Shortlist announced for the 2026 Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature
Six novels have been selected for the shortlist of the 2026 Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature. The winner will be announced on December 11 on the birth anniversary of Naguib Mahfouz.
The shortlist for the prestigious 2026 Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature has been officially announced, featuring six selected novels that showcase contemporary writing talent across the region. This year's selection was curated from a substantial pool of submissions that included 143 books.
The entries for consideration came from the Arab world and a total of 23 different countries, reflecting a broad geographic representation. From this extensive collection of literary works, the committee narrowed down the contenders to the final six novels currently featured on the official shortlist.
The distinguished authors included in the 2026 shortlist represent several nations within the region, specifically featuring writers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Palestine. The nominated individuals are আবদুল্লাহ নাসের, আহমদ আবদেল লতিফ, গানা আদেল, ইনআম কাচাচি, মোহাম্মদ জুবাইতি, and তালাল ফয়সাল.
Anticipation is now building for the final announcement of the competition's winner. The name of the successful author will be revealed on December 11, a significant date that marks the birth anniversary of the renowned literary figure Naguib Mahfouz.
The eventual winner of the 2026 Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature will receive a cash prize of 5,000 US dollars. In addition to the monetary award, the winning novel will be translated into English and published within the English-speaking world.
