annual prize, IPAF supports literary initiatives including its Nadwa (writers’ workshop) for emerging writers from across the Arab world. Established in 2009, the Nadwa was the first of its kind for Arab writers. Each Nadwa develops new fiction by some of the Arab world’s most promising authors, some of whom have gone on to have works entered, be shortlisted and even win the Prize. Nine Nadwas have taken place in Abu Dhabi (eight under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and in 2017 supported by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation). Others have been held in Jordan, Oman and Sharjah, in partnership with, respectively, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, the Muscat Cultural Club, the Department of Culture — Sharjah Government and the Sharjah Book Authority.  

In January 2025, IPAF launched its inaugural editing workshop in Jordan at the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.  The five-day workshop brought together translators and editors from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia to enhance editing skills and so promote excellence in the Arab publishing industry. Led by Samar Abou Zeid, Lebanese co-founder of Dar al-Karma in Cairo, and Mohammed Rabie, Egyptian publishing director of Dar Khan al-Janub in Berlin and 2016 IPAF-shortlisted author, the workshop featured a  variety of theoretical and practical editing sessions. The editing workshop is aligned with the Prize’s mission to promote high quality Arabic literature by focusing on the often overlooked, but crucial, role of literary editors in guiding authors and shaping their novels before publication.

Does the prize offer grants for translations?

Yes. More information can be found here

Does the prize have a sponsor?

Yes, the prize is supported by The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre established as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism under the directive of the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi and dedicated to advancing and modernising the Arabic language. Through comprehensive strategies and frameworks, the Centre aims to enhance the scientific, educational, cultural, and creative contributions of Arabic, ensuring its relevance in the modern world. It aims to promote Arabic language proficiency and cultural understanding, while supporting Arab talents in the fields of writing, translation, publishing, scientific research, arts, and the creation of audio and visual content. Additionally, it plays a key role in organising book fairs and bolstering the publishing industry in the region. The Centre advances its core vision through dedicated programmes, the expertise of its teams, and impactful partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious technical, cultural, and academic institutions.

The prize is also supported by the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

What is the management structure of the prize?

It is a fundamental principle that the prize should be Arab ‘owned’ and internationally facilitated. The prize is constituted in London – where it is established as a not-for-profit company: ‘International Prize for Arabic Fiction’ or ‘IPAF’. It has a board of trustees which oversees its governance.

How are Trustees selected?

The board of trustees is responsible for appointing its individual trustees. When making appointments, the board will strive to achieve a mix of trustees with high level professional involvement in, or connection with, quality literary fiction and who are committed to increasing the wider readership of contemporary Arabic fiction. Most trustees have an engagement with Arabic fiction and Arabic culture. But individual trustees may reflect a wider experience of literary prizes and of literature in translation. This is to ensure the board has an international dimension which positions the prize as a major influence on a worldwide cultural stage. 

In making appointments, the board seeks to achieve a fair balance of trustees in terms of gender, regional Arab backgrounds, expertise in literature and international profile. However, trustees are not appointed as delegates of any specific organisation or interest. Insights into various relevant industries are of great value, but in carrying out the role of trustee, each trustee must act only in the best interests of IPAF.

IPAF is often called the Arabic Booker. Is there connection to the Booker Prize?

In its early years, the Booker Prize Foundation in London mentored IPAF by providing ad hoc advice and guidance when requested by IPAF.  The term ‘Arabic Booker’ was not instigated and is not endorsed at all by IPAF or the Booker Prize Foundation which are two completely separate, independent organisations. IPAF is not in any way connected with The Booker Prize.

How can I find out more about the prize’s current activity?

If you’d like to keep up to date with the Prize and its important milestones, you can follow us across our social media platforms: X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.