[1] Its aim is to reward excellence in contemporary Arabic creative writing and to encourage the readership of high-quality Arabic literature internationally through the translation and publication of winning and shortlisted novels in other major languages.

In addition to the prize itself, IPAF supports other literary initiatives.

The prize is administered by the Booker Prize Foundation in London, and is currently funded by Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT).

The shortlist was announced 9 December 2010, chosen from a total of 123 submissions and a longlist of 16.

[7] The winners were announced on 14 March 2011, the eve of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

This marked the first time the award had been split, as well as the first female winner (Raja'a Alem).

[8] A total of 101 submissions from 15 countries were whittled down to a longlist of 13.

The shortlist was announced on 5 February 2019, chosen from a total of 134 submissions from 9 Arab countries.