The inaugural shortlist for the International Prize for Arabic fiction has been announced. Described as the "Arabic equivalent of the Booker Prize," $50,000 U.S. will go to the winner, with $10,000 awarded to each of the finalists.

The winner will be announced on March 10 at a gala ceremony which will kick off the Abu Dhabi Book fair running March 11-16.

Finalists after the jump

• June Rain by Jabbour Douaihy, Lebanon.
• The Land of Purgatory by Elias Farkouh, Jordan.
• In Praise of Hate by Khaled Khalifa, Syria.
• Walking in the Dust by May Menassa, Lebanon.
• Swan Song by Mekkaoui Said, Egypt.
• Sunset Oasis by Baha Taher, Egypt.