Al-Diwan Roundup: News and Analysis in Publishing and Academia from the Arab World

Al-Diwan brings you the latest news and analysis in publishing, academia, pedagogy, and knowledge production from across the Arab world.

What Will 2015 Mean for Arab Universities?
Wagdy Sawahel (Al-Fanar Media)

Al-Fanar Media interviews scholars about the changes, or lack thereof, in Arab universities during 2014 and what is expected in 2015.

The Survival Strategies of Downtown Cairo’s Bookstores
By Nadine El Guiddawy (Daily News Egypt)

Daily News Egypt traces the history of Downtown Cairo’s bookstores and asks how they can keep up with the times amidst changes to the publishing industry.

Word on the Street
By Dominika Maslikowski (Egypt Today)

Egyptians are reading more than ever, or so it seems. Egypt Today examines the reading trends among Egyptians, particularly young Egyptians, as the country’s publishing industry adjusts to changing times in the book market with the advent of e-books.

Cairo International Book Fair to Open on 28 January
By Mohammed Saad (Ahram Online)

The 46^th Cairo International Book Fair is slated to open its doors on 28 January, with over 850 publishers expected to attend.

Digital Leaning – the Future for Education in the Maghreb?
Christine Petre (Your Middle East)

A three-day conference in Tunisia titled the Maghreb Digital Learning and Education Innovation Conference examines how Maghreb countries can make the transition to e-learning.

Islamic State Book Burnings Target Minorities
Ali Mamouri (Al-Monitor)

“Fighters usually inspect cargo, impose custom duties, and confiscate any publication deemed contrary to their principles,” writes Ali Mamouri. “The offending books are burned or otherwise destroyed on the spot.”

Nobel Laureates Urge Saudi Academics to Condemn Badawi Flogging
(Your Middle East)

Eighteen Nobel laureates ask Saudi academics to voice their concerns over the flogging of Saudi blogger Raef Badawi and "to be heard arguing for the freedom to dissent."

Expanding the Emirates Lit Festival Throughout the Year
By M. Lynx Qualey (Arabic Literature [in English])

Dubai expands its literature festival across the entire year with the opening of the Dubai International Writers’ Centre (DIWC) in late 2014.

Qatar University to Co-Host First-Ever Times Higher Education MENA Universities Summit
(Zawya)

Qatar University and Times Higher Education will host the first edition of the Times Higher Education MENA Universities Summit on 23-24 February.

Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing Launches First Young Adult Book Guide in the Arab Market
(Albawaba)

Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing, a member of Qatar Foundation, announces first ever Young Adult Golden Guide in the Middle East.

Bodour Selected as Emirates Publishers Association’s Honorary President
(Khaleej Times)

CEO of Kalimat Group Shaikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has been named honorary president of the Emirates Publishers Association in recognition for her contribution to the UAE publishing industry.