Famous Arabian Authors and Their Best Books to Read in 2025

The Arab world has given us some of the greatest and most influential writers, and their work still inspires people around the world. As we move closer to 2025, there is a growing appreciation for Famous Arabian authors and their incredible stories.

The Entrepreneur Insights article, we highlight some famous Arabian authors whose novels remain timeless, offering readers a deep and colorful experience of culture, history and wisdom.

Naguib Mahfouz – The Nobel Laureate of Arabic Literature

Naguib Mahfouz, the first Arabic-language writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1988), remains a towering figure in modern literature. His works capture the spirit of Egyptian society through vivid storytelling and complex characters.

Must-Read Books in 2025:

• “The Cairo Trilogy” (Palace Walk, Palace of Desire, Sugar Street): A sweeping family saga that beautifully portrays the life in Cairo from World War I to post-World War II.
• “Children of the Alley”: A controversial and philosophical novel banned in many Arab countries, exploring human faith and struggle.
• “Miramar”: A brilliant social commentary set in a boarding house in Alexandria.

Kahlil Gibran – The Prophet of Soulful Wisdom

Kahlil Gibran, although widely associated with Lebanon and the U.S., continues to hold an iconic status in Arabic literature. His poetic and philosophical works transcend cultural boundaries.

Essential Reads for 2025:

• “The Prophet”: A timeless collection of poetic essays offering spiritual wisdom on love, freedom, and life.
• “Broken Wings”: A poignant tale of love and loss, exposing the societal constraints faced by women.
• “The Madman”: A profound exploration of individuality and inner truth.

Hanan Al-Shaykh – The Voice of Feminine Strength

Hanan Al-Shaykh, a Lebanese author, boldly tackles themes of female identity, war, and family in a Middle Eastern context. Her narrative style is evocative, emotional, and unapologetically candid.

Top Books to Explore:

• “Women of Sand and Myrrh”: A daring novel exploring the lives of four women navigating life in an oppressive society.
• “The Story of Zahra”: A gripping account of a woman’s search for freedom against the backdrop of war-torn Beirut.
• “Only in London”: A colorful portrayal of expatriates in London grappling with identity and belonging.

Ghassan Kanafani – The Revolutionary Storyteller

Ghassan Kanafani, a Palestinian writer and political activist, is celebrated for his profound contributions to Arabic resistance literature. His works offer poignant reflections on displacement and national identity.

Key Works for 2025:

• “Men in the Sun”: A heartbreaking tale of Palestinian refugees and the struggles they face in search of a better life.
• “Returning to Haifa”: A powerful narrative about loss, return, and the complexities of memory and belonging.
• “All That’s Left to You”: A lyrical and symbolic exploration of the Palestinian diaspora.

Ahdaf Soueif – Bridging Cultures Through Literature

Ahdaf Soueif, an Egyptian novelist, is renowned for her portrayal of cultural intersections between the East and West. Her narratives are both politically aware and deeply personal.

Must-Reads for 2025:

• “The Map of Love”: A Booker Prize-nominated novel that interweaves two love stories across time, bridging Victorian England and colonial Egypt.
• “In the Eye of the Sun”: An intricate story following a young Egyptian woman’s life and academic journey abroad.
• “Mezzaterra: Fragments from the Common Ground”: A collection of essays delving into issues of identity, culture, and politics.

Nawal El Saadawi – The Fierce Feminist Voice

Nawal El Saadawi, a formidable Egyptian feminist writer, physician, and activist, challenges oppressive systems with bold and fearless prose.

Notable Books to Read:

• “Woman at Point Zero”: Based on a real-life encounter, this novel exposes the brutal realities faced by women in Egyptian society.
• “The Hidden Face of Eve”: An insightful analysis of the status of Arab women, blending personal experience with broader societal critique.
• “God Dies by the Nile”: A powerful indictment of corruption and patriarchy in rural Egypt.

Mohammed Hasan Alwan – The Rising Star of Contemporary Arabic Fiction

Mohammed Hasan Alwan, a Saudi Arabian author, represents the new wave of Arab literary excellence with his lyrical and contemplative prose.

Books to Watch in 2025:

• “A Small Death”: A stunning fictionalized biography of Sufi saint Ibn Arabi, exploring spirituality and personal growth.
• “Sufficiency Ceiling”: A profound exploration of love and existential longing.
• “The Beaver”: A semi-autobiographical novel dealing with family disintegration and self-discovery.

Jokha Alharthi – A New Literary Luminary

Jokha Alharthi, the Omani writer who made history as the first Arabic-language author to win the Man Booker International Prize, offers deep insights into the rapidly changing society of Oman.

Essential Reads for 2025:

• “Celestial Bodies”: A novel exploring the intertwined lives of three sisters against the backdrop of Oman’s transition from tradition to modernity.
• “Narinjah”: A vivid portrayal of loss, longing, and familial bonds.

Abdulrazak Gurnah – Master of Migration Narratives

Although Abdulrazak Gurnah writes predominantly in English, his roots in Zanzibar and his themes focusing on exile, migration, and colonialism deeply resonate with Arabian history.

Must-Read Titles:

• “Paradise”: A novel of growing up and coming of age set against the backdrop of German East Africa.
• “By the Sea”: A haunting story about asylum, memory, and survival.
• “Afterlives”: An exploration of the human cost of colonialism in East Africa.

Why Arabian Literature Will Thrive in 2025

The rich literature of the Arabian world gives us deep cultural knowledge and shared human experiences. As people around the world look for more different and unique voices, these writers bring stories that are connected to tradition but also modern and fresh. Reading their books in 2025 will not only improve our understanding of literature but also help us build more empathy and awareness between different cultures.

Their timeless narratives and deep humanistic themes make Arabian literature essential reading for anyone looking to expand their literary horizons in 2025 and beyond.