ABU DHABI: The International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) has unveiled its 2025 longlist, featuring 16 novels selected from 124 submissions.

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The panel of five judges, chaired by Egyptian academic Mona Baker, includes Moroccan critic Said Bengrad, Emirati scholar Maryam Al Hashimi, Lebanese academic Bilal Orfali, and Finnish translator Sampsa Peltonen. Their selection highlights a diversity of themes and literary styles, underscoring the prize’s mission to celebrate excellence in Arabic literature.

Three authors make a return to the longlist: Rashid al-Daif (2012, 2024), Sausan Jamil Hasan (2023), and Taissier Khalaf (2017). Azher Jirjees, previously long- and shortlisted (2020, 2023), also features. Meanwhile, twelve authors debut on the list, including Aqeel Almusawi, Inam Bioud, and Mohamed Samir Nada.

Mona Baker praised this year’s entries for their thematic and stylistic variety, while Professor Yasir Suleiman, Chair of the Board of Trustees, noted their exploration of historical contexts to reflect contemporary issues.

The prize, sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, awards $50,000 to the winning novel. The shortlist will be revealed on February 19, 2025, at Egypt’s Bibliotheca Alexandrina, with the winner announced in Abu Dhabi on April 24, 2025.

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This year marks the launch of IPAF’s inaugural editing workshop, aimed at enhancing editorial expertise within the Arab publishing industry. Scheduled for January 18–22 at Jordan’s Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, the workshop reinforces IPAF’s dedication to fostering literary talent and excellence.

As IPAF continues to highlight the richness of Arabic storytelling, its efforts inspire both readers and writers across the globe, amplifying the region’s literary heritage.