The Asian Group of Literature Embarks on Collaboration with UAE-Based Trogon Global; Sabin Iqbal Named Director for MENA Region

The Asian Group of Literature has embarked on a collaboration with Trogon Global, a UAE-based festival curation company, for its Middle Eastern operations. As part of this partnership, UAE-based cultural curator, novelist and journalist Sabin Iqbal has been appointed as Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Sabin Iqbal brings an unparalleled skill set and decades of experience in literary and cultural curation to his new role overseeing The Asian Literary Festivals and Prizes in the MENA region. His distinguished career spans nearly two decades in journalism with national and international publications, before transitioning into the world of literary curation where he has made his most significant impact.

As festival director and curator of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL), South India’s largest literary festival, Iqbal demonstrated exceptional curatorial vision. Since MIFL’s inception in 2018, he has orchestrated a celebration of letters and ideas that has brought together over 400 international and Indian writers, speakers and performers. His curatorial approach has successfully created bridges connecting Malayalam, Indian and world literature, establishing the festival as a premier platform for literary discourse across South Asia.

Iqbal’s extensive global networks, combined with his deep understanding of cultural programming, uniquely position him to expand The Asian Prizes and The Asian Festivals throughout the MENA region. His curatorial philosophy emphasises cross-cultural dialogue and the celebration of diverse literary traditions. Beyond his curatorial work, he is also an accomplished novelist, having authored works including ‘The Cliffhangers’, ‘Shamal Days’ and ‘Tales from Qabristan’. Previously, he served as Editorial Director for the inaugural Kochi-Muziris Biennale, further cementing his reputation as a cultural curator of distinction.

In his new position as Director for the MENA region, Iqbal brings this unparalleled breadth of experience and expertise to champion Asian literary voices throughout the Middle East and North Africa, making him ideally suited to advance the organisation’s mission of celebrating and promoting literary excellence in this vital cultural region.

The Asian Group of Literature and Trogon Global, a UAE-based cultural curation enterprise, embark upon a new journey that promises to stir fresh currents in the global literary landscape. With this pioneering venture, UAE-based cultural curator, novelist and journalist Sabin Iqbal assumes the role of Director Global for both The Asian Prizes and The Asian Festivals.

Sabin Iqbal brings an unparalleled skill set and decades of experience in literary and cultural curation to his new role as Director Global of The Asian Literary Festivals and Prizes. His distinguished career spans nearly two decades in journalism with national and international publications, before transitioning into the world of literary curation where he has made his most significant impact.

As festival director and curator of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL), South India’s largest literary festival, Iqbal demonstrated exceptional curatorial vision. Since MIFL’s inception in 2018, he has orchestrated a celebration of letters and ideas that has brought together over 400 international and Indian writers, speakers and performers. His curatorial approach has successfully created bridges connecting Malayalam, Indian and world literature, establishing the festival as a premier platform for literary discourse across South Asia.

Iqbal’s extensive global networks, combined with his deep understanding of cultural programming, uniquely position him to elevate The Asian Prizes and The Asian Festivals to new standards. His curatorial philosophy emphasises cross-cultural dialogue and the celebration of diverse literary traditions. Beyond his curatorial work, he is also an accomplished novelist, having authored works including ‘The Cliffhangers’, ’Shamal Days’ and ‘Tales from Qabristan’. Previously, he served as Editorial Director for the inaugural Kochi-Muziris Biennale, further cementing his reputation as a cultural curator of distinction.

In his new position as Director Global of The Asian Literary Festivals and Prizes, Iqbal brings this unparalleled breadth of experience and expertise to champion Asian literary voices on the world stage, making him ideally suited to advance the organisation’s mission of celebrating and promoting literary excellence worldwide.

Mohan Dharmaratne