Qatari novelist al-Mahmoud to feature in Faces from the Gulf episode airing Thursday

In a special episode of Wojouh Mina Alkhaleej (Faces from the Gulf), Alaraby 2 TV features Qatari novelist Abdulaziz al-Mahmoud in an in-depth conversation that reveals hidden chapters of his creative and intellectual journey.Al-Mahmoud — recognised as one of the leading literary figures in the Gulf — revisits formative experiences from his life.Beginning with his upbringing in Qatar under the guidance of his grandfather, a prominent religious figure of his era. The episode traces his evolution from studying aerospace engineering to his eventual transition into journalism and literature.The interview also offers exclusive insights into al-Mahmoud’s interactions with influential political figures in the Islamic world. Among them: his behind-the-scenes efforts to prevent a boycott of the Islamic Conference held in Doha. Including a revealing conversation with a senior political leader, whose identity al-Mahmoud discloses during the episode.The conversation also explores his bold line of questioning in an interview with an Arab president later overthrown by popular uprising.Hosted by Omani novelist and academic Dr Mohammed Alyahyai, the episode explores the intersection of historical knowledge and literary craft.Highlighting al-Mahmoud’s deep passion for history and the way it enlightens his novels. He also criticises the scarcity of high-quality literary translations in the Arab world and the challenges this poses to readers seeking access to global literature.This episode is part of Faces from the Gulf, the weekly series that documents the living memory of the Gulf region through the voices of its cultural, artistic, and intellectual pioneers. Each episode invites viewers into the personal narratives of remarkable individuals whose stories reflect the broader transformations of the region.The episode featuring Abdulaziz al-Mahmoud is to air Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 19:00 Doha time on Alaraby 2 TV.