DOHA: The organising committee of Katara Prize for Arabic Novel has received about 250 entries from novelist from the Arab countries. The number of entries is likely to rise as the deadline to send entries for the prize ends on October 31.
Katara Cultural Village said that the winning entries will be translated into different languages such as English, French and Spanish.
In addition, the works will also be translated into Chinese and Hindi because of the importance of novels and literature in China and India. The translation will help promote connection between east and west.
Katara Prize for Arabic Novel aims to reward Arab novelists, appreciate their creative writing and acknowledge their outstanding achievements in Arab cultural life and in promoting cultural awareness and highlighting the attributes of the Arab cultural character in the literary field.
Apart from translation, some of these novels will also be presented as a theatrical masterpiece. Some of the novels which could not be published earlier will be published and marketed.
Katara Prize for Arabic Novel is a part of cultural strategy which aims to promote culture and fine arts. The first ever Katara Prize for Arabic Novel connects novels, translation and drama.
Khalid Abdulrahim Al Sayed, General Supervisor of the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel said since the launch of the Prize, the committee has received about 100 published and about 150 unpublished novels from various Arab countries.
The increase in the participation shows rising importance of novels in Arab world. We have received entries from other GCC countries including Saudi Arabia. Entries have also come from Iraq and Syria despite ongoing unrest in these countries.
Novelists from Egypt, Morocco and Algeria have also sent their novels. The first edition of the Prize, he said, had attracted a good number of women.
The Peninsula
