Every year, something magical happens in Dubai—not in the form of fireworks or skyscrapers, but in stories, words, and ideas. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, one of the most anticipated cultural events in the UAE, once again brought authors, readers, and dreamers together under one roof to celebrate the power of books.
Held in the heart of Dubai, this festival is not just for bookworms. It’s for anyone who loves a good story, wants to meet world-famous writers, or simply feels inspired by creativity. Over the course of several days, the festival transformed the city into a buzzing hub of thought-provoking conversations, book signings, panel discussions, and live performances.
A Global Lineup of Literary Stars
This year’s festival featured an impressive lineup of over 250 speakers from around the world, including bestselling novelists, poets, historians, journalists, and children’s authors. From thrilling crime fiction to heartwarming memoirs and deep discussions on culture and identity, the festival covered almost every genre.
One of the biggest attractions was British author David Walliams, known for his wildly popular children’s books. He spoke about his writing process, the importance of humor in storytelling, and how he draws inspiration from real-life situations.
Another major highlight was the appearance of Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize winner and education activist. Her session attracted a packed audience as she spoke with passion and sincerity about her journey, women’s rights, and the importance of education for all.
Other major names included Elif Shafak, Brian Cox, Mohsin Hamid, and Cathy Rentzenbrink, all offering their unique insights into writing, life, and global issues. There were also many beloved local and regional authors featured, including Omar Ghobash and Dubai Abulhoul, who reflected on the changing literary scene in the Arab world.
A Festival for All Ages
One of the most beautiful parts of the Emirates Literature Festival is how it caters to people of all ages. Whether you’re five or fifty, there’s something for everyone. Young readers got a special treat with dedicated children’s sessions, storytelling workshops, puppet shows, and even interactive games based on their favorite books.
Schools from across the UAE brought in students to attend workshops and meet their favorite authors. For many children, this was their first time meeting a writer in person, and the excitement was impossible to miss.
Teenagers and young adults also had their own spaces, where they could attend talks on young adult fiction, social media writing, and even explore careers in creative writing, journalism, and publishing.
Conversations That Matter
What makes the Emirates Literature Festival truly unique is how it goes beyond just books. The sessions often tackle real-world issues—such as climate change, mental health, human rights, and technology—and invite experts to speak honestly and openly.
There were also special panels that focused on Arabic literature, highlighting the rich heritage of storytelling in the region. Translators, poets, and scholars discussed how to keep the Arabic language alive through literature and why it’s important to support regional voices.
In another engaging session, writers spoke about how reading and writing can be powerful tools for healing. Attendees shared emotional stories of how certain books helped them through personal struggles, showing that literature isn’t just entertainment—it can be life-changing.
A Celebration of Culture and Creativity
Beyond the talks and readings, the festival also had an artistic touch. There were poetry slams, musical performances, short plays, and even cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs who talked about their cookbooks.
Art installations, interactive exhibits, and book-themed cafes added to the festival atmosphere, making it feel more like a creative playground than a formal literary event.
One popular feature was the Literary Salon, where readers could engage in open discussions with lesser-known authors and explore new genres. These small, cozy sessions allowed people to share opinions freely and discover hidden gems.
Encouraging the Next Generation of Writers
The festival has always been focused on encouraging new voices, and this year was no different. Several writing competitions were held in both Arabic and English, giving aspiring authors a chance to showcase their talent.
The Emirates LitFest Writing Prize, which has helped launch the careers of many writers in the region, continued to draw submissions from hundreds of hopeful storytellers. Winners got the chance to pitch their work to publishers and agents, a rare opportunity in the literary world.
Workshops were also a key part of the event, covering topics such as how to write a novel, how to publish your first book, storytelling for children, and creative non-fiction. These sessions were packed with people eager to learn from the best.
Bookselling and Signings
No book festival is complete without the thrill of browsing and buying books. The venue had a massive bookstore, where fans could grab titles from their favorite authors and get them signed right after the sessions. Long lines formed outside the signing booths, and many left with armfuls of new reads and memories they’ll never forget.
For independent publishers and small presses, the festival was also a major opportunity to showcase their work and connect with readers directly.
A Festival with Heart
Organized by the Emirates Literature Foundation and supported by Emirates Airline, the festival continues to play a vital role in the region’s cultural growth. It’s not just about celebrating big names or selling books—it’s about building a love for reading and storytelling in the community.
In a world increasingly focused on screens and short attention spans, this festival reminds us of the power of words to connect, inspire, and transform.
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature has once again proven why it holds a special place in the hearts of so many. Whether you’re a reader, writer, or just someone looking to be inspired, this festival offers something that goes far beyond the pages of a book—it offers connection, conversation, and community.
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