Podcast from Abu Dhabi - Hall 8
In this session, we delve into the worlds of crime and fantasy, exploring how these two genres have developed within Arabic literature from classical texts to contemporary novels. We’ll examine how authors use crime and fantasy not only to craft gripping narratives and complex characters, but also to raise social questions and reflect on reality or even transcend it.
A panel of authors will join us to highlight major works in the field, and to discuss how crime and fantasy can be powerful lenses for exploring the self and society, not merely genres for escape or amusement.
Novelist
Fadwa Altaweel is a Kuwaiti novelist known for her bold and realistic storytelling, exploring important social issues that affect people and society.
She often writes about human rights, especially women’s issues, bringing real-life experiences into her stories with deep emotional and social insight. Her novel Mass Suicide in Haryana received a lot of attention for its powerful themes and the discussions it sparked.
Altaweel is also a best-selling crime writer, with books including Hadatha fi Soho. Beyond writing, she takes part in cultural events and believes in the power of literature to create change. With a simple yet impactful style, she has made a strong mark on Kuwaiti and Arabic literature, showing that stories are not just for entertainment—they help us understand and shape the world around us.
Novelist
A Kuwaiti novelist, writer, publisher, lecturer, and engineer, he is one of the first Kuwaiti authors to explore supernatural fiction, science fiction, horror, and crime literature. In 2011, he founded Nova Plus, a Kuwaiti publishing house, and has enriched the literary scene with works that gained widespread attention. Some of his stories have been adapted into both short and feature-length films, screened in Kuwaiti cinemas, including Apartment 6 and Bibi.
Beyond his writing career, he has conducted over 80 training courses on novel and short story writing across the Gulf region, establishing himself as a leading figure in the Arab literary world.
Corporate Communications Office Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center
Walid Alaaeldin is an Egyptian poet, playwright, and media professional. He holds the position of Corporate Communications Office
Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center He was born in 1973, and his works have been published in numerous newspapers and specialized literary magazines. He has received several awards in poetry, short stories, and playwriting. Selections of his poetry have been translated into French and Persian.