Book Chat: A Qatari Voice in English-Language Fiction with Ali Al-Naama is an author conversation at Qatar National Library. Qatari novelist Ali Al-Naama will discuss his experience of writing and publishing fiction in English across different literary genres.
The conversation focuses on Al-Naama’s creative journey, writing process and literary experiences. It also considers how his work brings a Qatari perspective and voice into contemporary English-language fiction.
Books and genres
Al-Naama’s debut novel, Circus of the Greats, was published by HBKU Press in 2022. The fantasy novel follows a travelling circus master who becomes involved in a succession crisis within a kingdom that has no heir.
His second novel, The Scenarist, was published by HBKU Press in 2024. Moving into noir, it follows a French law student in 1960s Los Angeles who receives screenplay pages from an unidentified sender. A sequel to Circus of the Greats is forthcoming.
About Ali Al-Naama
Al-Naama was raised between Qatar and the United Kingdom. He is pursuing a PhD in tourism policy and the sustainable consumer journey and serves as Corporate Strategy Director at Manateq.
Date, time and registration
The Book Chat takes place on 23 September 2026 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm in the Special Events Area at Qatar National Library in Doha.
Participation is listed from QAR 0, with online registration available through Qatar National Library.
