The 18th Emirates Airline Festival of Literature opened today at InterContinental Dubai Festival City, launching what organisers describe as the strongest edition yet of the region’s leading literary event and reaffirming Dubai’s place on the global cultural map.
Running from 21 to 27 January, the week-long festival brings together nearly 200 speakers from more than 40 countries for over 200 sessions, workshops, performances, and family-focused activities. The programme spans fiction, poetry, current affairs, creative craft, and cultural dialogue, offering readers direct access to some of the world’s most influential literary voices.
Internationally acclaimed authors and creatives including Wole Soyinka, Jung Chang, Hoda Barakat, Oliver Jeffers, Ruth Ware, Vir Das, and Saud Alsanousi feature prominently, alongside a strong representation of Emirati writers, poets, and thinkers. The festival continues its focus on nurturing local talent while fostering exchange with the global literary community.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior cultural and government figures, underscoring the festival’s national and international significance. Conceived as a reflective opening to the week, the ceremony featured musical performances, poetry, storytelling, and a ceremonial procession led by Dubai Police, setting a thoughtful tone for the days ahead.
Dubai Culture is supporting key strands including Bil Emirati and Translation, while also backing the Literary Luminary Prize. This year’s prize honoured the legacy of Emirati poet and statesman Sultan bin Ali Al Owais on the centenary of his birth.
With curated strands ranging from big-picture discussions to hands-on workshops, the festival positions itself as a platform for dialogue, creativity, and connection. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature continues until 27 January, promising a dynamic celebration of stories and ideas at the heart of Dubai’s cultural scene.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
