17th Emirates Airline Festival Of Literature Highlights The Beauty And Authenticity Of Emirati Culture

The 17th Emirates Airline Festival of Literature commenced with the Desert Stanzas event, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event was graced by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. This gathering celebrated poetry, music, and performance, highlighting the power of words to unite cultures.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed expressed, "The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature embodies Dubai’s vision of fostering cultural dialogue and creating meaningful connections between ideas, perspectives, and people from diverse backgrounds. Desert Stanzas celebrates the beauty and authenticity of Emirati culture, showcasing how literature and art serve as powerful bridges for understanding and unity among nations."

Prev

Next

The festival's opening night featured a blend of local and international storytellers. Performers included Shahd Thani, Asmaa Azaizeh, Abdulatif Yousef, Khairani Barokka, Khalid Albudoor, Safiya Sinclair, and Shamma Albastaki. They delivered captivating performances that celebrated cultural heritage. RUMInation added a musical touch with a performance that harmonised individual stories into a tribute to peace.

Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Director of the festival, shared her excitement about the event's success. She stated: "I am thrilled as we celebrate more than 16 years of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and the unforgettable experience of the Desert Stanzas evening. This event is one of our most cherished traditions, beautifully capturing the spirit and cultural richness of the UAE."

During the festival, Sheikha Latifa met with 26 directors from leading literary festivals worldwide. These directors attended the fourth Global Association of Literary Festivals (GAoLF) Conference in Dubai. The conference serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and discussing collaboration opportunities in the literary festival landscape.

The festival runs from 29th January to 3rd February and features around 200 conversations, performances, and workshops across various tracks. It brings together writers, thinkers, and storytellers from around the world to engage in enriching discussions.

Notable Participants

This year's lineup includes renowned figures such as world-bestselling author Abraham Verghese and Nobel Prize laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah. Emmy Award-winning journalist Hala Gorani will also be present alongside Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

The event will also feature Daniel Handler (known as Lemony Snicket), Booker Prize-nominated author Chigozie Obioma, travel writer Dr. Mohamed Al Mansi Qandil, scholar Abdel Illah Benarafa, Cultural Personality Professor Waciny Laredj, poet Khalid Albudoor, and chef Fadi Kattan.

Support from Partners

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is supported by Title Sponsor Emirates Airline and Founding Partner Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Their support has been crucial in making this cultural gathering successful.

This festival continues to be a flagship event for the Emirates Literature Foundation. It showcases diverse voices while promoting cultural exchange through literature.

With inputs from WAM