SOAS to host prestigious Arabic literary Prize
The annual Saif Ghobash Banipal book prize will be hosted at SOAS University of London from 2026.
The prize is the first in the world to celebrate published translations from Arabic to English, launched in 2006, it now marks 20 years.
As part of the prize moving to SOAS, last year’s winner Marilyn Booth, will be discussing her winning translation the book Honey Hunger this week (written by author Zahran Alqasmi) with Chair of Judges Professor Tina Phillips. Writer and literary critic Boyd Tonkin will also lead conversations on the changes within literary translation across the “Anglosphere”.
Professor Paul Starkey, Chair of the Banipal Trust for Arab Literature, and Margaret Obank, Founder of the Trust commented:
"We are delighted to pass the responsibility for the future management of the prize and lecture to SOAS. The Trust, the Society of Authors and the family of Saif Ghobash who so generously sponsor the prize and lecture are all confident that in the hands of Professor Wen-chin Ouyang and her colleagues, the prize will continue to extend its reputation and its wide reach into the world of literary publishers, translators and authors, while celebrating the wonderful diversity of contemporary Arabic literature in English translation.”
Maysoune Ghobash, representing the Saif Ghobash family added:
“The Saif Ghobash family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Banipal Trust for its stewardship and dedication over the last 20 years. Our father Saif’s memory, and his love for literature are never forgotten. As a family, we think of him daily, of his love of books and his genuine delight in culture and conversation. Coming together to celebrate translators and authors feels especially meaningful and keeps alive the values our father held so dear. The family is delighted to continue this legacy under SOAS, University of London, and we look forward to supporting the prize as it enters its next chapter with the same passion and commitment to Arabic literary translation.”
Wen-chin Ouyang, Professor of Arabic and Comparative Literature at SOAS who will be moderating the lecture said:
"I am extremely honoured that the Banipal Trust and the Saif Ghobash Family feel confident to entrust SOAS with the future of the Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation. I look forward to working with the Saif Ghobash family to encourage and promote Arabic literature in translation.”
The 2026 prize is currently in the process of appointing both the judging and chair panels. Supported by The Society of Authors, the Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize awards translations of contemporary Arabic literature, illustrating diversity and culture to the wider world.
