The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, beloved by fans across the UAE, will return for its 17th edition from January 29th to February 3rd, 2025, at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City.
The Emirates LitFest promises an eclectic mix of authors, stimulating discussions, and interactive workshops, all dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of storytelling. It will offer attendees over 150 incomparable experiences, including fan-favourites: Desert Stanzas, LitFest After Hours, Discovery Talks, and the LitFest Families programme.
Featured authors
The festival’s lineup featured an eclectic mix of renowned and emerging authors, including Abraham Verghese, author of the acclaimed novels The Covenant of Water and The Tennis Partner, Chigozie Obioma, the author of The Road to the Country, whose compelling narratives on identity and feminism have garnered international acclaim and Pip Williams, the author of the global bestseller The Diary of Lost Words.
Don’t miss acclaimed author Verghese as he is set to discuss his latest page-turner, The Covenant of Water, a captivating saga of three generations of a Malayali family in southwest India. The New York Times bestseller held its spot for an impressive 37 weeks. Catch Verghese twice during the festival: on January 31st for a captivating session on his novel and on February 2nd in a fascinating discussion with author and researcher Williams.
Similarly, acclaimed journalist and former CNN anchor Hala Gorani will grace the stage to discuss her book, which explores the complexities of identity, race and belonging. It follows her own experiences as a journalist of Arab descent living and working in the West. Gorani’s session is scheduled for February 2, and she will also join a lively panel discussion on media and the Middle East on the same day.
Literary icons such as Jeff Kinney, the creator of the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and Daniel Handler (also known as Lemony Snicket), the mastermind behind A Series of Unfortunate Events, will join the impressive lineup. The festival will also welcome Nobel Prize laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah and distinguished Egyptian writer and novelist Mohammad Al Mansi Qindeel, promising a truly unforgettable experience for literary enthusiasts.
Engaging conversations & panels
The Emirates LitFest will be punctuated by a series of thought-provoking panels and discussions. Ignite your literary spirit at the awe-inspiring Desert Stanzas, the signature event that kicks off the festival. Immerse yourself in a magical night under the stars at Caravanserai, mingling with renowned international and local authors and poets as you celebrate the power of the written word. Tickets are priced at Dhs425 and can be purchased here.
For a dose of inspiration, join the Business Breakfast: Women in Leadership. Hear from esteemed guests Jessamy Hibberd (author of The Imposter Cure), Maha Abouelenein (author of 7 Rules of Self-Reliance), and Su Bridgman JD (founder of The CQ Edge) as they share their insights on the challenges and opportunities facing women leaders. The insightful session will provide valuable perspectives and a glimpse into the future of female leadership. The breakfast session takes place on January 31st.
A platform for cultural exchange
The Emirates Literature Festival 2025 is more than just a celebration of literature; it was a vibrant platform for cultural exchange.
Emirates LitFest stage: On the LitFest stage, Emirati and international authors will come together to celebrate the UAE’s cultures. The festival features a diverse range of experiences and a distinguished lineup of Emirati writers, including poet Adel Khozam, Dr Noura Alkarbi, artist Asmaa Al Remeithi, poet Ali Al Shaali, author and scholar Saleha Ghabish, author and trainer Hamdan Bin Shfayan Alameri, author Nadia Al Najjar and filmmaker Nahla Al Fahad.
Dubai-based author Graeme Wilson will give insights into his book To Be the First, an authorised biography of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Fashion illustrator Megan Hess takes the stage. Hess will discuss her book Fashion in Colour, which explores the influence of colour in fashion history. She has not only penned 22 books but is also behind the wonderful and eye-catching illustrations on the pages. On the other hand, author, broadcaster, and cultural critic Emma Dabiri will help you rediscover ‘beauty’ on your terms.
Future writers: The festival offers workshops for writers of all levels, from a two-day bootcamp with ex-publisher, author, and writing instructor Harriet Griffey to a character development workshop with bestselling writer Mateo Askaripour.
Read: Legendary comedian John Cleese returns to Dubai Opera on January 25
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