Emirates Airline Festival Of Literature 2025 Announces Diverse Author Lineup And Programme Details
The Emirates Literature Foundation has announced the lineup and programme for the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2025. This marks the countdown to its 17th edition, scheduled from 29 January to 3 February 2025 at the newly renovated InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Attendees can expect over 150 unique experiences, including popular events like Desert Stanzas, LitFest After Hours, Discovery Talks, and the LitFest Families programme.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the LitFest is supported by Title Sponsor Emirates Airline and Founding Partner Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Among the notable attendees are bestselling author Abraham Verghese, Emmy Award-winning journalist Hala Gorani, Jeff Kinney of 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' fame, and Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), creator of ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’.
The festival will also feature Booker Prize-nominated author Chigozie Obioma, travel writer Dr Mohamed Mansi Qandil, scholar Abdel Illah Benarafa, Cultural Personality Waciny Laredj, poet Khalid Albudoor, and celebrated chef Fadi Kattan. Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation and Director of the Festival, stated: "As we navigate a world of uncertainty and change, the Emirates LitFest serves as a vital platform for dialogue, understanding, and reflection."
Boutros Boutros from Emirates highlighted that the festival is a leading literary gathering known for its diversity of authors and inspirational exchanges. He said: "The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature has become one of the world’s leading literary gatherings for its rich diversity of authors and inspirational exchanges that prompt new possibilities and uncover different perspectives."
This year’s Emirati Strand is sponsored by Dubai Culture. It celebrates UAE culture by bringing together Emirati and international authors on stage. The lineup includes poet Adel Khozam, Dr Noura Alkarbi, artist Asmaa Al Remithi, poet Ali Al Shaali, author Salha Ghabish, trainer Hamdan Bin Shfayan Alameri, author Nadia Al Najjar, filmmaker Nahla Al Fahad among others.
Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash from Dubai Culture emphasised their commitment to advancing arts by empowering talent. He noted: "Our sponsorship aims to create an environment where Emirati intellectuals can share their diverse perspectives with festival visitors worldwide."
Diverse Literary Experiences
The LitFest promises a wide range of experiences ensuring something for everyone. Signature events include Desert Stanzas at Caravanserai under starry skies with poets sharing stories. All That Glitters offers mystery with each course while Theatre of Digital Art hosts Qanoon and Poetry Night with renowned poets.
Graeme Wilson will discuss ‘To Be The First,’ about His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Abraham Verghese explores his novel ‘The Covenant of Water.’ Dr Mohamed Mansi Qandil joins Waciny Laredj in storytelling sessions while Chigozie Obioma discusses ‘The Road to the Country.’ Actress Alison Steadman shares her life story.
Engaging Young Readers
The LitFest Families segment brings creativity for young readers featuring top children’s authors from UAE and beyond. Jeff Kinney leads Hot Mess based on ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid.’ Darryl Gadzekpo shares gardening tips without a garden while Ross Welford sparks imaginations through time-travel adventures.
Samar Mahfouz Barraj invites us into enchanting tales like ‘A Very Strange Night’ while May Chebaklo reveals hidden stories behind Arabic letters. Noura Al-Khoori turns Emirati symbols into memorable tales packed with knowledge.
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
The festival will honour young writers recognised in competitions like Chevron Readers' Cup or Emirates NBD Poetry For All among others. Ten writers will receive ELF Seddiqi Writers' Fellowship marking their literary careers’ start.
A special book launch celebrates sustainability-themed stories from Voices of Future Generations competition winners while ELF Publishing introduces Shamma Albastaki's book ‘House to House.’
Exclusive Offers for Attendees
The Bil Arabi pass offers up to 90% off tickets for Arabic sessions excluding workshops or special events—a fantastic deal not to miss! Foundation Friends members enjoy perks like priority booking or reserved seating along with exclusive event invitations throughout the year.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google