Tag: Arab Authors

LIBYA: 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair names Arab author Ibrahim Al-Koni as ‘Cultural Personality of the Year’

Libyan novelist has written 81 books which have been translated into 40 languages.

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has named Ibrahim Al-Koni, Libyan writer and novelist, as the ‘Cultural Personality of the Year’ for the 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). The fair, which will open on November 1, will run till November 12. 

The authority said the honour is in recognition of his profound impact on both the Arab and global cultural and literary spheres and his invaluable contributions. Al-Koni’s exceptional efforts have enriched the literary world and has been instrumental in spotlighting Arab authors on the global stage, with his literary works being translated into over 40 languages, finding a place in the curricula of universities worldwide, including those in Europe, America, Japan, and beyond.

The choice of Al-Koni for this accolade aligns with SBA’s mission to celebrate distinguished individuals in the realms of thought, literature, history and the arts. These notable figures have not only enhanced the cultural heritage but have also created impactful works that have left a lasting imprint on both the Arab and global stages across a spectrum of literary and intellectual domains, the SBA said.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said, “The authority believes that honouring cultural and literary figures is an important step in building the cultural identity of any civilisation and nation. Thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate has become a platform for honouring Arabs whose thought and literary contributions have become a cornerstone of literature and knowledge. This includes the Libyan writer and novelist Ibrahim Al-Koni, whose recognition today asserts the strength of literature, culture, and knowledge in presenting the Arab identity to the world’s cultures.

“This recognition introduces the younger Arab generations to a prominent figure who has a significant and influential presence in the Arab and global cultural scene. Al-Koni’s portfolio includes more than 80 books in the fields of novels, literary studies, criticism, linguistics, history, and politics, serving as a source of inspiration and pride for Arabs. They are a testament to his strength and ability to compete in the realms of knowledge and culture, earning high recognition as one of the most prominent influencers in the Arab cultural landscape and one of the most widely recognised Arab authors in the world.”

81 books in 40 languages

Al-Koni was born in Ghadames, Libya, in 1948. He is among the most prominent contemporary Arab novelists and has been a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature on several occasions. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in literary and critical sciences in 1977 from the Maxim Gorky Literature Institute in Moscow. He has worked in various journalistic and diplomatic roles around the world, with his most recent being a diplomatic advisor at the Libyan Embassy in Switzerland. Al-Koni is proficient in eight languages, including Tamasheq, Arabic, Russian, English, Polish, German, Spanish, and Latin.

The prolific Libyan writer has authored 81 books in various fields, and has been translated into more than 40 languages. He was selected by the French Lire Magazine as one of the top 50 contemporary world novelists, and received wide acclaim from cultural, critical, academic, and official circles around the globe.

Al-Koni has received numerous regional and international awards, including the Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity in 2008.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Ibrahim Al-Koni, Libyan writer and novelist, who has been named as the ‘Cultural Personality of the Year’ for the 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair. Image Credit: Supplied

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LIBYA

KUWAIT: Arab Media Forum names Kuwait’s Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ghanem Al-Rumaihi as ‘Media Personality of the Year’

Pan-Arab talks bringing together media bodies from across the region have named Kuwait’s Dr. Mohammad Al-Rumaihi as the personality of the year in recognition of his contributions in the field.

As he received his award, Al-Rumaihi, a professor of political sociology at Kuwait University, dedicated the achievement to his compatriots who have made notable contributions in the field of media and journalism, saying the accolade was a “tremendous honor.” He hailed the gathering as a significant initiative that helps propel the field of media and journalism in the region to greater levels, besides shining light on the importance of this crucial sector.

Al-Rumahi has enjoyed a prolific career in the field of journalism, having served as the chief editor of numerous Kuwaiti publications, while he has also authored a number of books delving into Arab social and political affairs.

source/content: kuwaittimes.com(headline edited)

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Dr. Mohammad Al-Rumaihi

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KUWAIT

IRAQI Writer Abdul Rahman Majeed Al-Rubaie

Iraqi writer Abdul Rahman Majeed Al-Rubaie passes away at 83.

The news was confirmed by his friend and fellow writer, Waheed Al-Taweelah, who shared his condolences on Facebook.

Born in Nasiriyah, Iraq, in 1939, Al-Rubaie was considered one of Iraq’s most important contemporary writers.

He was known for his honest and emotionally rich depictions of the human condition in Iraq.

He authored several novels, short stories, plays, and poems that focused on themes of social justice, political commentary, and everyday struggles in Iraq.

Al-Rubaie was a versatile artist who practiced teaching, journalism, and diplomatic work in Lebanon and Tunisia.

He was also a member of the Iraqi Writers Union, the Journalists Syndicate in Iraq, and the Fine Artists Association in Iraq.

His acclaimed novel Al-Washm [The Tattoo], excerpted in Banipal No 17, has been reprinted six times in Morocco but was never published in Saddam’s Iraq.

Al-Rubaie’s contributions to Iraqi literature were widely acclaimed, and he received numerous awards and accolades throughout his life.

In addition to his acclaimed novels, such as “Tattoos” and “Rivers,” Al-Rubaie also wrote plays that were staged in Iraq and abroad.

His play “The City of Strangers” was performed in Baghdad in the 1970s and was later staged in Tunisia and Lebanon.

Another play, “The Game of Assassination,” was performed in Baghdad in 1985 and explored the dark side of Iraqi politics.

Al-Rubaie’s poetry was equally celebrated.

His collections such as “For Love and the Impossible” and “Shahryar Sailing” showcase his lyrical and reflective style.

His poetry often delved into themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the natural world.

Throughout his career, Al-Rubaie was a strong advocate for freedom of expression and the power of literature to promote social change.

He was vocal about the importance of writers and intellectuals in shaping public discourse, and he often used his writing to challenge prevailing attitudes and norms.

Al-Rubaie’s work has been translated into several languages and has received critical acclaim both in Iraq and abroad.

His contributions to Iraqi literature have left an indelible mark on the country’s cultural landscape.

source/contents: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

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Iraqi writer Abdul Rahman Majeed Al-Rubaie

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IRAQ