Penguin Random House Enters Strategic Publishing Agreement with UAE-Based Publisher Kalimat Group
New Delhi - In a bid to expand the diversity of available titles in international markets and bring more Arabic literature to readers worldwide, Penguin Random House and Kalimat Group, a prominent publisher of Arabic books, have announced a strategic publishing partnership.
This collaboration unites two publishing powerhouses with a shared commitment to discovering new voices and promoting literary diversity. The initial focus of the partnership will revolve around publishing fiction from their respective extensive author rosters, offering readers a rich variety of books and enhancing the discoverability and global reach of these works and authors.
Under this agreement, Penguin Random House, through its Indian division, will translate a selection of Arabic literary works from Kalimat Group into English and introduce them to global markets. In return, Kalimat Group will translate a curated range of titles from the Penguin Random House catalogues in South Asia and South East Asia into Arabic, making them accessible to Arabic-speaking readers worldwide.
In a rapidly evolving publishing landscape, this partnership will leverage the strengths of both entities, including editorial resources, distribution networks, and marketing capabilities. This collaboration marks a significant development in the publishing industry, reflecting a shared dedication to strengthening the publishing ecosystem, fostering inclusivity, and providing readers with a broader selection of books.
Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, who is also the Immediate Past President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are excited to form a partnership with one of the most prominent names in the global publishing arena, especially during a time of growing interest in Arabic literature and translations. Through our joint efforts, we can tap into new audiences, expand our authors' reach, and enrich the international publishing landscape, ultimately benefiting readers across various markets."
Gaurav Shrinagesh, CEO of Penguin Random House India and SEA, commented on the partnership, saying, "Under the remarkable vision and leadership of Sheikha Bodour, Kalimat Group has achieved remarkable success. We are thrilled to collaborate with them, as we have long admired their publishing program. Through this partnership, we look forward to introducing new experiences to our readers and broadening the realm of translated literature. Literature thrives when it transcends geographical and linguistic borders, and this collaboration will contribute to its growth."
About Penguin Random House India & Penguin Random House SEA
Penguin Random House India & Penguin Random House SEA encompass a diverse range of genres and house some of the most esteemed names in storytelling from their regions. With a combined catalog of over 3,400 books, these companies publish adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as children literature, spanning business, politics, history, religion, philosophy, literary fiction, autobiography, biography, lifestyle, health and fitness, sports and leisure, self-help, and more. Their illustrious list includes authors who have won prestigious awards such as the Booker Prize, Nobel Prize, Magsaysay Award, Jnanpith Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, Commonwealth Writers' Prize, and Singapore Book Awards, among others.
Established in 2007, Kalimat Group is a leading publishing house in the UAE. Renowned for its high-quality books ranging from children and illustrated stories to Arabic literary works for adults, Kalimat adult literature portfolio encompasses novels, poetry, self-help, biographies, memoirs, and more. The publishing house is acclaimed for covering unconventional topics that reflect their culture and heritage. Recognized with awards, Kalimat Group has published works by some of the most celebrated writers in the Arab world and beyond.