Articles
Samhita Arni on her new version of the Ramayana
The Indian writer Samhita Arni’s new version of the Hindu epic Ramayana is making waves across the world. She tells us why every generation should have their own version of the classic tale.
The Jordanian poet and journalist Amjad Nasser explores exile in his debut novel Land of No Rain
Amjad Nasser says that his novel’s intriguing device – his protagonist Younis is divided into two, the man who stayed behind and the man he becomes in exile – explains his own life.
Gaiutra Bahadur’s book Coolie Woman tells the story of indentured labour
The American journalist Gaiutra Bahadur discusses her new book Coolie Woman, which is shortlisted for the prestigious Orwell Prize for Political Writing.
Neil Finn chats ahead of his show at The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
Crowded House frontman Neil Finn arrives in Dubai for his first date in the UAE this week with a new solo album, Dizzy Heights.
Darkest before dawn
To work through her feelings about the last 25 years of Middle Eastern history, the Kuwaiti writer Mai Al-Nakib fashioned a debut collection of short stories. She tells us why The Hidden Light of Objects is bound up in her hopes for the region.
The six authors, books and stories shortlisted for the 2014 International Prize for Arab Fiction
The six nominees for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction talk to us about their books, their writing careers and what it means to be shortlisted.
The facts behind their fiction
The shortlist for the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize is announced on April 8, and three authors from the Middle East are vying to make it to the final six. One of them, Sinan Antoon, tells us why such literary vibrancy isn't actually a new thing.
A story of migration, work and hardship
The Bangladeshi-British author Tahmima Anam is on the shortlist for the Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award for a tale set amid Dubai’s migrant labour population. It may be short, but it has a lot of meaning, writes Ben East.
Making a digital masterpiece: British Library gathers antique Ramayana into one virtual location
The finest illustrated manuscript of the Hindu epic has spent the past two centuries dispersed all over the world. We go behind the scenes at The British Library to discover how an online project has collected the 350-year-old volume in one virtual place.
Peeling back the layers of Rabih Alameddine’s latest novel An Unnecessary Woman
The best-selling Lebanese-American author Rabih Alameddine is back with the follow-up to his smash-hit The Hakawati. He tells us why, this time, he wanted to write a 'quieter' book.
Five reasons why Eric Clapton is the real guitar hero
Ben East has five reasons why Eric Clapton, who plays the Media City Amphitheatre in Dubai tonight, is the ultimate musician.
How Jamal Mahjoub’s life of crime writing has paid off
Jamal Mahjoub talks to Ben East about why coming up with an alter ego – Parker Bilal – was the way to find a new audience via his series of Cairo-based thrillers.
Acid Arab Collections is a meld of many tunes
A compilation album referencing Arab music is one of the most fascinating releases of 2014 so far. We caught up with Acid Arab, a Parisian duo determined to bring Middle Eastern culture to a new audience.
Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize can translate into big success for Arabic authors
The Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation is awarded on Wednesday – and two books are sharing the spoils. Is this further proof the Arab novel is in great health?
Khaled Khalifa favourite for International Prize For Arabic Fiction
The IPAF shortlist has been announced. We look at the favourites to win, headed by the Syrian novelist Khaled Khalifa.
