The International Prize for Arabic Fiction, sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, announced the shortlist for the 2024 edition on Wednesday, which includes six works, among them two novels by Palestinian authors. From the 16 novels that made it to the longlist, the jury selected (A Mask the Color of the Sky) by Palestinian Basem Khandaqji, (A Bet on Lady Mitzi's Honor) by Egyptian Ahmed Al-Mursi, (The Mosaics) by Moroccan Eissa Nasri, (The Ring of Salma) by Syrian Reema Bali, (Makkah's Babble) by Saudi Rajaa Alem, and (The Seventh Sky of Jerusalem) by Palestinian Osama Al-Esa. Each nominee on the shortlist receives $10,000, while the winner will receive an additional $50,000 upon the announcement of the winning novel on April 28.
The jury was chaired by Syrian writer Nabil Suleiman, with members including Czech academic František Ondráš, Sudanese novelist Hamour Ziyada, Egyptian critic Mohamed Shaheer, and Palestinian researcher Sonia Nimer. The head of the jury stated, "The novels on this shortlist are distinguished by their deep narrative exploration of history, intertwining the times of the near and distant past with the present and future, as well as interacting with different civilizations, human creations, and conflicts.”
The announcement of the shortlist took place at a press conference held at the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Authority, where it has been customary to choose a different Arab city each year for this event to affirm the international character of the award.
