Winners of the 12th Katara Prize for Arabic Novel 2026 have highlighted the significance of the award in enhancing the visibility of their works across Arab and international audiences. The authors noted that the recognition is expected to facilitate wider translation into major languages, increased distribution, and a stronger global presence for Arab literature amid evolving digital landscapes.

Qatari novelist Khalaf al-Khalaf received the prize for his novel *The Covenant and the Pact*, which centers on Muteb, a character who confronts numerous hardships but ultimately discovers inner strength and ambition despite illness and adversity. Al-Khalaf described the honor as a key aspiration for writers participating in prominent international literary forums.

In the critical studies category, Moroccan academic Dr. Hamid al-Kettani was awarded for his research titled *The Arabic Novel on the Threshold of Development: A Study in Historical Periodization*. His work traces the historical evolution of the Arabic novel, analyzing its transition from classical to modern narrative styles during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The study also reevaluates critical terminology from both cultural and aesthetic viewpoints, utilizing resources such as the Doha Historical Dictionary.

Palestinian novelist Huda al-Mashhrawi was recognized for a novel reflecting the creative resilience of the Palestinian people. Her story follows a character born in a refugee camp in Lebanon, delving into themes of marginalization, loss, and their psychological and social repercussions.

Yemeni writer Dr. Manal Taha earned the award for *Sunglasses*, a novel that addresses young readers with a straightforward message about understanding relationships. Taha emphasized the importance of clarity in perceiving interpersonal dynamics to foster healthy connections.

Algerian novelist Khadija Tellil was honored for *The Tailor of Tolga*, set in Tolga, an oasis in Algeria’s Biskra Province. The narrative follows Amjad, a boy deeply interested in heritage and history, as he investigates the mystery of a tailor featured in a piece of artwork. Tellil said the novel explores the themes of memory, the struggle against forgetting, and the linkage of past and present through artistic expression.

The winners underscored the potential of the Katara Prize to broaden the reach of Arabic novels in the global literary market, reinforcing the stature of Arab writers internationally.