Saleem Haddad

About the Author

Saleem Haddad is a Kuwaiti-Palestinian author whose evocative storytelling explores the intersections of identity, desire, and societal constraints in the Arab world. Born in Kuwait and raised across the Middle East and Europe, Haddad draws from his multicultural background to craft narratives that challenge cultural taboos and illuminate the human experience. His debut novel, Guapa, set in an unnamed Middle Eastern city, follows the life of Rasa, a young gay man navigating love, family, and political upheaval during the Arab Spring. Through intimate prose and unflinching honesty, Haddad addresses themes of queerness, exile, and resilience, earning acclaim for his bold voice in contemporary literature. He holds an MA in Public Policy from the University of Cambridge and has worked in human rights and development across the region.