The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is set to make its return to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, with a significant expansion this year. Running for 10 days from April 26 to May 5, the event promises to be the longest in the fair’s history. It will bring together booksellers, publishers, and authors from around the world, showcasing a wide range of genres, including classic literature from the Gulf.
For literature enthusiasts, the fair offers a chance to dive into the region’s rich literary heritage, with several key works from 20th-century authors in the Gulf. These novels often capture the profound social transformations that shaped the region during the oil boom and offer a window into the evolving cultural, social, and political landscapes of the time.
One of the most significant works in Emirati literature is Shajan Bint Al Qadar Al Hazeen by Sara Al Jarwan. First published in 1992, this novel is widely regarded as the first published work by an Emirati woman. It follows the life of the titular protagonist as she navigates the complexities of modernity within a society deeply rooted in tradition. The novel explores themes of identity, cultural belonging, and the shifting roles of women in Emirati society.
Another important title from the UAE is The Diesel by Thani Al Suwaidi, published in 1994. Known for its avant-garde narrative style, the novel tells the story of a teenager attempting to break free from societal constraints. The book’s stream-of-consciousness writing, coupled with surreal elements and a cast of thought-provoking characters, makes it an exceptional exploration of personal and societal conflict.
Kuwait also contributes several important works to Gulf literature, many of which address the region’s rapid transformation during the 20th century. Taleb Al Refai’s Shadow of the Sun (1998) provides a poignant look at the struggles of migrant workers in the Gulf. The novel follows an Egyptian teacher, Helmy, whose dreams of a better life are crushed as he faces bureaucratic and personal challenges. Similarly, Laila Al-Othman’s Wasmiyah Leaves the Sea (1986) delves into social and gender expectations through the coming-of-age love story of a young Kuwaiti woman and her romantic relationship with Abdullah, a man from a lower social class.
From Bahrain, Song of Water and Fire by Abdulla Khalifa (1988) stands out for its lyrical prose and its exploration of the human spirit. Fawziya Rashid’s The Siege (1993) also delves into the tensions between tradition and modernity, offering insight into the evolving cultural landscape of Bahrain.
Saudi Arabia’s literary contributions are equally significant, with several works that explore the nation’s transformation throughout the 20th century. The Twins by Abd AlQuddus Al Ansari, first published in 1930, reflects on the impact of Western influences on Saudi society. The novel follows twin brothers, each receiving a different education—one grounded in tradition, the other in foreign schooling—ultimately leading to drastically different fates.
Turki Al Hamad’s Phantoms of the Deserted Alleys trilogy, which tracks the dramatic changes in Saudi Arabia during the 1970s and ’80s, is another notable work. Additionally, Four Zero by Raja Alam (1987) explores a young woman’s struggles for social connection in a patriarchal society.
These novels not only provide a rich historical perspective on the Gulf but also offer an intimate look at the region’s rapid development and the social issues that defined the 20th century. While some of the challenges presented in these works may not be as prevalent today, they remain essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the Gulf’s cultural evolution.
For those attending the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, The National’s special feature on the 50 most important Arabic novels of the 20th century offers an essential guide to these and other influential works. A roundup of contemporary Arab classics will also be released during the fair, further enriching the literary experience for attendees.
