Algeria boasts a strong presence in the 2026 International Prize for Arabic Fiction, with three Algerian authors making the longlist. The prestigious literary award has recognized the talents of Amine Zaoui, Said Khatibi, and Abdelouahab Aissaoui, placing them among the sixteen novels selected from a pool of 137 submissions.
A diverse panel of judges, chaired by Tunisian researcher and critic Mohamed El Ghazi, oversaw the selection process. The committee included Iraqi writer and translator Shaker Nouri, Bahraini academic and critic Dhia Al-Kaabi, South Korean academic Laila Hi-Won Baik, and Palestinian writer and translator Maya Abu Al-Hayat.
The longlist showcases a broad geographical representation, encompassing ten Arab countries. Egypt leads with four nominated novelists, followed by Algeria with three. Lebanon has two authors on the list, while Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Oman, Morocco, and Yemen each have one representative.
Several authors on the longlist are familiar faces in the competition. Abdelouahab Aissaoui, the 2020 prize winner, returns, as does Said Khatibi, who reached the shortlist in 2020. Other noteworthy names with previous nominations include Abed el Mejid Sabata, Ahmed Abdel Latif, Omaima Al-Khamis, and Amine Zaoui.
According to the prize organizers, sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, the selected works explore narratives spanning diverse historical periods and geographical locations. These range from ancient Middle Eastern civilizations dating back four millennia to futuristic visions of Cairo. They traverse Omani and Yemeni villages in the late 20th century and even extend to a contemporary Japanese prison. These novels delve into the social transformations experienced by Algeria, Iraq, and other Arab nations over the decades, examining the psychological depths of characters and their internal struggles with jealousy and mental health.
The inclusion of three Algerian novelists highlights the vibrant and evolving literary landscape of the country. Their works promise to offer readers compelling narratives and insightful perspectives on the human condition.
DZWatch will continue to provide updates on the progress of these talented Algerian authors in the lead-up to the announcement of the shortlist and eventual winner.
