untitled
 

HOME
   

       The News and Updates Section:

02.02.05 - WEB JOURNAL WINS AWARD

Ali Al Saeed continued his good start to the new year with yet another milestone. His online journal (web-log) won at the First Annual BABA (Best Arab Blog Award) which were announced yesterday at the awards' official website.

"Ali's QuixotiQ Writing" won the BABA for Best Bahraini Blog 2004 winning the majority of votes. To read the press release in which the author speaks about his latest award as well as his writing, click here.

Ali would like to thank everyone who voted for him and those who continue to support him and his writing career.

 

23.12.04 - QUIXOTIQ ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2004!

In the latest edition of Gulf Weekly (out today), celebrating the end of another year, Ali Al Saeed's debut novel QuixotiQ, was considered one of the top 10 most "influential and memorable" events of 2004!

In a special feature written by Arran Dall, rounding up the most significant happenings of the past 365 days, the launch of QuixotiQ came in at number ten, up along major events such as the F1 Grand Prix, the US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement and the appointment of the very first female Minister in the history of the country.

Dall writes: "Another first in the country this year was in the Art, or more particulary in English literature. The first novel to be published in English by a Bahraini appeared in bookshelves this year. QuixotiQ by Ali Al Saeed has been described as a "landmark in Bahraini literature."

Which sums up a successful year for the novel and its creator, following the great success of the book launch in October and its national bestselling stature.

 

25.11.04 - 'THE WEAVER' MEETS WITH OFFICIALS

Ali Al Saeed, author of QuixotiQ, the first novel written in English by a Bahraini, met with a number of officials recently to promote his book and discuss matters related to writing and publishing.

British Council Director, Sandra Al Hamrouni, praised Ali's efforts in promoting the English language and for his unique achievement. During the meeting the author spoke about his book, his experience in writing and publishing as well as his future plans.

Mrs. Al Hamrouni expressed her keenness on supporting the young author saying it was the purpose of the council, to promote and educate youths on the English language and encourage local emerging talents. Ali also dedicated a signed copy of QuixotiQ to the director at the end of the meeting.

Director of Public Libraries, Dr Mansour Sarhan, who also attended the book launch last month, also met with the author. He commended Ali for his breakthrough in literature and stressed on the importance of this work of fiction.

Dr Sarhan expressed the directorate's interest in the book and said that a commission will review it to include it as part of its book fund, making it available for various public schools and libraries to obtain it. 

Ali also presented a signed copy to Dr Sarhan.

 

31.10.04 - QUIXOTIQ: A BEST-SELLING NOVEL!

QuixotiQ, Ali Al Saeed's debut novel, entered the top 10 best-selling list of fiction titles in Bahrain, one week after its local release. The critically-acclaimed mystery/thriller came in at number four, right under internationally best-selling novels of Dan Brown and John Grisham, according to the weekly top 10 list from Booksplus, the leading bookstore chain in the country through which QuixotiQ was launched.

THE BOOKSPLUS TOP 10 BEST-SELLERS:

1. Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
2. The Last Juror by John Grisham
3. Guinness Book of Records 2004
4. QuixotiQ by Ali Al Saeed
5. Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson
6. Avenger by Frederick Forsyth
7. Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
8. Pompeii by Robert Harris
9. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
10. Trace by Patricia Cornwell

 

22.10.04 - BOOK LAUNCH DRAWS CROWDS!

Scores of fiction lovers and bookworms, in addition to a number of prominant figures including the Information  Minister, H.E. Nabeel Al Hamer, the patron of the event, attended the official book laucnch of the first ever novel written by a Bahraini author in the English language, last night at Booksplus outlet, in Seef Mall.

      

An estimated 60% of the stock were sold on the eve of the launch during the 2 and a 1/2 hour signing session, making it a huge success for a debutant novelist. The "weaver", Ali Al Saeed, had a close encounter with interested readers and literary enthusiasts, answering their questions about QuixotiQ, and his writing, amidst a celebratory atmosphere.

 

QuixotiQ was officially introduced to the Bahraini public for the first time at the opening of the 12th Alayam Cultural Festival on Wednesday as the author was invited to take part as a guest appearance in the annual international cultural gathering and book fair. 

 

11.10.04 - QUIXOTIQ MEDIA BLITZ!

Ali Al Saeed and his debut novel, QuixotiQ, is basking on the flattering media attention they've been receiving. Articles, features and news items have been appearing regularly on local and regional media, including television!

Ali appeared on his first ever television interview on Bahrain's Channel 55 on the "Open Talk" program, presented by Ahdeya Ahmed on Thursday, October 7th. There were also a number of articles that ran in the Gulf Daily News and the Bahrain Tribune.

QuixotiQ is gaining quite a reputation not only in Bahrain but around the Gulf. The Oman Daily Observer recently ran an interview with the author and the UAE's Khaleej Times picked up on the story and announced the upcoming launch.

Ali is also expected to feature in this month's Co-eds magazine, out in October 15, as well as next month's issue of Bahrain This Month.

 

21.9.04 - BOOK LAUNCH AND SIGNING SET:

A book launch and signing event has been recently announced after an agreement was reached between 'the weaver' and BooksPlus, the leading bookstore chain in Bahrain. The event will take place on Thursday, October 21st, at the Seef Mall branch from 8.30pm.