Abdelouahab Aissaoui is not a man for grand occasions.
So when the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (Ipaf) cancelled its glittering ceremony in Abu Dhabi last month due to the coronavirus, this year's winner was all too accepting.
As the first Algerian to scoop the prize, for the novel The Spartan Court, Aissaoui was more than happy to accept the prize from the comfort of his home.
“It took nothing away from how happy I felt and I was looking forward to travel to the UAE for the event. But at the end of the day a writer’s work is normally private and away from people,” he says. “So to be able to stay home and accept the prize from here is absolutely ideal for me.”
That said, the prize - which comes with $50,000 (Dh180,360) and guaranteed English translation of the novel – did come with its own share of disruptions.
The award's high profile resulted in a reappraisal of The Spartan Court, which had been out in Algerian book shops for two years prior.
The 'Ipaf effect' is real
“When the novel came out, it got some decent coverage but to be honest, it was read in limited circles,” Aissaoui says. “Now that I [have] won the award people are engaging with it more. With that came a lot of controversy. As a writer, I don’t mind stirring up discussion and my work being criticised for its ideas. But if it’s personal, well that can be frustrating.”
The reason for the divisive reaction is that The Spartan Court examines a deeply contentious period of Algerian history (1815 to 1833) which saw the transfer of power from the Ottoman Empire to Colonial France.
That tumultuous time is rendered through the interconnected lives of the five characters, all of whom straddle different strata of Algerian society.
Two of the characters are French. There's Dupond, a weary journalist covering the colonial campaign against Algeria. He is joined by Caviard, a former soldier in Napoleon's army who strategises the campaign from his cell. The response to the upheaval is told through the eyes of the remaining three Algerian characters: the socialite and business savvy Ibn Mayyar, the rebel Hamma Sallaoui and Doudja, a sex worker.
Split into five parts and using various narrative techniques from standard prose to monologues, the novel revisits certain pivotal events from the perspectives of its characters.
Such a multi-layered approach was vital, Aissaoui states, as it provides a more provocative representation of a period rife with various interpretations based on political and religious ideologies.
In this regard, The Spartan Court achieves what all historical literature is meant to do, to elicit more questions than answers.
"I wanted to escape this idea of myself as the omniscient narrator," he says. "The story uses a polyphonic structure because I wanted those different perspectives. It gives me the freedom to roam around and give the story more depth.”
This method necessitated a deep dive into Algerian history and Aissaoui approached the research through a journalistic lens.
He recalls reading more than 70 books on that era ranging from historical travelogues by Sufi scholar Abu Ra’s al-Nasiri, Ottman Empire maps and memoirs by 19th century Algerian authors Sharif Zahar and Ahmad Efendi, as well as the account of William Schaller, who was American consul in Algeria at the time
This was supplemented with field trips Aissaoui took to Algiers (he lives in 400 kilometres away). However, his strolls in the city were not to identify specific pieces of Algerian history, but to document what was lost.
"Part of this book looks at some of the changes that happened in Algeria as a result of colonisation," he says. "There are many things from that era that are no longer with us, such as the mosques, palaces and street cafes. In some cases, I needed to my skills to reimagine those places with atmosphere and people."
Algeria past and present
It is something Aissaoui renders with the elegance of a seasoned hand.
The Spartan Court is not his only work immersed in history.
His previous novel, 2015's Mountains of Death, is set in the 1930s during the Spanish Civil War and looks at the plight of rebels suffering in prison camps in Algeria. With The Spartan Court being the first historical novel to win the prize, Aissaoui hopes that the genre becomes more palatable to Arabic readers.
“It’s not that history never played a part in Arabic novels. If you look at the Ipaf Award, many of the winning novels which preceded mine dealt with history in some shape or form,” he says. “I think there is a growing interest in this field, so it is also up to the writers to present in an accessible way to keep gauge and maintain their interests.”
As well as challenging misconceptions surrounding Algeria history, The Spartan Court also provides a fresh perspective on its modern cultural landscape.
Aissaoui says being the first Algerian novelist to win the Ipaf Award reflect his homeland’s increasingly vibrant Arabic literary scene.
“We are living through the awakening of the Arabic novel in Algeria,” he says. “You know, about 20 years ago you would only find about 4 to 5 Arabic books published a year. Now you can get up 200 novels out annually.”
Aissaoui puts it down to the last two generations of Algerians being “Arabised” by the explosion of Pan Arabic satellite television.
“You can’t underestimate the power of this. We have moved from generations influenced by French culture to an Arabic one” he says.
“Watching Arabic channels have influenced Algerians to embrace the language and literature. There are more Arabic publishing houses putting out interesting works and with the encouragement of awards such as the Ipaf, I think this number will only grow. I am optimistic about the future.”
Scorebox
Dubai Sports City Eagles 7 Bahrain 88
Eagles
Try: Penalty
Bahrain
Tries: Gibson 2, Morete 2, Bishop 2, Bell 2, Behan, Fameitau, Sanson, Roberts, Bennett, Radley
Cons: Radley 4, Whittingham 5
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The specs
Engine: 0.8-litre four cylinder
Power: 70bhp
Torque: 66Nm
Transmission: four-speed manual
Price: $1,075 new in 1967, now valued at $40,000
On sale: Models from 1966 to 1970
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
What is a Ponzi scheme?
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
The specs: 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Price, base / as tested Dh97,600
Engine 1,745cc Milwaukee-Eight v-twin engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 78hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque 145Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.0L / 100km (estimate)
The years Ramadan fell in May
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
RESULT
Brazil 2 Croatia 0
Brazil: Neymar (69'), Firmino (90' 3)
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Community Shield info
Where, when and at what time Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday at 5pm (UAE time)
Arsenal line up (3-4-2-1) Petr Cech; Rob Holding, Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal; Hector Bellerin, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck; Alexandre Lacazette
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Chelsea line up (3-4-2-1) Thibaut Courtois; Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Gary Cahill; Victor Moses, Cesc Fabregas, N'Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso; Willian, Pedro; Michy Batshuayi
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Referee Bobby Madley
Results
5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m; Winner: Mcmanaman, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)
6.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Bawaasil, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson
6.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Dirt) 1,400m; Winner: Bochart, Fabrice Veron, Satish Seemar
7.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Mutaraffa, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
7.50pm: Longines Stakes – Conditions (TB) Dh120,00 (D) 1,900m; Winner: Rare Ninja, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.25pm: Zabeel Trophy – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Alfareeq, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
9pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 2,410m; Winner: Good Tidings, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
9.35pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Zorion, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi
UAE rugby in numbers
5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons
700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams
Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams
Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season
Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season
The%20specs
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
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Book%20Details
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