Participants at the ‘Arabic Novel: Prize Value and Judging Criteria’ symposium highlighted that the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel contributed to enriching the Arab novel scene both creatively and critically.
The symposium was amongst a variety of cultural activities at the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) at its 32nd edition, being held at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center under the slogan “With Reading We Rise.”Participating in the symposium was Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Khaled Al Sayed, as well as Algerian novelist and winner of several Arabic novel prizes, including the Katara Prize of Arabic Novel in its first edition, Waciny Laredj, and Omani writer and the recent winner of the Arabic Booker Prize Zahran Alqasmi, moderated by reporter Samara Alquatly.
Al Sayed emphasised the role the prize plays in the Arab novel scene and how it became a new platform and station in the novel world. As it rattled the novel scene while showcasing new creators and critics, pointing out that the purpose of the award since its first edition in 2015 was to support young people, and the category of unpublished novels as well as interest in critical studies that contributed to the creation of an Arab and global literary climate.
According to Al Sayed, it had succeeded in being an Arab platform through its recognition by the Arab League’s Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Arab Ministers for Cultural Affairs decision on its initiative to make the International Day for Arabic Fiction. And in a cooperative decision between ALECSO and Katara Publishing House, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) allocated the Arab Novel Week from October 13-20 each year.
He added that the winner of the prize initially has to be an Arabic novel, written proficiently, and critiqued by academics. Noting that the number of applicants to the prize from the first cycle to date has reached 133,407 participants, 213 books were published, and the number of winners has reached 146 novelists and critics, as well as 340 judges participating in the judging process.
