Sudanese Literary Triumph at Katara Awards: Al-Dabi’s “The Siege of the Gazelle Wau” and Al-Tayeb’s Novel Reach the Top 9 List

Doha | Nile Post

Sudanese fiction secured a distinguished position at the 12th edition of the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel, with two Sudanese works advancing to the prestigious Top 9 shortlist in the Published Novels category, amid a record-breaking competition featuring 2,610 entries from across the Arab world.

The acclaimed novel “The Siege of the Gazelle Wau” by Sudanese author Mohannad Rajab Al-Dabi earned a prominent spot among the finalists, delivering a powerful narrative that delves into spatial conflicts and human struggles. Sudan’s presence was further bolstered by veteran author Tariq Al-Tayeb with his work “I Saw What You Are Not Permitted to See,” positioning Sudan in second place across the Arab region following Egypt.

Organized by the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) in Qatar, this cycle marked the highest participation since the award’s inception in 2014, evaluating 45 novels and 9 critical studies across categories including published and unpublished works, young adult fiction, historical novels, and literary criticism.