Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the 17th Emirates Airline Festival of Literature began with a spectacular celebration of poetry, music, and performance at the signature Desert Stanzas event.
The evening, attended by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, showcased the power of words to bridge cultures and connect hearts.
Held in a stunning setting, Desert Stanzas brought together an array of local and international storytellers, including Shahd Thani, Asmaa Azaizeh, Abdulatif Yousef, and Khalid Albudoor, among others. Their captivating performances, alongside a special musical presentation by RUMInation, celebrated the cultural richness and Emirati heritage.
Sheikha Latifa expressed her support for the festival, saying,
“Desert Stanzas celebrates the beauty and authenticity of Emirati culture, showing how literature and art unite nations through understanding.”
The event also hosted 26 literary festival directors from around the world for the Global Association of Literary Festivals (GAoLF) Conference. This platform fosters global dialogue and collaboration among the literary community.
Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, praised the success of the evening, thanking festival partners Emirates and Dubai Culture for their unwavering support.
The festival, running from January 29 to February 3, features around 200 events, including workshops, performances, and talks with notable figures like Abraham Verghese, Abdulrazak Gurnah, and Jeff Kinney. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature remains a cornerstone event in Dubai's cultural calendar.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
