The International Prize for Arabic Fiction, perhaps the most prestigious and important literary prize in the Arab world, aims to reward excellence in contemporary Arabic creative writing and to encourage the readership of high quality Arabic literature internationally through the translation and publication of winning and shortlisted novels in other major languages.

IPAF was launched in April 2007 in Abu Dhabi. The prize is run with the support of the Booker Prize Foundation in London and the Emirates Foundation in Abu Dhabi. Its overall management is the responsibility of its board of trustees, whose members include leading figures from both the Arab and international literary worlds. Day-to-day administration is undertaken by the administrator, who is appointed by the trustees. It is the duty of the board of trustees to appoint annually the five members of the judging panel which is alone responsible for the selection of the longlist, the shortlist and the eventual winner. The panel changes every year and judges remain anonymous until the shortlist is announced, in order to ensure the independence and integrity of the selection process.

The winner announcement takes place in Abu Dhabi each March. The shortlisted finalists for the prize each receive $10,000, with the winner receiving an additional $50,000. Authors can look forward to increased book sales both within the Arab world and internationally through translation, which is assured for the winner.

In addition to the annual prize, the IPAF supports literary initiatives and in 2009 launched its inaugural nadwa (writers’ workshop) for a group of aspiring writers from across the Arab world. The workshop – the first of its kind for Arab writers - took place in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. It resulted in eight new pieces of fiction by some of the Arab world’s most promising authors, five of whom have recently been selected for the Beirut39. This collection of stories is due to be published in 2010.

About the Booker Prize:

The Booker Prize Foundation is a registered charity which, since 2002, has been responsible for the award of the Man Booker Prize (formally the Booker Prize).

Established in 1968, the Man Booker Prize (formally known as ‘The Booker Prize’) is a prestigious literary prize awarded each year for the best original full-length novel, written in the English language, by a citizen of either the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland.

The judges of the Man Booker Prize are selected from leading literary critics, writers, academics and notable public figures. The judging panel changes each year to maintain the consistent excellence of the prize and its integrity.
A Russian version of the prize was created in 1992. And an African version, the "Caine Prize", was launched in 2000 .
The winner of the Man Booker Prize is generally assured of international renown and success. It is also a mark of distinction for authors to be nominated for the Booker longlist or selected for inclusion in the shortlist.

About the Emirates Foundation:

Established in 2005, the Emirates Foundation is one of the leading philanthropic organizations in the UAE. It is committed to improving the quality of life for all people in the UAE, through a variety of local and international projects that stimulate intellectual and social growth, as well as increase access to cultural, educational and technological resources, and foster increased participation in civic life.