Katara Festival for Arabic Novel to Launch This Fall
Qatar’s 11th Katara Festival for Arabic Novel returns October 13–19, celebrating storytelling, literary excellence, and the guest of honor from Saudi Arabia.
The 11th Katara Festival for Arabic Novel is set to launch in Doha from October 13 to 19, bringing together writers, critics, publishers, and book lovers for a week of literary celebration.
Organized by the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), this year’s edition spotlights Saudi Arabia as the guest of honour, in recognition of its burgeoning role in Arabic literature and cultural exchange.
The festival will also pay homage to the late Saudi diplomat, novelist, and poet Ghazi Al Gosaibi, naming him Personality of the Year, and featuring an exhibition dedicated to his life, work, and legacy.
On the evening of October 13, the award ceremony will be held at the Katara Opera House. The Katara Prize for Arabic Novel will honour winners in six categories, including published novels, unpublished novels, young adult novels, unpublished historical novels, critical studies, and Qatari novels. These awards reflect the festival’s commitment to nurturing both established voices and emerging talent in Arabic literature.
In addition to the awards, the festival will open the third edition of the Katara Book Fair, offering attendees access to a wide variety of publishing houses, independent presses, and literary content.
Scholars, readers, and creatives can engage in panel discussions, readings, and cultural programming that explore the evolving landscape of Arabic narrative forms.
With Saudi Arabia guest of honour, the festival underscores the deep connections between Gulf literary cultures. Through the lens of Ghazi Al Gosaibi’s contributions, the award and exhibition emphasise literature’s power to transcend borders and politics, highlight shared heritage, and inspire new generations of Arabic novelists.
The 11th Katara Festival for Arabic Novel aims to be more than a showcase—it is a platform for dialogue, discovery, and the growth of Arabic literature.
From established authors to debut novelists, the event promises rich programming and cultural exchange, reaffirming Qatar’s role as a hub for Arabic letters.