Closed Closed — the 2026 call opened on 10 December 2025 and closed on 1 February 2026 (Mophradat calendar)
Mophradat Writing Sabbaticals — stipend and peer editor for Arab fiction writers finishing a manuscript
This cycle is closed. The requirements below are kept as they were published. Mophradat's FAQ says the call is usually launched in December with a deadline in March (the 2026 deadline was 1 February). The next call's dates are not published yet.
At a glance
Where
From the writer's own country
Who
Published fiction writers from the Arab world
Deadline
Closed 1 Feb 2026; next call usually December
Apply
Online via Mophradat's site
Who can apply
Criteria stated by the funder on the official source.
Origin or residence
Applicants must be from or living in the Arab world; priority goes to those writing in Arabic and based in the Arab world. The FAQ also welcomes writers who relate to the region as 'home'. Countries are not listed, so Tunisia is not named individually.
Stated
Publication record
At least two prior publications (books, articles, essays and so on); self-published writing is not eligible. A reference letter from a publisher or platform the writer has published with is required.
Stated
Manuscript
A contemporary fiction manuscript in its last stages; a 40-page or 10,000-word sample is requested. Academic writing, film, journalism, graphic novels, plays and translations are not eligible.
Stated
Time commitment
Applicants must take leave from their day job for at least three months of the sabbatical; selected writers who are employed must provide an employer letter confirming the time off.
Stated
Language and age
Applications in Arabic or English are assessed by bilingual advisors, and English is not favoured; priority goes to writers working in Arabic. There is no age limit.
Stated
Funding and what it does not cover
A monthly stipend set by Mophradat according to living costs in the writer's country of residence, for three to six months, paid in three instalments (35% on signing, 35% at mid-point, 30% on completion), plus editing support from a peer writer and help finding a publisher.
Covered by the funder
Monthly living stipend for three to six months
Editing support from a peer
Help finding a publisher to print and distribute the book
