Shifting Landscapes: the Future of Arabic Publishing
Publishing today stands at a critical crossroads: new technologies, shifting reader expectations, and market changes are reshaping the foundations of the industry. Leading publishers discuss how Arab publishing houses are adapting to these rapid transformations, from rethinking distribution models to creating new ways of engaging with readers and making use of cultural events as platforms […]
Books as a Mirror of Identity: The Responsibility of the Arab Publisher
This session brings together leading Arab publishers to discuss their pivotal role in shaping cultural narratives through literature. Panellists will explore how they curate and publish works that reflect Arab heritage, identity, and diverse perspectives, ensuring the preservation and promotion of authentic voices in a rapidly evolving global literary landscape.
Selling and Buying International Rights
The global trade in book rights is expanding, offering new opportunities for authors, agents, and publishers alike. This session explores the dynamics of selling translation rights, and the unique challenges of balancing cultural authenticity with international appeal. Speakers will also highlight the advantages of co-editions—where publishers collaborate across borders to share costs, increase print runs, […]
MBRL Books Publishing Programme Launch
Masterclass: The Importance of Editing in Arabic Literature
Led by acclaimed author Leila Aboulela, this masterclass explores the vital role of editing in shaping Arabic novels for wider readership. Leila will discuss how thoughtful editing not only strengthens the craft of storytelling but also increases the chances for works to resonate across cultures and cross linguistic and geographical borders. Participants will gain valuable […]
The Impact of AI on Creativity and Publishing: How Publishing Can Embrace AI
Nadim Sadek challenges the idea of AI as a threat, positioning it instead as a co-creator that empowers authors and publishers, especially those historically left behind. He shares examples of how AI opens new creative, inclusive, and expressive frontiers. Nadim Sadek is Founder and CEO of Shimmr AI, producing and deploying advertising for long-tail (back […]
Translating from Arabic to English
Join translator Katharine Halls for a practical session on the art of translating from Arabic into English. Through hands-on examples and discussion, the workshop will explore how to handle tone, nuance, and cultural references, offering strategies to produce clear, natural translations that stay true to the original. Katharine Halls, is an accomplished Arabic-to-English translator, and […]
Opening Keynote: Understanding the Evolving Global Publishing Landscape
Keynote touching on the need for publishing to be resilient as it adapts to crisis, conflict, and climate change.
Literary Theory for Robots
Dennis Yi Tenen is a former Microsoft engineer and now a professor of literature at Columbia University. In this thought-provoking exploration of Literary Theory for Robots, he uncovers the hidden ties between storytelling and technology, from medieval Arabic philosophy to Hollywood fiction factories and Cold War labs, showing how humanity has always adapted to new […]
UAE Minister of AI Keynote
