DUBAI: Egyptian Canadian writer Omar El-Akkad and Lebanese novelist Rabih Alameddine were among the major honorees at this year’s National Book Awards in the US. El-Akkad was recognized in the non-fiction category, while Alameddine earned the fiction award. Alameddine earned the fiction award. (AFP) The National Book Awards — established in 1936 and often considered the Oscars of the publishing world — are presented by the National Book Foundation, a non-profit known for spotlighting works that challenge or reflect on the social and political moment.