Stories about exile, identity and lives shaped by political rupture will reach an expanded reader base this year, with a number of key Arabic novels being translated into English across 2026.
These works include prize-winning titles alongside books by established authors and emerging voices, ranging from multigeneration family narratives to tightly focused meditations on loss and exile.
Often released by specialised publishers and carried into the English by dedicated translators, the books reflect the growing visibility of contemporary Arabic fiction. Below are six translations set to be published this year, with some release dates yet to be announced.
1. A Mask the Colour of the Sky by Basim Khandaqji (March 17)
The book follows the story of a Palestinian archaeologist posing as an Israeli citizen. Photo: Europa Editions
Imprisoned Palestinian author Basim Khandaqji won the 2024 International Prize for Arabic Fiction for his novel, which was
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